Problems, Problems, & More Problems!
Take a look at what has already happened in the past three years and what is currently at stake for the grid under the current political fiasco to figure out just how important of a time this is for you to consider residential solar.
There are many things to worry about in life. What new shoes to buy? Will I make it to my kid’s soccer game on time? What am I cooking for dinner? (Or, if you’re me, where am I ordering take out from for dinner?) Will I be able to retire when I’m 65? What’s my electric bill going to be this month? If you’re someone that has ever worried about their electric bill—get ready. I hate to be the bearer of bad news for the—as a coworker likes to call you— envelope peekers. Ya know, you tear open the envelope from *insert utility company here* and just peeeeek at the “Amount Due” box to see what you’re in for! I know we have some “rich” people out there that LOVE to brag about not worrying about their electric bill. This is for you, too! After all, how did you become so wealthy if you simply do not care about your life’s expenses? I know you care; you just don’t want to admit it. I’m here to prove to you that it’s time to start caring.
Your electric bill has gotten more expensive. Period. Why? Many reasons. When I consult with a home or business owner, I like to highlight these reasons as a backbone of why you choose to go solar. An electric bill sits in this weird spot in that it’s an unavoidable, forever expense to a home or business owner. So, its problems and price should be taken seriously when there isn’t any control over the rates you pay. I compare it to car insurance:
*Insert your car insurance company here* gives you get a notice that your premiums are increasing next month. You immediately call to ask two questions—
“Am I getting more coverage?”
Them: Negative.
“Did I just become a riskier driver.”
Them: Negative.
“Then, why are you raising my premiums??”
“Because we need more money. Insurance is just getting expensive.” *Click*
This is what is happening to electricity prices. Things outside of one’s control are increasing prices for a “forever” bill. Back in 2022, there were geo-political issues between the EU and Russia, resulting in major overseas exports of LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) to Europe. Right now, roughly 54% of electricity is made with Natural Gas power plants. Since Europe was desperate and willing to pay more, it instantly skyrocketed LNG prices, which have created electricity prices that are STILL high in 2025 & are expected to rise even more due to the increased demand for AI and electric vehicles. You can see this if you look at charts on this website. For most utilities, the price you pay for electricity generation has nearly doubled in the past 5 years.
Read that again.
Yes, the cost to generate electricity has nearly doubled in 5 years. And reports have shown that we are nowhere near the supply capacity needed to fully develop AI in the United States— “The report finds that data centers consumed about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity in 2023 and are expected to consume approximately 6.7 to 12% of total U.S. electricity by 2028.” -Dept. of Energy. With already a current deficit in energy supply, a growing deficit due to AI will only exacerbate prices more. Despite these findings, the current trajectory of electricity supply is in jeopardy due to the Big, Beautiful Bill.
As a result of increasing demand, all current sources of electricity have been pushed to maximum capacity. Coal power plants are being ordered to stay open, despite high operating costs. This, in 2025, now seems to be a necessary evil (to prevent blackouts) but adds to the overall cost of producing electricity. New production in the region, and the US as a whole, is large scale solar. It is the quickest-growing form of electricity generation in the US. But, with all of the massive investments made to grow production of this renewable energy, it’s future hangs in the fate of the U.S. Senate and BBB. As it currently stands, the BBB is set to wipe the incentives provided to both manufacturers and developers of large-scale projects. Large scale projects that are being built to try and cut down the deficit that has now been named an “AI energy crisis”. With their fate uncertain, this bill that has potential to become a law will setback MASSIVE amounts of generation that is being secured by PJM’s transmission prices (what is paid to procure electricity in the future). And yes, you directly pay for PJM’s transmission prices; it is a portion of your generation rate on your bill. The immediate termination of these projects will result in higher supply deficits than we are currently experiencing, making electricity prices even higher. With tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper also looming— costs of grid upgrades will increase as well, which will likely result in higher delivery costs from the electricity delivery companies that you are most familiar with—PPL, FirstEnergy, Exelon, etc...
Also, currently under the mercy of the bill is the elimination of the residential incentives, which will make the cost of solar for someone like you look vastly different if the bill were to become a law. So, not only are we seeing major issues with what your current electricity costs are, the only true alternative (solar) may also become more expensive!
So, not only are we seeing major issues with what your current electricity costs are, the only true alternative (residential solar) may also become more expensive!
If you need a reason to consider solar for yourself, consider this: Your bill now keeps getting more expensive, and right now solar is a GREAT deal. In the near future, it may NOT be a great deal. When there is no extra money being spent to have a fixed price for electricity from solar, it takes all of these problems away from your wallet.
To support U.S. clean energy, consider this website which will auto-send an email to your US Senator—
Defend American Energy - Solar Powers America
These sentences are my opinions, backed by reliable sources.
Thank you for reading.
-Noah