How to Maximise Your Rooftop Solar System

There are many reasons people choose to install a rooftop solar system in Perth. For some, it’s about minimising their environmental footprint and reducing pollution. For others, it’s about minimising their dependence on the grid and increasing the value of their home. And for many, it’s simply a great way to save money on their power bills.

If you fall into that last category, you want to make sure you’re getting the best possible return on your investment. While you should see savings from the day your system is switched on, maximising these will take a few simple changes. This can see you saving up to 30% and in many cases more, of the cost of your rooftop solar system each year.

As one of the leading solar companies in Perth, Stinson Air and Solar are experts in getting the most from a new solar system. Here we share our tips on the small changes that can have a big impact on your power bills.

Consuming what you produce

When you have a solar rooftop, you will be paid for any excess energy you feedback to the grid. Here in WA,
the feed-in tariff is 3 -10c/kWh – but you pay 28c/kWh when you draw energy from the grid. As such, getting the greatest value from your rooftop solar system in Perth means using the energy you produce.

With this in mind, it’s worth understanding how much energy your rooftop solar system produces and when. Specifically, you should find out when your system is at peak production and plan your electricity use accordingly. Generally speaking, this should be between 11 am and 1 pm but will change depending on the orientation of your panels and the weather.

Managing your usage

Once you have a view of what your system’s producing, you can be more deliberate with how you use it. For example, you can schedule more power-intensive activities, like running your dishwasher or washing machine, for peak production times. You can also try to avoid using power-hungry appliances when production is limited (e.g. overnight).

As part of planning your energy use, you should also consider the impact weather has on your solar rooftop’s efficiency. Generally, a Perth solar system’s production will be 5 times higher on a sunny day than on a cloudy one. This means that, if it’s overcast, you should avoid doing things like washing your clothes and cleaning your pool.

Little changes that can make a big difference

When trying to manage your energy consumption, some of the key things you should consider are your:

• Air conditioning: Use a timer to switch your aircon on just before you get up or get home from work. This will keep your home comfortable but save a lot of energy (and money). Also, consider updating your system – a new air conditioner can be twice as efficient as one that’s 10 years old.
• Home automation: Most home automation systems allow you to set timers and switch appliances on and off remotely. This extra level of control over your energy consumption can help you minimise waste and maximise your savings.
• Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting can make a big difference to your off-peak energy consumption. At Stinson Air & Solar, we recommend the amazing My Lights, which can be fitted in new or existing homes.
• Insulation and window coverings: Both of these features can make a massive difference to your home’s natural climate control. As such, having sufficient coverage (e.g. blinds and roof insulation) can help reduce your reliance on your heating and cooling.

Need help getting the most from your solar rooftop?

As one of the leading solar companies in Perth, Stinson Air and Solar knows how to maximise a solar rooftop. In addition to tailored solar solutions, we provide a great range of products to help you manage your energy consumption. Our experienced team are also always happy to offer advice and help you get the best possible return on investment.

For more information on our services, or to arrange a quote, contact Stinson Air and Solar today.