2010 PPL Rate Increases Make Solar More Cost-Effective Than Ever in Pennsylvania
For many Pennsylvanians, the first electric bill of 2010 will be painful. As of January 1, PPL uncapped its electricity rates, causing electric bills to rise by almost 30%—about $400 for the average Pennsylvania home.
That dramatic increase makes reducing energy consumption via solar electric technologies and other energy-saving measures smarter than ever from a cost-saving perspective. PPL has made it even more affordable to go solar with their recently launched Rebate Program, offering $2 per watt up to $5000 for solar electric systems.
If you’ve been considering investing in a solar energy system or energy efficient products for your Pennsylvania home or business, now is definitely the time, and here’s why:
- Fast ROI.
With PPL rates 30% higher than before and so many federal, state and local financial incentives and grants available to homeowners and businesses, solar electric and solar hot water systems pay for themselves faster than ever – in as little as 3-7 years. - Cost Predictability.
This PPL rate increase won’t be the last. The costs of generating electricity from fossil fuels like natural gas and coal will only continue to rise as environmental restrictions stiffen and utilities expand their networks. Reducing your home’s dependency on fossil fuels will help protect your wallet from current and future PPL rate increases. - Reliability.
Solar is a proven, reliable and efficient. Every day the sun rises and provides clean, silent, and free energy that will offset utility costs permanently. Developed by Bell Labs for the space program in the 1950s, early solar electric cells are still producing electricity today over 50 years after they were first developed.
Four ways to buffer yourself against PPL rate increases, today and tomorrow:
1. Invest in renewable and energy-saving technologies such as electric and solar hot water systems, tankless water heaters, energy-efficient lighting, daylighting systems, solar attic fans, air sealing, insulation and other products that cut energy consumption and footprint.
2. Analyze your energy usage with Greenspring’s energy audit and site survey services, get smarter about cost-effective ways to save and then take action with a full line of affordable solar energy systems and energy-saving solutions.
3. Reevaluate your choice of electricity provider – switching to renewable energy sources or alternative providers can reduce your carbon footprint and may save you money.
4. Lower energy bills increase property value – in studies by the National Association of Realtors, homes with lower energy bills have a higher value that other homes in the area when it is time to sell
