As more and more homeowners in San Antonio are turning to solar power, it is a valid question to ask whether electric utilities prefer solar installers that spread the lie that overproduction is bad. This raises an important question about whether the utilities are interested in ensuring that homeowners are getting the most out of their solar systems, or if they would rather have homeowners install solar systems that underproduce so they can continue to charge them for electricity.
Two bills: solar loan and significant electric bill
The average homeowner who installs a solar system is hoping to pay only one bill for their energy usage. However, some solar businesses may be selling systems that underproduce, leaving homeowners with a significant electric bill to pay in addition to their solar loan. The question then arises: do electric utilities prefer this situation, as it allows them to continue to charge homeowners for electricity and make a profit?
Overproduction and microgrids
Alternatively, some utilities may prefer solar businesses that promote overproduction, as this would allow homeowners to produce more energy than they need and sell the excess back to the grid. This could help utilities meet their production needs and make up for any shortfalls in their own power generation.
Chariot Energy: a case study
One utility that appears to support solar businesses promoting overproduction is Chariot Energy. Owned by Qcell, a solar cell manufacturer, Chariot Energy prominently features a home with a solar array on its homepage. This seems to suggest that they are interested in promoting solar power and encouraging homeowners to generate as much energy as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether utilities prefer solar installers that promote overproduction is an important one. It is unclear whether all utilities have a preference in this regard, but there are certainly cases where utilities appear to support solar businesses promoting overproduction. Homeowners who are considering installing a solar system should be aware of the potential for underproduction and take steps to ensure that they are getting the most out of their investment.
Utilities should view this question as an opportunity for self-examination. I would love to hear in the comments if your Utility prefers solar companies to sell overproduction or underproduction. The goal should be to promote renewable energy and ensure that everyone has access to affordable and sustainable power.