It's quite a bit different. Not because of the solar panels but because of the patch that you should already have. The new billing system allows you to store and sell power and water if you're generating a surplus. The solar panels and wind turbines generate power, the dew collectors and atmosphere reclamators generate water. If you generate more than you use, you can store it for use off-the-grid, or sell it back for a reduced cost on bills.
There are lots of other things you can do to supplement it. Most plumbing devices have an upgrade for water conservation to make them use less water. The treadmills can be upgraded to generate extra power while running. A lot of electronic devices can be upgraded to use less energy.
Unless you have a LOT of solar panels, turbines, water collectors, you'll still end up paying something. Base bill is like $300/wk, which is considered a "lot tax". You pay that even off-the-grid. Power and water usage is extra. If you're off-the-grid, you won't want to auto-sell power or water, which means you'll still end up paying $300/wk. So make sure to turn off the lights and radio when not using them.
Once power and water are stored, you can use it for any devices. However, those devices will usually deplete it quick.
I had two wind turbines and five solar panels and barely made a surplus of power. That's with a computer, radio, and recycling equipment. I had two high-end dew collectors and had a good surplus of water. Once winter came along, my power reserves depleted very quickly. Had to buy a fireplace to supplement heat... which isn't considered "green".
I like it a lot. You'll want to lock your computer from non-household members so they don't go to your computer and play blick-block and eat up your power reserves. Use candles instead of regular lights which are free light and don't use power. Go outside and shower in the rain whenever it rains to save water. Upgrade your shower using the old quick-shower upgrades to make showering quicker and reduce water usage... etc.
