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.
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 Usage: It's important to minimise your energy usage during the night. Since solar panels can't produce energy in the dark, it's essential to conserve as much energy as possible during these hours. One easy way to do this is to avoid using energy-intensive appliances like ovens and clothes dryers after dark. Instead, consider cooking meals in the afternoon or our favourite hack is to use a slow cooker throughout the day! An AirFryer is also a great appliance for smaller meals not requiring a large oven to be turned on for a long time. You can also keep your home warm and cosy for the night without relying on heating by using window coverings to trap warmth and prevent draughts. Blocking any gaps under doors or windows can also help to prevent heat from escaping.
Other tips for minimising night time energy use include turning off lights and other items in unoccupied rooms and charging devices during the day instead.
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!
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 CEC accredited designer and installer Adam.