Path-Q Solar
How should vacations affect the estimate of solar savings?
Answer
Include recurring vacations in the consumption model rather than treating them as a reason to exclude solar. During absences, the home may use less electricity, so savings depend on how exported production is valued and whether the vacation pattern is temporary or typical.
Key points
- Mark vacation periods on monthly or interval usage data.
- Separate unusually long or one-time absences from a recurring schedule.
- Account for standby loads such as refrigeration, security, heating protection, pumps, and networking.
- Model production and consumption together during the affected seasons.
What it depends on
- Length, timing, and frequency of vacations
- Baseline loads while the home is empty
- Export-credit or compensation rules
- Ability to shift or control loads remotely
Risks and trade-offs
- Ignoring vacations can overstate direct-use savings.
- Treating one unusual absence as normal can understate expected consumption.
- A battery may not provide value during an absence unless its operating purpose and controls justify it.
Information you may need
- Dates and frequency of typical absences
- Usage during occupied and unoccupied periods
- Major standby loads
- Current billing and export treatment
Your next step
What to do next
Provide the designer with vacation dates or interval data and ask for an annual savings estimate that explicitly includes occupied and unoccupied periods.
Path-Q
Find the right next step
Answer a few questions and we’ll narrow your options.
Loading…
SQ00673