Path-Q Solar
How does high daytime electricity use affect the value of commercial rooftop solar?
Answer
High daytime use often increases the value of commercial rooftop solar because more production can be consumed onsite, reducing purchases at the applicable rate and potentially helping with demand peaks. The actual benefit depends on how the load varies during the day, the solar profile, demand-charge rules, and export value.
Key points
- Self-consuming solar generally avoids buying electricity, while exported energy may receive a different value.
- The largest benefit may occur when solar production overlaps the business's high-cost or high-demand periods.
- A high annual load does not guarantee high self-consumption if it occurs mostly before or after solar production.
- Load controls, scheduling, or storage can improve alignment but add cost and complexity.
What it depends on
- Interval load profile and business operating hours
- Solar orientation, shading, and production profile
- Energy prices, demand-charge calculation, and export treatment
- Ability to shift or control loads
Risks and trade-offs
- A system that maximizes annual kWh may not minimize demand charges or maximize bill savings.
- Adding storage to capture daytime solar can improve timing but may not be cost-effective.
- Business schedule changes can reduce expected self-consumption.
Information you may need
- Interval electricity data and complete bills
- Demand-charge and energy-rate details
- Operating schedule and major load timings
- Solar design with hourly production and self-consumption estimates
Your next step
What to do next
Ask for an hourly or interval model that separates onsite use, exports, avoided energy charges, and any demand-charge impact.
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Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.
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