What is a load profile?

In order to provide energy most efficiently to the grid, utility companies will monitor customers’ usage to determine times of significant demand and adequately prepare for them. If you understand your load profile, you can use this knowledge to determine what might be contributing to periods of higher energy consumption in your home, allowing you to find ways to reduce your energy usage (and save money in the process!). In this article, we’ll explain what you should know about your load profile.

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What are flexible loads?

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As we collectively move towards electrified energy consumption, more pressure is put on the grid to meet the growing demand for electricity. Clean and emission-free electricity sources, like solar and wind, are valuable grid contributors and are key to breaking our reliance on fossil fuels and meeting net-zero climate goals. But, increasing electrification doesn’t come without new challenges.

The power generated by renewable energy sources is produced according to nature rather than consumer demand – which can increase intermittency. This shift in how the grid operates affects the balance between electricity supply and demand and, ultimately, grid stability. Demand response programs aim to lessen the strain on the electricity grid during peak demand events to avoid grid failures. In this article, we explain the role flexible loads play in demand response solutions and the benefits of participating in them.

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Key takeaways from RE+ 2022

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After three long years, RE+ (formerly Solar Power International, or SPI), the largest energy trade show in North America, occurred last week. We at EnergySage were lucky to join the 30,000 people (!) who attended the event and gained first-hand knowledge about what’s creating buzz in the industry. The excitement surrounding the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act was palpable and there seemed to be a clear commitment across the industry to support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) initiatives by supporting a wider array of workers in the industry and bringing clean energy to a broader group of people.

In this article, we’ll highlight both the new products that caught our attention as well as some of the soon-to-be-released products we’re most excited about. Here’s what you need to know from RE+ 2022.

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Energy news: Sep 29, 2022

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It’s been a busy past few weeks for the energy industry – last week, EnergySage attended the largest energy trade show in North America, RE+ (formerly SPI), and this week we have a lot to update you on while we’ve been out! We’re welcoming you into Autumn with an energy news roundup covering a brand-new study published by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), as well as a key California climate package recently signed into law by Governor Newsom.

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What is HSPF and why does it matter with heat pumps?

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Upgrading your home with energy-efficient systems like heat pumps saves you money on electricity bills while minimizing carbon emissions. And, incentive and rebate programs like those included in the Inflation Reduction Act make the decision to tap into the financial and environmental benefits of heat pumps even simpler. But between the different makes and models, various features, and technical energy efficiency ratings, it’s easy to feel lost when researching and comparing heat pump systems.

Specifically, the various energy efficiency ratings can cause confusion. Although a heat pump is capable of both heating and cooling, the different functions require different amounts of energy and therefore use separate efficiency calculations: SEER and HSPF. In this article, we explain what HSPF means, how heating systems are rated for energy efficiency during the colder months, and when investing in a highly efficient heat pump is actually worth it.

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What you need to know about IKEA’s solar business

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Swedish furniture giant IKEA is already on the top of many people’s lists for furnishing a new apartment or home – they make those updates easy and accessible with furniture that allows you to DIY build everything from a bookshelf to a bed frame. Recently, IKEA has made the jump from home furnishings to rooftop solar through a partnership with SunPower. While this partnership won’t allow you to build your own solar system, it does promise to make solar accessible to IKEA customers. In the United States, this program is currently only available in California, and we’ll cover everything you need to know about it in this article.

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Using your heat pump: five tips for maintenance to optimize efficiency

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Heat pumps are an effective, cost-cutting alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems. Between (usually) lower energy bills and various incentive programs, heat pumps provide consistent savings in a turbulent energy market. However, proper maintenance is essential to optimize a system’s efficiency and savings. According to the Department of Energy, the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump is 10 to 25 percent lower than that of a neglected one. So, we spoke with some industry experts to gather some helpful maintenance tips to optimize your heat pump’s efficiency.

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Google Nest thermostats review

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Smart home products – or home appliances that can connect to other devices or networks, like a smartphone – offer convenience and efficiency, and are becoming increasingly popular. From doorbells and locks, to smoke detectors, to thermostats, smart home devices can be controlled from virtually anywhere. Google Nest, Google’s line of smart home products, boasts a sleek collection of smart home products that can help manage a home’s energy habits. In this article, we review Google Nest smart thermostats: the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Nest Thermostat.

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Solar paint: what you need to know

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Imagine if, with just a coat of paint, you could generate enough energy to power your entire house or car – one of the solar industry’s newest innovations could help make that possible! As solar energy becomes increasingly popular, scientists continue to find new ways to improve current technologies and explore new alternatives to expand access to clean energy.

While solar panels are by far the most popular (and most efficient) way for homeowners to generate solar electricity, panels aren’t a good fit for all buildings. There are already a few ways to get around this: you could install a different system setup like a solar canopy or ground-mounted system, or you could sign up for community solar, which provides a discount on your electricity bill without having to install a single solar panel. One of the newest innovations in the solar industry comes in a very familiar form: paint! Solar paint is a new technology that aims to work as a regular paint, while still generating electricity from the sun.

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What is SEER and why does it matter with heat pumps?

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Specifically, the various energy efficiency ratings can cause confusion. Although a heat pump is capable of both heating and cooling, the different functions require different amounts of energy and therefore use separate efficiency calculations: SEER and HSPF. In this article, we’ll explain what SEER means, how cooling systems are rated for energy efficiency during the warmer months, and when investing in a highly efficient heat pump is actually worth it.

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