Path-Q Solar
Could shifting laundry and dishwashing to sunny hours reduce the battery size I need?
Answer
Yes, potentially. Using flexible appliances during periods when solar is producing can reduce the energy that must be stored for later use, but the reduction depends on appliance energy, timing, solar output, evening loads, backup objectives, and how consistently the schedule can be followed.
Key points
- Load shifting changes when energy is used; it does not eliminate the appliance's total energy use.
- The greatest battery effect occurs when shifted loads would otherwise run during the battery's discharge period.
- A smaller battery may reduce cost but also reduce backup duration or flexibility.
What it depends on
- Laundry and dishwasher energy use and operating schedules
- Solar production profile, household evening demand, and battery operating strategy
- Whether the goal is bill reduction, self-consumption, backup power, or a combination
Risks and trade-offs
- A battery sized only around flexible loads may not meet backup expectations.
- Weather, occupancy, and user behavior can make scheduled shifting inconsistent.
- Reducing battery capacity may lower upfront cost but increase reliance on the grid during outages or low-solar periods.
Information you may need
- Appliance power and typical cycles
- Hourly household load and solar-production estimates
- Desired backup loads, duration, and battery control settings
Your next step
What to do next
Ask for battery-size comparisons with and without scheduled appliance shifting, showing bill savings, backup capability, and assumptions about user behavior.
Path-Q
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