Making The Most Of Your Solar PV System
Time Your Energy Usage: Each Solar Pv System is individually designed and will produce more energy during certain times of the day. On a well designed system you can expect a good amount of production all throughout the day with the peak around mid morning - lunchtime. Try to time your energy usage to coincide with these periods of high production. For example, run your washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and other energy-intensive appliances during the day, utilising timers if you won't be home. This way, you can use your own free solar energy and avoid paying for electricity from the grid.
Check for shading on your panels: Trim back any trees or vegetation that may be casting shadows over your solar panels. Even partial shading can significantly reduce your system’s efficiency and overall energy production, which in turn can impact your savings and bill credits.
Review your electricity plan regularly: To ensure it suits your energy usage needs and keeps you on the most cost-effective plan. Energy prices, feed-in rates, and time-of-use plans can change, and regularly comparing options can help you maximise your savings and get the most out of the electricity your solar system generates.
Use Air Conditioning Efficiently: Your air conditioning system can consume a lot of power, but with solar you don't have to avoid using it altogether during the day! Instead, use it efficiently by setting it to a moderate temperature, closing your windows and doors, and blocking out the sun with curtains or blinds. This will help keep your home cool and comfortable while reducing the amount of energy your air conditioning system uses. At night, when your solar PV system is not producing energy, switch to fans or other cooling methods that consume less power.
Check Your Hot Water System: Consider switching to an electric hot water system that can be powered by your solar system. If you already have one make sure you change your off peak / timer arrangements to take advantage of peak solar production times. Contact us if you need help with this!
Check Your Pool Pump and Heater Settings: Avoid the pump operating during periods of low solar production. Most pumps have some automatic timer system allowing you to take control and maximise the use of your own solar energy.
Make Sure Your Appliances are Energy Efficient: Replace old appliances with new, more efficient ones to reduce your energy consumption and increase your savings.
Switch To LED Lighting: LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs, which means they require less power to operate. This can free up more of your solar energy for other uses, such as powering appliances or charging batteries. Additionally, LED bulbs last much longer, which reduces the frequency of bulb replacements and saves you money in the long run.
Insulate Your Home: A well-insulated home can reduce the amount of energy required to keep it cool or warm. Check your insulation methods and seal any leaks or gaps. This will help keep your home comfortable and reduce your energy consumption.
Use Smart Home Technology: Consider investing in smart home technology that can help you manage your energy usage. For example, components like the Fronius Consumption Meter (which we can install with your solar system) will help you see exactly what is going on with your home's energy usage 24/7.
Minimise Night Time Energy Usage:
Avoid energy-intensive appliances after dark – Try to use ovens, clothes dryers, and other high-energy devices during daylight hours when your solar system is producing power.
Cook smart – Consider preparing meals in the afternoon, use a slow cooker during the day, or an AirFryer for smaller meals that don’t require heating a large oven.
Keep your home warm efficiently – Use window coverings to trap warmth, block draughts under doors and windows, and layer clothing instead of relying heavily on night-time heating.
Turn off unused lights and devices – Switch off lights and appliances in unoccupied rooms to avoid wasting energy.
Charge devices during the day – Charge phones, laptops, and other electronics while your solar panels are generating electricity, rather than at night.
By following these tips and adopting good solar habits, you can maximise the benefits of your solar PV system and reduce your reliance on the grid saving you A LOT of money!
Be sure to check out our other blog for maintenance tips and insights on keeping your solar system running at peak efficiency: https://www.ecosparky.com/blog/maintaining-your-solar-pv-system
If you are still finding it difficult to use your solar energy in the day or your home's energy needs have become too high for your current system, it may be time to consider a home battery and / or an additional solar system.
Contact us for a tailored proposal to suit your needs by our in-house SAA accredited designer and installer Adam.