Solar can reduce electricity purchased from the grid, but the savings depend on the property’s usage and system design. A credible assessment shows its assumptions and separates potential energy savings from charges that may remain on the bill.
Start with how much electricity you use—and when
Daytime loads can use solar production directly. Evening-heavy usage may need storage to make more use of daytime generation. Review the kWh on recent JPS bills alongside operating hours, seasonal changes and future appliances.
Compare self-consumption and export
JPS describes net billing as an arrangement where participating customers use their renewable generation and sell excess electricity at wholesale or avoided-cost prices set by the OUR, while electricity purchased from JPS is charged at applicable tariffs. Do not assume an exported kWh receives the same value as an imported kWh. Confirm current eligibility, approvals, metering and rates with the relevant authorities before building an export-income estimate.
Separate a battery’s benefits
A battery can support backup and shift energy use. It also adds capital cost and conversion losses. Compare a solar-only option with a storage option using your priorities, rather than assuming the largest battery delivers the fastest financial return.
What a useful savings proposal should show
- Historical energy consumption and the assumed future pattern.
- Expected generation, including shading and system losses.
- Estimated energy used on site versus exported.
- The tariff assumptions and charges expected to remain.
- Installed cost, maintenance allowance and uncertainty range.
Frequently asked questions
Will solar remove my JPS bill completely?
That should not be assumed. Grid-connected customers may still import electricity and incur applicable charges.
Can a bill in dollars tell me the exact system size?
No. Prices and billing adjustments can change. Consumption in kWh and load timing provide a better design starting point.
Try the preliminary Solar Fit estimator or request an assessment using your actual bills.
Further reading
- JPS: Net billing
- JPS: Understanding your electricity bill
- U.S. Department of Energy: Solar savings considerations
General customer education. Final equipment selection and installation must follow site-specific design, applicable Jamaican requirements and the exact manufacturers’ instructions. Examples are illustrative.