Path-Q Solar
What energy-use and appliance data should I collect before sizing solar for a home that will convert from gas to electric appliances?
Answer
Collect current electricity use, gas or other fuel use, appliance replacement plans, and the expected power and annual energy use of each new electric appliance. The estimate should include both annual consumption and high-demand operating periods.
Key points
- Gather at least a representative history of electricity use and fuel use by end use where possible.
- List planned electric water heating, space heating, cooking, drying, vehicle charging, and other loads.
- Record appliance capacity, efficiency, expected usage, and timing.
- Identify whether upgrades will occur before, during, or after solar installation.
What it depends on
- Current electricity and fuel consumption
- Replacement appliance specifications
- Household occupancy and usage patterns
- Building efficiency and heating or cooling loads
- Timing of electrification projects
Risks and trade-offs
- Converting fuel use to electricity using a simple one-to-one energy comparison can be misleading because appliance efficiency differs.
- Future appliance use may not match assumptions about household behavior.
- High-power appliances may require service, panel, or circuit changes separate from solar capacity.
Information you may need
- Electricity bills or meter data
- Gas or fuel bills and appliance uses
- Planned appliance list and specifications
- Expected household schedule
- Electrical-service and panel information
Your next step
What to do next
Create an appliance-by-appliance future-load worksheet and have the solar and electrical designers use the same assumptions.
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