When not powered by the 10 panel photovoltaic system, the home draws
electricity from the local power grid. The home uses compact flurescent
lightbulbs throughout to reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the
grid. The current electric hot water heater is in the process of being
replaced by a more efficient natural gas unit, which should significantly
reduce the amount of electricity used. See the Case Study titled
Hot
Water Heater for further information on the electrical usage by
the hot water heater. The amount of electricity drawn from the grid
is shown in the charts below, which will be updated as additional
data becomes available.
FIGURE 1: Monthly electrical draw from the grid for the Green House on Watson.
FIGURE 2: Electrical draw after new meter installation in October 2006. Note
the change in the slope of the electrical draw from winter to summer.
FIGURE 3: Electrical draw for a 24 hour period. Note the reduced slope during
the daytime hours and the increased slope during the nightime hours, during
which time the residents of the home typically bathe and do laundry, using
a signifant amount of hot water (see the
Hot Water Heater Case Study for further information). This change in
slope should be less noticable once the gas hot water heater is installed.
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