Electric space heaters to use up excess production?

[Mb190e]

I just had my solar system installed last week. I had one of the companies they gave me a quote say that they use electric space heaters in the winter to use up extra production does anybody else do this?

[russ]

I just had my solar system installed last week. I had one of the companies they gave me a quote say that they use electric space heaters in the winter to use up extra production does anybody else do this?

Excess production in the winter? What was the salesman smoking?

If so then your system is grossly oversized for summer!

[Mb190e]

To start off by saying my system is oversize slightly we are on the lower end of electric consumption. We use roughly 6000-6500 kWh a year. For a 2300 square-foot house family of 3. We installed and 8.1 kW system. Future plans of possibly getting solar hot water with a heatpump and/or Hot tub. Our utility does net metering where all kWh credits are settled once a year. So what I heard was if you have extra credits instead of giving them back to the utility for a penny's a kWh, use them up by heating a couple rooms with electric space heaters. I'm new to this solar PV I have only had my system for running for 5 days.

[russ]

where are you located?

[Mb190e]

Saratoga, NY

[billvon]

To start off by saying my system is oversize slightly we are on the lower end of electric consumption. We use roughly 6000-6500 kWh a year. For a 2300 square-foot house family of 3.

That's a bit below average.

In Saratoga you're going to be seeing about 3 kwhr/day average production from a 1kw AC (1.2 kw DC) system. So that's about 20kwhr/day average. Could be slightly more or less depending on array angle, roof temperatures etc.

I would definitely not try to "waste power" until you have about a year of data showing that you really have the extra power. A week of clouds can easily end a long run of overproduction and drive you back into electric-bill territory very quickly.

[russ]

From PV Watts for a site close to you

RESULTS

3.19	679	102
3.69	712	107
3.66	731	109
3.94	728	109
4.78	908	136
4.07	719	108
4.63	839	126
4.56	840	126
4.23	743	111
3.60	686	103
2.72	519	78
2.14	424	64
3.77	8,527	$ 1,277

Find A Local Installer Download Results: Monthly | Hourly
Caution: Photovoltaic system performance predictions calculated by PVWatts® include many inherent assumptions and uncertainties and do not reflect variations between PV technologies nor site-specific characteristics except as represented by PVWatts® inputs. For example, PV modules with better performance are not differentiated within PVWatts® from lesser performing modules. Similarly, the “Energy Value” column simply multiplies the utility-average electricity price by production. Complex utility rates and financing can significantly impact the energy value. See Help for additional guidance.

Requested Location	saratoga, ny
Weather Data Source	GLENS FALLS AP, NY (TMY3)
Latitude	43.35° N
Longitude	73.62° W
DC Rating	8.1 kW
DC to AC Derate Factor	.82
Array Type	Fixed (open rack)
Array Tilt	43.0°
Array Azimuth	180°
Average Cost of Electricity Purchased from Utility	0.15 $/kWh
Cost of Electricity Generated by System	0.28 $/kWh

These values can be compared to get an idea of the cost-effectiveness of this system. However, system costs, system financing options (including 3rd party ownership) and complex utility rates can significantly change the relative value of the PV system.

[Mb190e]

Ok thanks, my Tilt: 33° Azimuth: 178°. I have also turn this into somewhat of a game since signing the contract for the solar panels I've also cut the cord on our DirecTV, just by unplugging 2 DVR boxes, power injector and multiroom router. It has saved me 150 watts an hour. That should equal another kilowatt a year. I just hung up my first clothesline ever. I'm attempting to dry as many close this summer via clothesline that I can. I'm pretty excited about this new adventure as of this message we have generated 136 kWh's since May 1 and it's been mostly cloudy and rainy the last 4 out of 5 days. I may have a new high today.

[bcroe]

Space heater

I just had my solar system installed last week. I had one of the companies they gave me a quote say that they use electric space heaters in the winter to use up extra production does anybody else do this?

Something like that is happening here. I have a big permanent electric heater
with a thermostat, for zone heating. Its in half the basement, heat will rise to
rooms above. I put a couple space heaters on the concrete floor at the other
end, not near anything flammable. These can be turned on to use excess
energy. If things get too cool, the lower set propane furnace thermostat cuts
in. However, it hasn't run in a couple months.

The plan is to have sufficient baseboard electric heaters to take care of
everything, each area with a local thermostat. If electric energy runs out,
they can be set lower and the propane furnace takes over. Bruce Roe

[russ]

Something like that is happening here. I have a big permanent electric heater
with a thermostat, for zone heating. Its in half the basement, heat will rise to
rooms above.
The plan is to have sufficient baseboard electric heaters to take care of
everything, each area with a local thermostat. If electric energy runs out,
they can be set lower and the propane furnace takes over. Bruce Roe

For excess production that is not a problem but you need the heat when production is lowest. Electric radiant heat has a COP of 1 - meaning 1 kW of electricity produces 1 kW of heat. As bad as it can get!

[bcroe]

For excess production that is not a problem but you need the heat
when production is lowest. Electric radiant heat has a COP of 1 - meaning 1 kW of
electricity produces 1 kW of heat. As bad as it can get!

Right, but Mb190e mentioned net metering settled once a year. KWH burned off in the
cold might have accumulated in the summer, which is my plan. We both are looking
at a heat pump as well, some of the KWH might do a better COP than 1. Bruce Roe