Solar Living
Solar Panel Prices are Declining, So Why Go Solar Now?
According to a recent report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the cost of solar panels has been declining over the last decade.
This is great news for consumers, as it makes the installation of a solar power system more affordable than ever. But it also leads many consumers to ask, “Why should I go solar now if the costs are going to continue to decline?”
First, it is important to note that solar panels themselves are just one part of a solar power system.
Second, there are two big reasons NOT to delay going solar – rising electric rates and disappearing state incentives. Waiting for panel prices to fall a few more cents means skipping the chance to lock in a lower electricity rate now (or eliminate your electric bill altogether). Plus, you may lose out on time-sensitive government incentives.
Below is a list of some of the utilities in the states in which Real Goods Solar operates. While it is far from comprehensive, it gives you an idea of where rates and rebates are expected to go in 2013. For example, Atlantic City Electric has announced plans to seek a rate increase that would raise average electric bills by 7 percent, or more than $12 a month.
| State | Utility Co Name | Rate Increase Expected?* | Rebate Drop Expected?* |
| CA | Los Angeles City of (LADWP) | Yes | |
| CA | Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) | TBD | Yes |
| CA | San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) | Yes | Yes |
| CA | Southern California Edison (SCE) | Yes | Yes |
| CO | Colorado Springs Utilities | No | NA |
| CO | Mountain View Electric Association | TBD | NA |
| CO | Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association | Yes | NA |
| CO | Xcel | Yes | Yes |
| CT | Connecticut Light & Power | No | Yes |
| CT | United Illuminating | No | Yes |
| MA | National Grid | TBD | |
| MA | NSTAR Electric | TBD | |
| MA | Western Mass Electric | TBD | |
| NJ | Atlantic City Electric (ACE) | Yes | NA |
| NJ | Jersey Central Power and Light | Yes | NA |
| NY | Con Edison | Yes | |
| NY | National Grid | No | |
| NY | Orange and Rockland | Yes | |
| VT | Central Vermont Public Service | Yes | |
| VT | Green Mountain Power | Yes | |
| VT | Vermont Electric Coop | No | TBD |
| VT | Washington Electric Coop | TBD |
*We have provided links to external articles and websites that offer details on proposed rate increases and/or rebate drops as of 12/14/12. These plans may change, and we recommend you do your own research or contact us for the most up-to-date information.
Tagged investment, solar panels, solar rebates, utility rates
