in recent months. Several suburban homeowners saw bills of nearly $500 for December, a month that included a stretch of frigid days around Christmas.
Others may be ready to take bigger steps, such as installing solar, a financial investment that not only brings down monthly bills but also benefits the environment. “Every little bit counts. If we put in 5,000 watts [into the grid from solar panels], that means somewhere else they’re not burning natural gas or coal or whatever to generate those kilowatt-hours,” Birnie said.
, Delaware Valley Consumers’ Checkbook found. For larger households, a 5-kilowatt system could cost about $20,000, Birnie said, though prices can fluctuate depending on location and the company used., local incentives, and cheaper bills can serve as income or savings over time.through state tax credits or utility company rebate programs.