Reduce Your Electricity Bill by Downsizing Your Vehicle
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Chapter 1: The Connection Between Vehicle Size and Energy Use
If you're looking to decrease your electricity expenses, one of the most effective strategies is to consider the size of your vehicle. Whether you generate your own solar power or purchase electricity from your local provider, minimizing your car's dimensions can lead to substantial energy savings.
As highlighted in previous discussions, achieving energy self-sufficiency in a modern single-family home is attainable, even with electric vehicles in temperate regions like Switzerland.
Solar Self-Sufficiency: A Viable Goal
Solar energy independence is achievable for contemporary homes, even those accommodating electric cars in moderate climates…
Vertical Solar Panels: A Practical Solution
Vertical solar panels aren't just suited for remote cabins; they can be effectively utilized on residential properties, including in less sunny conditions.
My current energy setup provides between 70% and 80% self-sufficiency annually, influenced by varying weather patterns and winter snowfall.
The Energy-Efficient Home Setup
Our home, constructed in 2012 with a focus on energy efficiency, features a Drexel+Weiss Aerosmart X2 heating and ventilation system, supported by a ground heat pump that has consistently maintained low heating energy consumption. On particularly cold days, the heating system operates at approximately 1.2 kW.
Over the years, we have gradually enhanced our energy systems, including:
- 8 kWp east-west solar panels on the carport
- 14 kWp east-west solar panels on the house
- 4.8 kWp east-west solar panels on the house facade
- 12 kWh Fronius Solar Battery
- Two Tesla Model 3 vehicles with 75 kWh batteries each
A Loxone building management system orchestrates the usage of major appliances (including cars, washing machines, and heating), optimizing performance based on solar energy availability, battery charge levels, and seasonal changes.
Annual Production Data Analysis
After five years of monitoring, we've compiled our annual energy production statistics:
From 2018 to 2022, we generated between 17 to 19 MWh of energy annually, with notable dips in output during 2021 due to heavy winter snowfall and a rainy summer.
Understanding Energy Consumption Trends
Here’s a look at our energy consumption over the same timeframe:
While the years 2019 to 2021 exhibited stable consumption levels, 2018 and 2022 showed significant fluctuations. What factors contributed to these changes?
The Key Insight
The size and number of electric vehicles directly influence electricity consumption.
Initially, we owned a single electric car, a Tesla Model X. In 2019, we added a second vehicle, a Tesla Model S, which we used until 2021 when we transitioned to two lighter Tesla Model 3s.
The Model 3 is approximately 500–700 kg lighter than the Model S/X and has a smaller cross-section. This results in 30–40% less energy consumption per kilometer, which explains the noticeable decline in our electricity usage in 2022.
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Effective Strategy
Regardless of whether you harness solar energy or rely on your local utility, the most straightforward way to cut electricity costs is to opt for smaller vehicles. This may seem obvious, but amidst the electric vehicle hype, this practical advice is often overlooked.
As we navigate the current energy landscape and the shift toward electric vehicles, it’s crucial to remember that larger electric cars consume energy just like their gasoline counterparts.
Additional Resources
This informative video titled "We Cut Our Electric Bill in Half in About 6 Weeks!" showcases practical strategies for reducing energy costs effectively.
In this video, "HOW TO LOWER YOUR UTILITY BILLS AND SAVE MONEY!!!", viewers can learn various tactics to save on energy bills, making it a valuable resource for homeowners.
As a tech entrepreneur, active reserve officer, and father of three, I offer practical advice on entrepreneurship and resilience across various aspects of life. My insights are straightforward and tailored for busy individuals. When I'm not working, I find rejuvenation in the scenic mountains surrounding Zermatt. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for resilient entrepreneurs, and grab my eBook to ensure you’re never left in the dark as a homeowner!