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Installing solar panels in Australia is a fantastic way to cut down on energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable future. With Australia’s abundance of sunlight, solar energy systems can generate substantial power, making them a smart investment for homes and businesses alike. However, many people don’t realise that they can optimise their solar setup to reap even greater rewards.
Simply installing panels is the first step, but fine-tuning your energy usage and maintaining your system can help you maximise its efficiency, ensuring you get the most from your investment. Whether it’s adjusting your energy habits or keeping your panels in top condition, there are several strategies you can implement to boost your solar power performance.
Here are some practical tips to help you maximise your solar system’s efficiency and reduce your reliance on the grid.
If you have an on-grid solar system—the most common setup—you only benefit from solar energy during daylight hours. While off-grid systems with solar batteries store excess energy for evening use, standard on-grid systems use solar power as it’s produced.
To maximise efficiency, try to use more energy during the day, reducing your reliance on the main grid at night and lowering your electricity bills. For instance, if you have appliances with timers, set them to run during the day. Washing machines and dishwashers can be loaded at night and programmed to run during peak solar hours.
Understanding when your panels produce the most energy is also important. For north-facing panels, this peak period is typically between 10 am and 2 pm. Scheduling appliance use during these hours helps you make the most of your solar power system.
Heating and cooling systems are major energy consumers, but with a bit of planning, you can run them more efficiently. If you’re out during the day, consider setting your air conditioner to run in the afternoon before you return. This way, your home is already cool in summer or warm in winter, and you can reduce energy consumption when the sun goes down.
By shifting your heating and cooling to daylight hours, you can utilise solar power and reduce your reliance on the grid in the evenings.
Your solar system only produces a certain amount of energy at any given time. If you run several high-energy appliances simultaneously, your system may not generate enough power to cover the demand, causing you to draw energy from the grid.
To avoid this, try staggering the use of energy-hungry appliances. For example, avoid running the washing machine and dishwasher at the same time. Similarly, try not to use your dryer, oven, or shower at once. By spreading out your energy use, you can make better use of the solar power your system produces.
While solar panel efficiency naturally decreases over time, proper maintenance ensures that this decrease is minimal. However, if panels are not kept clean, you may notice a significant drop in energy production much sooner than expected.
Being outdoors, solar panels are exposed to the elements, leading to the buildup of dust, grime, and debris. Bird droppings and other obstructions can also reduce panel efficiency by covering cells and blocking sunlight.
To maintain optimal performance, it’s recommended to have your solar panels professionally cleaned at least once a year. Regular cleaning removes the dirt that hinders energy production and ensures your system operates at its best. While hosing down panels can help in a pinch, it’s no substitute for professional cleaning, which ensures the job is done safely and thoroughly.
Choosing a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer is essential for ensuring your solar system is installed correctly and operates efficiently. CEC-approved retailers and installers adhere to strict ethical, honest, and transparent marketing practices, giving you confidence that you’re getting the right system for your needs.
Moreover, CEC-certified experts have an in-depth understanding of solar panel placement, ensuring your system is installed at the correct angle and orientation for maximum energy production. By using a CEC-approved installer like SolarBright, you can rest assured that your solar system is optimised for efficiency from day one.
And always remember you get what you pay for, there is a price to be paid for cheap solar.
If you’re looking for advice on choosing the right solar panel system or need tips on getting the most from your current setup, contact the friendly team at SolarBright today. We offer high-quality solar products at competitive prices and always provide honest, expert advice. Contct us today to discover how much you could save with solar energy.
Read Also:
Understanding the Different Types of Solar Panels
Does My Solar Power System Require Regular Inspections?
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