19 May 2017

A question about : Measuring my use of generated power

People often ask how much of the electricity produced by our PV panels we use ourselves, in other words how much we are saving on our electricity bill.

Is there any way of measuring this?

Best answers:

  • I think there are various meters available and doubtless someone with technical know-how will be along anytime soon. What I would have to bear in mind is how much electricity would be used just because it was free? For instance I will run a dehydrator much more often and maybe stick the big oven on when the sun shines and I am generating electricity whereas in winter I would do without or use a slow cooker. All hypothetical at the moment as I haven't quite had mine installed!
  • There's no way you can do it just using your normal electricity meter and your generation meter.
  • You need something like a Wattson Monitor*.
    *Other devices are available.
  • I'm looking to treat myself to a Wattson unit for xmas. My search has found them discounted at The Smart Green Shop.
    The Wattson Solar Plus - PV Panel Energy Monitor is Ј124.94 and the Wattson Solar Plus - PV Panel Energy Monitor with Easifit is Ј133.50 including delivery.
    These prices seem to represent a worthwhile saving on the RRP.
    Now that I've ordered one I'll sit back and wait for someone to tell me that they're cheaper elsewhere.
  • I use the Wattson Anywhere kit for this: https://wattson.energyhive.com/dashboard/AndyW
    I've had the Wattson display since the PV was fitted 18 months ago, but only recently added the Energyhive (Wattson anywhere) hub which uploads the data making it easy to view as per above.
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