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| Solar Data from Tesla App |
Introduction
The above screenshot captures a day’s solar energy generation, storage, and use of 66.5 kWh in rainy Portland, Oregon. It also offers a glimpse into how one household harnesses solar power to meet its energy needs while contributing to the broader energy ecosystem. By participation in Portland General Electric’s (PGE) Smart Battery Pilot program, this setup shows the potential of distributed energy resources. The integration of solar energy systems with Tesla Powerwalls, represents a significant step toward sustainable living and grid resilience. We'll explore the implications of this, its financial and environmental benefits, and its impact on the neighborhood, particularly under a time-of-use electricity plan and virtual power plant (VPP) participation.
Energy Distribution and Personal Benefits
The Tesla app screenshot illustrates a well-balanced energy distribution, with 57% (38.5 kWh) powering the home directly, 15% (10.0 kWh) charging an electric vehicle (EV), 18% (12.4 kWh) stored in the Powerwalls, and 10% (6.6 kWh) fed to the grid. This configuration highlights the system’s efficiency in meeting daily energy demands while leveraging storage for future use. Tesla's Charge-on-Solar feature allows surplus solar to charge the EV only when solar production outpaces the home's needs. With a total storage capacity of 40.5 kWh across three Powerwall 2s, the household can store excess solar energy generated during the day, as evidenced by the 12.4 kWh stored. This stored energy is used during peak rate times (5PM till 9PM) under the time-of-use (or time-of-day) plan. This strategy reduces reliance on grid electricity, which is costlier during peak hours, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually depending on rate differentials.
Participation in PGE’s Smart Battery Pilot program further enhances financial benefits. The program compensates participants $1.70 per kWh for energy discharged during Peak Time Events, which occur approximately 10 times a year. If the household discharges 25 kWh per event, it could earn $42 per event, totaling ~$420 annually. This income, combined with the avoided peak costs and the net metering credits from the energy exported to the grid provides a robust financial incentive. Environmentally, the system displaces fossil fuel-based grid electricity with clean solar power, reducing the household’s and the grid's carbon footprint.
Neighborhood Impact and Grid Stability
The household’s energy setup has far-reaching implications for the neighborhood, particularly through its role in PGE’s VPP initiative. The 6.6 kWh exported to the grid, as depicted in the screenshot, contributes to a collective effort that stabilizes the grid during peak demand periods. When the sun is shining, the air conditioner units are running, and solar feed-in is helping power them. By aggregating energy from participating homes, a VPP event reduces the need for peaker plants, which are notorious for their high CO2 emissions. This collective action supports PGE’s goal of incorporating more renewable energy sources, enhancing grid reliability across the community.
Moreover, the local storage and generation of energy decreases transmission line demands. This reduces energy losses that occur over long distances and eases the strain on infrastructure, potentially delaying costly upgrades. If more neighbors adopt similar systems, the neighborhood could become a model of resilience, capable of withstanding outages more effectively. The Powerwalls’ backup capacity ensures the household remains powered during disruptions, a benefit that could extend to the community if adoption grows, mirroring successes seen in other regions during severe weather events.
Economically, widespread participation in VPP programs could lower electricity costs for the neighborhood by reducing the utility’s infrastructure investment needs. The compensation paid to participants, such as the $1.70 per kWh from PGE, also circulates money within the community, stimulating local economic activity. Environmentally, a neighborhood with high solar and battery adoption significantly cuts its collective carbon footprint, aligning with broader climate goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Conclusion
The Tesla app screenshot, showcasing one day's 66.5 kWh of solar energy generation and its distribution across home use, EV charging, Powerwall storage, and grid export, underscores the transformative potential of integrated solar and battery systems. For this Portland household with three Powerwall 2s, the setup offers substantial financial savings through time-of-use optimization and VPP earnings, alongside significant environmental benefits by reducing CO2 emissions. The neighborhood reaps rewards through enhanced grid stability, reduced transmission demands, and increased resilience, with the potential for economic and ecological improvements as adoption spreads. This system exemplifies how individual action can contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy future.
If you want solar and/or batteries for your home, here are some referrals:
If you're within 50 miles of SunPath's office in Beaverton, Oregon, I recommend getting a quote from them for your solar project. Also (before or after you have the quote), tell them you were referred by Patrick from CarsWithCords.net, you'll get $500 off, and I'll receive a referral bonus.
If you're considering Tesla for your solar project, you can use my referral code (https://ts.la/patrick7819) for $500 off, and I'll receive referral points for Tesla merch.
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