How to Save Money with Home Solar Panels

May 25, 2022

There are several reasons why people install solar panels on their homes. According to Solstice, around 58% of homeowners who have installed solar panels on their homes list the fact that solar energy is clean and does not contribute to climate change. Apart from that, there is a lot of information on how solar panels can help you save money. However, this leaves some homeowners confused, considering how costly solar panels are to install. So how exactly can solar panels help you to save money? Here's how you can save money by installing solar panels in your home.



Reduced or Zero Electric Costs


This is probably one of the most obvious ways to save money with solar. Electricity bills can be quite expensive. Fortunately, the moment you install solar, your electric bill will become significantly lower, or even nonexistent. This is what makes solar so attractive for most homeowners.



Electricity bills go up each year. Once you install
home solar panels, you will be shielded from the effects of these increases. The more these bills go up, the more money you save by having solar on your home. This is because solar makes your electricity bill consistent.



It might seem like you are not saving a lot on electricity bills when you install solar panels. Well, after all, all you need to pay for electricity is $50 or $100. This doesn't seem like much when you are making payments each month. However, these bills will quickly add up when you look at a ten-year period, or even thirty years.



You Can Sell the Electricity You Generate


Did you know that installing solar on your home basically turns your home into an electricity-generating plant? Depending on where you stay and the type of solar system you have, you can even sell solar power back into the grid. This is done through a process known as net metering. Net metering enables you to use the power you put into the grid to offset your electricity cost when there is less solar energy generation.



There are seasons when the power you generate with your solar panels is way more than the power you use in your home. During these months, your extra electricity will not go to waste. Instead, it will go back into the grid, where it will be distributed to other homes. During seasons like winter, when you are not generating a lot of electricity through solar, the extra energy that you contributed to the grid will then be given to you as credits that you can use to pay your increased winter bills.



Solar Protects You From Expensive Electricity Pricing Schemes


A lot of utility companies in the United States work with pricing schemes that enable homeowners to be charged using different rates at different times during the day. This is done to mimic the exact cost of energy generation at different times of the day. For instance, you may be charged higher rates in the afternoon and lower rates at night. Installing home solar panels can be quite beneficial if you are in an area where these time-varying rates are used. The solar energy that you produce during the afternoon will offset the most costly electricity.



The extent to which this is beneficial will depend on the exact timing and degree of rate changes under such plans. Similarly, some utility companies have rates that vary seasonally due to demand fluctuations. Companies that charge higher rates during the summer months make solar more valuable.



Home Solar Panels Boost Home Value


Did you know that installing solar panels on your home increases its value? For instance, a home in a state like California will be worth more the moment you install home solar panels. Therefore, if you are looking to buy a home that has solar installed, you should expect to pay more than what people are paying for non-solar homes. This is because such a home will give you a lot of energy savings, tax credits, and rebate programs.



According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, home solar panels generally add about $15,000 to a home's value. This makes installing solar a great way to save money and increase the value of your home.



These are some of the ways you can save money with solar. If you are looking to add some home solar panels to your home, get in touch with us today.

solar energy
September 3, 2025
Do you know the benefits of using solar energy? Keep reading to learn more about how solar energy is changing the world and how you can do your part.
By northwindre.com August 28, 2025
Across the United States, more schools than ever are turning to solar energy—and it’s easy to see why. According to Generation180’s Brighter Future 2024 report , the amount of solar installed on K-12 schools has tripled since 2015. Today, more than 6 million students attend a solar-powered school, experiencing firsthand how clean energy can power classrooms and communities.
solar
August 23, 2025
Maintaining solar power systems boosts efficiency, longevity, and reliability. Regular upkeep ensures cost savings and sustainable energy for years.
solar services
August 20, 2025
Discover seven compelling reasons to hire solar services, from cutting energy costs to boosting property value, and make your home more sustainable.
solar services
August 19, 2025
Choosing professional solar services over DIY installations offers unmatched expertise, safety, compliance, and long-term savings.
July 14, 2025
I went solar with Northwind, and it was a great experience! Since friends don’t let friends miss out on solar, I wanted to refer you to Northwind so you can see if it might be a good fit for you too, especially with this being the final year to claim the 30% residential solar tax credit . Just fill out the form below, and Northwind will be in touch to explore your options and provide a free, no-obligation solar estimate.  Be sure to include my name so they know I sent you!
June 20, 2025
Right now, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers a 30% tax credit to businesses that install solar energy systems. Originally scheduled to continue through 2033, the current Senate version of the bill maintains this 30% rate only through the end of 2025. After that, the credit is set to step down sharply: 18% in 2026, 6% in 2027, and 0% in 2028 and beyond. Don’t Miss the Safe Harbor Window Fortunately, there’s a way to lock in the full 30% credit before it’s reduced. Under the IRS’s "safe harbor" provision, you can preserve the full ITC by beginning physical work on your project or making a minimum 5% down payment by the end of 2025 — even if your system is completed in 2026. This is a powerful opportunity to secure long-term financial benefits while the full federal incentive is still available. Stackable Incentives Make the Financials Even Better Beyond the ITC, there are several additional programs that can dramatically reduce your project’s net cost: 10% Domestic Content Bonus: Earn an extra 10% tax credit for using U.S.-made solar components. Focus on Energy Rebates: A Wisconsin-based program offering upfront cash rebates for solar projects. MACRS Accelerated Depreciation: A federal tax benefit that allows you to recover the cost of your solar system more quickly through tax deductions. Solar Central Wisconsin Grow Solar Group Buy: Group pricing and additional resources that make going solar more affordable for local businesses. When stacked together, these incentives can cover a significant portion of your total investment, all while reducing your energy bills for decades to come. Why Act Now Solar has always been a smart investment, but today’s environment is uniquely favorable. With utility energy costs rising and key federal credits sunsetting, 2025 is the year to take action. Whether you’ve previously explored solar or are just getting started, revisiting your project now could mean locking in tens of thousands of dollars in savings. Northwind Solar can help you navigate every step, from incentive qualification to project design and installation. Improve your profitability by making a high-performing energy investment in your business. Achieve energy independence, support local businesses, and contact Northwind Solar today! REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE Reach out anytime at: 715‑630‑6451 ___________________ Additional Resources: Update on Residential Solar Incentive Changes Solar Incentives Overview Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program
solar system benefits
June 11, 2025
Do you have questions about solar system benefits? Read this blog to learn more about breaking down the myths and real benefits of solar power.
June 10, 2025
PROGRAM UPDATE: Only 6 kW to go before we hit the 250 kW milestone and unlock the max Group Buy Discount for all participants—$0.15 per watt (up from $0.10/W today). For a typical 8 kW home system, that’s about an additional $1,200 in savings. Sign by Sept. 30 to lock this in.