Do you have to switch over to EV2 if you add more panels? I debated adding more panels, but once I have to switch over to EV2 more panels won't really help much.
As I am an existing NEM2, I believe I am still grandfathered. Per the Page 1 of the
EV rate schedule below.
Pursuant to D.17-01-006, as revised by D. 17-02-017 and D. 17-10-018, for grandfathered service, certain solar customers will be allowed to continue service on Rate A of this schedule. Specifically, solar customers that interconnected by December 16, 2016, and elected service under Schedule EV prior to July 31, 2017, are allowed to retain service under this schedule for five years after issuance of the permission to operate, but no later than July 31, 2022. In addition, pursuant to D. 16-01-044, net energy metering customers that interconnected after December 15, 2016 and elected service on Rate Option A of this rate schedule may also continue service on this rate schedule for a period of 5 years from the date the customer commenced service on the NEM 2.0 rate, but no later than July 1, 2024.
I am subject to the last sentence as my interconnect (PTO) was February 09, 2017. There is nothing about losing grandfathering status above. At worst case, I could be subject to the following PG&E
EV FAQ.
I AM A CURRENT EV-A CUSTOMER IN THE PROCESS OF GOING SOLAR, CAN I REMAIN ON THE EV-A RATE?
Current EV-A customers must submit their interconnection application by November 30th, 2019 to remain the EV-A rate. If the application is submitted in time but PTO is not received prior to November 2019, customers will be transitioned to EV2-A, and returned to EV-A once PTO is granted.
Last month a new interconnection application was signed for the new solar and installation is anticipated for later this month.
The other option would be to add battery. That would cutdown on the late afternoon/evening energy pull from the grid. If the battery can get you through at least midnight, then you'd never pull expensive energy.
Fortunately, we already have 2X Powerwalls. I find we are currently production limited in the winter to fill the batteries to offset afternoon/evening usage. I figure adding more panels will fix this, offset the added overall load we have with EVs, and prepay energy at a lower rate.
For example, with Tesla very competitive price, 12 panels cost $10,773. After the 30% Fed Credit the system will cost
$7,541.10 ($2.00/KWH). Production is anticipated by Tesla to be 5,066 KWH in Year 1 (varies by location for others).
Conservatively, using 5,000 KWH/year x 23 (25 years of production with 0.7% degradation) = 115,000 KWH lifetime production. Divide $7,541.10 by 115,000 KWH =
$0.065/KWH.
Alternatively, using 5,066 KWH/year x 27.92 (30 years of production with 0.5% degradation) = 141,459 KWH lifetime. Divide $7,541.10 by 141,459 KWH =
$0.053/KWH.
