Zero peak residential electric demand: An evaluation of strategies for eliminating peak residential electric demand in California climate zone 10
Conference
Buntine, C, Schiler, M, Spiegelhalter, T et al. (2007). Zero peak residential electric demand: An evaluation of strategies for eliminating peak residential electric demand in California climate zone 10
. 2 770-776.
Buntine, C, Schiler, M, Spiegelhalter, T et al. (2007). Zero peak residential electric demand: An evaluation of strategies for eliminating peak residential electric demand in California climate zone 10
. 2 770-776.
Meeting peak electric demand poses a significant challenge to electric utilities in California. The increased use of residential air conditioning, driven by high summer temperatures, is a primary contributor to peak demand. This paper evaluated strategies for eliminating peak electric demand through the integration of energy efficient building technologies and rooftop photovoltaics (PV). Energy efficiency measures were analyzed using eQUEST to determine their impact on peak demand between 2 and 5pm during the hottest three day period for climate zone 10 based on TMY2 weather data. Rooftop PV were evaluated to determine the orientation required to maximize peak electrical production during the peak period. The combination of energy efficiency measures and rooftop PV resulted in a load curve with zero peak demand between 2 and 5pm. A life-cycle cost analysis indicates that the net present value of a zero peak demand home is negative, based on current electricity tariffs even when rebates and tax credits are included. Changes to electricity tariffs and the move to residential time-of-use meters will potentially make the economics of zero or low peak demand homes more attractive in the near future.
