Path-Q Solar
How can I estimate the effect on bill savings when solar production does not coincide with my highest-priced electricity use?
Answer
Use interval production and consumption data to determine when solar is self-consumed, exported, or supplied by the grid. Value each period using the applicable energy and export rates rather than multiplying annual solar production by one average electricity price.
Key points
- Compare hourly or shorter-interval load with modeled solar production.
- Apply the correct price to energy consumed directly, imported from the grid, and exported.
- Include demand charges or time-based rates when they apply.
- Test whether batteries or load shifting improve the match between production and expensive usage.
What it depends on
- Interval household consumption
- Time pattern of solar production
- Time-varying import and export valuation
- Battery and load-shifting options
Risks and trade-offs
- Annual production can look strong while bill savings remain modest if high-value usage occurs outside production hours.
- Exported energy may not have the same value as directly used energy.
- A battery can improve timing but adds cost, losses, degradation, and replacement considerations.
Information you may need
- Interval utility data or a representative load profile
- Hourly production model
- Applicable import, export, and demand-charge rules
- Potential controllable loads and battery characteristics
Your next step
What to do next
Build an interval-based bill simulation using at least one year of consumption data and the proposal's production profile.
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SQ02691