Path-Q Solar
How should seasonal occupancy changes affect the electricity history used for solar sizing?
Answer
Use an occupancy-adjusted history rather than treating every billing period as representative. Separate consumption caused by normal occupancy from consumption during vacant or unusually occupied periods, then model the expected future occupancy pattern.
Key points
- Retain monthly data so seasonal occupancy and weather effects are not hidden by an annual average.
- Identify vacant periods, guest stays, extended travel, and changes in household size.
- Include planned occupancy changes if they are likely to persist.
- Model alternative scenarios when future occupancy is uncertain.
What it depends on
- Length and timing of occupancy changes
- Heating, cooling, and water-heating behavior while occupied or vacant
- Future household plans
- Quality and duration of the electricity history
Risks and trade-offs
- Sizing to peak occupancy can oversize a property that is usually vacant.
- Sizing to low occupancy can understate future demand.
- Averaging unlike occupancy periods can distort both system size and expected savings.
Information you may need
- Monthly electricity use for at least representative seasons
- Occupancy calendar and household size
- Energy use while vacant
- Planned changes in occupancy or property use
Your next step
What to do next
Create baseline, normal-occupancy, and future-occupancy consumption scenarios and use the one that best reflects the expected operating pattern.
Path-Q
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