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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.
The video explains a program that can provide eligible homeowners with upfront project savings even after the individual residential credit changed. Rather than waiting for tax filing, the value is reflected through a different ownership and incentive structure that must be reviewed carefully.
Big Dog is like a family. Hear from one of our awesome crew guys about why he loves Big Dog!
Grid-tied solar customers may receive utility credits when their system exports more electricity than the home is using at that moment. This video explains the basic idea and why every homeowner should learn how their utility displays imported power, exported power, and the net difference.
