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
Energy Usage
92 kWhGeneration
37 kWhOver the lifetime of the system, these solar panels have provided 40% of total energy needs.
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.
