Use your energy when the sun is shining
One of the easiest ways to make the most of your solar is to run appliances like washing machines, dishwashers - and other energy-hungry devices - during the middle of the day. That's when your panels are producing the most power, so you're making use of your own solar energy instead of drawing from the grid later in the day.
Keep panels clean and working efficiently
It's easy to forget, but a bit of maintenance can go a long way. Dust, dirt, leaves and other debris can build up on panels over time and reduce how much sunlight they absorb. Even small obstructions can reduce output. Having them cleaned when needed - and making sure nothing new is casting shade, like overgrown trees - helps to maintain output levels.
Make use of monitoring tools
If your system includes monitoring, winter is a great time to check in more regularly. These tools can show how much energy your system is producing throughout the day and help you understand your usage patterns. They're also useful for spotting changes in performance early, which could indicate shading, dirt build-up or a potential fault that might need attention.
Think about everyday energy use
Small changes at home can also help you get more from your solar setup. Turning off appliances when they're not needed, using energy-efficient settings where possible - and being more mindful about when you use electricity - all help reduce reliance on the grid and make better use of the energy your panels generate during daylight hours.
Source: synergy.net.au
