Energy Saving Tips for Solar Power at Home

Many homes consume far more energy than necessary due to inefficiencies and energy waste. Improving energy efficiency is one of the simplest and most effective ways to cut down on consuming more electricity than actually needed – even in a house with solar panels. 

Wherever energy is being used, there is an opportunity to enhance efficiency. The energy consumption of a solar-powered home depends greatly on factors like its size, the number of occupants, and the climate, but with a solar energy system in place, you have some additional opportunities to save even more energy. 

Homes equipped with solar panels are pre-destined to cut their reliance on grid electricity and could generate enough power to meet most or all of their energy needs. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), solar-powered homes can decrease electricity costs by up to 50%.

Beyond savings, a well-maintained solar energy system also contributes to environmental sustainability and helps to lower your home’s carbon footprint. On average, solar homes prevent the release of up to 1.6 tons of CO₂ annually, which is a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by our activities.

The good news is that improving your home’s energy efficiency can be achieved by adopting a few simple daily habits. For homeowners looking to further maximize the performance of their solar panels, structural upgrades such as installing energy-efficient windows or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances will help you get the most out of every kilowatt your solar system generates.

Whether you are planning on making minor changes or major investments, the following energy saving tips for solar power at home will help you optimize your home’s energy consumption and enhance the overall performance of the solar system. 

Energy-saving habits for solar-powered homes

Solar energy production is at its highest during midday when the sun is strongest. Running energy-intensive appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, power tools, or charging electric vehicles during these peak hours means you directly use solar energy as it is being generated. Quite awesome, right? 

Imagine: You are drawing that energy to power your lifestyle right from those rays of sun shining upon you. 

To be able to get to the point of the best efficiency, regularly monitor your solar system’s output using a solar system performance app. Many solar inverters come with apps that allow you to track production in real-time. As a matter of fact, monitoring systems are offered by most solar companies that will install your solar panels. They help you optimize energy use during periods of peak solar generation and reduce unnecessary consumption during low-production times.

Further adjustments you can make is to:

Maximize natural light and ventilation

By taking advantage of natural light during the day, you minimize the use of artificial lighting. Similarly, opening windows to promote airflow reduces the need for air conditioning and allows your solar energy to be directed to other essential uses.

Switch to energy-efficient appliances

Even in a solar-powered home, energy-efficient appliances (such as ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines) reduce overall energy demand. 

Since solar power is a finite resource, the more efficient your appliances are, the more energy remains available for other uses or storage. Not everyone may know this, but modern appliances are made to be more efficient in terms of resource use than older ones. Their cycles are less energy intensive and they usually require even less water, in case of dishwashers or washing machines. 

Unplug devices not in use

Even in a solar-powered home, “vampire” devices—those that draw energy even when turned off—do account for unnecessary energy use. 

Unplugging devices like chargers, electronics, or appliances when they aren’t in use helps conserve your solar energy. 

Leverage energy-saving modes on appliances

Many modern appliances come with energy-saving modes that use less electricity during operation. Activate these features on appliances like your washing machine, refrigerator, or HVAC system to optimize energy use, especially during periods of lower solar output.

More details on this are covered later in this article. 

Adjust your hot water heater settings

Water heaters consume quite a big portion of a household’s energy. Lowering the temperature setting on your water heater to around 120°F (49°C) can reduce energy consumption without sacrificing much comfort on days with not much sun. However, we must mention a word of caution that you do not always see in these types of articles. 

Lower temperature in your water heater over the course of time doesn’t kill bacteria that lives in warmer water, and may pose a health risk. Some examples of bacterial contamination of household water is Legionella or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The risk of these bacteria in your water heater is low when temperatures are at least 140°F (60°C) and higher – which is safer for long-term maintenance of your warm water system. 

Some solar systems can also be paired with solar water heaters to maximize energy efficiency. These are especially a good idea in warmer climates. You may have a constant source of hot water this way. 

Insulate and seal your home

Proper insulation reduces the load on heating and cooling systems, meaning less energy is required from your solar panels. 

Sealing drafts around windows and doors also helps maintain your home’s temperature, minimizing energy waste and effective use of solar energy. You may need to even consider replacing your windows or doors if they let too much current through. 

Install a solar battery storage system

While not a daily habit, installing a solar battery system can greatly improve the efficiency of your solar setup by storing excess energy produced during the day for use at night. 

This reduces the need to pull from the grid during off-peak hours and maximizes your home’s energy independence.

How to make the best use of solar power during peak hours?

Solar panels generate the most electricity when the sun is at its strongest, which is typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. By aligning your energy consumption with these peak production hours, you will rely more on your solar energy rather than pulling electricity from the grid. It is a simple equation.

For example, a typical 6-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system generate between 24 to 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy on a sunny day with ideal conditions. Most households consume around 28 to 30 kWh per day. If you use your most energy intensive appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during peak production hours, you can directly tap into the energy your solar system is generating. This reduces the need for energy storage and minimizes reliance on the grid during the evening when energy costs are higher because everyone just got home and needs electricity.

