Installing a home solar system is a big step toward energy independence and lowering your carbon footprint. 

To make the most of this investment, it’s essential to keep your system running efficiently. Here’s a guide on optimising your solar setup for maximum savings and sustainability.

Understand Your Solar Output

Solar panels produce varying amounts of electricity depending on the time of year and day. Peak production in the UK typically occurs between 10 am and 4 pm in summer, and between 11 am and 2 pm in winter. Using your system’s app to track daily performance helps you identify these peak times, providing a solid foundation for optimising energy use.

Maximise Self-Consumption

The more solar power you use directly, the less you’ll need from the grid. Aim to run energy-intensive appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers, during peak sunlight hours. This strategy allows you to use your own energy more effectively, helping to lower your energy bills.

Shift Appliance Use to Daylight Hours

Using smart plugs or delay timers, run appliances such as dishwashers or dryers during the day when your solar system is most productive. During winter, heat your home while the sun is shining, and keep the warmth in by closing doors and windows. In summer, cool your home during peak generation hours and use blinds or curtains to block out excess heat.

Make the Switch to Electric

Replacing ageing gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives increases your solar usage and cuts reliance on fossil fuels. When purchasing new appliances, consider energy efficiency ratings as these can offer long-term savings.

Monitor Performance

Regularly monitor your system’s app to track energy generation and usage patterns. Unexpected drops in output can indicate issues that need attention—resolving these promptly prevents small issues from escalating.

Consider Adding Optimisers

If your roof has areas of partial shading or sections facing different directions, optimisers can boost panel performance, making your system more productive. These devices work on each panel individually, reducing the impact of shading and increasing overall efficiency.

Keep up with Maintenance

Solar panels require little maintenance, but periodic checks are helpful. Rain usually keeps them clean, but an annual rinse can maintain efficiency. Trim back any branches that could shade or drop debris on the panels, and if you spot damage, contact a professional for repairs.

Think About Battery Storage

A battery system lets you store excess energy for use when it’s cloudy or at night, increasing your energy independence. Although batteries require an upfront investment, they can be worthwhile for homes with high self-consumption needs or time-of-use tariffs that reward off-peak charging.

Review Your Electricity Tariff

Energy plans change often, so check your tariff annually to see if there are better deals, particularly for feeding excess energy into the grid. Time-of-use tariffs can benefit those with batteries by allowing off-peak charging for use during pricier peak hours.

By taking these steps

You’ll maximise the efficiency of your solar system, save on bills, and enjoy a more sustainable home setup. A well-maintained and optimised solar system not only cuts costs but also supports a greener future—benefiting both your household and the planet.

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