Without batteries you only have an illusion of an infinite battery. All the state has to do is change the laws that regulate either you or your utility and you can be profoundly impacted. It would seem that it would be far better to divorce totally from the grid and eliminate your bill altogether rather than going into debt to halfway participate in alternative energy production.
That may be true, but if you can't afford batteries, I think it's better to participate at some level than not at all. That's one of the reasons I targeted a six year payback, it lowers the risk of something changing to impact my return on investment. And it is also the reason I didn't borrow money to pay for the system.
I'm installing solar only. When the law changes, I'll get the batteries installed later. If the law doesn't change, I won't buy the batteries. It's nice to have the flexibility of doing the system in two parts versus all or nothing.
@ProjectsWithDave Yeah that's true and something to consider. Though if you have any type of power outages your system fails to produce any power for you or the grid until the power comes back on. I guess you would have to consider how many times your power goes out and for how long. Mine goes out frequently for hours to some times days.
Thank you so much Dave. I really love your videos and enjoy learning from someone whom is passionate about their interests. I share many of your videos with my parents (15kW, grid tied, Annual Net Metering, SE Michigan). I really appreciate your data driven approach and explanation. I find myself needing to watch more than once because I don't entirely speak (solar). Thanks for running these experiments and sharing. If knew about your videos years ago we could have saved them a lot of money.
This is an exceptionally well-made video. Your data mining and logical presentation made this topic crystal clear to understand. I recognize that net-metering is a very real consideration for anyone trying to decide if solar will work for them...and that is a huge problem. The availability of net-metering, or lack thereof, is often THE deciding factor in whether or not someone installs a solar array. They aren't doing it to reduce carbon emissions or, perhaps, "save the world" by getting their power from some place other than fossil fuels. When someone goes with a grid-tied system and intentionally avoids getting any kind of battery backup, because they can rely on net-metering to still provide a reasonable ROI, what they are effectively saying is this is a financial decision above all else. It is this notion of "ROI" that undermines the adoption of solar, with net-metering specifics contributing to that problem. There is never a wrong time to do the right thing. If there is a cost to doing the right thing, then so be it. What net metering does is put more of that cost on the companies that generate and distribute electricity, which they pass on to customers who cannot install, or afford to install, solar. This limits how effectively each installation actually improves grid stability and also limits just how much of a reduction in greenhouse gases we actually see. More than anything, net-metering contributes to the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer...and this is coming from someone with solar AND batteries installed.
Thanks for your thoughts. I believe net metering is the mechanism through which many people who could not afford batteries are able to start a solar system. Later, expansion into battery storage can be made. However, it is possible that future utility scale storage will be much more efficient and cost effective than individual installations making grid tied systems a more balanced solution in the future than can be achieved by a multitude of oversized and underutilized off grid systems.
@@ProjectsWithDave Where it is available, net-metering benefits those with means, at the expense of those who cannot take advantage of it. What if, instead of net-metering, all surplus power your system created went to lower the cost of electricity for those less fortunate? Could we reduce greenhouse emissions AND narrow the gap of income inequality? If that is going too far, I think the middle ground is fair to both sides. If neither the wealthy nor the poor are impacted, either way, by net-metering, I could live with that...especially since it's really supposed to be all about reversing or slowing climate change.
Another good video! Very practical and down-to-earth approach. People from other regions also can understand gain a lot of understanding from your videos as the ideas are universal.
Find More information for this project and others on my website: projectswithdave.com Additional Helpful Solar Videos: Full DIY Solar System Install: ua-cam.com/video/_xA6qOwnYbM/v-deo.html One Year Performance Review: ua-cam.com/video/BatTeSq05rU/v-deo.html How Much Did This System Cost?: ua-cam.com/video/PNTO83FvaL4/v-deo.html Planning Your Solar Array Episode 1: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html 4 Things to Know About Solar in the Snow: ua-cam.com/video/vY3PufzPUnI/v-deo.html Ground Vs Roof Mount Solar: ua-cam.com/video/w-iS_8e7n60/v-deo.html How to Get A Permit For Your Solar System: ua-cam.com/video/imiEYDHLG4A/v-deo.html 3 Solar System Wiring Issues Resolved: ua-cam.com/video/i7vHEHB3a-M/v-deo.html
In Finland we have had for years so called remotely readable meters (2G/3G...) so power company can have live data and we have also access to that data. In my Grid-tie solar system has it own cloud based system that shows my solar production and my power usage in real time, with lifetime history also. It is very useful! I even got own info display only for that in my home.
That's great! I have a similar system, it is great for analyzing performance over time. I wouldn't be able to share nearly as much information without it.
I live in Maine and this state still has 1:1 net metering so I just applied for my permit for a 9.2 kw system with my local power co. I can’t afford the project this year but now I’m grandfathered in case the state changes its metering plan …….look what California did!
Fascinating data. The utility where we live only buys power from us at ‘wholesale’ rate which is roughly 50% of our purchase rate. In our case it’s far more economical to go with battery and thermal storage.
@@ProjectsWithDave Correct. The difference gained with the battery is just enough to break even. But the battery has added value in its ability to serve as a UPS for critical loads.
In my area the grid companies pay so low rates that it is not worth it to install the extra stuff to sell a little back to the grid. F.ex. they stop paying you when the 0,- level for the bill this month is reached. So, I went for Growatts in a 3-phase parallel setup and no sellback. Perfect for my use, I am mainly looking to reduce the grid cost as much as possible, aka supply my own solar/battery.
Thank you for the great info Dave! I'm currently evaluating if solar would make sense for my home. The city that I live in does net metering. What questions would you suggest asking my utilities company to figure out the numbers? My rate is 0.11 kwh. Thanks again!
