On the Ripple Studio Page, you have probably seen this table and how it changes based on what components you have selected.
This table summarizes a whole year of energy demands into a few columns, but what does it all mean for your project?
Base
This section shows the typical annual energy requirements for your project based on the location and other specifications.
Proposed
This section shows the division of energy requirements based on the components you have selected.
Grid Supplied
These columns show the amount of energy coming from the traditional energy grid, specifically Electricity and Natural Gas.
Alternative
This is the amount of usable energy your components are producing.
Surplus
This is the amount of unused energy your components are producing. Learn More.
Usable Energy
You may be wondering, why there is usable and unused energy, shouldn't the alternative energy replace all your Grid Supplied energy?
The reasoning comes down to demand and production.
The energy Grid is always producing energy via many different methods.
Any time you turn on a light switch you create a demand and the Grid is ready to supply enough current to activate the bulb.
However, solar panels only produce energy when the sun is shining. As a result they produce most of their energy when demands are low, which results in Surplus.
Unless this energy can be fed back into the grid or put into storage it's unused.
So what should your do with Surplus energy?
Luckily, the answer is simple!
...it Depends.
There are three typical options:
1. Reduce the Component Size
This is a cost effective option for smaller scale projects.
Pros
Reduced equipment costs
Less surplus.
Cons
Less energy production
Longer payback periods.
2. Add Storage
Capture the surplus and use it as required.
This option is best if you want an independent high efficiency system and have a good sized budget.
Pros
Better energy utilization
Less grid dependence
Great for high demand systems or systems with demands at irregular times.
Cons
Storage is expensive and adds an additional equipment life cycle
Not all stored energy is recovered
3. Buyback
Send energy back to the grid at a given rate of return.
This is a good option if it's available in your location and you don't mind dealing with extra regulations.
Pros
Energy you don't use gets sent to your neighbors
Has the potential for short payback and even profit
Cons
Not viable for thermal energy
Extra equipment and permitting is required
Not an option in many locations
Buy back rates fluctuate drastically and may become void
In conclusion, the Project Energy Demand table is a summary, there is no correct balance or outcome for your project.
You may want to produce as much surplus as possible to maximize buyback, or reduce energy consumption to save costs, or not- try several different options and speak with an expert on Ripple Connect to find out what works best for you!
