The heck with the solar, start with the electric supplier. You guys are getting screwed! The price of coal has barely kept up with inflation. Where I live almost all of the plants are coal fired. I live in a 2,800 square foot house and don't even own a window screen as we either heat or a/c. We have never even seen a $100 monthly bill. The price per kilowatt has not changed in the eleven years I have lived here.
Don't overhaul your house, overhaul the management structure of your public utility company! Paying more than a hundred a month and not even a kiss to go along with what you just got?
I know it is a scam, they put a baseline that even with a new energy efficient house you cant stay under so then that gig you big time when you go over.We have a pool but i run the pump the least amount possible without screwing up the pool, never run both airs and only one at night in the summer and its still 600 plus.Friggin water and trash bill is 200 i dont get it.