Ask for the net metering terms, and you can also ask for some example billing data for other users on your utility. My utility provided me with one year performance and billing data for systems similar to the one I was installing. There is some more useful steps in my video on getting your permit you can watch here: ua-cam.com/video/imiEYDHLG4A/v-deo.html And also in my video on sizing your array here: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
Thanks for your great content. Very well explained, so well you have me interested in a grid tie system. I did the web easy calculator with my sun aray and I am just consuming to much Klw per month. On average 5500klw per month and it would not make sense for the amount of panels even at 50% coverage. I would need 56x 500wat panels to cover half my monthly cost so that would not make any sense for the cost of only the panels would be 25k give or take and thats not including the rest of the build. It would take me endless years to even break even.
I have considered doing an overview of the systems and it's performance, but you are the first person to ask about that and these videos take a lot of time to make. I've had some issues with getting it to run properly, mainly do to the way the pond loop was built, that I think would be helpful for people to understand. If I were to make a video on the topic, what things would you want covered? Thanks!
I definitely would be interested in one of your thorough overviews on your geothermal system. I’m considering a geothermal heat pump replacement for our existing regular heat pump when that time comes. Ours would be an in ground slinky loop, but I’d still love to see your details on the pond system and energy use, and how you planned it with your solar system as I’m looking to have both solar and geothermal. Your details would be very helpful.
How big would you need to overbuild your solar system to break even and not have any power bill? Earn enough net metering credits during the day to run your house and run it at night on credits from the grid. I'm trying to figure this out for a house that is about 1500 sqf in Florida. I've heard battery backup isn't capable of running AC at night along with everything else unless you had a ton of them which is expensive. I'm thinking it might be better to overbuild the amount of solar panels and use the net metering credits instead and just have a battery for emergency situations like when the grid goes down.
From a cost stand point, overbuilding the system and balancing the net metering is likely to be the cheaper solution. You would need to make a spreadsheet and calculate each month individually to find your breakeven point.
@@ProjectsWithDave I live in the UK. So for around 70 days of the year there is hardly any sun, and the sun hours are lower. I believe it's April till October are peak time. I'm building the system currently. Our average power per hour is between 220w and 500w. So technically I don't need a big system but still have to have grid power. So it's more a off setting. Our power cost is 3.5 times more than you.
it still baffles my mind you (general USA) in one day use roughly the amount of power I (europe) use in a week. All things are relative I guess. Love to see the data though.
It would be great if you did the same calculations for a battery system. Maybe for a few different size battery banks. That way we could determine the proper size battery bank yo maximize our savings.
Dave made the assumption that over-production credited back at the same rate you pay. I would think this is not typical? I'm in Missouri. Credit back is at "wholesale" rate of $0.04/kwh - and that gets applied to taxes and fees. Plus, Evergy (energy company) has minimum $11 monthly active account fee. Does anyone have more like this setup or do you have more 1-to-1 net metering credit like Dave?
Even though they only pay $0.03/kWh you still have a significant advantage with yearly net metering. With this advantage you can employ a larger system that is equivalent to your yearly average instead limiting yourself to monthly max production levels.
Hi Dave. Do you do any consulting work for these types of systems? I've watched your videos and feel like this project is just shy of my skill level, but with a little help and coordination could get done easily. I also suspect that prices have come down since you installed your system, further increasing my interest in getting something like this installed. Come down to Florida and help me go green? What's your fee schedule look like?
Erik, I would love to do that, but I have a full time job, I just do this in my spare time to support the community. Maybe some day I'll set up a Patreon account and get the funding to support people more full time, but for now, all I can offer is my videos. Thanks for watching! Good luck on your install, I'm sure you can do it. : )
Great Video ! We've recently moved into an house with 25 solar panels and we use the Enlighten App to monitor the panels. I'm currently struggling to understand why the App says I produce roughly 1.3 mwh per billing period but my electric company say I only produced around 500 kwh. Any ideas as to what is going on would greatly help.
Yes, I think I can help. Your solar app is measuring the output from your inverter so it captures all the production. The utility company can only measure what you back-feed to the grid. This is the "net" production (net=production-consumption). When your consumption is greater than your production the utility company sees 0kWh's of production. Then on a sunny day at noon when your AC isn't running your utility company sees an overproduction at your location feed back through the meter. Hope that helps.
It is a meter load center combination unit. It was a regular meter setup until the utility swapped the meter itself for a net-metering version. Yes, I did all the wiring on the load center side where the breakers are installed. Thanks.
Ohio, but the most important piece of information is where you live. The rates and net metering rules are all dependent on your locality and utility, I use my actual situation as reference. Thanks!
@@ProjectsWithDave I think you missed the point of my comment. I know where I live but no one watching your video knows where you are. If you are going to start stating a lot of details about rules and regulations you need to give your location. The internet is a lot bigger than your state/country.
Dave, great video! I am also in Ohio and am planning a home solar project. May I ask if you are still able to use net metering on a monthly basis in 2024? I heard changes are coming to ohio that would limit it (similar to california). Also, do you get credit only for the "generation" fees and still get charged "transmission" fees for the nighttime energy you get back? Thanks!
Right now in Ohio it depends on your utility. Mine is still net metering by the month. My base connection fee is higher because I have solar. I get $0.06/kWh for overproduction up to a limited amount. With my latest expansions I am able to cover the connection fee with my over production most months and sometimes carry a surplus credit that can be applied to my December/January bills which I still can't cover with solar.
@ProjectsWithDave thanks! So since you get $0.06/kwh for excess generation, does that mean that you are paying about $0.09/kwh ($0.15-$0.06) for energy you consume when the sun isn't out if you have already have a positive monthly balance with the grid provider?
What rate do you sell the electricity to the utility and what do you pay when you buy it? Consider the time of day. Also, is there any advantage to installing a larger than needed system from an economics point of view?
Time of day is not a factor for me. Production in the month is the net result. I pay about $0.14/kWh if I use more than I produce. If I produce more than I use for the month I get $0.04/kWh but only up to 20% overproduction. That is why in my situation it does not pay to overproduce, that would make it take much longer to pay off my system. I explain that more in this video on sizing your solar array: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
What states have a 1 for 1 credit for NEM ? Also has Virginia changed the size of the maximum system to 20Khw before stand by chargers? Thank you for the help.
