Making the most out of your solar energy system this Summer

With summer comes longer sunshine hours, which means your solar energy system will generate significantly more energy. Any energy you’re not using at home will be stored in your solar battery. Don’t have a battery? No worries—excess energy will be sold back to the grid and appear as export credits on your monthly invoice.

Tips and tricks to make the most of your solar energy system this Summer

Use energy as it is being generated
In summer, the most solar energy is generated around midday. To maximise this, try running your washing machine, dishwasher, or other large appliances during peak sunlight hours. By using energy straight from your roof, you can power your home without relying on additional purchases, saving money in the process.

Keep your panels clean

Dust, leaves, and bird poop can reduce the efficiency of your panels. If you can, give them a clean according to your installers instructions, or hire a professional to come help.

Check for shade

Make sure there are no trees starting to grow over your panels and casting shadows during peak sunlight hours. Trim back any overhanging branches, or get a bloke in.

Opt for LED lightbulbs

Summer sales are the perfect time to invest in LED bulbs. While they may cost slightly more upfront, LEDs use about 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than standard bulbs. By switching to LEDs, you free up more solar energy for other appliances.

Check your air conditioning filter

There’s no magic temperature to set your air conditioning for maximum savings, but a clogged filter forces the fan to work harder, driving up energy use. Clean or replace your filter to keep your home cool efficiently.

Keep your home cool

If you are anything like us when we get home from a day at work, we are often hit with a wall of heat. Keep your curtains and blinds closed during the day to block out the heat for an easy, free way to stay cool.

Check the appliances that you have plugged in

With more time spent outdoors, now’s a great time to unplug appliances you’re not using. Even when turned off, plugged-in devices can draw energy without you realising.

Check the seal on your fridge

With friends and family around for Summer BBQs your fridge is getting more use than it is used to in the cooler months. Check the door seal to ensure it’s airtight and set the temperature to around 4°C. A loose seal makes your fridge use more energy, which can add up over time.

If you don't have solar, but are interested to find out more, check out our solar page for more info or find a solar provider near you using our solar map.