To put this into perspective, let’s say your solar system produces 25 kWh during daylight hours. If you time your energy use for large appliances to coincide with this window, you can cover the majority of your household’s needs through solar power alone. As a result, your grid usage drops quite a lot. 

In some cases, if you have a solar battery installed, any unused energy during these peak hours will be stored for later. With a battery system you are pretty much self-sufficient during non-peak periods as well. 

Optimizing solar power for night-time energy use

It is practical to make sure your home continues to benefit from solar energy once the sun sets. Solar panels naturally stop producing electricity after sunset, but with the right approach, you can still power your home through the night without relying heavily on the grid.

The most practical solution is to install a solar battery storage system. During the day, when your panels are generating excess energy, that surplus can be stored in the battery for later use. Let’s say your solar system produced 25 kWh on a sunny day, and your household only uses 15 kWh during daylight hours. The remaining 10 kWh of energy is stored in the battery system and provides a valuable reserve for nighttime consumption.

To put it into perspective, you should know that a typical 10-kWh battery should cover your home’s essential night-time needs, like lighting, refrigeration, and basic electronics. And you will not be drawing from the grid when electricity rates are often higher.

This strategy is particularly useful in areas with time-of-use pricing, where electricity rates spike during evening hours. By running your home on stored solar energy, you avoid these costly rates and continue to lower your energy bill. In some cases, this approach can save households hundreds of dollars annually.

If you don’t have a battery storage system for your solar power setup and are not planning on expanding your solar system this way, there are still several ways to make the most of your solar energy and reduce reliance on the grid during the night. 

Here are some practical strategies we recommend:

Pre-cool or pre-heat your home

Since heating and cooling are some of the biggest energy drains in any home, consider pre-cooling or pre-heating your home during the day when your solar panels are generating energy. 

Running your air conditioner or heater during peak solar hours can help maintain a comfortable temperature well into the evening. You just need to make sure that you close the doors and windows to preserve the comfortable temperature inside for later. 

It is common sense but also adjust your day plans, for example, do not bake in your oven in the evening, if you want to keep your house cooler into the night without having to use air conditioning.

Maximize energy efficiency at night

Without battery storage, conserving energy at night becomes even more important. Reducing night-time energy usage helps balance out the periods when you can’t draw from your solar panels.

Switch off unnecessary lights, unplug devices not in use, and rely on energy-efficient LED bulbs to minimize grid consumption. Postpone some activities until the daylight when you will have the power from your solar panels again. This means that you may need to change your daily schedule, going to sleep earlier and waking early to get things done during the daylight.  

Consider grid-tied systems with net metering

If you live in an area with net metering, your excess daytime solar energy can be sent back to the grid, and in exchange, you receive credits for the electricity you generate. 

These credits offset the cost of the grid electricity you use at night. Although you are still reliant on the grid, net metering does reduce your energy bills. Check our article “How Does Net Metering Work with Solar Panels” where we wrote all about this globally popular option. 

Install thermal energy storage

For homes without battery storage but with high heating or cooling needs, thermal energy storage can be a cost-effective alternative. This system stores energy produced by your solar panels (usually in the form of heated or cooled water) during the day and uses this power to maintain indoor temperatures at night without relying on the grid.

So, it basically works the same as a battery but for conditioning the climate inside your house.

Best energy-saving appliances for solar homes

When it comes to running a solar-powered home efficiently, choosing the right energy-saving appliances makes all the difference. Even with solar panels generating electricity, it is good to minimize energy consumption to make the most out of your solar. 

Let’s see some of the best energy-saving appliances that can help you do just that.

Energy-efficient refrigerators

Refrigerators run 24/7.  They are actually one of the largest energy consumers in any home. So switching to an ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerator will reduce electricity usage by up to 15% compared to non-certified models. 

For instance, an energy-efficient fridge typically uses around 300 to 400 kWh per year, whereas older models can consume up to 600 kWh. In a solar-powered home, this means your panels can cover the fridge’s energy needs more easily, and you will even have some solar power left for other uses.

Induction cooktops

Induction cooktops are an excellent choice for solar-powered homes because they use electromagnetic energy to heat pots directly. Thus, they reduce heat loss and cooking time. 

Compared to traditional electric stoves, induction cooktops save 10% of energy. For a household that cooks regularly, this can translate to hundreds of kilowatt-hours saved annually. Plus, using the cooktop during peak solar production hours allows you to rely entirely on the energy generated by your panels.

Energy-efficient washing machines

A high-efficiency washing machine uses as little as 12 gallons of water per load compared to the 23 gallons used by older models. More importantly for solar homes, they also consume about 25% less energy. 

A typical energy-efficient washing machine uses about 150 kWh annually, which is a perfect match for solar energy use during the day. Running the washing machine when your solar panels are producing the most energy means you can avoid relying on grid electricity.

LED Lighting

Lighting might seem like a small energy consumer, but it can add up. LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. For example, a typical LED bulb consumes just 10 watts of power compared to the 60 watts used by an incandescent bulb, resulting in significant energy savings over time.

Heat pump water heaters

Water heating accounts for nearly 20% of a home’s energy use. A heat pump water heater, which extracts heat from the air and transfers it to the water, can use 50% less energy than a conventional water heater. 

