How can I prepare for rolling blackouts in my area? #
Installing home solar and a battery as a backup electricity supply is a smart way to prepare for rolling blackouts. Unpredictable outages emphasize the value of having solar for your household’s energy security and peace of mind.
Utility companies are increasingly implementing rolling blackouts, known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), to reduce risks during extreme weather conditions and wildfires. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) authorizes companies to de-energize the electric grid as a preventative measure to protect public safety and maintain the grid’s viability.
Blackouts now disrupt power to millions of Californians each year and, of course, extreme weather and power outages are not exclusive to the Golden State. Whether you are looking to power through a planned outage, winter storm, or hurricane, traditional fuel-powered generators are not a dependable solution for your emergency plan. An Off Grid Energy solar system and an Off Grid Energy battery system can safely and reliably power your home through an outage.
What is net metering? #
Net metering means that your utility will keep track of the solar power that you send into the grid when you are producing more than you’re using. In some months, you may run a credit for this extra power while in others you will need to buy grid power to meet the energy demands of your home.
What are energy credits? #
You receive energy credits from your utility company for the power you produce and don’t immediately use.* Your energy credits count towards any energy you get from the utility.
Most of the energy your panels produce is used right away. This energy does not appear on your utility bill because it never went to the grid. If you have a battery, the energy that it stores also does not appear on your utility bill.
*In Hawaii, the energy that solar homeowners produce is not sent to the grid so utility customers do not receive energy credits.
Will I get credits from my utility with Off Grid Energy? #
Yes, your system will be grid-tied and you’ll get credits from your utility when you’re an Off Grid Energy customer whether you choose to own your system or go solar through a lease or PPA. These energy credits come from a billing system called Net Energy Metering (NEM). Net metering means that your utility will keep track of the solar power that you send into the grid when you are producing more than you’re using. In some months, you may run a credit for this extra power while in others you will need to buy grid power to meet the energy demands of your home. The only exception to this is in Hawaii where net metering isn’t available.
What are tiered utility rates? #
Tiered utility rates are a structure in which the more electricity you use, the higher your rate gets. You are allowed a certain amount of power (kilowatt-hours) in each tier. Once you’ve exceeded the amount in the tier, you move into the next highest tier. The lower tier rates are affordable and the higher tier rates are very expensive.
When we customize your home solar system, we assess your energy needs to determine the number of solar panels you’ll need for your home. You’ll still be connected to the grid in case you need to source any extra energy. The goal with a solar system design will be to keep you in the lower tiers so you are only replacing the most expensive power with solar.
Not all utilities are created equal, and not all utilities have tiered utility rates. Contact one of our expert solar consultants to learn more about your utility rate structure and how solar can help you avoid paying for power when it is at its most expensive.
What is time of use (TOU)? #
Time of Use (TOU) electricity rates are set by your local utility. They vary by time of day: more expensive during periods of peak demand and less expensive during low demand periods. For instance, TOU rates would be higher during hot summer afternoons or nights when people tend to use their air conditioning more. Conversely, TOU rates would be lower during low-demand periods like the hours during your workday when you’re not home.
One way to minimize your costs is to adjust your electricity usage to cheaper times. But there’s an easier way. With an Off Grid Energy battery system and your own home backup energy management system, you can avoid the most expensive rates under a TOU rate structure.
Off Grid Energy battery system is programmed to store energy from the sun when your grid power is cheapest and then kick into power your home when it is most expensive. It’s an easy way to get even more out of your home solar system and the power that it generates.
