Path-Q Solar
When is it useful to collect interval electricity data before requesting a commercial solar design?
Answer
Interval data is especially useful when the business has demand charges, variable operating hours, multiple meters, unusual loads, storage goals, or a system whose value depends on matching production to consumption. It may be less critical for a simple, stable load when reliable billing data is sufficient for an initial screen.
Key points
- Interval data shows when electricity is consumed, not just the total amount used.
- It can reveal peaks, overnight use, seasonal changes, and opportunities for storage or load management.
- Ask designers to state the data period, interval length, missing data, and assumptions used.
- Use data from representative operating periods, including seasonal or production changes where relevant.
What it depends on
- Load variability and operating schedule
- Demand-related billing structure
- Number and type of meters
- Whether storage or load management is being considered
Risks and trade-offs
- Using a nonrepresentative period can distort system sizing and value estimates.
- Data collection may take time and require account authorization.
- Interval data improves analysis but does not replace site, structural, or interconnection review.
- Privacy and access permissions may need to be managed.
Information you may need
- Utility bills and available interval data
- Operating schedules and planned changes
- Meter and rate information
- Major equipment schedules and demand patterns
Your next step
What to do next
Request interval data for a representative period and provide it with operating schedules when asking for commercial designs.
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SQ02364