Path-Q Solar
What decision should come first: reducing electricity use or installing solar?
Answer
Usually evaluate major, cost-effective efficiency measures first, then size solar using the remaining current and credible future electricity demand. Do not delay solar automatically if efficiency work is minor, uncertain, or would not materially change system size or economics; compare both sequences.
Key points
- Efficiency can reduce bills and may allow a smaller system, while solar can address remaining demand and future electrification.
- Prioritize measures based on cost, expected savings, comfort, reliability, and timing rather than treating all efficiency work as equally valuable.
- Include planned electrification so efficiency improvements do not cause the solar design to be undersized.
What it depends on
- Current consumption and load profile
- Cost and expected savings of efficiency measures
- Roof and system-size constraints
- Future electrification plans and project timing
Risks and trade-offs
- Waiting for every efficiency project can delay solar without meaningful benefit.
- Installing solar before reducing avoidable consumption can lead to a larger system than necessary or weaker savings from efficiency opportunities.
Information you may need
- Utility bills or interval usage
- Efficiency audit or identified measures
- Planned electric loads
- Solar designs with and without the proposed efficiency changes
Your next step
What to do next
List the major efficiency measures, estimate their timing and likely effect on consumption, and ask installers to compare solar sizing before and after those changes.
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