Path-Q Solar
How can I estimate solar savings without assuming that all generation offsets my bill?
Answer
Estimate savings by matching solar production to household consumption over time. Value energy used directly at the avoided purchase rate, value exported energy using the applicable export treatment, and retain fixed charges and other bill components that solar does not remove.
Key points
- Hourly or interval data gives a better estimate than annual energy totals.
- Self-consumption is the portion used on site when generated.
- Battery operation can change self-consumption but adds equipment cost and losses.
What it depends on
- Time-matched consumption and solar production
- Export compensation or credit rules
- Time-based rates and fixed charges
- Battery size, operating strategy, and system degradation
Risks and trade-offs
- Assuming every kilowatt-hour has the retail purchase value can overstate savings.
- Annual netting can hide seasonal or hourly differences.
- Increasing self-consumption may improve savings but may require storage or load shifting.
Information you may need
- Interval usage data or detailed monthly bills
- Hourly or monthly production estimate
- Current bill tariff and export treatment
- Battery and load-shifting plans
Your next step
What to do next
Create an hourly or monthly model that separates self-consumed energy, exported energy, avoided purchases, credits, fixed charges, and losses.
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