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modernhomeowner t1_ix1ujhp wrote

Reply to comment by buried_lede in Eversource CEO asks Biden to take emergency action on New England natural gas supply by OmarLittleFinger

My non-heat, non-ev average energy use in December is 354kwh, my 38 solar panels will only produce 283kwh in December.

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buried_lede t1_ix3y8nh wrote

Wow, I’m not only not an expert, I don’t own solar panels, but that sounds very low as to output from those panels. Something is wrong - with the panels? With the hours of sunlight per day? With the system set up? Something

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modernhomeowner t1_ix3zc0d wrote

There is little sunlight in MA in the winter months, the sun is at a very low angle, reducing panel efficiency and increasing shading due to trees. Summer months I near 2,000kwh.

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buried_lede t1_ix41dxa wrote

2000 sounds more like it. That makes more sense. Super, super low winter output though

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modernhomeowner t1_ix41v80 wrote

That's normal for MA, you have much much less output in the winter. Add that to heat pumps and EVs that use more electricity in winter, and we have a reverse effect, more use in the winter while producing less.

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buried_lede t1_ix4248y wrote

So does net metering there get you pretty much a zero annual bill? In CT people are reporting doing very well so far with the deal

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modernhomeowner t1_ix42pw8 wrote

Net metering helps me, it doesn't help the grid reduce costs. I sell my energy for exactly what the grid sells it for, they earn nothing. But the grid still has to make my electricity with fossil fuels in the winter to give it back to me. It still has to have energy on standby for rainy days in summer. It still needs to pay year-round overhead and staffing for powerplants, even when the energy isn't needed like summer days when I make enough for 4 or 5 houses. My having panels is great for me, but bad for my neighbors electric rates.

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