Grappling with high electricity bills every month? Fear not! We have a solution. You will definitely observe a reduction in your average monthly electric bill with solar panels.
So, read on to learn all that there is about solar panels. You will find the average electricity bill in the USA, the average monthly electric bill with solar panels, some remarkable BLUETTI solar power solutions, and the factors that affect the efficiency of solar power.
Read till the end!
What Is The Average Electricity Bill in the USA?
First up, let’s look at the statistical data. Using data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), it was estimated that the average electric bill in the United States was $141.41 in March 2024.
This figure is based on two things. Firstly, the typical monthly energy usage in the U.S. (899 kWh). Secondly, the average electricity rate in December (15.73 cents per kWh).
Although this is the figure, your average electricity bill in the USA depends on several factors, such as household size, different states, and energy consumption habits in the USA.
1. Household Size
How big is your household? Do you own a one-person apartment, or do you have a whole family with you in a big house? Now, depending on your household size, of course, your average electricity bill will vary.
If you live alone and that too in a small apartment, you will use far fewer electrical items than if you live with a family in a big house. In a big house with many people, it's inevitable that a lot of electrical appliances will be used.
2. Energy Consumption Habits
Now, let’s take a look at your energy consumption habits that also affect the average monthly bill. For instance, if you live alone and stay out of the house most of the day due to your occupation, you will use fewer electrical appliances.
On the other hand, if you work from home, you will obviously be using more electricity for your work and cooking and other necessities. This will inevitably make your electricity bill rise.
3. State
In the USA, there are obviously different states, each experiencing different climatic and seasonal changes.
Alabama, for instance, is a warmer state. In summer, more households will use air conditioners to keep themselves cool in that hot weather. On the other hand, Alaska is a colder state. In winter, there will be greater usage of heaters to keep themselves warm in the cold weather.
Thus, some states have higher electricity bills in some months, while others have higher electricity bills in other months.
Keeping in view these aspects, the following is a list of average electricity bills of some cities.
|
State |
Average Monthly Electricity Bill (USD) |
|
Alabama |
$147.75 |
|
Alaska |
$133.89 |
|
Arizona |
$131.35 |
|
Arkansas |
$123.69 |
|
California |
$123.67 |
What Is the Average Monthly Electric Bill with Solar Panels?
Having considered all the factors that affect your average electricity bill, let us now consider your average monthly electric bill with solar panels.
Suppose you have an average solar power system that generates 965 kWh monthly. Suppose also that the average U.S. electricity bill is around $121, based on a monthly usage of 886 kWh. Thus, you can now save $121 monthly.
If, however, with the same solar system, your electricity usage is a lot higher (above 965 kWh), you will still have to pay a portion of the bill, but a major chunk will be cut off. With solar power generating 965 kWh with an electricity rate of 12.96 kWh, you can save $125.06.
Below is a table showing the estimated monthly savings with solar panels, depending on the average price per kWh and average monthly usage of electricity in some states.
|
State |
Average Price per kWh (cents) |
Average Monthly Usage (kWh) |
Estimated Monthly Savings with Solar Panels (USD) |
|
Alabama |
12.96 |
1,140 |
$125.06 |
|
Alaska |
22.55 |
594 |
$133.89 |
|
Arizona |
12.54 |
1,048 |
$121.01 |
|
Arkansas |
11.27 |
1,098 |
$108.8 |
|
California |
22.82 |
542 |
$123.67 |
Do Solar Panels Really Reduce Electricity Bills?
It is an undoubted fact that if you have solar panels in your home, your average monthly electric bill with solar panels is greatly reduced compared to a house without solar panels.
Solar panels, after all, rely on the Sun to produce clean energy. It significantly reduces your dependence on the grid and, therefore, the utility company. Your average monthly electric bill with solar panels will be significantly less.
However, another factor to keep in mind is that since solar panels rely on the Sun, you will be relying on the grid for electricity at night and on cloudy days when there is no Sun. Thus, you will be paying some monthly electricity bill.
Are Solar Panels Worth It?
The biggest question: while your average monthly electric bill with solar panels is reduced, are solar panels really worth it all? As simple as this question sounds, it is not so easy to answer. There are several things you need to keep in mind when choosing to invest in solar panels.
- While the average monthly electric bill with solar panels is significantly less, its initial investment is nevertheless high. Can you afford its price?
- Where do you live? Is there enough sun exposure for solar panels to take action?
- How long do you stay at home, i.e., do you have enough power requirement to warrant the use of solar panels?
