How an Energy Monitor Helps to Supercharge a Home Solar Setup What is an Energy Monitor? An energy monitor is a device that tracks in real-time the amount of electricity your home consumes – and produces in the case of solar. Energy monitors provide a detailed breakdown into how much power different appliances and devices [...]

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How an Energy Monitor Helps to Supercharge a Home Solar Setup

What is an Energy Monitor?

An energy monitor is a device that tracks in real-time the amount of electricity your home consumes – and produces in the case of solar. Energy monitors provide a detailed breakdown into how much power different appliances and devices are using. By giving you access to this information, an energy monitor helps you identify where energy is being wasted and how you can adjust your habits to improve efficiency.

If your power company is using a Time-of-Use billing method, energy monitors can help you save tons of money every billing cycle by giving you the information you need to moderate your usage around the Time-of-Use rates.

Features of an Energy Monitor:

Energy monitors are typically installed at the main electrical panel of your home, and have a display in your home to view your usage and production data.

Real-Time Data: Energy monitors provide real-time data on how much electricity your home is using or producing with solar at any given moment. This helps you see the immediate impact of turning devices on or off.
Historical Insights: Most energy monitors also track historical data, allowing you to view your energy consumption and production over days, weeks, or months. This long-term view helps you identify patterns in your usage.
Device-Level Monitoring: Advanced energy monitors can track the energy usage of individual appliances, making it easier to pinpoint which devices are contributing the most to your electricity bill.
Mobile Integration: Modern energy monitors come with mobile apps that let you monitor your energy usage remotely. You can receive notifications, set energy- saving goals, and track your progress from your smartphone or tablet.

Energy Monitors with Home Solar Panel Systems

If you have a solar energy system installed in your home, an energy monitor can be especially valuable.

You can easily track how much energy your solar panels are sending back to the grid under your net metering arrangement. This helps you see how much bill credit you’re earning from the electricity you’re not using and optimize your savings. You can also adjust your energy usage to align with peak solar production hours, ensuring you use as much of your solar-generated electricity as possible.

But there is an even more effective way to use energy with solar if you are on a Time-of-Use billing plan.

If you are on a Time-of-Use billing plan, the excess energy that your solar panels produce will be sold back to the grid at the higher daytime rates. This means that instead of using more energy when your solar panels are producing at their maximum, you can shift some energy usage to a time when rates are lower and generate even more credits. Your solar panels will sell your excess energy back to the grid at higher Time-of-Use rates, and then you can “buy back” that energy later on when it’s at a lower rate.

If you’re aiming for energy independence or net-zero living, an energy monitor gives you the data you need to reduce reliance on the grid. You’ll be able to fine-tune your energy habits to rely more on your solar energy system.

Get a state-of-the-art Setup with XOLAR

By using an energy monitor to lower your energy consumption, you’re also reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Consuming less electricity means fewer fossil fuels are burned to power your home, contributing to a greener, more sustainable environment.

An energy monitor is an essential tool for anyone looking to take control of their home’s energy usage. Whether you’re aiming to reduce your energy bills, optimize your solar energy system, or lower your carbon footprint, an energy monitor provides the insights you need to make informed decisions.

Interested in going solar?

The first step is to acquire a solar proposal. By understanding your energy consumption, sunlight exposure, and roof orientation and space, we can design a solar solution that meets your needs both now and in the future. A well-sized solar system can help you achieve your energy goals and reduce your carbon footprint.

Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of what is required and make sure you maximize the value of the provincial or federal programs in your area. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your residential project’s energy needs.

Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.