Path-Q Solar
Can solar offset electricity used by equipment that operates continuously?
Answer
Yes. Continuous equipment can consume solar directly during daylight and can be offset over the year by exported production when the system produces more than the site uses. The actual savings depend on the load's size, solar output, and the account's treatment of imports and exports.
Key points
- A continuous load often improves solar self-consumption because it is present during production hours.
- Its annual energy use can be estimated from average power multiplied by operating hours, then checked against meter data.
- Solar does not guarantee uninterrupted operation during outages unless appropriate backup equipment is included.
- Continuous loads may affect inverter, service, and backup sizing.
What it depends on
- Average and peak equipment power
- Solar production profile
- Reliability and outage requirements
- Import and export treatment
- Existing electrical service
Risks and trade-offs
- An equipment failure or operating change can reduce the expected load and savings.
- Without backup, grid-tied solar generally does not keep equipment running during an outage.
- Export value may differ from the value of directly avoided electricity purchases.
Information you may need
- Measured or rated continuous load
- Startup and peak power
- Annual operating schedule
- Solar production estimate
- Outage and export objectives
Your next step
What to do next
Measure the continuous and startup load, then request a model showing direct consumption, exports, and outage behavior.
Path-Q
Find the right next step
Answer a few questions and we’ll narrow your options.
Loading…
SQ00935