“I don't care if trees are felled. But I know that in 10 years it will be a good financial decision, ”he said.
Since the numbers are important to him, Johnson carefully tracks how much energy his panels are producing. The 32-panel array is designed with 1,500 kilowatt hours per month ex works; in the first year it was an average of 1,604 kilowatt hours per month.
On a bright, sunny day, Joe Johnson's solar panels produce enough extra electricity to make the meter turn backwards.
Erika Pritchard, Kearney Hub
“The panels do it really well,” said Johnson.
He also tracks the effect of this energy on his monthly bills. When the panels are generated at full power, it usually means the Dawson PPD meter is spinning backwards and that saves Johnson large utility bills.
The December bill for the Johnson's all-electric home is $ 97.71. He believes his Dawson PPD bills would be about two-thirds higher if the panels didn't supply a significant portion of the home's energy needs.
The numbers might not seem too impressive, but Johnson said after the solar panel loan is repaid and the boys moved on, consumption will drop significantly. As a result, Johnson believes that in a few years he may not receive another electricity bill.
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He said he and Tara knew the panels were an investment and that the payback would not be immediate.
Eliminating utility bills will be one of the rewards. If he and Tara decide to sell their space, the panels will add value to the property, he said.