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A simple thermostat schedule can help a solar-powered home use more of its own daytime production. This video explains how pre-cooling or preheating during sunny hours may reduce heating or cooling demand later when grid electricity can cost more.
Many homes keep the same HVAC schedule after solar is installed. If the system waits until evening to do most of its work, the home may draw more electricity after solar production falls.
Shifting part of that work into the middle of the day can improve self-consumption, especially on time-of-use rates. Comfort, weather, insulation, equipment efficiency, and the utility plan still matter, so use gradual settings that fit the household.
Programs, utility policies, equipment availability, and incentives can change. Confirm current terms for your address and consult qualified financial or tax professionals when appropriate.
Mitch: If you have solar panels, you need to change this one setting on your thermostat right now. Most people with solar still leave their thermostat on a normal schedule. This means your air conditioner or your heater might kick on in the evening when the sun is down and you're not generating that free power. Instead, you want to find your schedule settings and tell your system to precool or preheat your house in the middle of the day.
This uses your free solar power to get your home comfortable, so the system doesn't have to work as hard in the evening when the electricity from the grid is expensive. And that's it. By shifting your main heating or cooling to earlier in the day, you're using the power that you generated for free. And that one little change can make a big difference on your energy bill.
With time-variable electricity pricing, when a household uses power can matter almost as much as how much it uses. This video explains how solar and smart battery storage can supply stored energy during expensive peak periods.
Solar is a long term investment that will continue to pay back. Read More
A Montana homeowner shares her early experience with a new solar system installed alongside a metal roof. She highlights the clean appearance, production monitoring, and Big Dog Solar's coordination with the roofer, electricians, inspector, and other project partners.
