Solar PV System One year review with some data

[phreezee]

Just watched Planet of the Humans and thought of this thread.

[zechs]

@JustinL you linked to this thread elsewhere.

Do you have new calcs available based on current rates?

What were you paying for electricity back in 2020?

[JustinL]

Here you go @zechs I was half working on something else while I did this, so I might have made some mistakes, but the numbers look reasonable.
My current unloaded rate is about $.165 and loaded rate is about $.237. This is a lot higher than previously and I haven't really checked my bill to see when this shot up.
Total solar production is 29700 kWh
Of this I sold 18541
Meaning Solar I consumed is 11159
From the grid I also had to buy 24000
Total system time is 3.5 years

Approximate Annualized production: 8486
Sold: 5297 ($874)
Consumed: 3188 ($756 savings)
purchased: 6857 ($1625)
Value per year at current rate: $1630
Total Payback of my system if I could get it today with rebates: 8.5 years

[riander5]

And after you pay back your system, you are in the black how much each year? You now have free power essentially?

[Darkane]

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Here you go @zechs I was half working on something else while I did this, so I might have made some mistakes, but the numbers look reasonable.
My current unloaded rate is about $.165 and loaded rate is about $.237. This is a lot higher than previously and I haven't really checked my bill to see when this shot up.
Total solar production is 29700 kWh
Of this I sold 18541
Meaning Solar I consumed is 11159
From the grid I also had to buy 24000
Total system time is 3.5 years

Approximate Annualized production: 8486
Sold: 5297 ($874)
Consumed: 3188 ($756 savings)
purchased: 6857 ($1625)
Value per year at current rate: $1630
Total Payback of my system if I could get it today with rebates: 8.5 years

I’m checking numbers. Are you part of a solar club? Or is your power plan variable?

The kwh soldback would net you just under $500 at enmax’s locked in 9.29c rate.

Consumed would be even less. I’m having some trouble understanding how you’re buying power for an outrageous 23.7c a kwh.

[JustinL]

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I’m checking numbers. Are you part of a solar club? Or is your power plan variable?

The kwh soldback would net you just under $500 at enmax’s locked in 9.29c rate.

Consumed would be even less. I’m having some trouble understanding how you’re buying power for an outrageous 23.7c a kwh.

You and me both buddy! I don't typically go over my bills in that much detail unless the $ value is outlying. I'm not part of a solar club and I am on a variable plan. I pulled the variable non-electricity costs from a fortis document that said transmission was 4.4c/kwh and distribution was 2.8c/kwh. Here is the relevant part of my bill though:

[Xtrema]

yeah, I guess when you are dealing with 23c/kwh, ROI is quite quick.

[mr2mike]

Update?
It's been "real sunny" this past week as the temperature drops off plus shorter daylight hours.
Basically is this feasible right now in these weather conditions?

[tonytiger55]

A friend of mine in Australia just got solar. He produced 942KWH for October nd sent 822KHW back to the grid.

How much do you guys produce during summer vs winter per month?

[bjstare]

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Update?
It's been "real sunny" this past week as the temperature drops off plus shorter daylight hours.
Basically is this feasible right now in these weather conditions?

No, not by a decent margin.

[JustinL]

In October I made 668kwh. It was a pretty good October. My panels are currently covered With snow though, so not making much right now.

[mr2mike]

Thanks for being legitimately honest.

Any chance you can clean the panels off or not in the cards with the location?

[ExtraSlow]

Many years ago, like nearly 20, I worked with a small oil and gas company that was putting solar panels at remote sites. They determined that it was more beneficial to install the panels vertically to keep the snow off them vs any gain in generating ability the rest of the year.
Now they couldn't sell back to the grid, so that calculation would be different for others, but an interesting result.

[JustinL]

It isn't really feasible to clear the snow without some sort of climbing. It usually melts eventually too, so the cost benefit of risking my neck to make a couple extra watts just isn't worth it. I'm sure there are people out there who do it, but I've got a pretty busy house and would rather do just about anything than that job.

As a side note, thanks to the comments in this thread, I've signed up for fixed rate electricity at 9.3c. My payback period has gone up again, so I guess that's good?

[tonytiger55]

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In October I made 668kwh. It was a pretty good October. My panels are currently covered With snow though, so not making much right now.

Thanks for the info. I relayed the info back to my buddy in Oz. When the panels are covered in snow, may I ask how much is being produced? Are there way to clear the snow off the panels? Or do you just leave them?

[suntan]

You can brush them off. Doesn't really matter, the maximum azimuth of the sun is so low right now the amount of electricity generated is very low.

[tonytiger55]

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You can brush them off. Doesn't really matter, the maximum azimuth of the sun is so low right now the amount of electricity generated is very low.

How much is low though? So today is cloudy. How much is generated today vs a sunny winter day?

[bjstare]

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Thanks for the info. I relayed the info back to my buddy in Oz. When the panels are covered in snow, may I ask how much is being produced?

Do you think sun magically gets through snow somehow?

[JustinL]

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Thanks for the info. I relayed the info back to my buddy in Oz. When the panels are covered in snow, may I ask how much is being produced? Are there way to clear the snow off the panels? Or do you just leave them?

There is no light that gets through the snow to make power. The panels definitely need to be clear to make anything. I've posted this before, but here is a very sunny day on one of the shortest days of the year when my panels were clear.

December 30, 2020:

[/QUOTE]

[tonytiger55]

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Do you think sun magically gets through snow somehow?

I assume it is reduced. But I have no idea. That is why I am asking. Im not picking fights on this discussion. I think its great JustinL is sharing this. Its inspired me to get off my arse and research this.
I am curious and would like to know numbers. Is it aboslute zero or is there some trickle of electricy produced? and how many panels?

I am also talking with this with a friend in Australia. They have a lot of sun. He is also asking me questions how it is in Calgary with the snow. I don't know the answer to, but reponses on here are really helpful in comparing data.

Im also looking at options if this can be done at my condo. isucssion for the different thread. There are various strategies and challenges associated with this. Residential vs Condo. Can we lease to a solar company? Or have the Condominium install it. If so, what do we do with the power? Heat the water and common area lights? Is there is a way to power the units and sell excess back to the grid? What happens during peak hours in summer day time? What hapens during winter time with snow? Powering individual unit's may be a bit more complicated, but it might present a business opoortunity. The government gives grants. Could I work with my MP to amend the policy for Apartments, Condos etc

Edit:
@JustinL Thanks for posting. Very useful info.