This is big news for photovoltaic solar customers in Colorado.
I first proposed this in 2007. Xcel then tried Smart Grid City which they bungled.
Xcel is finally letting us benefit from the advantages of:
I first proposed this in 2007. Xcel then tried Smart Grid City which they bungled.
Xcel is finally letting us benefit from the advantages of:
"Net Metering Time of Use (TOU)
COSEIA and other solar parties scored a win with the agreement that extra energy generated by solar systems in a given month can be rolled over as a monetary credit that recognizes the value of the energy at the time it was generated. The credit will be used to offset the bill for consumption the next month and can continually roll over. Those who have elected to cash out extra production will still have that option. "
(From a COSEIA email announcement of the settlement)
Time Periods:
On Peak: 2 PM through 6 PM (weekday, non-holiday)
Off Peak: 9 PM through 9 AM
Shoulder: All Other Hours
Price per kilowatt-hour (kwh):
Summer Winter
On Peak: $0.13814 $0.08880
Shoulder: $0.08420 $0.05413
Off Peak: $0.04440 $0.04440
For example, if your PV system generates 10 kwh between 2 pm and 6 pm, Xcel must give you a credit of $1.38.
But if you can use the same 10 kwh during off peak hours, it will only cost you $0.44.
Some of the takeaways:
1. Solar systems will earn more money if they face to the southwest instead of due south.
2. Homes in Colorado can now benefit from smart timers and products like the Tesla Powerwall.
3. The demand peak for power occurs at 4pm, which doesn't align with peak solar production. Battery storage is the key to solving this problem, hence the Gigafactory and V2G.
Note that there are a bunch of fees and charges on your utility bill that make it difficult to see your actual cost per kwh. This issue killed TOU rates the first and second time around.
