Solar in Winter

We’ve had solar power from the panels on the roof since late August.  At first the summer sunshine really made those meter dials spin – backwards.  So, how are we doing in December?

Our last bill was for November.  On it we show a huge CREDIT left on our bill.

We haven’t paid anything yet.  Because we have solar power we settle up yearly.  Every month we get a statement of how much power we used and what we have to pay.  It’s OK for us to pay monthly – if there’s money due – or we can wait and just settle up next September.  WOW!  How would you like to pay a year’s electricity all at once?

December is cold for Southern California.  It’s in the 50′s and 60′s most days and lots less at night.  The meter spins forwards when the heat is on or when I’m running something that takes a lot of electricity.  But during a sunny day, and we have lots of them, the meter runs backwards for a while.  Even with the sun laying low in the sky and with shorter days, we still run backwards at times.

One day, when it was overcast, the grid electricity went out.  My husband called to me to come and look.  Even on that gloomy day, our solar was putting out enough electricity that the lights came on dimly.  We had a little power when no one else had any!

We are really sold on solar power.  My husband tends to be a bit fanatical about it, but I work to keep him steady.  I would recommend it to anyone who can afford it.  I especially recommend it for new construction.  There are still government incentives out there to help with the cost of installation.  Even a solar water heater would help.  Solar water heaters are less expensive than an array of solar panels on the roof, yet they provide hot water for the household, saving lots of dollars.

So happy winter to you all.

Marilynne