Maximizing my Net Metered Solar System.
I had a grid-tied, net-metered, roof mounted solar system installed November 2022. The last electric bill I actually had to pay was February 2023.My EF stations have been obtained for power failure backup since I did not get a battery back-up with my solar system. It would have cost more than the system itself becuase of regulations - plus batteries have come way down in cost since then. But, since I have the equipment, I might as well use it for other things.Even though I don't "need" to, spring thru fall I use my EF station, charged with stand-alone solar panels, to reduce what I use from my roof top system (or have to pull from the grid when the sun is absent). The list of items I run purely off of my power stations is not all-inclusive, but carries the larger items:Refrigerator (just started battery use a couple of weeks ago since I added a couple of larger stations)Desktop computer/modem/routerCooking appliances: Microwave, multi-cooker and George Foreman grillCoffee makerPortable DishwasherWashing machineWindow fansDevices - phone, Kindle, laptop (seperate from desktop)Ryobi batteries (charged from EF stations): 40v mower and leaf blower; 18v power tools, lawn equipment, vaccum; and 3-4v misc tools.My pellet stoves (yes, still running - although only light use), lights, TV/cable, on-demand hot water (propane but with elelctric ignition) are still on house power. Yesterday I only pulled 1.3 kwh from the grid and 1.9 kwh from my grid-tied solar for a total of 3.2 kwh from my home system.I enjoy the challenge of keeping my grid and roof solar usage low, while making use of my "emergency" backup equipment to provide for as much of my electrical needs as possible.