What is Load Shifting?
Here are two little words which will make an incredible difference to the amount of money you save with solar power... Load shifting. It’s a surprisingly simple concept that, for some reason, is so under-discussed by solar energy companies. Load shifting refers to re-adjusting your energy usage so that you consume more electricity when it costs the least.
So, why load shift?
When you have solar but no battery, all the electricity you use when the sun goes down is actually being derived from the grid. Even if you’re being credited for the excess solar power you produce during the day, buying it back at night time from your energy retailer at peak pricing is expensive.
Load shifting is great because it means you’re actually putting your solar power to use in the most economical way. It’s especially ideal for homeowners who aren’t at home during the day and predominantly use electricity at night. Depending on your rate schedule electricity gets more expensive at 3 or 4 or 5pm (for PG&E customers). So if you produce more than you use during the day (this is very typical) you will get credited at the off peak pricing before 3 or 4 or 5pm. Later, when the sun is not shining you will be charged for any power you import from your utility at peak pricing (expensive!).
Add a battery to the mix and its a whole different story. Instead of giving PG&E power during the day you can store it in your battery. Instead of using expensive PG&E power at night you can use your battery and save money.
Here are some other ways you can load shift with out a battery:
In summer, set your air conditioner on a timer to cool down the house before peak pricing time. Don’t turn it on when you get home at 5:30 when it will have to work hard and likely use a bunch of expensive peak power directly from PG&E.
Do the same in winter with your heating. Time your heater to warm things up during the day before peak pricing time.
Put a timer on your dishwasher and let dishes clean during the day.
If you own a pool, install a timer on the pump and filter to work during the day.
If your hot water is electric, shower in the morning rather than at night.
Save electricity-intensive processes (such as clothes washing and drying) for the weekend when you’re home during the day.
If you have a hottub - program it to go off during your peak electricity hours (don’t worry it will stay warm!)
Easy!
So, if you’re considering solar power and wondering how you’ll most effectively reap the financial advantages of installing, consider the technique of load shifting. Transfer more of your electricity usage to off peak times (typically during the day) by changing your usage patterns and using your battery effectively.