Solar is an investment and to get the most out of your investment you need to actively manage it. While it requires very little maintenance to get great returns, there are a few things that need to be done once solar is installed to get the most out of it.
We are going to show you everything you need to know about how to get the most out of your solar system.
Off Setting Your Consumption TariffÂ
Your consumption tariff is the rate of which you are charged to consume electricity from the grid. Each state has different consumption tariffs and each retailer is also wildly different.Â
The largest savings are had by consuming as much of your solar power as possible to reduce your consumption from the grid.Â
Your solar feed in tariff is the rate of which your retailer will credit you for each kWh you export to the grid. This also varies depending on what state you live in and your energy retailer. Some retailers don’t provide a feed in tariff, while others offer massive feed in tariffs.
Offsetting your consumption tariff is achieved by consuming solar power rather than consuming it from the grid. Solar is generated during the day which can be difficult for those 9-5er’s out there to consume a lot of their solar power.Â
The simplest way to consume as much solar as possible is to change your “load profile” which basically means changing the way you use your electricity.Â
The best way to do this is to complete a quick audit of your home to understand which appliances you can run during the day. If you plan to do a load of washing or drying, set it on a timer to start during the day. This goes for the pool pump, dish washer and any other high load appliances.
Air Conditioning is one of Australia’s largest consuming appliances so finding the best way to run this, if you have it, will save you a tonne of cash. Setting your air conditioner on a timer to run while the sun is out is a good idea. Especially if you anticipate a hot day ahead and you’d like the house to be cool when you get home. Once you arrive, depending how well insulated the house is, the temperature of the unit can be turned up a touch to reduce how much electricity it is consuming to run or turned off completely now that the home is cool.
In nearly every scenario there is an excess of solar power the home has not consumed. This is exported to the grid and is credited to you. Once solar is installed we suggest speaking with your electricity retailer to ensure they are going to provide you with a feed in tariff.Â
If your retailer does not provide a feed in tariff, once the new solar meter is installed, change electricity companies. If your electricity company does provide a feed in tariff, wait for your next electricity bill so you can understand your numbers.
Once your first electricity bill has come in, you need to look at the numbers and understand how you are using electricity since solar has been installed.Â
Key figures to look out for:
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These figures will come in handy when you look at changing electricity retailers.Â
When looking at electricity retailers to get the best returns on your solar system, read carefully the numbers being offered. Electricity retailers may offer a huge feed in tariff but this may only be for a capped amount of export per day. Once the cap is reached it falls to a very low feed in rate. If you are super confused like 99% of the population when it comes to reading electricity plans, you Teho Energy Expert can lend a hand before or after solar is installed.Â
To continue to ensure you are receiving the best returns on your solar system, you need to track it’s performance. If you don’t have good wifi monitoring installed on your inverter, you have bigger problems. If you do have monitoring, make sure you are taking note of how your system is performing.Â
If you see a continuous drop in performance, you need to contact your solar installer or retailer immediately.