Senior, greetings 🖖, my question is simply this, after installing a PV system on my casa, do I have to change my retail electric provider if they have no solar buy back program and will my smart meter slow down or stop if the PV system is creating more than I use. The “net metering” retail electric providers in TEXAS charge crazy money 💰 for kWh . Please advise
You need to talk to you electric provider about what your options are. In general, if you don't have a net metering agreement with the utility, you will just be giving them "free" power when you produce more than you consume.
Ok, so dumb question. What if I just want to reduce electric usage? That is, I will never, at any time, gen more than I need. So I would never sell back to the grid. It still OFFSETs the usage, correct? If I generate 0.5 kWhr but my home consumes 3 kWhr (for that particular day), then I will only be charged for 2.5 kWhrs (for that day)?
Net metering is rapidly disappearing across the country. There is a lot of focus on the net of grid tied systems, but grid tied systems are either being eliminated completely or the pay back substantially being reduced. Solar hopefully becomes more affordable so the payback is still within 6 years or so without net metering.
Question here🤞🏻👍🏻 My solar system is installed The power company says their “Net meters” are on back order for 6 months. Can I still operate my solar panels WITHOUT a net meter and if so, what are the possible problems? Please help 🤷🏼♂️
I suggest you ask your power company if there is any impact to the meter. In my experience if you run your system without the "net meter" installed you will only reap the benefit of the power you consume as it is being produced. For instance, if you are producing 7,000W but your house is only consuming 5,000W, then you are giving the utility 2,000W for free since the meter can only measure in one direction and you can't store the extra power. In that case, it makes sense to do all your high power activities in the middle of the day. Hope that helps.
How did you need to buy 50kW on July 11th when it wasn't even hot? Im not being nosey or critical, Im trying to understand how to best size my system. TY.
I don't recall what happened that day, however, there are 5 people in my home. We may have done several loads of laundry, baked cupcakes all day, and taken 5 showers. Those are all very high loads and could very likely have all happened on the same day. My results are just a reference point for you. Hopefully you can download your data from your utility to understand your particular situation. If not, I suggest getting a monitor to track the data like this one: amzn.to/40zUc3u
@@ProjectsWithDave That detail in the video and your answer raises an important point. Ive been looking at my monthly averages, but I also have to factor in the "high" days and plan accordingly. TY
The "high" consumption days and the "low" production days can be dramatic. When connected to the grid we pay very little attention to those very critical details.
I have geothermal and it was included in my planning. I planned to be able to charge an electric car (See this video on my solar charger: ua-cam.com/video/U2ilH8yOi7A/v-deo.html ), but I didn't plan for the extra capacity to cover it. You can see how I sized my array in this video: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
I am currently designing a system for a property we're buying in Missouri. The state net metering legislation from 2007 states that over production (net excess generation NEG) during a billing period (monthly) is credited to the customer's bill at a rate *at least equivalent [to] the utility's _avoided cost rate_*. Another detail is that net metering is only available until the net-metered systems equal 5% of the utility's single-hour peak load during the previous year. I can't find numbers which let me see whether the amount of connected systems are at or approaching that 5% number. The legislation doesn't clearly state what happens if that 5% is met/exceeded. Does it mean no additional net-metering connections will be allowed or does it mean all existing systems will start to get prorated? Currently, it looks like the avoided cost rate (i.e. cost of production) is around $0.04 while the average retail rate is somewhere in the $0.13 range.
I had to clarify very similar questions when I was designing my system. I contacted the engineer at the utility I was connecting to. I asked them for example production and billing data for existing systems on their network. They provided it to me, without the names of course. It was very helpful in understanding the actual billing transaction situation in my location with my utility. Give that a shot.
Adding battery storage could eliminate pulling from the grid at night on days where daytime production exceeded the 24hr consumption. However, that would only be helpful if my utility provided no net metering. Since I have net metering by the month, the grid acts like a "month size" battery bank for me. So in my case battery storage provides no economic advantage. Hope that helps. Thanks!
Most states charge a net metering fee and some have increased that significantly. Charge controller, batteries, and zero export inverter can avoid this fee.
You use a lot of electricity. We have AC and a pool, the most we ever use in the summer is about 40 kwh. Winter we use about 10-15 kwh per day. We have a 5kw system and are a net producer. We end up making about $300/yr in profit for our true up at the end of each year.
That's great! Sounds like your house is not all electric, or you live in a warmer climate. That's why it is important to know your actual consumption before installing a system.
What makes net metering a joke is by law when the power goes down your solar system goes down. So that's why I don't participate in Net Metering. I invested in enough batteries to get me through the night. They've also implemented a $25. Minimum electric bill so I am adding a couple of circuits back to the grid side of my system so I can use as close to $25 as possible. The zoning in my city says that you have to be hooked to the grid or your property is considered abandoned and uninhabitable.
Requiring grid connection would be highly frustrating.... I currently have a small battery backup system that can also be charged by a generator for emergencies. You can see the setup here: ua-cam.com/video/BzMAW8kW0CU/v-deo.html
i have been looking into solar systems and found that the added expense of net metering equipment is a factor that never gets talker about. Also i dont like the fact that if the grid goes down then my production stops(this is not the case in all areas but seems to be common) and i am without power even though i have a power plant that could be providing me power. I have decided to go with a system that uses my panels, my batteries my inverters and my outlets to provide me with power. If and when my system cannot provide power then it transfers to the grid to provide what i need. No fees for extra meters, or having solar and batteries. I have paid for my system up front and will add to it as i get the funds. I also look at my system as an investment, money in the bank gets almost zero interest. Money in my system pays me a monthly dividend that goes into an account to purchase more to add to my system.......
