11 ways to save more with solar

Here are eleven ways to get the most value from the electricity generated on your rooftop.

1. Load shift: The cost of buying electricity is more than the reward you get for exporting it, so the best thing you can do with the energy your solar system generates is use it. Generation is usually highest between 10 am and 2 pm, so set timers to run large appliances during this time, like your washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher.
   
   
2. Heat it up, cool it down: Heating and cooling can make up 20% of a typical energy bill. Set electric heating and cooling to achieve the right temperature while solar is generating, then turn it down or off in the evening.
   
   
3. Go electric: Use electricity in place of gas wherever possible in your home. Choose electric heating, an electric hot water system, and an induction cooktop to make the most of the energy you can harvest from the sun.
   
   
4. Be efficient: Install energy-efficient white goods and LED light bulbs, and consider the star rating of devices like your television. Small gains at the point of purchase will stretch your solar energy further and reduce your reliance on electricity from the grid.
   
   
5. Keep it clean: Dust that gathers on solar panels should wash off when it rains, but the occasional spray with a hose will help to clear bird droppings, leaves, and other muck that robs efficiency (please do not climb on your roof or do anything unsafe - chat to us if you need advice on a solar cleaner).
   
   
6. Make "smart" choices: There are ways to control electrical devices without the cost of a home energy management system. Invest in timers, lights, and other appliances that you can control remotely by app. They are surprisingly affordable, starting at as little as $20.
   
   
7. Check your retailer: Make sure your energy retailer is offering a fair feed-in tariff for your excess solar power. Each year, state governments set the baseline for what they must pay you, but some electricity companies offer a higher rate than others.
   
   
8. Charge up: A home battery is the ultimate way to harness power from your solar panels. A well-sized battery can supply power day and night, while also earning extra revenue by providing energy to the grid when supplies are stretched. If you are using as much power as you can during the day and still exporting to the grid, it might be time to look at a battery.
   
   
9. Change your water heater: Replacing an older-style hot water heater with newer technology, like a heat pump, can significantly reduce energy consumption. While doing this, it may be worth heating the water during daylight hours rather than at night.
   
   
10. Pool pump: Pools use massive amounts of energy, so it may be worth setting the pool pumps to operate in the middle of the day to consume excess solar generation.
    
    
11. Check your app: Your new solar system should have a monitoring tool. Keep an eye on your generation to make sure your system is still operating efficiently. There's no need to do this if you're a UPowr customer, as we do it for you.