Path-Q Solar
Would a smaller solar system have a better return if I cannot use much electricity during the day?
Answer
Often, a smaller system can have a better return when daytime self-consumption is low and exported electricity is worth less than electricity purchased from the grid. However, the best size depends on export terms, fixed project costs, future load, storage, and whether the business can shift demand.
Key points
- Low daytime usage increases the share of generation exported.
- A smaller system may concentrate production where it has higher value, but fixed installation costs can raise its cost per unit.
- Load shifting, scheduled equipment operation, or storage may make a larger system more valuable.
- Compare system sizes using hourly production and consumption rather than annual totals alone.
What it depends on
- Hourly business load profile
- Export compensation and tariff structure
- System price at each size
- Battery and load-shifting options
- Expected future operating hours and electricity use
Risks and trade-offs
- Undersizing may miss future electrification or operating changes.
- Storage can improve self-consumption but add capital, degradation, and operational costs.
- A smaller system may have better marginal economics but lower total savings.
Information you may need
- Interval electricity data
- Proposals at multiple system sizes
- Current export and demand-charge treatment
- Potential load-shifting and battery opportunities
Your next step
What to do next
Request an hourly comparison of at least two system sizes showing self-consumption, exports, demand effects, installed cost, and return.
Path-Q
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