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Solar vs. Other Ways to Save*: What Works?

Written by PosiGen | Apr 10, 2025

Solar vs. Other Ways to Save*: What Works?

As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners are increasingly seeking effective ways to lower their utility bills while making their homes more sustainable.* Among the many options available, solar energy stands out as one of the most impactful and cost-effective solutions. Let’s explore how solar energy, particularly through PosiGen’s affordable solar leasing program, compares to other energy-saving methods—and why it may be the best choice for working-class homeowners seeking long-term savings* and environmental benefits.

* Rates may go up or down and the money you may save, if any, may vary. Past data may not be a good gauge of future results. For more information about rates, contact your power company.

Why Solar Energy is a Smart Choice

Solar energy has transformed how homeowners approach energy savings.† By harnessing sunlight—a free and renewable resource—solar panels generate electricity that can lower monthly utility bills.† Here are some key advantages of solar power:

  • Cost Savings: Solar panels allow homeowners to produce their own electricity, reducing reliance on traditional utility companies. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), residential solar installations can reduce household energy bills by 20–50% over the lifetime of the system.† 5
  • Energy Independence: Solar power gives homeowners greater control over their energy usage and costs, reducing vulnerability to fluctuating electricity rates.† 5
  • Environmental Benefits: Solar power generates clean electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, helping combat climate change. 5

† Utility rates, structures and estimated savings are subject to change, and incentives may change or be terminated by executive, legislative or regulatory action.

Affordable Solar Leasing: A Game-Changer

While solar energy offers significant benefits, many homeowners have been deterred by the upfront costs of purchasing and installing panels. Affordable solar leasing programs, like those offered by PosiGen, have changed the game by eliminating these upfront expenses and making solar accessible to working-class households.

Read our How Leasing Solar from PosiGen Works and 3 Advantages of Leasing Solar Panels blogs to learn more.

Benefits of Solar Leasing

  1. No Large Upfront Costs: With solar leasing, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without having to purchase a system outright. Leasing eliminates financial barriers by requiring no money down.
  2. Guaranteed Savings: PosiGen’s program guarantees that monthly lease payments will be lower than typical electricity bills for the first year your solar system is active, providing immediate financial relief.*
  3. Inclusive Eligibility: Unlike traditional financing options that often require high credit scores or substantial income, PosiGen’s solar leasing program focuses on homeownership and utility usage history, making it accessible to working-class families.

By removing financial barriers, solar leasing programs empower more families to transition to clean energy while enjoying guaranteed savings.*

* During the first 12 months after the date your system is operational, we guarantee that your post-solar electricity costs will be less than your pre-solar electricity costs. If your post-solar electricity costs are greater than your pre-solar electricity costs during that 12-month period, PosiGen will either (1) provide a bill credit representing the difference between your pre-solar and post-solar electricity costs, or (2) provide additional energy efficiency services at no cost. See Residential Solar System Lease Agreement for full terms & conditions.

How Solar Compares to Other Energy-Saving Methods

There are several ways homeowners can reduce their energy consumption and lower utility bills, from upgrading appliances to improving insulation.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Switching to energy-efficient appliances is a popular way to reduce electricity usage. These appliances consume less power during operation, which can lower utility bills over time. However, upgrading appliances often requires a significant upfront investment, and the savings tend to be incremental compared to the transformative impact of solar power.

Home Insulation

Improving insulation helps reduce heating and cooling costs by minimizing energy loss through walls, windows, and roofs. While this method can be effective for lowering HVAC-related expenses, it doesn’t address electricity costs from lighting or appliances, and its impact may be limited in regions with mild climates.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats optimize heating and cooling schedules based on user preferences and weather patterns. While they can help lower HVAC-related expenses, they don’t generate renewable energy or address overall electricity consumption.

Solar Power

Unlike other methods, solar power generates clean electricity directly from sunlight—reducing dependence on utility companies** and fossil fuels. Affordable solar leasing programs like PosiGen’s can provide immediate savings‡ without requiring upfront costs, making it one of the most accessible and impactful solutions for homeowners. 5 8

Our 5 Simple Upgrades To Make Your Home Energy Efficient blog is a great resource to learn more.

** You will still be connected to the grid and continue to receive a utility bill.

‡ During the first 12 months after the date your system is operational, we guarantee that your post-solar electricity costs will be less than your pre-solar electricity costs. If your post-solar electricity costs are greater than your pre-solar electricity costs during that 12-month period, PosiGen will either (1) provide a bill credit representing the difference between your pre-solar and post-solar electricity costs, or (2) provide additional energy efficiency services at no cost. See Residential Solar System Lease Agreement for full terms & conditions.