If your solar system generates 25 kWh of energy during a sunny day, a heat pump water heater would use only a fraction of that, allowing more of your solar energy to be used elsewhere in your home.

Solar power and Smart Energy Management Systems

Smart Energy Management Systems (SEMS) are becoming an essential tool for solar-powered homes. Why are these systems smart? They monitor, manage, and control how energy is produced and consumed within a home. It is a practical feature to help you have a good overview of your energy production and consumption patterns. 

So, how exactly can SEMS help, and who will benefit the most?

How Smart Energy Management Systems help homeowners?

SEMS provide real-time data on your solar panel production and household energy consumption. You can effectively track when your panels are generating the most electricity and adjust energy use accordingly. 

For example, SEMS can automatically schedule energy-hungry appliances like washing machines or dishwashers to run during peak solar production hours.

In addition, these systems can be integrated with solar battery storage. When your solar panels are producing more energy than your home needs, SEMS will direct the excess energy into your battery storage for later use. 

Who benefits the most from SEMS?

Homeowners with medium to large solar panel systems and those with energy storage systems benefit the most from Smart Energy Management Systems. 

For example, a household with a 6-kW solar system and a 10-kWh battery can use SEMS to automate energy usage. This can lead to savings of up to 50% or more on electricity bills, as the household would rarely need to rely on grid electricity during high-cost periods.

In addition, families who consume large amounts of electricity—either due to the size of the home or the number of devices—are also prime candidates. SEMS help distribute solar energy more efficiently, making sure that excess solar power isn’t wasted and that the household’s consumption patterns are aligned with solar production.

Finally, those living in regions with high electricity costs or frequent fluctuations in energy pricing will see the most significant financial benefits. By using stored solar energy during peak times, SEMS allows for more control over how and when energy is consumed.

Choosing energy-efficient batteries for solar storage

A solar battery helps save electricity by storing the excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day and making it available for use when the panels are not producing during the night or on cloudy days. Batteries allow you to rely less on grid electricity and reduce energy you need to purchase especially during peak hours when rates are higher.

For example, if your solar system generates more energy than your household uses during daylight hours, that surplus can be stored in the battery. Instead of sending excess power back to the grid, where you may get lower compensation rates, the battery saves it for later. When the sun sets, you can draw from the stored solar energy.

In areas with “time-of-use pricing,” electricity costs more during peak evening hours. A battery allows you to avoid those higher rates by powering your home with stored solar energy during these times. Additionally, during power outages, a battery can keep essential systems like lighting or refrigeration running without relying on expensive backup solutions like generators.

When selecting energy-efficient batteries for solar storage, focus on practical features that will give you the most value for your investment. Look for lithium-ion batteries as they are widely known for their high efficiency, usually around 90%. This number means that most of the solar energy stored will actually be available when you need it. Unlike older battery types, lithium-ion units are compact and don’t take up much space, which is especially useful if you have limited room for installation.

Capacity is another key factor. For example, if your home typically consumes 10 kWh overnight, you want a battery with at least 10 to 12 kWh of storage capacity. This decision is up to you but you should size the battery based on your energy needs if you have the funds to avoid wasting excess solar energy or running short in the evenings.

Pay attention to the depth of discharge (DoD) as well. A battery with a high DoD, such as 85%, allows you to use more of its stored energy before it needs recharging, which means better efficiency in practice. Also, keep in mind the battery’s cycle life—how many charge and discharge cycles it can handle—since this directly impacts its lifespan. Batteries that come with warranties guaranteeing 10 years or a certain number of cycles will give you confidence that your investment will last.

Lastly, check whether the battery integrates smoothly with your solar inverter and any smart energy management system you use. A well-integrated battery allows you to optimize solar energy consumption throughout the day and night without constant adjustments.

Frequently asked questions on energy saving and efficiency with solar power

#1 What is energy efficiency, and why is it important for solar-powered homes?

Energy efficiency refers to using less energy to perform the same tasks, especially by reducing unnecessary energy wasting. For solar-powered homes, energy efficiency amplifies greatly the prime benefits of solar panels. You can rely more on your solar energy production and less on grid electricity.

#2 What are the best energy-saving upgrades I can make to my home?

Upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient windows and doors, using smart thermostats, and maintaining your HVAC system are some of the best upgrades. These measures help with main energy ‘thieves’ in your house.

#3 How do solar backup systems reduce energy waste?

Solar backup systems (e.g. batteries) store excess energy produced during the day for later use. This prevents the energy from being sent back to the grid so that you can use stored solar power during peak times or at night.

#4 Do I need a battery for my solar power system to be energy-efficient?

While a solar battery isn’t necessary, it does improve your energy efficiency by storing excess power for use when your panels aren’t generating electricity. Without a battery, any unused energy will be sent back to the grid or lost in stand alone systems.

#5 How much can I save on energy bills by using energy-efficient appliances in my solar-powered home?

How much you can save depends on the size of your solar system, your location and your home’s energy use. But by combining energy-efficient appliances with solar power, you can reduce your electricity bill on average by 30% or even more.