01
Panels Catch The Sun
Each module is a grid of silicon cells. Photons knock electrons loose and that current is direct current (DC) — the same kind as a battery. That’s the raw power your roof makes.
Step 2 of 3
How Solar Saves You Money
A short tour of the physics, what happens to the electric bill, and the three ways people actually pay for it.
How rooftop solar actually works
02
An Inverter Makes Usable Power
The inverter turns DC (direct current) into AC (alternating current) and uses that energy to power the loads in the main service panel. Lights, HVAC, outlets — anything drawing power in the house can use it.
03
You Use It Before The Grid Does
The house uses what it can first. Extra kilowatt-hours go out to the grid and, under net metering, show up as bill credits. How those credits work — and what they’re worth — varies by utility and state.
04
The Savings Rack Up
Every kilowatt-hour the array produces is one you do not buy from the utility. That trims the monthly bill now, and those savings stack year after year for as long as the system produces.
What can I actually save?
25-Year Electric Cost Without Solar
$99,950
What you would pay the utility over 25 years if you stay on today's usage, with bills rising 4% each year.
Lee County Electric Cooperative
Electric Service Statement
Account · 9752-
Statement Oct 22, 2026
Amount Due · October
$193Today's Bill
Due November 22, 2026
Service address , FL · Billing period Oct 1, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026
Grid kWh used, last 12 months
181213599064530kWh
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Month
Charges this period
- Monthly service charge
- $20
- Energy (1,260 kWh @ 13.8¢)
- $173
- Amount due · October
- $193
1,260 kWh billed this period at Lee County Electric Cooperative’s energy rate of 13.8¢/kWh, plus the monthly service charge.
What affects your savings
- Sun hours and system size. More sun and a larger array make more kilowatt-hours. Helio sizes from your bill and this roof.
- Utility rate and net metering. What you pay per kWh — and how your utility credits extra production — changes the math more than almost anything else.
- Own it or don’t. Cash or a solar loan means you own the system and keep the production. A lease or PPA is simpler up front; a third party keeps more of the long-term value.
- Optional battery for outages. Storage doesn’t make more sun. It holds daytime production so the house can run when the grid drops.
Loans, Leases, Cash
Almost every residential job is one of these three. Who owns the system and how you pay changes how much of the savings you keep.
Cash
You own it on day one
Write a check (or tap a HELOC). Highest lifetime savings because there is no interest and no third-party owner. Best if you have the capital and plan to stay in the house.
Solar Loan
You own it, the bank floats it
Most common path. $0-down loans exist. The monthly loan payment is designed to land under the old utility bill, so cash-flow is often positive from month one. You own the system, the warranty, and the production.
Lease or PPA
A company owns the equipment
Little or no money down. A solar company owns, insures, and maintains the array. You buy the power (PPA) or pay a flat lease. Payments are predictable; lifetime savings are usually smaller than cash or a loan because a third party owns the system.
Interested in Adding Backup Power?
A battery works together with your solar panels to keep the entire home powered when the grid drops. Clicking Yes takes you to the battery sizing page.
Shorter answers on cost, batteries, and installers live on the solar FAQ.