Sound like you have a plan. I started with a grid tie system because it is the fastest way to pay off my equipment. Now I am using the savings to pay for expansion into battery backup solutions.
Your house is consuming a huge amount of power , I think ours uses about 10kw/hrs a day in the summer. What are you doing in there? The good thing is you're using 100% of the power you produce because of this net meter , in the UK you can't use that , no reasonable FIT (£0.05/unit) and they charge us £0.30/unit (6x as much)....crazy
@@ProjectsWithDave Yeah, we're looking to install a hydro system on our fish farm , it'll produce 9kw 24/7 356 but the best I've been offered by my electricity provider Scottish Power is £0.05p /kwhr and the same company will be charging me £0.32p to buy it . Something needs to change quickly in the UK , 10 years ago they were offering £0.45p for solar whether you used it or not.
Subsidies by their very nature can't last forever. It's always best when technologies can stand on their own. Assuming you have a consistent source, the nice thing about Hydro is you would have a very reliable constant output. Much easier to utilize than solar.
Thank you for describing how you are a SOLAR RACKETEER! You use the services of the utility and don't pay for them. You foist power onto the utility whether the utility can use it or not ---and then compel the utility to supply you with power regardless of the cost to the utility. Your neighbors and businesses have to make up the costs you don't pay ---raising their rates. Your design your system to get the maximum personal advantage. Yet the utility isn't allowed to do the same thing --- they HAVE to take your power whether they can use it or not.
Thanks for your thoughts on the topic. Maybe your statements are accurate in some locations, however, my situation is different in the following ways: 1) I am part of an electric co-op. The policies are managed by the user/owners of the co-op. They don't have to take any power from me, the contracts for production are all individually negotiated. 2) I pay an additional fee each month to be able to feed solar power back to the grid. 3) If I overproduce, the utility only pays $0.06/kWh which is a very low rate for power. 4) My utility has regular "Peak Alert" notifications when the utility is struggling to meet the demand. During this time they use radio controlled devices to turn off water heaters. This is usually the time when I am producing the most power which would be a significant help to the supply and demand issue. 5) If there is a time when the relationship is not mutually beneficial, I'm sure the terms will change. In some places there is a surplus of solar power and the energy rates actually go negative. We don't have that situation where I live at this time at least. I hope that helps. Thanks!
The is that some states are looking at penalties for having solar up here in Alberta Canada we have net metering on only the energy portion so that means that to stay grid tied we still have 180$ dollars of grid and municipal fees as well as billing fees so at 40 $ per month savings by the time a system is paid for it is lucky to have paid for it self the only way is to go low budget solar ie 110 volt under a grand fortunately I found utube other wise I would have listened to the glowing reviews of preppers who only care is that it works when bought not wether it last or if it eats batteries so you're buying new ones every 12 to 14 months or if you run out of power every other day you need true net metering where if you produce more than you use they pay you money but very few places have that and the one's that did are changing soon the only way solar will be worth it is non grid tied
Yes, if you want a system to pay itself off in a reasonable amount of time you need grid tie with net metering, and there is always a risk in the areas that have net metering that it will go away at some point. That's why I am always shooting towards the shortest payback time I can get.
If I don’t get a check from electric company every month it’s not worth going grid tide . Some electric companies just take it off the bill but you still pay a surcharge for outing electric back on Off grid is the best and make your own power company Get your neighbors to hook to you and you charge them . Lol only if it’s family I power 3 houses and 2 barns 3 sheds A pool Hot tub Well pumps Etc
Payoff??? Point of solar no bills you paid it off when you bought it. My bill for electric was average 300 a month 72,000 in 20 years That enough money to power your own community So I paid out and got mine .
its not worth me to go net mettering due to the extremely low buy back and cap of 130 percent of power usage. 3 cents per kw feed back and 18 cents per kw bought. math dosent math. but alows for a smaller system.
Don’t understand waisted ???? You use what you use If you don’t you don’t It’s not really waisted If that’s the case people waist all the time if your not using the sun’s energy
Yes, in retrospect it would have made the array a little larger, but I was trying to be conservative with my initial investment. I was trying to make sure I had the best chance for a quick payback of the system. You can see the logic I used in this video on Sizing Your Solar Panel System: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
Without batteries you only have an illusion of an infinite battery. All the state has to do is change the laws that regulate either you or your utility and you can be profoundly impacted. It would seem that it would be far better to divorce totally from the grid and eliminate your bill altogether rather than going into debt to halfway participate in alternative energy production.
That may be true, but if you can't afford batteries, I think it's better to participate at some level than not at all. That's one of the reasons I targeted a six year payback, it lowers the risk of something changing to impact my return on investment. And it is also the reason I didn't borrow money to pay for the system.
I'm installing solar only. When the law changes, I'll get the batteries installed later. If the law doesn't change, I won't buy the batteries. It's nice to have the flexibility of doing the system in two parts versus all or nothing.
@ProjectsWithDave Yeah that's true and something to consider. Though if you have any type of power outages your system fails to produce any power for you or the grid until the power comes back on. I guess you would have to consider how many times your power goes out and for how long. Mine goes out frequently for hours to some times days.
Helpful and easily understood explanation. Thank you Dave.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Great info as always, Dave. Thanks for doing the legwork for those of us trying to get started. Much appreciated.
Very welcome!
Thank you so much Dave. I really love your videos and enjoy learning from someone whom is passionate about their interests. I share many of your videos with my parents (15kW, grid tied, Annual Net Metering, SE Michigan). I really appreciate your data driven approach and explanation. I find myself needing to watch more than once because I don't entirely speak (solar). Thanks for running these experiments and sharing. If knew about your videos years ago we could have saved them a lot of money.
