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Electricity Cost is not affected by photovoltaic panels

asked 2019-12-12 14:10:07 -0600

Jim Dirkes's avatar

updated 2019-12-13 08:40:02 -0600

I'm comparing electricity costs between a 0kW (no PV) and 100kW PV array, but I cannot find any reduction in my tariff report electricity costs.

I DO see substantial PV panel energy production, but no cost savings. What am I missing ?

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Does your tariff include payment for electricity production? Also please-use-existing-tags and always include the software you're using, otherwise difficult to provide specific help.

MatthewSteen's avatar MatthewSteen  ( 2019-12-12 20:11:51 -0600 )edit

Hmmm.... a tariff for electricity production is new idea. I had imagined that the PV panels would result in less electricity purchase (which is what happens for a utility bill normally) If that's what you're saying, which object defines it? Thanks for the encouragement re: using existing tags. Apparently there's a list somewhere that I was unaware of; I'll look for it.

Jim Dirkes's avatar Jim Dirkes  ( 2019-12-13 04:49:36 -0600 )edit

In the upper right there's a Tags link. You can also click a tag on a question to find existing questions, then click another tag to sort further. For example, here are the ones with photovoltaic and utility-rate.

https://unmethours.com/questions/scop...

MatthewSteen's avatar MatthewSteen  ( 2019-12-13 08:43:17 -0600 )edit

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answered 2021-09-27 04:16:14 -0600

Jim Dirkes's avatar

However.... If NetMetering is specified in the tariff AND the tariff's Output Meter name is : ElectricityNet:Facility - the tariff report reflects the lower electricity cost caused by the PV panels.

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answered 2019-12-13 08:37:50 -0600

I'm assuming you're using EnergyPlus. See the UtilityCost:Tariff object's Buy or Sell field, which has the following options.

Field: Buy Or Sell

Sets whether the tariff is used for buying, selling or both to the utility. This should be allowed to default to BuyFromUtility unless a power generation system is included in the building that may generate more power than the building needs during the year. The choices are:

  • BuyFromUtility – The values from the metered variable are used and are shown as being purchases from the utility.

  • SellToUtility – The values from the metered variable are used for a “sell back” rate to the utility. The charges in the rate should be expressed as negative values.

  • NetMetering – Negative values are used to reduce any positive values during the specific period on the tariff when negative values occur.

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Thanks, Matthew. I am using E+ (sorry for failing to mention that) I'll investigate those options.

Jim Dirkes's avatar Jim Dirkes  ( 2019-12-13 09:01:43 -0600 )edit

A year later, I am digging into the NetMetering tariff option more carefully - largely because my tariff has both seasonal and time-of-use rate variations. I cannot find any report which reflects: - the NET energy used by the building or - the NET cost of energy Where can I find or specify such a report?

ps, This project never produces more energy from PV than is used in the building

Jim Dirkes's avatar Jim Dirkes  ( 2021-09-20 16:31:56 -0600 )edit
1

However.... If NetMetering is specified in the tariff AND the tariff's Output Meter name is : ElectricityNet:Facility - the tariff report reflects the lower electricity cost caused by the PV panels.

Jim Dirkes's avatar Jim Dirkes  ( 2021-09-27 04:16:50 -0600 )edit

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Asked: 2019-12-12 14:10:07 -0600

Seen: 252 times

Last updated: Sep 27 '21