How Solar works for a single family household

Let's talk about a real-world installation for a single family household in Texas. In this home, the owners were interested in taking advantage of both federal and local solar tax credits.

Reducing their environmental impact, and saving on utilty bills were factors too. These reasons together informed the homeowners' decision to pursue solar.

There was initial concern that large trees on the property would hinder solar.

Luckily, the local solar installer was able to elevate the panels from the roof for improved solar generation.

How has Solar performed across its lifetime?

Time period: 4.5 years

Jan 2016 - present

How to monitor your solar panels with EnergyMeter+?

EnergyMeter+ reports energy, and power generation throughout the day.

Interpreting Solar performance

Typical day, some clouds

15 kWh

Sunny day

17 kWh

Between a typical day, 15 kWh, and a sunny day, 17 kWH, there is potential for 2 additiona kWH, or 13% of additional generation.

Energy generation consistently peaks at 13:00, near the same time every day.

Weather Patterns

Different weather patterns affect system performance.

Here we see an otherwise sunny day punctuated by a short thunderstorm, and corresponding drop in generation around 12:15.