I appreciate that! If I can help others do a better job than I did on my first attempt its all worth it. Plus it's a lot of fun! : )
This is an exceptionally well-made video. Your data mining and logical presentation made this topic crystal clear to understand. I recognize that net-metering is a very real consideration for anyone trying to decide if solar will work for them...and that is a huge problem. The availability of net-metering, or lack thereof, is often THE deciding factor in whether or not someone installs a solar array. They aren't doing it to reduce carbon emissions or, perhaps, "save the world" by getting their power from some place other than fossil fuels. When someone goes with a grid-tied system and intentionally avoids getting any kind of battery backup, because they can rely on net-metering to still provide a reasonable ROI, what they are effectively saying is this is a financial decision above all else. It is this notion of "ROI" that undermines the adoption of solar, with net-metering specifics contributing to that problem. There is never a wrong time to do the right thing. If there is a cost to doing the right thing, then so be it. What net metering does is put more of that cost on the companies that generate and distribute electricity, which they pass on to customers who cannot install, or afford to install, solar. This limits how effectively each installation actually improves grid stability and also limits just how much of a reduction in greenhouse gases we actually see. More than anything, net-metering contributes to the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer...and this is coming from someone with solar AND batteries installed.
Thanks for your thoughts. I believe net metering is the mechanism through which many people who could not afford batteries are able to start a solar system. Later, expansion into battery storage can be made. However, it is possible that future utility scale storage will be much more efficient and cost effective than individual installations making grid tied systems a more balanced solution in the future than can be achieved by a multitude of oversized and underutilized off grid systems.
@@ProjectsWithDave Where it is available, net-metering benefits those with means, at the expense of those who cannot take advantage of it. What if, instead of net-metering, all surplus power your system created went to lower the cost of electricity for those less fortunate? Could we reduce greenhouse emissions AND narrow the gap of income inequality? If that is going too far, I think the middle ground is fair to both sides. If neither the wealthy nor the poor are impacted, either way, by net-metering, I could live with that...especially since it's really supposed to be all about reversing or slowing climate change.
Great video, your videos are so clear and helpful for anyone to follow!
Thanks! Glad you like them!
Another good video! Very practical and down-to-earth approach. People from other regions also can understand gain a lot of understanding from your videos as the ideas are universal.
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!
Learned a ton today, this will definitely change how I build my System.
Great! Glad it was helpful!
Good show. Good comments below also. Thanks again.
The DSIRE link is very helpful to understand your state’s solar grid tie policies.
Find More information for this project and others on my website: projectswithdave.com
Additional Helpful Solar Videos:
Full DIY Solar System Install: ua-cam.com/video/_xA6qOwnYbM/v-deo.html
One Year Performance Review: ua-cam.com/video/BatTeSq05rU/v-deo.html
How Much Did This System Cost?: ua-cam.com/video/PNTO83FvaL4/v-deo.html
Planning Your Solar Array Episode 1: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
4 Things to Know About Solar in the Snow: ua-cam.com/video/vY3PufzPUnI/v-deo.html
Ground Vs Roof Mount Solar: ua-cam.com/video/w-iS_8e7n60/v-deo.html
How to Get A Permit For Your Solar System: ua-cam.com/video/imiEYDHLG4A/v-deo.html
3 Solar System Wiring Issues Resolved: ua-cam.com/video/i7vHEHB3a-M/v-deo.html
In Finland we have had for years so called remotely readable meters (2G/3G...) so power company can have live data and we have also access to that data. In my Grid-tie solar system has it own cloud based system that shows my solar production and my power usage in real time, with lifetime history also. It is very useful! I even got own info display only for that in my home.
That's great! I have a similar system, it is great for analyzing performance over time. I wouldn't be able to share nearly as much information without it.
It is incredible how har behind we are with this and other technology in North America
I live in Maine and this state still has 1:1 net metering so I just applied for my permit for a 9.2 kw system with my local power co. I can’t afford the project this year but now I’m grandfathered in case the state changes its metering plan …….look what California did!
Nice!
What did California do?
Fantastic video!! Thanks for sharing all the details
I'm glad it was helpful!
Fascinating data. The utility where we live only buys power from us at ‘wholesale’ rate which is roughly 50% of our purchase rate. In our case it’s far more economical to go with battery and thermal storage.
I'm guessing it's still more expensive to use batteries. Did you run the numbers?
@@ProjectsWithDave Correct. The difference gained with the battery is just enough to break even. But the battery has added value in its ability to serve as a UPS for critical loads.
Nice way to justify the added value of having the UPS.
In my area the grid companies pay so low rates that it is not worth it to install the extra stuff to sell a little back to the grid. F.ex. they stop paying you when the 0,- level for the bill this month is reached. So, I went for Growatts in a 3-phase parallel setup and no sellback. Perfect for my use, I am mainly looking to reduce the grid cost as much as possible, aka supply my own solar/battery.
Nice! It sounds like you analyzed the value proposition for your particular circumstances. There's no one-size-fits-all solution for solar.
thanks for the info !!!
Great content sir very informative. Thx Dave
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it
HOWdy P-W-E-D,
Thanks
COOP
...
35 degrees in April wow
It’s in 60’s to 80’s here
Thank you for the great info Dave! I'm currently evaluating if solar would make sense for my home. The city that I live in does net metering. What questions would you suggest asking my utilities company to figure out the numbers? My rate is 0.11 kwh. Thanks again!
Ask for the net metering terms, and you can also ask for some example billing data for other users on your utility. My utility provided me with one year performance and billing data for systems similar to the one I was installing. There is some more useful steps in my video on getting your permit you can watch here: ua-cam.com/video/imiEYDHLG4A/v-deo.html
And also in my video on sizing your array here: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
Thanks for your great content. Very well explained, so well you have me interested in a grid tie system. I did the web easy calculator with my sun aray and I am just consuming to much Klw per month. On average 5500klw per month and it would not make sense for the amount of panels even at 50% coverage. I would need 56x 500wat panels to cover half my monthly cost so that would not make any sense for the cost of only the panels would be 25k give or take and thats not including the rest of the build. It would take me endless years to even break even.
