Path-Q Solar

How does working from home change the financial value of rooftop solar?

Answer

Working from home can increase solar's value when it adds weekday daytime electricity use that can be served directly by the array, but the effect depends on the amount and timing of that use and how exported electricity is valued.

Key points

  • Daytime loads such as computing, cooling, cooking, and water heating may improve direct solar use.
  • The change should be based on actual work-from-home frequency and equipment, not a general assumption.
  • Savings may be lower if the added load is small or if solar production does not overlap with occupancy.

What it depends on

  • Work schedule and days at home
  • Additional daytime electricity consumption
  • Solar production profile
  • Rates, export treatment, and load-shifting options

Risks and trade-offs

  • Higher daytime use can increase savings but also increase total system-sizing needs.
  • Work patterns may change, making the estimate uncertain.
  • A larger system is not automatically justified if the added use is modest.

Information you may need

  • Typical weekday occupancy and work schedule
  • Daytime appliance and HVAC usage
  • Interval or time-of-use consumption if available
  • Solar and billing assumptions

Your next step

What to do next

Compare your current usage with a documented work-from-home scenario and ask for the resulting change in production used on site and estimated bill savings.

Path-Q

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Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.

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