Mile Hi SolarEnergy Monitoring
Energy monitoring is important for reducing energy use in preparation for going solar, and it can also be useful in measuring output of solar energy systems. Utility bills can give some measurements, but they are monthly, or even only once of twice a year for filling propane tanks. There are some devices that can give more accurate data on how much energy you are using, and where.
For small electrical loads, the kill-a-watt meter is ideal. It can be found at many local hardware stores and on line for around $30. The kill-a-watt EZ is similar, except it has non-volatile memory which is useful for measuring appliances where the receptacle is not easily visible when the meter is plugged in. They also have a power strip version.
For larger loads, or whole house monitoring, the TED is the best option that we have found. It works very well for electric water heater monitoring to find out energy to be potentially saved by solar thermal systems, and can also be used to monitor energy produced by grid-connected PV systems. Depending on the model, it ranges in cost from $200 to $500 plus installation (which should be done by a licensed electrician because it does involve installing equipment inside the electrical box).
For the ultimate in electricity monitoring, eGauge makes a web enabled unit that measures energy used or produced by multiple areas (up to twelve 120vac loads or six 240vac loads) and displays the results graphically on a website that you can log in to. Costs for this range from $1000 to $2500 depending on complexity of the monitoring.
For small electrical loads, the kill-a-watt meter is ideal. It can be found at many local hardware stores and on line for around $30. The kill-a-watt EZ is similar, except it has non-volatile memory which is useful for measuring appliances where the receptacle is not easily visible when the meter is plugged in. They also have a power strip version.
For larger loads, or whole house monitoring, the TED is the best option that we have found. It works very well for electric water heater monitoring to find out energy to be potentially saved by solar thermal systems, and can also be used to monitor energy produced by grid-connected PV systems. Depending on the model, it ranges in cost from $200 to $500 plus installation (which should be done by a licensed electrician because it does involve installing equipment inside the electrical box).
For the ultimate in electricity monitoring, eGauge makes a web enabled unit that measures energy used or produced by multiple areas (up to twelve 120vac loads or six 240vac loads) and displays the results graphically on a website that you can log in to. Costs for this range from $1000 to $2500 depending on complexity of the monitoring.
