Electricity Rates Are Increasing – Time for Solar Panels on Long Island?

Duke Energy is the latest electric power company to propose a rate hike in 2026. The Carolina-based provider is petitioning state regulators to allow for an 18% increase spread over two years starting in 2027. It’s not an isolated case. On Long Island, we’ve endured more than our fair share of hikes; the latest was a 12.7% Power Supply Charge increase in March (compared to February’s charge).

As electricity providers ask households for more money, it’s the perfect time to consider residential solar panels.

Rates Will Continue to Increase Across Most States

Rates are increasing throughout the United States for several key reasons:

• The cost of generating electricity has increased, especially in areas that rely heavily on fossil fuels.
• Ageing grids (like the ones in New York) require massive investment to maintain reliability and expand capacity.
• High demand contributes to higher pricing. Our electricity demands are growing as more people purchase electric vehicles and install electric heating and cooling systems.

If you purchase all your electricity from PSEG LI, you will always be at the mercy of market conditions. When you install solar panels on Long Island, you can gain energy independence and save money by producing your own electricity.

How Long Island Solar Protects You From Rate Hikes

Solar panels generate free electricity from sunlight, reducing the amount of energy you take from the grid.

• Daytime Generation and Usage: Solar panels create energy in the day. This powers your home first.
• Two-Way Meter: When you switch to residential solar panels, PSEG Long Island replaces your standard meter with a bi-directional meter.
• Net Metering: When your panels generate excess electricity (anything you don’t use in your home), it goes to the grid, and you receive credits for every kilowatt-hour. Credits are “banked” to be used later.
• Offsetting Your Consumption: Your credit bank helps to cover your consumption at night and on cloudy days. It also creates a seasonal buffer. The excess energy you create during long summer days helps to cover your increased grid usage during the shorter and darker days of winter.

Solar panels reduce your net consumption. You pay less to PSEG and generate significant savings over time.

Evaluating Solar Before You Commit

You won’t go into a solar installation contract blind. With Power Solutions, one of the most trusted solar contractors on Long Island, you will get clear information to make an informed decision.

• You can request a free ballpark solar estimate today. This is the first step.
• Power Solutions will contact you for a detailed Energy Savings Evaluation. We will review your billing history and energy needs before discussing options for a rooftop solar array.
• We will inspect your home and design a solar array using drone technology and advanced modeling software. The array is designed to provide maximum savings.
• We generate a detailed cost/benefit analysis so you can compare potential savings against the cost of solar panel installation.

You don’t have to commit to anything until you’re convinced that solar is right for your home. With a trusted solar installer in Suffolk or Nassau County, you can maximize savings and say goodbye to unexpected rate hikes.

Ready to learn more about solar panels or even a backup battery system? Power Solutions is here to help. You can contact us at (631) 348-0001 today.