Changing Energy Consumption Habits to Match Solar

Whilst solar is a great way to offset daytime energy consumption, once the sun goes down, you begin to rely on expensive peak grid energy again. This makes some solar owners wonder why their solar isn’t reducing their bill. Depending on your consumption habits, this usage during peak periods is what drives your energy bill right up.

By timing your consumption better, you can consume more of that abundant solar energy during the day when generation is at its highest.

Timing high-consumption appliances during sunny days helps offset the electricity costs usually added directly to your energy bill. Appliances like pool pumps, heating & cooling, dryers, and cooking appliances can be timed through the day to make the most of the electricity you’re already generating.

This can greatly reduce your electricity usage through peak periods, which in turn could save you significantly.

Adding Battery Storage to Your Solar System

There is a common misconception that the primary reason that people invest in solar is to feed back into the grid. Whilst you can get a return for feed ins depending on your generation, the investment’s focus is offsetting your high consumption appliances during the day instead of using grid energy.

This allows you to offset that high energy usage that otherwise would greatly increase your electricity bill. However, homeowners might not be able to use certain appliances during the day, so this is where Battery Storage comes in handy.

Energy storage allows you to store the excess solar energy harnessed throughout the day, to be used instead of that expensive grid energy – especially peak periods. You aren’t only using solar energy through the day but continue taking advantage of self-generated energy through the evenings, becoming more independent in your energy distribution.

An added bonus of battery storage is having 24/7 electricity backup for when the power grid fails!

Fortunately, there is an upcoming battery rebate that will be available for businesses and homes looking to install energy storage to their property!

Cleanliness & Maintenance of Solar Panels

Whilst it sounds simple, it’s important to ensure your system is working at full capacity to secure the optimal performance that your system is capable of.

Booking an annual health check can ensure your system is healthy and that your system is performing as expected. Otherwise, conducting a visual check to make sure there is minimal dirt and debris on the panels goes a long way in confirming you’re producing as much as possible.

A health check can identify issues that are preventing your system from generating solar, preventing your savings.

Should You Upgrade or Replace Your Solar System?

As older solar systems continue to age, their performance slowly decreases over time. Depending on your system’s age and condition, it may be better to add some more panels to account for the lost performance over its duration or replace the system entirely. Should you upgrade or replace your solar system?

If your system has paid for itself, and has given you returns but no longer is viable, replacing your entire system for a fresh start could be the path for you. With a fresh system consisting of modern solar technology, you can get the same amount of generation with less panels, or more with the same sized array. You also take advantage of newer inverter and other more efficient electrical components, all designed to help you get the most out of your solar system.

These options can ensure you can get the most out of your roof’s real estate, optimising your returns.

Amber: Turn your Battery into an ATM

If you have or are looking to get a solar and battery system, there are still ways to maximise not just your solar, but your battery too... Amber.

Amber allows you to not only save you money with your battery system, but actually earn it by turning your battery into an ATM.

Traditional retailers sell electricity at a flat price, but all retailers buy electricity at the wholesale price. With Amber, you get access to this dynamic price, meaning you pay less when you use energy when it's greener and cheaper.

Automate and optimise your battery using Amber SmartShift™️, which charges your battery when energy prices are negative or cheap, and exports back to the grid when prices are highest. It does this in a personalised way which looks at your solar generation, energy consumption trends, and wholesale prices to create a personalised plan to get the most out of your battery.

Find the Best Solar Feed-In-Tariff (FiTs)

Using a website like wattever.com.au, you can see what the best solar feed-in-tariffs there are in your state. This can help you get the most returns out of your excess solar exports, boosting your return-on-investment.

Each electricity provider will offer various rates that will depend on factors like time of day and your location which will indicate how much your feed-in-tariff will be.

Your individual energy consumption will determine what the best rate is for you. For example, if you and your partner both work during the day, and use most of your energy through the evenings and nighttime hours, you’re probably best getting a flat rate tariff. Understand what tariff best suits you here.