Thanks! You're right, a grid tie system lets you go solar with a portion of your needs and then expand later when it makes financial sense.
Do you have any video or pictures of the geo thermal heat? I love the videos they help a bunch.
I have considered doing an overview of the systems and it's performance, but you are the first person to ask about that and these videos take a lot of time to make. I've had some issues with getting it to run properly, mainly do to the way the pond loop was built, that I think would be helpful for people to understand. If I were to make a video on the topic, what things would you want covered? Thanks!
I definitely would be interested in one of your thorough overviews on your geothermal system. I’m considering a geothermal heat pump replacement for our existing regular heat pump when that time comes. Ours would be an in ground slinky loop, but I’d still love to see your details on the pond system and energy use, and how you planned it with your solar system as I’m looking to have both solar and geothermal. Your details would be very helpful.
How big would you need to overbuild your solar system to break even and not have any power bill? Earn enough net metering credits during the day to run your house and run it at night on credits from the grid. I'm trying to figure this out for a house that is about 1500 sqf in Florida. I've heard battery backup isn't capable of running AC at night along with everything else unless you had a ton of them which is expensive. I'm thinking it might be better to overbuild the amount of solar panels and use the net metering credits instead and just have a battery for emergency situations like when the grid goes down.
From a cost stand point, overbuilding the system and balancing the net metering is likely to be the cheaper solution. You would need to make a spreadsheet and calculate each month individually to find your breakeven point.
WOW thats one hell of a lot of power being used there. We use around a 6th of what you do. 8-12Kwh per day
Nice! You will be able to cover a significant portion of your power with a much smaller initial investment.
@@ProjectsWithDave I live in the UK. So for around 70 days of the year there is hardly any sun, and the sun hours are lower. I believe it's April till October are peak time.
I'm building the system currently. Our average power per hour is between 220w and 500w. So technically I don't need a big system but still have to have grid power.
So it's more a off setting. Our power cost is 3.5 times more than you.
Thanks for sharing your system info. High electricity prices will result in a quicker payback for your system. : )
Same here. In the hot months (with AC on a few hours) I use about 8kWh per day.
Right now, with no AC needed, I use only 4-5kWh per day.
it still baffles my mind you (general USA) in one day use roughly the amount of power I (europe) use in a week. All things are relative I guess. Love to see the data though.
It would be great if you did the same calculations for a battery system. Maybe for a few different size battery banks. That way we could determine the proper size battery bank yo maximize our savings.
I have been doing more research and testing on battery systems and will get there eventually.
Dave made the assumption that over-production credited back at the same rate you pay. I would think this is not typical? I'm in Missouri. Credit back is at "wholesale" rate of $0.04/kwh - and that gets applied to taxes and fees. Plus, Evergy (energy company) has minimum $11 monthly active account fee. Does anyone have more like this setup or do you have more 1-to-1 net metering credit like Dave?
If you assume 1:1 net metering, what is the ideal solar offset for an annual net zero? Is that the right question, are there other factors?
I go through sever factor to consider in this video on sizing your solar array for a grid tie solution: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
My utility has yearly net metering but it still doesn’t seem to pay to have too much solar because they only pay out $.03 per kWh.
Even though they only pay $0.03/kWh you still have a significant advantage with yearly net metering. With this advantage you can employ a larger system that is equivalent to your yearly average instead limiting yourself to monthly max production levels.
Hi Dave. Do you do any consulting work for these types of systems? I've watched your videos and feel like this project is just shy of my skill level, but with a little help and coordination could get done easily. I also suspect that prices have come down since you installed your system, further increasing my interest in getting something like this installed. Come down to Florida and help me go green? What's your fee schedule look like?
Erik, I would love to do that, but I have a full time job, I just do this in my spare time to support the community. Maybe some day I'll set up a Patreon account and get the funding to support people more full time, but for now, all I can offer is my videos. Thanks for watching! Good luck on your install, I'm sure you can do it. : )
Great Video !
We've recently moved into an house with 25 solar panels and we use the Enlighten App to monitor the panels. I'm currently struggling to understand why the App says I produce roughly 1.3 mwh per billing period but my electric company say I only produced around 500 kwh. Any ideas as to what is going on would greatly help.
Yes, I think I can help. Your solar app is measuring the output from your inverter so it captures all the production. The utility company can only measure what you back-feed to the grid. This is the "net" production (net=production-consumption). When your consumption is greater than your production the utility company sees 0kWh's of production. Then on a sunny day at noon when your AC isn't running your utility company sees an overproduction at your location feed back through the meter. Hope that helps.
Dave this is an awesome video and very helpful but I have one question. Did you do any wiring on the net meter panel?
It is a meter load center combination unit. It was a regular meter setup until the utility swapped the meter itself for a net-metering version. Yes, I did all the wiring on the load center side where the breakers are installed. Thanks.
Here's a suggestion Dave, why not give the most important piece of information first. Where are you located!!
Ohio, but the most important piece of information is where you live. The rates and net metering rules are all dependent on your locality and utility, I use my actual situation as reference. Thanks!
@@ProjectsWithDave I think you missed the point of my comment. I know where I live but no one watching your video knows where you are. If you are going to start stating a lot of details about rules and regulations you need to give your location. The internet is a lot bigger than your state/country.
Dave, great video! I am also in Ohio and am planning a home solar project. May I ask if you are still able to use net metering on a monthly basis in 2024? I heard changes are coming to ohio that would limit it (similar to california). Also, do you get credit only for the "generation" fees and still get charged "transmission" fees for the nighttime energy you get back? Thanks!
Right now in Ohio it depends on your utility. Mine is still net metering by the month. My base connection fee is higher because I have solar. I get $0.06/kWh for overproduction up to a limited amount. With my latest expansions I am able to cover the connection fee with my over production most months and sometimes carry a surplus credit that can be applied to my December/January bills which I still can't cover with solar.
