A Rep's Guide to Intelligent System Design: How to achieve a true net-zero APS bill.
A massive fee based on your single highest **one-hour** power spike during on-peak hours.
On-Peak "Danger Zone" (Year-Round)
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Weekdays
Design a system that achieves a **$0 net APS bill**. This is done in two parts:
Target Offset: 110-115%
Generates power to run the home, charge the battery, and export to the grid for credits.
Its ONLY job is to discharge from 4-7 PM to eliminate the demand charge.
Excess solar is "deposited" as credits, which are "withdrawn" to pay for nightly grid use.
To win in the afternoon, you need afternoon power.
SOUTH & WEST FACING: Gold Standard & On-Peak Killer
EAST FACING: Avoid for this strategy
DAYTIME (e.g. 9 AM - 4 PM)
The oversized solar array first powers the home and fully charges the battery. All remaining excess energy is exported to the grid, building up valuable bill credits.
ON-PEAK (4 PM - 7 PM)
The system switches to 100% battery power. The home draws zero from the grid, eliminating the demand charge and avoiding high on-peak rates.
OFF-PEAK (7 PM onwards)
The home draws cheap power from the grid. The cost of this energy is canceled out by the credits earned from exporting solar during the day.