Solar Power Los Angeles- Take a Stand Against Rising Electric Bills

Many homeowners in California and across the United States are taking a stand against rising electricity prices by installing solar panels on their home. Homeowners that invest in residential solar systems Los Angeles are able to save money since the panels don't rely on coal or any other fuel source to produce power. The only cost of operating a solar energy system is the initial installation price. The price that you pay for solar panels will cover its electricity generation for the lifetime of the panel. Since solar panels do not have any moving parts, the maintenance on the panels is limitless.

In the last five years, electric bills have skyrocketed, a reversal from a quarter century when homeowners enjoyed stable power bills as they consumed more electricity. An analysis of government data done by USA Today found that, on average, homeowners paid a record of $1419 for electricity in 2010 for electricity. This is a $300 increase a year for what homeowners typically pay for electricity.

This is the largest sustained increase in electricity prices since the 1970s. An analysis done on the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates that Electricity has been consuming a greater share of Americans' after tax income since 1996. This higher cost is driven by greater electricity usage and higher prices per kilowatt hour. Although residential demand for power had been decreasing, it made a strong comeback in 2010 to a record high. Although household appliances and air conditioners consume less power than before, homes are now bigger meaning more air-conditioning and more electronics than before. Residential Solar Panels Los Angeles are becoming more popular as a global search for clean and renewable energy sources expands.

According to the reports of the Energy Information Administration, residential electricity prices have been climbing steadily hitting a record high price of 11.8 cents per kilowatt hour. This increase directly reflects the higher fuel prices and the expense of replacing old power plants. Higher electricity bills are a major problem for low income families. Duke Energy proposes that a rate increase saying that it is needed to replace the old power plants and make the transmission system more reliable.

An agreement was reached with North Carolina to raise utility rates for 7.2% instead of the 17% proposed request. However, Duke Energy is planning to ask for another rate hike next year to cover the costs of new natural gas-fired plants. Although the industry as a whole is facing higher costs, the exact electricity costs vary widely depending on where you live. "High taxes, limits on air-polluting fuels and the expense of maintaining an underground transmission system keep consumer costs high", says Chris Olert, ConEd spokesman.

For references please visit: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/story/2011-12-13/electric-bills/51840042/1