It is your answer to these questions that will determine if solar panels are worth it for you. If you have money to invest, you have enough sunlight exposure, and you mostly stay at home, then yes, solar panels are worth it for you.
Now, talking about solar panels, let’s look at some amazing BLUETTI solar panels you can consider buying.
1. BLUETTI PV420 Solar Panel
Your average monthly electric bill with solar panels will surely decrease if you use the BLUETTI PV420 Solar Panel. It is a remarkable solar system for your house.
Key Features:
High Efficiency: Boasting a high conversion rate of 23.4%, this solar panel is extremely efficient and effective for solar charging.
Easy to Use: It has a kickstand, so you can easily set it up to allow maximum sunlight to fall on it; it is user-friendly.
Durable: It is durable and splash-proof; therefore, it can withstand outside weather conditions without any issues.
Wide Compatibility: It is compatible with other BLUETTI products such as the AC200P, AC200MAX, AC300, AC500, EB150, EB240, EP500, and EP500Pro.
2. BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel
The BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel is another amazing product you would love to have to decrease your house’s average monthly electric bill with solar panels.
Key Features:
Higher Conversion Rate: With a higher conversion rate, this solar panel efficiently converts sunlight into energy, providing your house with clean power.
Built Tough: Being durable and splash-proof, you can place it outside without worrying about bad weather doing it any harm.
Wide Compatibility: It is compatible with AC200P, AC200MAX, AC300, EB150, EB240, EP500, EP500PRO, and AC500, so you can easily use them together if you have existing BLUETTI products.
Portability: Its portability and foldability allow you to easily carry them around if you plan to go camping or to off-grid areas.
Also, learn about how many solar panels you need to go off-grid.
3. BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel
Another solar system that will reduce your average monthly electric bill with solar panels is the BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel.
Key Features:
High Efficiency: It contains monocrystalline solar cells with up to 23.4% efficiency; thus, your house is guaranteed stable and clean power.
Durable Coating: It has a long-lasting ETFE coating, ensuring durability and protection from unfavorable environmental conditions.
Easy to Carry: It is both foldable and portable, allowing you to carry it with you.
Broad Compatibility: It is compatible with most solar generators with MC4 connectors, making it a versatile and tempting solar system to have in your house.
How Long Does It Take Solar Panels to Pay for Themselves?
Now, the next important question: how long will it take for solar panels to pay for themselves? This period is known as the payback period, and it is generally from 7 to 10 years.
Of course, there are other factors affecting it as well. For instance, the system's cost, the amount of sunlight your location receives, and local electricity rates - all these factors will contribute to the payback period.
After breaking even, though, your electricity bills will become virtually zero, except for the fixed fees, which you cannot escape.
Factors That Influence Solar Power
Lastly, we will be looking at the several factors that influence your solar power's efficiency.
1. Location
Where you live plays a significant role in how efficiently your solar power can generate electricity. If you live in sunnier areas, there will be more sunlight available for your system and thus more power for your house.
On the other hand, if you live in areas where there is not enough sunlight, your solar system will have less sunlight to harness, thereby proving less efficient.
2. System Size
While the same type of solar panels each produce the same amount of power, there is a huge difference between the power produced by one solar panel and that of more than one.
After all, if you have more solar panels, they will each harness equal amounts of sunlight, thereby increasing the power provided to your house.
3. Roof Orientation and Angle
When you have purchased your solar panels, you cannot just lay them down on the ground or roof as you wish. You need to ensure that they are placed at a proper angle so that the maximum sunlight falls on them.
If they are placed in such a way so as to receive less sunlight when there is ample available from the Sun, your house will have less electricity.
4. Shading
Suppose you have placed the solar panel somewhere where there are a lot of trees surrounding it. Or, you have created a shade over it to protect it from unwelcoming weather.
In both these conditions, you will observe a reduction in the efficiency of your solar panels. After all, if they are not receiving maximum sunlight, how can they work at their full potential?
5. Weather Conditions
If there is sunny weather, solar panels will have enough sunlight to harness. But what about cloudy weather when the Sun retreats behind the clouds?
Of course, in such a situation, your solar panels will have less sunlight to work.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we now know that the average electric bill in the United States was $141.41 in March 2024. It is affected by your household size, energy consumption habits, and your state.
Your average monthly electric bill with solar panels does reduce, though whether you purchase solar panels depends on the price, sunlight exposure of your area, and how long you stay at home.
You can choose BLUETTI solar products when considering one, such as the BLUETTI PV420 Solar Panel, the BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel, and the BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel.
Lastly, there are factors that affect the efficiency of your solar power, including your location, your system size, roof orientation and angle, shading, and weather conditions.
