Q1 2015 summary: 7% cooler, 2% more usage and 14% less sun as compared to Q1 2014.
This is part of our quarterly home performance reporting. All data is posted at netplusdesign.com
Although it seemed a lot colder this winter, it was really only 7% cooler than first quarter 2014. And considering there were many nights much colder than last year, -16°F versus -8°F last year, we only used 2% more energy. The biggest difference was snow cover, specifically the snow that covered our solar panels. This resulted in 14% less energy generated this quarter compared to last year, which means we netted out using 21% more energy from the power company.
Overall, here’s how this quarter compared to 2014.
Chart showing usage, solar, net and hdd for Q1 2015Read more...
This is part of our quarterly home performance reporting. All data is posted at netplusdesign.com
We used 8,108 kWh and generated 8,348 kWh for a net of 240 kWh for the year. The combination of cold temperatures, less sun and the plug-in Prius brought us close to our net point. Here’s our progress for our first 3 years in the house.
All values in kWh (except HDD which is base 65°F).
We changed energy monitors in March and the new data format broke my database scripts, but I finally found time to update my scripts and publish* our hourly data for the period March to November. One thing I noticed immediately was that I had been sloppy in my reporting of energy use for that time period. I used the UI to select dates and didn’t realize I wasn’t getting the most accurate timeframe. As a result, I’m going to post an updated energy record at the end of January for the entire year.
Pic of corroded door lock mechanism (closeup)Pic of corroded door lock mechanism
Why am I writing about our entry door locks? We’ve had problems with our entry door locks every winter. They freeze up and it’s impossible to get the key in the key hole. Now they are so corroded inside that the lock mechanism barely works the rest of the year. They are less than 3 years old. I was surprised to see the amount of corrosion inside.
Last year in July, we were excited to purchase a plug-in hybrid. I was a truly great car. It rarely needed gas. It was fun to drive. It helped us use more of our surplus solar electric generation. It even hauled a few goats.
