With the right tips and tricks, you can very quickly achieve energy efficiency in the home when switching to solar generated power.
We’ve pulled together our top tips for maximising Solar Power to ensure you enjoy maximum savings!
- How much electricity do you use?
Understanding your electricity usage will help to make good decisions to best use your solar power. You can easily identify where your electricity consumption is coming from simply by reviewing your online electricity account which outlines how much power you use and when. Once you have this information, you can then look to try and run all of your electricity during sunlight hours, so that your solar can pay for your usage.
- Reduce electricity consumption
If you use a large amount of electricity, another good place to start is by reducing your overall electricity consumption to maximise the solar power being generated. A few ideas to get you started:- Try to use a clothesline or horse rather than an electrical dryer.
- Always turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
- Use fans instead of air conditioners when possible.
- Switch off appliances at the light switch rather than using standby mode.
- Insulate your house and plug any gaps or leaks.
- Run your air conditioner at the recommended temperature (18-20 C)
- Take shorter, five minute showers.
- Check the seal on your fridge door and replace if faulty
- Use LED lighting inside your home and sensor lights outside.
Further, be mindful why you installed solar in the first place when purchasing new appliances – always try to stick to those with high energy ratings whenever possible. - Maximise the Sun when it’s Shining!
It makes sense to maximise your energy usage during the day when the sun is out. The position of panels on your roof will determine when most of the solar power is being generated. North facing panels are the ideal position for generating power consistently throughout the day. East facing panels result in most of your power generation being produced in the mornings. West facing panels capture the afternoon sun. Your solar installer will guide you to what is best for your situation. Every customers situation will be unique and should be assessed individually.
- Best practice when using appliances
Once you’ve established when power generation will be at its peak each day, it makes sense to use as much of this free energy as possible during daylight hours. Think about:- The most energy-intensive household items like the washing machine and dishwasher. Use only during daylight hours or use a timer so they operate while you’re at work.
- Recharging mobile devices, laptops and other electronic gadgets during the day and unplug at night.
- Using appliances with rechargeable batteries such as cordless kettles and vacuum cleaners – charge during the day and run off battery power at night.
- Run your pool/ spa filters during daylight hours.
- Use one appliance at a time
When solar generation is low it’s preferable not to have multiple appliances running at the same time. For example, on a cloudy day solar will produce say 1000w. Using the oven is about 1000w and will be covered by solar. Your dishwasher at the same time might be another 1000w which will be purchased from the grid and in turn, increases your power bill.
- Solar Maintenance
Solar panels work at their optimum level when they are clean and clear of shade or vegetation.- Panels should be checked for mould, dirt and bird droppings ideally every twelve to eighteen months or if your electricity bill has increased.
- Ensure trees or bushes are not blocking direct access to sunlight.
- Have a professional check your System every couple of years to keep performance at its peak.
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