The PosiGen Advantage: Combining Solar with Energy Efficiency

PosiGen elevates the concept of affordable solar leasing by incorporating a comprehensive suite of energy efficiency upgrades into its program. This innovative and holistic approach not only enhances the financial savings** for homeowners by optimizing their energy consumption but also significantly contributes to environmental sustainability.

By addressing both energy generation and usage, PosiGen ensures that homeowners can maximize their savings on utility bills** while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint. This dual focus on economic and ecological benefits makes PosiGen's program a standout choice for those looking to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle without compromising on cost-effectiveness.

Key Features of PosiGen’s Program

  • Energy Audits: Every customer receives a comprehensive assessment of their home’s energy efficiency.
  • Customized Upgrades: Homes may receive improvements such as LED lighting installations, thermostat upgrades, pipe insulation, and air duct sealing—all included at no additional cost.
  • Guaranteed Performance: PosiGen guarantees that its leased systems will produce at least 90% of the annual estimated production.*

By combining solar installation with efficiency upgrades, PosiGen ensures that homes not only generate clean energy but also use it effectively, maximizing both financial savings** and environmental impact.

* Beginning 12 months after the date your system is operational, and upon each anniversary thereafter, for each 12-month period, PosiGen guarantees that your system will generate at least 90% of the annual estimated production for that 12-month period, after accounting for degradation at the rate of 0.5% per year. If your system does not produce the guaranteed amount for any 12-month period, PosiGen will provide a bill credit representing the difference between your system’s actual production and the guaranteed production for that 12-month period. “Actual performance” means the amount of electricity produced by your particular system, which is calculated using data provided by the system or an estimate prepared by PosiGen.

** Savings vary depending on your energy consumption, home location and characteristics, and your utility’s policies.

The Environmental Impact of Solar Energy

Solar power is not just a financial solution, it’s also an environmental one. By transitioning to solar energy:

  • Homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. 5
  • The U.S. grid becomes cleaner as more installations replace fossil fuel-generated electricity. 5
  • Renewable energy adoption accelerates nationwide. 1 5

PosiGen’s program plays a crucial role in making these environmental benefits accessible to all homeowners, regardless of income or credit score, helping create a more equitable clean-energy future.

How Solar Leasing Makes Clean Energy Accessible

One of the most significant advantages of affordable solar leasing is its inclusivity. Traditional financing models for purchasing solar systems often exclude working-class households due to strict credit score requirements or high upfront costs. Programs like PosiGen focus on breaking down these barriers by offering:

  • Monthly payments that are lower than average utility bills.*
  • No credit score requirements—eligibility is based on homeownership and utility usage history.
  • Energy efficiency upgrades are included at no extra cost.

This approach ensures that clean energy adoption is not limited by income level, credit scores, or large up-front financial investments, making solar truly accessible for all.

* During the first 12 months after the date your system is operational, we guarantee that your post-solar electricity costs will be less than your pre-solar electricity costs. If your post-solar electricity costs are greater than your pre-solar electricity costs during that 12-month period, PosiGen will either (1) provide a bill credit representing the difference between your pre-solar and post-solar electricity costs, or (2) provide additional energy efficiency services at no cost. See Residential Solar System Lease Agreement for full terms & conditions.

Conclusion

When comparing ways to save on energy costs, whether through efficient appliances or home upgrades, solar power consistently emerges as the most impactful solution. Affordable solar leasing programs like PosiGen’s have democratized access to renewable energy by eliminating upfront costs and guaranteeing savings* for all homeowners.

By choosing solar leasing combined with energy efficiency upgrades, homeowners can enjoy immediate financial benefits* while contributing to a cleaner environment. With innovative programs making clean energy accessible across income levels, including working-class families, there has never been a better time to go solar.

If you’re ready to take control of your energy future without breaking the bank, consider affordable solar leasing today. It’s a decision that could work for your wallet and the planet alike!

* During the first 12 months after the date your system is operational, we guarantee that your post-solar electricity costs will be less than your pre-solar electricity costs. If your post-solar electricity costs are greater than your pre-solar electricity costs during that 12-month period, PosiGen will either (1) provide a bill credit representing the difference between your pre-solar and post-solar electricity costs, or (2) provide additional energy efficiency services at no cost. See Residential Solar System Lease Agreement for full terms & conditions.