@ProjectsWithDave thanks! So since you get $0.06/kwh for excess generation, does that mean that you are paying about $0.09/kwh ($0.15-$0.06) for energy you consume when the sun isn't out if you have already have a positive monthly balance with the grid provider?
What rate do you sell the electricity to the utility and what do you pay when you buy it? Consider the time of day. Also, is there any advantage to installing a larger than needed system from an economics point of view?
Time of day is not a factor for me. Production in the month is the net result. I pay about $0.14/kWh if I use more than I produce. If I produce more than I use for the month I get $0.04/kWh but only up to 20% overproduction. That is why in my situation it does not pay to overproduce, that would make it take much longer to pay off my system. I explain that more in this video on sizing your solar array: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
What states have a 1 for 1 credit for NEM ? Also has Virginia changed the size of the maximum system to 20Khw before stand by chargers? Thank you for the help.
The best resource I have found for state by state information is here: www.dsireusa.org/
Yes 👍⚡🔋💡
Senior, greetings 🖖, my question is simply this, after installing a PV system on my casa, do I have to change my retail electric provider if they have no solar buy back program and will my smart meter slow down or stop if the PV system is creating more than I use. The “net metering” retail electric providers in TEXAS charge crazy money 💰 for kWh . Please advise
You need to talk to you electric provider about what your options are. In general, if you don't have a net metering agreement with the utility, you will just be giving them "free" power when you produce more than you consume.
Ok, so dumb question.
What if I just want to reduce electric usage? That is, I will never, at any time, gen more than I need. So I would never sell back to the grid. It still OFFSETs the usage, correct?
If I generate 0.5 kWhr but my home consumes 3 kWhr (for that particular day), then I will only be charged for 2.5 kWhrs (for that day)?
Yes, with a typical net metering agreement, that is how it works.
Metering by hour?
Net metering is rapidly disappearing across the country. There is a lot of focus on the net of grid tied systems, but grid tied systems are either being eliminated completely or the pay back substantially being reduced. Solar hopefully becomes more affordable so the payback is still within 6 years or so without net metering.
That's a good reason to target a short payback period.
Question here🤞🏻👍🏻
My solar system is installed
The power company says their
“Net meters” are on back order for 6 months. Can I still operate my solar panels WITHOUT a net meter and if so, what are the possible problems? Please help 🤷🏼♂️
I suggest you ask your power company if there is any impact to the meter. In my experience if you run your system without the "net meter" installed you will only reap the benefit of the power you consume as it is being produced. For instance, if you are producing 7,000W but your house is only consuming 5,000W, then you are giving the utility 2,000W for free since the meter can only measure in one direction and you can't store the extra power. In that case, it makes sense to do all your high power activities in the middle of the day. Hope that helps.
How did you need to buy 50kW on July 11th when it wasn't even hot?
Im not being nosey or critical, Im trying to understand how to best size my system. TY.
I don't recall what happened that day, however, there are 5 people in my home. We may have done several loads of laundry, baked cupcakes all day, and taken 5 showers. Those are all very high loads and could very likely have all happened on the same day. My results are just a reference point for you. Hopefully you can download your data from your utility to understand your particular situation. If not, I suggest getting a monitor to track the data like this one: amzn.to/40zUc3u
@@ProjectsWithDave That detail in the video and your answer raises an important point. Ive been looking at my monthly averages, but I also have to factor in the "high" days and plan accordingly. TY
The "high" consumption days and the "low" production days can be dramatic. When connected to the grid we pay very little attention to those very critical details.
when you designed your system, was it for mainly static loads or did you forecast additional load like getting EVs or geothermal?
I have geothermal and it was included in my planning. I planned to be able to charge an electric car (See this video on my solar charger: ua-cam.com/video/U2ilH8yOi7A/v-deo.html ), but I didn't plan for the extra capacity to cover it. You can see how I sized my array in this video: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
I am currently designing a system for a property we're buying in Missouri. The state net metering legislation from 2007 states that over production (net excess generation NEG) during a billing period (monthly) is credited to the customer's bill at a rate *at least equivalent [to] the utility's _avoided cost rate_*. Another detail is that net metering is only available until the net-metered systems equal 5% of the utility's single-hour peak load during the previous year. I can't find numbers which let me see whether the amount of connected systems are at or approaching that 5% number. The legislation doesn't clearly state what happens if that 5% is met/exceeded. Does it mean no additional net-metering connections will be allowed or does it mean all existing systems will start to get prorated? Currently, it looks like the avoided cost rate (i.e. cost of production) is around $0.04 while the average retail rate is somewhere in the $0.13 range.
I had to clarify very similar questions when I was designing my system. I contacted the engineer at the utility I was connecting to. I asked them for example production and billing data for existing systems on their network. They provided it to me, without the names of course. It was very helpful in understanding the actual billing transaction situation in my location with my utility. Give that a shot.
How much different would it be if you had batteries? Would that eliminate pulling from the grid at night?
Adding battery storage could eliminate pulling from the grid at night on days where daytime production exceeded the 24hr consumption. However, that would only be helpful if my utility provided no net metering. Since I have net metering by the month, the grid acts like a "month size" battery bank for me. So in my case battery storage provides no economic advantage. Hope that helps. Thanks!
Most states charge a net metering fee and some have increased that significantly. Charge controller, batteries, and zero export inverter can avoid this fee.
Hi Dave are you in Canada or US?
United States - Ohio
You use a lot of electricity. We have AC and a pool, the most we ever use in the summer is about 40 kwh. Winter we use about 10-15 kwh per day. We have a 5kw system and are a net producer. We end up making about $300/yr in profit for our true up at the end of each year.
That's great! Sounds like your house is not all electric, or you live in a warmer climate. That's why it is important to know your actual consumption before installing a system.
