With just slightly over a year of solar under my belt, I thought I would do a comparison.
December of 2022 Versus 2023. It was interesting that I had more production in 2023 (the blue numbers in the pictures). At the same time, there were more snow storms in 2022, so there were 3 zero production days and 2 very low production days (some of the panels were still snow covered).
In 2023 there no zero production days and 3 days with a slight snow cover hampering production (which attests to the plethora of heavily overcast days we have had this season)
Comparing January 2023 with January 2024
This was interesting as the total production was basically equal between the two years (116.7kwh versus 116.9 kwh).
If you study the pictures, which I'm sure you haven't, the energy I've imported this season sky-rocketed compared to last season. There is a simple explanation for that; last season I used the main floor pellet stove exclusively for heating. I had lots of pellets I'd gotten for cheap, and the electric prices were sky high, so I used the cheapest method. I still use the basement pellet stove as that is the only heater down there.
This year, pellet prices have rocketed up, and electric prices have dropped. I had plenty of credited dollars with the electric company from overproduction during the summer. So, it has been cheaper to use the mini-split on the main floor for heat. I did use the P43 for 4-5 days when it was frigid and the wind was blowing, but for the most part the P43 has been resting with occasional use to give a shot of warmth on mornings I wash my hair (doubles as a heater and a blow drier - LOL).
And despite the screaming for people to go all electric (for whatever reason - doesn't matter and I'm not getting into the politics/beliefs), my utility company sent this breathtaking comparison for December usage which is basically complaining about me going mostly electric this year (yes, there is a difference in usage shown, but that is because of the "month" they use). Note that when they show "February usage" at the bottom, that is actually January 2023, they actually mean what was billed in February (they bill at the beginning of the month, so I don't have any idea why they make it confusing like that).
In that same email, they suggest ways to save energy - LOL
Sure, to "save energy" I need to add appliances like dehumidifiers and air purifiers. Not to mention, during winter high humidity is the very last worry I have.
It was good for a chuckle anyway :)
Well, sure - anything to sell more stuff - but the basic message "use less energy" isn't bad.
Interesting comparisons and I'm happy that the mini-split is working out well, too. You did your homework and are now reaping the benefits. Congratulations, well done!
Posted by: Cop Car | February 03, 2024 at 08:34 AM
I find it to be an interesting frailty of the human condition that each generation comes up with more ways to use more energy. I am appalled at the things we now do with electricity (including lots & lots of batteries from AAA on up) that we never felt the need to do at all in previous generations. Heck, no, I won't walk across the room to change channels or turn the radio off. Yes, I need to know how many steps I walked before 9am this morning and I need to play games on my phone.
; )
We are the instruments of our own demise. You do exceptionally well in trying to save us humans. We should all be so diligent.
Posted by: Cop Car | February 03, 2024 at 08:38 AM
I won't even get up to walk the short distance to change my TV channels. To be fair, I'm not even sure how to do that on a cable box, or IF there is a way. And, even if I could get stations without a cable box, I'm not sure where the buttons would be (I'm sure it has some, probably on the lower frame like a computer monitor.
OTOH, when I had the garage door installed, they were aghast that I refused to put in an opener. And when I was looking at putting up a detached garage, I told them not to put an exterior light above the overhead door (although by code, it did have to have a light by the personal entry door). I just felt I get enough light from the street light and neighbors' lights that it would be a waste. At the same time, I don't begrudge those that feel an opener or additional light is needed.
Posted by: bogie | February 04, 2024 at 04:23 AM
I took your dad's POA to Cox, Thursday. Without blinking an eye, they said, "We will switch your service to your name if you don't mind having your cable boxes replaced." Three years ago, I was assured that the only way to get the name changed on our account was for HH to die or move away.
Friday, a tech came out to help me program the new remotes with the new boxes. I had no trouble wiring them in, of course, but then found that I did not understand the on-screen instructions to make the remotes useful. I hated to have them come out for such a trivial thing, but it turned out to be a super move. The techie came out and laid a new cable from their junction box to the house, removed the unused cable outlets at the signal splitter, and did the programming. His biggest problem was with the modem. He had to call in and do magic on getting it onto the new account. Fortunately, I had installed the modem myself and could assure him that the password had not been changed at that time.
You are better at thinking things through (lights for shed/garage) than am I. On Sunrise and here I thought "we won't need that" but it turned out that we did (openable windows in the living room on Sunrise and I've already forgotten what, here.) HH does require a lot of lighting in order to see - but is bothered by lights being too bright. There is no "just right" - lol.
Posted by: Cop Car | February 04, 2024 at 08:24 AM
I've heard of other people having issues switching owners of accounts, but I don't think they had POA. So, that was good thinking on your part.
Glad the tech was able to do magic and get everything working!
Posted by: bogie | February 05, 2024 at 03:45 AM
Yes, the POA helped. Three years ago I had asked about having our lawyer submit the POA to them. That's when the manager threatened to throw me out of the store! Think she was having a bad day and thought I was threatening a lawsuit.
Posted by: Cop Car | February 05, 2024 at 08:52 AM
I'm pretty sure when I was younger, I would have immediately quit listening when I heard the word lawyer and just made an assumption as to what the rest of the sentence would be.
I've learned to listen more closely, and if my mind wanders or get stuck on a word because I think I know what is going to be said, I admit that I got distracted and ask them to repeat.
Posted by: bogie | February 08, 2024 at 02:40 AM
You are smart to do that.
Posted by: Cop Car | February 08, 2024 at 11:51 AM