Modeling and Optimizing Grid-Tie System with TOD Billing

[mikeinmlb]

I am looking at building a grid-tie system without batteries. The issue is that my utility (Trico) is requiring solar to use TOD usage with the summer peak hours being 1-9pm. That last three hours of the day is really killing my math.

I've just been playing around in Excel doing the math, but was wondering if there are other resources I should consider to plan this out. More specifically, I am wondering if having some or all of the panels face more of a southwest orientation would result in a net cost savings. Just did not want to re-invent the wheel on this.

 

[hwy17]

Give up on the math and make an aesthetic decision, facing anywhere between south and west. Add more panels for more production.

 

[mikeinmlb]

Give up on the math and make an aesthetic decision, facing anywhere between south and west. Add more panels for more production.

So it does appear that my utility limits grid interconnect system sizes, so I can't just bruit force this.