What makes net metering a joke is by law when the power goes down your solar system goes down. So that's why I don't participate in Net Metering. I invested in enough batteries to get me through the night. They've also implemented a $25. Minimum electric bill so I am adding a couple of circuits back to the grid side of my system so I can use as close to $25 as possible. The zoning in my city says that you have to be hooked to the grid or your property is considered abandoned and uninhabitable.
Requiring grid connection would be highly frustrating.... I currently have a small battery backup system that can also be charged by a generator for emergencies. You can see the setup here: ua-cam.com/video/BzMAW8kW0CU/v-deo.html
are you in illinois??
Ohio
i have been looking into solar systems and found that the added expense of net metering equipment is a factor that never gets talker about. Also i dont like the fact that if the grid goes down then my production stops(this is not the case in all areas but seems to be common) and i am without power even though i have a power plant that could be providing me power. I have decided to go with a system that uses my panels, my batteries my inverters and my outlets to provide me with power. If and when my system cannot provide power then it transfers to the grid to provide what i need. No fees for extra meters, or having solar and batteries. I have paid for my system up front and will add to it as i get the funds. I also look at my system as an investment, money in the bank gets almost zero interest. Money in my system pays me a monthly dividend that goes into an account to purchase more to add to my system.......
Sound like you have a plan. I started with a grid tie system because it is the fastest way to pay off my equipment. Now I am using the savings to pay for expansion into battery backup solutions.
Your house is consuming a huge amount of power , I think ours uses about 10kw/hrs a day in the summer. What are you doing in there? The good thing is you're using 100% of the power you produce because of this net meter , in the UK you can't use that , no reasonable FIT (£0.05/unit) and they charge us £0.30/unit (6x as much)....crazy
Wow, that's a big disparity! You would not want to over produce, or it will take much longer to pay off the equipment.
@@ProjectsWithDave Yeah, we're looking to install a hydro system on our fish farm , it'll produce 9kw 24/7 356 but the best I've been offered by my electricity provider Scottish Power is £0.05p /kwhr and the same company will be charging me £0.32p to buy it . Something needs to change quickly in the UK , 10 years ago they were offering £0.45p for solar whether you used it or not.
Subsidies by their very nature can't last forever. It's always best when technologies can stand on their own. Assuming you have a consistent source, the nice thing about Hydro is you would have a very reliable constant output. Much easier to utilize than solar.
Thank you for describing how you are a SOLAR RACKETEER!
You use the services of the utility and don't pay for them. You foist power onto the utility whether the utility can use it or not ---and then compel the utility to supply you with power regardless of the cost to the utility.
Your neighbors and businesses have to make up the costs you don't pay ---raising their rates.
Your design your system to get the maximum personal advantage. Yet the utility isn't allowed to do the same thing --- they HAVE to take your power whether they can use it or not.
Thanks for your thoughts on the topic. Maybe your statements are accurate in some locations, however, my situation is different in the following ways:
1) I am part of an electric co-op. The policies are managed by the user/owners of the co-op. They don't have to take any power from me, the contracts for production are all individually negotiated.
2) I pay an additional fee each month to be able to feed solar power back to the grid.
3) If I overproduce, the utility only pays $0.06/kWh which is a very low rate for power.
4) My utility has regular "Peak Alert" notifications when the utility is struggling to meet the demand. During this time they use radio controlled devices to turn off water heaters. This is usually the time when I am producing the most power which would be a significant help to the supply and demand issue.
5) If there is a time when the relationship is not mutually beneficial, I'm sure the terms will change. In some places there is a surplus of solar power and the energy rates actually go negative. We don't have that situation where I live at this time at least.
I hope that helps.
Thanks!
The is that some states are looking at penalties for having solar up here in Alberta Canada we have net metering on only the energy portion so that means that to stay grid tied we still have 180$ dollars of grid and municipal fees as well as billing fees so at 40 $ per month savings by the time a system is paid for it is lucky to have paid for it self the only way is to go low budget solar ie 110 volt under a grand fortunately I found utube other wise I would have listened to the glowing reviews of preppers who only care is that it works when bought not wether it last or if it eats batteries so you're buying new ones every 12 to 14 months or if you run out of power every other day you need true net metering where if you produce more than you use they pay you money but very few places have that and the one's that did are changing soon the only way solar will be worth it is non grid tied
Yes, if you want a system to pay itself off in a reasonable amount of time you need grid tie with net metering, and there is always a risk in the areas that have net metering that it will go away at some point. That's why I am always shooting towards the shortest payback time I can get.
Grid connect sucks. Mine run to a battery.
If I don’t get a check from electric company every month it’s not worth going grid tide .
Some electric companies just take it off the bill but you still pay a surcharge for outing electric back on
Off grid is the best and make your own power company
Get your neighbors to hook to you and you charge them .
Lol only if it’s family
I power 3 houses and 2 barns 3 sheds
A pool
Hot tub
Well pumps
Etc
That structure looks like it will fail in a small storm.
We have had storms with 60mph+ winds with no issues.
Payoff???
Point of solar no bills you paid it off when you bought it.
My bill for electric was average 300 a month
72,000 in 20 years
That enough money to power your own community
So I paid out and got mine .
its not worth me to go net mettering due to the extremely low buy back and cap of 130 percent of power usage. 3 cents per kw feed back and 18 cents per kw bought. math dosent math. but alows for a smaller system.
In your case it may only make sense to build a system that never overproduces. That will minimize your payback period.
Don’t understand waisted ????
You use what you use
If you don’t you don’t
It’s not really waisted
If that’s the case people waist all the time if your not using the sun’s energy
Having the capacity to produce power, with no ability to utilize it reduces the value of the equipment. That available power is "wasted."
3 out of 12 months you broke even. The other 9 months you bought power. I think you would be better off splitting it 6 and 6, instead of 9 and 3.
Yes, in retrospect it would have made the array a little larger, but I was trying to be conservative with my initial investment. I was trying to make sure I had the best chance for a quick payback of the system. You can see the logic I used in this video on Sizing Your Solar Panel System: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html