Solar for the House – KetoLivingCoach

For me, the simplest choice was to go with SunRun through Costco. Their pricing was competitive, and the added assurance of Costco’s satisfaction guarantee made it an easy decision.

Here’s what I’ve learned after owning the system for over 4 years:

Table of Contents

1. I Should Have Done It Sooner

With the federal rebate, my break-even point was around 5 years. Previously, my electricity bills were between $500 and $1,200 a month (don’t ask why they were so high!), but now we’re down to under $150/month. Ideally, it would be under $50, but here’s why it’s not:

2. Sizing Your System

When I initially sized the system, I only accounted for 1 Tesla. Now, with 3 EVs, I need more electricity for the extra 2 vehicles that weren’t included in the original plan. Had I factored that in, my monthly bill would likely be under $50. Also consider the size of your solar system based on todays needs and the future. What happens when you are an empty nester.

3. Gasoline Savings

On a related note, my monthly gasoline bill dropped from $500/month to under $100 thanks to the solar power and eliminating the use of gas cars. So, not only am I saving on electricity, but I’m also spending a lot less on gas.

4. The Importance of a Backup Battery

Most important tip: Make sure you buy a backup battery! The salesperson didn’t emphasize this, but after doing some research, I realized how crucial it is for maximizing savings. The backup battery lets you USE stored power during peak rate times. In California, the peak rates are 4x higher than non-peak (i.e., $0.43/kWh vs. $0.13/kWh). These high rates occur between 3 PM and midnight—when electricity companies really rake in their profits. Thus, run your house on a backup battery during these very expensive times of day.