More and more Aussies are enjoying the benefits of having solar panels installed their homes and naturally, we all want to get the most out of our investment.

Here are 4 simple tips to help you get the most out of your solar panels and use more of the renewable solar power you generate.

Before we get to that, let’s just refresh on a solar basic – the Feed in Tariff or FiT.

What is a solar feed in tariff?

A feed in tariff or FiT is a payment you’ll receive when your solar panels generate more electricity than you use. To find out more about FiTs read our blog on how they work and their benefits. 
FiT’s are a great way of getting excess solar power into the grid and sharing that renewable power with your community, however you’ll get a greater benefit both in reducing your electricity bill, as well as paying back the cost of your panels if you use the maximum amount of solar you generate, rather than earn bill credits from your FiT. 

Simple tips to help you get the most out of your solar panels

Save energy by making small adjustments to your daily routine

Think about running your dishwasher after breakfast, rather than after dinner. Sure, you might find it takes a few days to adjust to this new routine, but by running large appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers between 9am- 3pm you’re doing a good job of using up your precious solar power. Other appliances to consider are vacuums, pool pumps, rechargeable garden or power tools and air conditioners. 

Get help from professional solar panel cleaning services

Over time, dust and dirt, leaves, bird droppings and mould can build up on your solar panels. It’s a good idea to have your panels cleaned by a professional every 2 years (please don’t climb onto your roof to clean them yourself – it’s very dangerous!) Having grime removed from your panels will ensure peak performance. 

Consider installing a home solar battery system

(Look we admit – this one’s not that simple, and can be costly, but it’s still worth considering.) One of the main benefits of a home battery system is to maximise the consumption of your solar by storing it for use overnight or when the sun is not shining. To read more about the benefits of batteries read this article on our blog or simply use our tools to keep track of your solar generation and electricity usage.

Track your energy usage

Here at Simply Energy, we pride ourselves on providing smart solutions that help our customers track their energy usage. Simply Energy’s Tracker service is a great way to help you track your usage and solar consumption, and My Account helps you manage your account with ease. 
If you’re not already using these simply great tools, why not register today?