As summer kicks in, our phones ring with calls from clients worried about rising electric bills. Often, these concerns stem from a mix of increased electricity use—thanks to Florida’s sweltering heat—and a dip in solar energy production due to cloudier skies. In a recent YouTube video, we explored a real client’s data from 2023 and 2024 to date, using the Enphase Enlighten app to uncover what’s happening behind the scenes.
Real Client Data Analysis
A client recently contacted us, concerned about unexpected spikes in their electric bills. Using their real-world data, we dove deep into the Enphase Enlighten system, examining how seasonal changes affect solar energy production and household consumption. Our analysis revealed that while early months often yield a surplus of energy—building up valuable net metering credits—these can quickly deplete as summer clouds roll in and energy use climbs.
Key Insights from the Data
1. Cumulative Energy Trends: We already knew that January 2024 was particularly poor for solar energy production, significantly lower than January 2023. This downturn led to increased reliance on grid power and quicker depletion of net metering credits in subsequent months.
2. Net Energy Comparison: The data showed notable differences in net energy (produced vs. consumed) between the two years. 2023 generally maintained a positive net energy, while 2024 experienced several periods of negative net energy, resulting in higher utility bills.
3. Using Enphase Enlighten: This tool is indispensable for monitoring and optimizing solar energy systems. The app provides comprehensive insights, allowing users to track daily and cumulative energy data, spot trends, and adjust usage accordingly.
Finding the Culprit
By analyzing the data, we concluded with a pretty good degree of certainty that the primary cause of increased electricity consumption: the need for cooling during hotter periods. The Enphase Enlighten app made it easy to identify these spikes, helping us advise the client on optimizing their energy use. Small changes, like adjusting thermostat settings or scheduling energy-intensive tasks during peak solar production hours, can make a big difference.
The proof is in the numbers, as they say. The total consumption so far in August 2024 has been almost 1 megawatt-hour higher than it was in 2023 at this time. That’s a big increase in energy consumption for the household, and something the homeowner may not have been aware of.
That, coupled with lower solar production so far this year, has the net result of less energy credits and higher utility bills. Solar energy is variable, and can be 10% higher or lower than average years, but typically falls into a tighter range of production. There is no question that 2024 will be on the low side for solar production in Southwest Florida, as January and June had particularly cloudy weather.
Conclusion
Understanding the interplay between solar energy production and consumption is crucial, especially as we navigate the unpredictable Florida weather. The Enphase Enlighten app offers valuable tools to manage this balance, ensuring clients make the most of their solar systems. Watch our YouTube video for a detailed breakdown and practical tips on optimizing your solar setup.
