For many of us in California, we fall subject to Tim-of-Use (TOU) rates which govern how expensive electricity is during different times of the day. Utility companies like SDG&E, SCE and PG&E implement these rates to reduce consumer energy use and capitalize on when consumers are expected to be using the most energy. Fortunately, homeowners can efficiently and cost-effectively combat TOU’s with solar, and energy storage!

Use Solar Plus Energy Storage to Save during Peak Electric Hours

When you combine solar with energy storage, you set yourself up to become energy independent from the utility. By using solar to power your home and charge your battery during the day, you can rely on your own home system for energy. Many batteries, like the SunPower SunVault, have apps that allow for programming when your home pulls energy from the battery. For instance, with SunPower SunVault, your system can be programmed to only use energy from the battery during on-peak times, which typically come in the evening times.

So, if you plan strategically, you could set-up your solar system to be self-sufficient. By charging your battery during the day and using your battery to power your home at night, you’re significantly cutting back on how much energy you’re pulling from the grid during those on-peak hours.

Energy storage is particularly helpful during the fall and winter months when the sun sets earlier. The on-peak rates for SDGE don’t change during the winter months, so it’s incredibly beneficial to have your energy storage during these months so that you can capitalize on the lack of solar that you can expect during those periods.

Make Small Changes to your Energy Use

Another way that you can maximize your savings during Peak Electric Hours is to make small changes to your energy use. Things like running your hot water less, turning off lights when you leave the room and meal prepping are all fantastic ways to further reduce your energy use. The less energy you use and the more solar energy you produce means more credits and more savings coming your way!

Go Solar and Save Today!

If you’re interested in going solar then give SolarTech a call at 619-743-9193. We’ve been powering California for over 20 years and we are committed to providing California’s best solar provider. We are end-to-end solar professionals who never subcontract our work.

Call us today for a Free Quote and start saving.