Conservation Corner – May 2024

How Can I Lower My Electric Bill?

Buy Solar… or Fix My Inefficient House?

As homeowners ponder how to lower their electric bills, the decision to buy solar panels or invest in energy efficiency upgrades may come to mind. While both options aim to reduce utility costs, determining the best approach requires thought and consideration.

Energy efficiency upgrades focus on reducing the heat a home loses or retains. These upgrades can include insulation, air sealing, energy-efficient windows, heaters, and appliances. By minimizing energy waste and optimizing energy usage, homeowners can reduce utility bills, enhance comfort, and decrease environmental impact.

Solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity, offering homeowners a sustainable and renewable energy source and the promise of a lower electric bill, but solar panels themselves also create another expense.

Sizing the system correctly for your usage is critical. Buying more than you need can waste your cash and won’t bring extra credits. Washington state regulations only allow credits for what is used, not more.

Buying a larger-than-necessary solar system because you have an inefficient house is like buying a bigger pump to remove water from a boat rather than plugging the holes. By reducing energy waste and lowering energy usage through efficiency upgrades, homeowners can minimize the size and cost of the solar panel system needed to meet their energy needs. This approach not only maximizes the return on investment but also ensures that the solar system is not too large and costly.

We hear stories of solar salespeople showing how easy it is to sign one contract for a complete solar energy system, rather than taking the steps to make the house more efficient first. Some may want you to act now rather than investigate options that might lead to a better result for you.

Columbia REA has some suggestions to help:

• Review our energy efficiency rebates at ColumbiaREA.coop and call us up to discuss your plans.
• Talk with the local people at the Sustainable Living Center, (slcww.org) or BMAC (bmacww.org) about energy savings programs for your home.
• Get quotes from insulation companies and ask them how much you could get back in Columbia REA rebates.
• Check the energy saving resources section on our webpage for things you might do yourself.

Columbia REA has connected over 200 local members with their solar systems to date, and these systems add up to over 2.3 MW of power generation capacity. We are currently accepting new Solar Net-Metering applications.

Check ColumbiaREA.coop for more information on solar, including a live display of usage and generation of the Columbia REA solar installations at our Walla Walla Service Center.

We don’t endorse contractors or install solar systems ourselves but we do suggest buying local and getting at least 3 bids.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on a comprehensive assessment of your home’s energy and efficiency needs, financial considerations, and long-term goals. Consulting with several energy experts or contractors can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your priorities and maximizes the energy efficiency and sustainability of your home. Whether you opt for energy efficiency upgrades, solar panels, or a combination of both, investing in renewable energy solutions is a step towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

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Charlie DeSalvo, Energy Efficiency Specialist

If you have any questions about energy efficiency, email Charlie DeSalvo or call (509) 526-4041<