5 tips to maximise solar energy savings
Being among the world’s leaders in new technology and green solutions, Australia has an incredibly diverse and efficient grid technology that even called for a national electricity reform.
Evidently, a higher number of Aussies are deciding to go solar with their energy each day, as they know that solar is good for humanity, as well as the environment we live in. If you want to switch to this sustainable and efficient system as well, here are some essential tips to know for maximising solar energy savings on a daily basis:
Know where to position the solar panels
The positioning of the panels is truly the secret of solar success, as increasing the amount of sunshine you manage to get throughout the day is the best way to maximise your energy savings. And even though Australia is a generally sunny country, your solar panel yields will be higher when they are faced north, as that is where the sun is the most visible in the Southern Hemisphere.
If possible, you might also want to attempt positioning the solar panels on your roof, or any other more elevated surface on your property. The higher the panels are placed, the more sun exposure they will manage to get, mostly by avoiding possible shades that might be cast on them when they’re positioned nearer the ground.
Choose the most appropriate panels
When searching for great solar panels for sale, the most important thing is to choose the best and most suitable option for your home, as well as the highest quality you can afford. However, another aspect you might want to consider is the number of panels you decide to install on your property.
Although solar panels are undoubtedly a large investment, think about doubling the amount you purchase, or even opting for as many solar panels as can comfortably fit in the designated space. While this might seem a bit more costly initially, a higher number of solar panels will make for a much more efficient system that will allow you to utilize solar energy more easily, ultimately saving you money on energy consumption over time.
Maintain your solar panels regularly
There is a high possibility that dirt, dust, and other unwanted particles will accumulate on the surface of your solar panels, which might make it more difficult for them to efficiently absorb light. For that reason, thoroughly cleaning your panels once or twice a year can be another great way of maximising your daily energy production.
But the surface of your panels isn’t the only important aspect. It would also be a good idea to hire a professional to do a detailed check-up of your entire system every couple of years. This is a small investment to make, but a great opportunity to identify potential problems early on, and fix them before they start creating more difficult and costly issues.
Time your energy usage efficiently
Considering the fact that solar panels create energy by absorbing sunlight, they will naturally produce electricity only throughout the day. So, it would be best to maximise your energy by increasing your consumption during the daylight, whether that means charging all of your electronics or opting for gadgets with rechargeable batteries that can be charged during the day and used at night.
As dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and heating and cooling options are all among the most energy-intensive appliances in your home, it would be wise to use them during the day as well. But in case you’re away from home at this time, you could also set timers to turn these appliances on when you’re not there, for the highest energy efficiency.
Use one appliance at a time
Of course, the number of different appliances and gadgets you could use at the same time throughout the day will vary depending on the size and the type of your solar system, as well as the energy consumption of the appliance itself. However, one simple way to ensure energy conservation in your home is to use only one appliance at a time.
For instance, you could do this by taking a shower before doing a load of laundry, vacuuming the floor after the dishwasher has completed a cycle, or even by not using two electric devices, such as a razor and a hairdryer, at the same time. Keep in mind that opting for more energy-efficient appliances will also go a long way towards maximising your energy savings.
Although energy conservation is never an easy task, the incredible tips mentioned above will allow you to increase the efficiency of your solar system, thus helping you to start saving on your monthly bills.
Derek Lotts is an experienced freelance writer and researcher. His main areas of interest are small business, home improvement, and sustainable living. He strongly believes in the power of sharing knowledge and ideas through the mediums of modern technology.