Time-of-use electricity rates and what they mean for solar and batteries
Rates that charge more in the late afternoon and evening. Solar makes most at midday, so time-of-use rates make batteries and evening savings more valuable.
Many utilities, and most new solar customers in some states, pay different prices by time of day. The peak is usually around 4–9 pm, when solar output is falling and household use is rising.
Under time-of-use rates a battery can store cheap midday solar and use it at the expensive peak. West-facing panels, which produce later in the day, also become more valuable.
What this means for you: Check which rate plan you would be on with solar. If peak prices are much higher than off-peak, price a battery and consider west-facing panels.