Most hardworking Americans would agree that in a perfect world, the cost of living would always remain low. However, with predicted hikes in electricity rates, customers need a plan of action to combat higher costs and keep more of what they’ve earned in their pockets. As such, solar power is emerging as a viable solution for customers to save money on energy costs and save for their futures. With solar, customers can make the switch from being dependent on other sources of energy to instead becoming the administrators of their own energy supply and a more comfortable way of living.
What’s Happening?
The following sources outline some of the projected changes in electricity rates:
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/pennsylvania-electric-generation-costs-increasing-june-1/
“West Penn Power consumers will see a 23.7% increase, up from 7.7569 cents to 9.592 cents per kilowatt hour. Penn Power’s cost will go from 7.082 cents to 8.694 cents per kilowatt hour, an increase of 22.7%, according to the commission.”
https://www.wsaz.com/2022/04/20/appalachian-power-requests-energy-cost-adjustment-psc/
“Currently, the monthly bill for an Appalachian Power residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours is $155.66. If approved as filed, the adjustment would add $18.41 to that amount. The PSC said ENEC can be reviewed every year and often makes up one-third of a customer’s power bill. This request represents an additional 12% on Appalachian Power bills.”
https://www.wdbj7.com/2022/05/03/some-virginia-electric-rates-going-up/
“Beginning May 1, ODEC increased its costs to all its 11 cooperatives by $2.32 per megawatt hour (MWh), or 0.232 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). For a typical residential household that uses 1,000 kWh of electricity monthly, according to the SEC, there will be an increase of close to $2.32.”
Reasons for the Proposed Increases
There are several factors contributing to the need for a rate increase.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission expressed that “higher wholesale market prices for electricity are fueled in part by shifts in supply and demand for natural gas, increasing purchasing costs for electric distribution companies and driving up the price to compare, which accounts for about half of a total utility bill.”
Similarly, Virginia’s Old Dominion Electric Cooperative said “As a result of rising natural gas prices, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) has implemented a rate increase to cover the higher generation costs resulting primarily from those natural gas price increases, according to Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC).”
Power companies are struggling to keep up with the push and pull of supply and demand shifts. Additionally, power generation costs are higher due to the increase in purchasing costs during the production period. These factors combine to create higher utility costs for the consumer.
Escalating utility costs don’t just happen once. As rates continue to climb due to a variety of factors, alternative energy sources become more attractive to home and business owners. If you’re a frustrated consumer paying more for electricity due to increases beyond your control, consider going solar. The return-on-investment is gradual, and over time it produces significant savings for your home or business.
Benefits of Going Solar
With Mountain View Solar, understanding how solar works is made easy thanks to our highly experienced staff. We’ll show you how making the transition to solar power provides you with energy independence and how it results in economic and environmental benefits, such as:
Energy Independence:
- Owning your own energy source
- Reduced dependency on fossil fuels
- Reduction of the nation’s dependency on imported fuels
Economic Benefits:
- The Return-on-Investment (ROI) is typically 10-12 years
- Free energy once the ROI is realized with expected system lifetime of 40+ years
- Reduced uncertainty in energy costs
Environmental Impact:
Zero greenhouse emissions—To put this in perspective, a 5-kilowatt system installed in WV can offset the annual greenhouse gas emissions of one vehicle.
Mountain View Solar Can Help!
Choosing the best solar option for your home or business is easier than you think, thanks to our helpful and professional staff. We provide custom free estimates, and we can also provide you with financing information. Our financing options include $0 down options where you own your system. These financed systems can be cash positive from year 1 and are paid for it through fixed monthly payments which are often less than your electric savings + solar renewable energy credit income.
Take Note: Be cautious of companies encouraging solar system leases—you could end up with a 20-year contract or possibly a lien on your home. Solar leases can also greatly affect the sale of a home. At the end of the day, leasing does little to save you money and can result in you losing control over your own roof.
At Mountain View Solar, you can feel safe with the knowledge that you get:
- Quality solar PV system with a 25-year panel warranty
- Professional installation by our experienced, local, in-house team
- A 26 percent Federal tax credit
- SREC income that you keep
- Added value to your home (Pearl Certification)
It is our mission to enable people throughout the region to utilize solar energy to experience energy independence and environmental stewardship. We also believe strongly in education and community outreach. Over the course of our 13 years, we’ve assisted businesses both small and large and helped owners of homes of all sizes. You’ll find the same dedicated level of Mountain View Solar customer service no matter the size of your home or business.
Solar energy is here, it’s exciting, and it benefits you and the environment. At Mountain View Solar, we make sure that we provide you with a free estimate that is easy to understand. And, we’re always open to and available for questions or concerns—something you don’t always find with utility and solar leasing companies.
If you’re ready to take control of your energy costs, contact us today. Life is busy enough—the rate increase you battle today will most likely reappear as utility companies struggle for financial footing. Not only does going solar improve your ROI in the long run, with the installation of batteries it provides invaluable peace-of-mind in the event of a power outage.
Mountain View Solar is a family-owned company based in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. We are also licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Let us help you decide upon the best solar option for your home or business. By investing now, you’ll be on the right path to a strong ROI and, best of all, energy independence you can rely on! It’s a win-win!