Path-Q Solar
How does a time-of-use rate change the value of shifting appliances to daylight hours?
Answer
A time-of-use rate can make load shifting more or less valuable depending on when solar production, household demand, and high or low prices occur. Shifting flexible loads into sunny or otherwise lower-cost periods can increase direct use of solar and reduce purchases during expensive periods, but the actual value requires the current tariff and hourly load profile.
Key points
- Compare the appliance's original consumption period with the shifted period, not just total daily energy.
- Solar output varies by season and weather, so daylight is not always the highest-value or lowest-cost period.
- Automation, appliance flexibility, comfort, and operating constraints affect achievable shifting.
What it depends on
- Current time-of-use periods, prices, fixed charges, and export treatment
- Hourly or interval household load and solar-production profile
- Appliance flexibility, controls, occupancy, and seasonal operation
Risks and trade-offs
- A rate change can reduce or eliminate the expected benefit.
- Manual shifting may be inconvenient or unreliable without controls.
- Shifting load to daylight may conflict with household needs or increase equipment cycling.
Information you may need
- Current tariff or rate schedule
- Interval usage data or reasonable hourly load estimates
- Appliance power, duration, flexibility, and control capabilities
Your next step
What to do next
Compare the current schedule with a load-shift scenario using the utility's current tariff and at least representative seasonal usage data.
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