Case Study - Zero Dollar Energy Bill

Client Background

  • Location: Chesterfield County, Virginia
  • Home Size: 2,500 square feet
  • Occupants: 4 (two adults and two children)
  • Previous Energy Source: Grid-supplied electricity
  • Energy Needs: High due to home office and electric vehicle charging

Case Study - Zero Dollar Energy Bill

Client Background

  • Location: Chesterfield County, Virginia
  • Home Size: 2,500 square feet
  • Occupants: 4 (two adults and two children)
  • Previous Energy Source: Grid-supplied electricity
  • Energy Needs: High due to home office and electric vehicle charging

The chesterfield family faced increasing electric bills, largely due to their growing energy needs, including the use of air conditioning, heating, home office equipment, and electric vehicle charging. They were concerned about both the financial impact and their carbon footprint.

Pre-Installation Scenario

 

Before the installation of solar panels, the client’s household energy consumption was typical for a family of their size with the following characteristics:

  • Electricity Usage:

    • Heating and Cooling Systems
    • Home Appliances (Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer)
    • Lighting
    • Electronic Devices (TVs, Computers)
  • Monthly Electricity Bills:

    • Average energy cost was around $364/month
    • Seasonal fluctuations, with higher bills in the summer and winter months
    • Annual energy cost: Approximately $4,300

Environmental Impact

The client’s household was reliant on grid-supplied electricity, which in Virginia, is partly generated from fossil fuels. This reliance contributed to a larger carbon footprint.

Chesterfield Family Bill Before Solar

Solution Implementation

Consultation and Customization

Virginia Energy Solutions provided an initial consultation to evaluate the client’s energy needs, roof orientation, and potential solar generation capacity. A custom solution was designed, which included:

  • Solar Panel System:
    • A 10 kW Photovoltaic (PV) system
    • 30 high-efficiency solar panels
    • Inverter technology to convert DC to AC electricity

Installation Process

The installation process was completed in several phases:

  1. Site Assessment and Design:

    • Detailed assessment of the roof structure
    • Solar irradiance mapping to maximize sunlight exposure
  2. Permitting:

    • Obtained necessary permits from Chesterfield County authorities
  3. Installation:

    • Professional installation of solar panels and inverters
    • Implementation of net metering to track energy production and usage
  4. Inspection and Commissioning:

    • System inspected by local authorities
    • Final commissioning and connection to the grid

Investment and Incentives

  • Cost of Installation: $25,000
  • Federal and State Incentives:
    • 26% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
    • Local rebates and solar renewable energy credits (SRECs)

Chesterfield Family Bill AFTER Solar - ZERO DOLLARS!

Post-Installation Results – Zero Dollar Energy Bill

 

Energy Production and Consumption

After the installation, the solar panel system provided the following results:

  • Average Daily Energy Production: Approximately 40 kWh
  • Total Energy Produced: Exceeded the household’s average daily consumption

Energy Bills After Solar Installation

  • Monthly Energy Bills: Reduced to a net zero, thanks to the excess energy production being credited back to the account through net metering
  • Annual Savings: Estimated at $2,400, equal to the previous annual energy costs

Environmental Benefits

  • Carbon Footprint Reduction: The household’s reliance on non-renewable energy was significantly decreased, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Are you inspired by the tangible benefits seen by homeowners in Chesterfield County with Virginia Energy Solutions? Do you wonder if your home could also reap the financial and environmental rewards of solar energy? The journey to a sustainable future and potential zero energy costs is just a step away.

 

Take our “Go Solar Quiz” now to find out if you qualify for a solar energy system.

 

By answering a few simple questions, you can uncover:

  • Whether your home is a good candidate for solar panel installation
  • The potential savings you could enjoy on your energy bills
  • The incentives and tax credits available to you

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your energy consumption. Click the button below to start your path to savings with solar!