One of the unexpected side advantages of solar power is it gives you the opportunity to keep a careful watch on your whole family’s energy consumption. At least insofar as it makes their energy consumption habits a bit more conspicuous.
In my case, it brought home to me just how much power my brother uses when I’m not around.
What’s he getting up to, using so much power at 1am?
He’s meant to be running a motel. How can he be getting up at 7am and greeting guests? Short answer – he’s not.
I will have to have a word with him about this. But then having a word with him will basically amounts to admitting that I’ve been spying on him by use of the solar panels. But then writing this blog on the internet basically amounts to that admission as well. Oh well.
The thing is though, it’s actually a very good thing so far as solar power efficiency is concerned. One of the brutal ironies of solar power is that the sort of person who might have an inclination to install a system is generally also a person who would be a conservative energy user. And conservative energy users are not good for solar power.
Reckless energy users are brilliant for solar power, especially if they max out during daytime consumption. Look at how much power he’s using up of our generation potential. And with (I can guarantee you) virtually no thought for the environmental benefits that can accrue. He’s basically a pro.
So – well done mate. In a recent article I looked at how our solar panels were reducing our bills by way more than I originally projected. Now, at last, it’s starting to make sense. The projections I used were based on my own personal consumption. They failed to factor in the reckless way in which my brother uses power when I’m not at the motel. Duh! But so much the better, so far as our solar ROI is finally concerned.
It still doesn’t quite explain the enormous drop in our energy costs since installing solar, but at least it explains part of it.
This is what I’ve been looking for.