Training Aid: Understanding SolarEdge Consumption

1. Core Definition

What is Consumption? In the context of a photovoltaic (PV) system, Consumption is the portion of solar energy production that is consumed immediately by the household loads (lights, HVAC, appliances) rather than being sent back to the utility grid.

• Production: The total DC/AC energy generated by the panels.

• Export: The surplus energy sent to the grid when production exceeds home demand.

• Consumption: The energy that never leaves the home.

Key Takeaway: High consumption generally means the homeowner is maximizing the value of their system, especially in markets with lower net-metering buyback rates or Time-of-Use (TOU) charges.

2. The Calculation

To determine the Consumption Rate (%), we view the total energy produced as a whole (100%) and deduct the percentage that was exported.

The Formula:

Consumption Rate (%)=100% (Total PV Produced)−% Exported to Grid

Visualizing the Flow: Imagine the total solar production as a full bucket of water (100%).

1. First Priority: The home "drinks" from the bucket first (Consumption).

2. Second Priority: Whatever spills over is sent to the utility (Export).

3. Customer Communication Guide

When explaining/understanding this concept Think of your solar system like a garden. 'consumption' is the vegetables you eat fresh for dinner that night—that's the most valuable energy because you didn't have to buy it from the store (the utility). 'Export' is just the extra surplus you sell to the market because you couldn't use it in time.

4. Knowledge Check

Question: A system produces 100 kWh in a day. The monitoring app shows that 10 kWh was sent back to the grid. What is the Consumption Rate?

A) 10% B) 90% C) 100%

(Correct Answer: B. Since only 10% was exported, 90% was consumed by the home.)