Making the Most of Your Solar Panels – Reduce Your Bills Further

January 17, 2025

Optimise your solar system by using energy during daylight and adopting smart tech. Add battery storage and efficient habits to cut bills and support a greener future.

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At a glance

Use more electricity during daylight hours when your panels are generating energy. Run appliances like washing machines dishwashers and chargers during the day to reduce reliance on the grid.

Yes battery storage allows you to store excess solar energy and use it later especially in the evening or on cloudy days which can further reduce your bills.

Smart meters solar monitoring apps and smart plugs can help you track energy production and consumption so you can make informed decisions about usage.

Definitely. Insulating your home upgrading to LED lighting and using energy-efficient appliances will help you get the most benefit from your solar panels.

If you have extra energy you can export it back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme which rewards you for contributing clean power.

Think Carefully About Your Energy Usage

Solar panels use daylight to generate electricity. Even on cloudy days, there is sufficient light, but when darkness falls, they stop working until the next day. With this in mind, shift as much power usage to the daytime as possible. To make the best use of daily energy:

Re-Think Your Appliance Usage – Run high-energy appliances, like washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers and ovens, during peak sunlight hours (usually between 10 AM and 4 PM).
Charge Your Electric Vehicle – Plug in your car during the daytime whenever possible to make use of free power.
Smart Scheduling – Use programmable appliances or timers to automate tasks if you are out during these times. Make use of Smart Hub Technology so you can operate appliances remotely, switching appliances on during peak times.
Switch Heating to Electric – If you have gas-fired central heating, it makes sense to switch to a heat pump or electric heating that uses power generated by your solar panels. Electric underfloor heating can warm up rooms all day so it’s simply a case of maintaining the temperature when daylight ends. Or supplement your gas boiler by using electric heaters in rooms you occupy during the hours your solar panels produce the most energy.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Modern, energy-efficient appliances consume less electricity, helping you save power and money. Look for appliances with high energy ratings, such as A+++ labels, and replace older, power-hungry devices over time.

Consider Battery Storage Systems

If you want to use solar power even when the sun isn’t shining, installing a battery storage system is a great option. Batteries store excess electricity produced during the day, so you can use it at night or during periods of low sunlight. Energy storage helps you use solar power for most of the time, and only require grid electricity occasionally.

Reduce Energy Waste

Improving your overall energy efficiency ensures you make the most of your solar power:

Switch to LED Bulbs: LEDs consume significantly less energy than traditional bulbs.
Turn Off Standby Devices: Devices left on standby can drain power. Use smart power strips or manually turn off appliances when not in use.
Improve Insulation: Better insulation reduces heating and cooling needs, conserving electricity.

Clean Your Solar Panels

Dust, debris and dirt can reduce your solar panels’ efficiency by blocking sunlight. Regularly cleaning your panels and keeping them free from obstructions like overhanging trees will ensure they work at maximum capacity. If you’re unsure about cleaning, consult your installer for professional maintenance.

Take Advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

Under the UK’s SEG scheme, you can earn money by exporting surplus solar energy back to the grid. Instead of wasting unused energy, why not get some cash back to make the most of your PV panels. Choose an energy supplier with the most competitive SEG rates to maximise the return on your solar investment.

Use Solar-Compatible Appliances

Some modern appliances are designed to work seamlessly with solar systems. For example:

Solar Water Heaters: Use solar power directly for heating water.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Charge your EV during the day to reduce your reliance on grid power.

Installing solar PV panels is the first step towards living a more sustainable lifestyle. By following these tips, you can not only maximise the efficiency of your solar panels but also reduce your overall energy consumption and contribute to a greener future. Small changes can lead to big savings and a more sustainable lifestyle!

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Maximise Your Solar Use: Install The Latest PV System

Solar panel technology is advancing, so choosing an installer who fits the latest systems is one way to ensure you get the most out of your system. State-of-the-art solar panels convert more sunlight to energy than ever before. At Actismart, we install quality, efficient solar PV setups to make sure your investment is worth every penny.

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