Energy Matters Forums

[Nedkelly]

Hi all,
I now have time of use metering. Also a new solar system, 1.5kw, producing on average around 8 units per day, average consumption is about 25 units a day.
With Nett Metering installed, any excess i make is paid at 20 cents a unit.
Most of my power usage is at night in the off peak period.
My question is, do i adjust my appliances to run during the day, using all the power i produce, or,
do i run my appliances at night in the off peak, paying 8 cents a unit, Then i sell back all my excess units that i have generated, at 20 cents each, effectivley getting paid double the price i have used them at?
I have just started a billing cycle, and am going with using cheaper power at night, building up my generated units of power, for the next 3 months,
after that, i may try the other method, use all i produce during the day, and some off peak power from the grid at night.
This may seem like a silly question, but i think one worth looking into. my average bill without the aid of solar, was about $650, (after consessions), i figure generating 7 to 8 units a day, wont be much of saving off my bill, for such a big outlay for the system. I should have done more homework, before i agreed to the installation, mabey gotten a bigger system.
Thanks in advance for any help

[Tracker]

......any excess i make is paid at 20 cents a unit..... or, do i run my appliances at night in the off peak, paying 8 cents a unit,

The simple reality is that 20 is greater than 8

So the more you use at 8, the more you can sell at 20..
IF you are selling it at 20, then you are not USING it at 40c (PEAK), so you could consider the real difference as 60c..
( I'de make a good Politician - eh! )

Summer is here, and you will need cooling of any form DURING the day. You have no choice then..

PS - Welcome aboard !

PPS

"I should have done more homework, before i agreed to the installation,"

But remember that costs will increase considerably into the future.. With controlled use and some generation, YOU , will be doing better than most others.
Was it origin who declared a 30% profit increase, at a time that they are saying they need to spend wildly on Infrastructure etc.
WE are being ripped off - BIG TIME !
..
.

[Smurf1976]

You would be much better off by shifting as much of your power use to the off-peak period as possible since you're paying 60% less at this time.

It will be a little bit better for the environment too - the best outcome both financially and environmentally is that your solar displaces PEAK time consumption. So run the dishwasher etc at night when you can.

[Nedkelly]

Thanks for the answers folks,
It takes a lot of thinking to work out the best way to save money on power.
That was one of my questions, and your answers have helped me greatly. So yes, i intend to shift all the appliances i can to off peak time, looking forward to seeing a reduction in my overpriced bill!
Thanks again,
Cheers