I haven't reported on my solar array production since June of this year (here are all my solar reports). That is because there really wasn't anything new to say, besides, yep, I'm producing power and racking up credits for my winter electrical use from the grid.
September numbers are really showing the reduced sun angle. This reduction is helped (or not helped) by the trees still having leaves. So the east side is really challenged in getting much sun prior to noon or so.
And then we've had a lot of heavily overcast days. Several days solar production (orange) didn't even match the house usage (blue).
Solar energy production is roughly 60% of what May's production was (my best month). And it is 200 kwh less than the August production. HOWEVER, perception is everything. In looking back at March (6 months previous), then the numbers align pretty well
Although the comparison does show a bit of drop of production on the east and south sides for the month from tree foliage, the west side (being totally clear of any shade) makes up for it. So in actuality, 20kwh more were produced in September than last March. However, I did have several days in March that were zero production because of snow cover (not atypical) and a 3-day power outage (which was atypical - although the array was still snow covered anyway). During a power outage, when grid-tied, the production is cut off to avoid feedback into the power lines.
So, really, compared to March, I can't be unhappy with the September energy production from the array. And, I'm still banking credits with the power company, which definitely makes me happy.
"When grid-tied, the production is cut off to avoid feedback into the power lines."
Uhhh...what?
Posted by: Cop Car | October 06, 2023 at 08:10 AM
I should have made it more clear that that sentence went with the 3-day power outage scenario. In case that is not where the confusion came from:
A grid tied system feeds excess power production back into the grid on a normal day. There is an automatic safety shut off where if there is a power outage in the grid (that affects my house), then power is cut off from the solar panels so there is no chance of the power lines being energized from an unexpected source. This is for the safety of the line workers. It is illegal to do it any other way.
If I were not grid tied, or if I had a whole house battery back up, then I would have options. I chose not to exercise those options at what it would have cost.
Posted by: bogie | October 07, 2023 at 05:12 AM
Aha...of course...I didn't catch the normal/power outage distinction. Thanks for catching me up.
Posted by: Cop Car | October 07, 2023 at 04:00 PM