How to Use Solar Power Effectively at Home: A Practical Guide for Homeowners
In theory, deciding to generate electricity with photovoltaic solar panels should lead to significant savings on your energy bills. But suppose that despite generating your own power, you are not seeing the savings you would expect when getting solar energy. What to do if your energy consumption remains high?
It is actually not so uncommon to hear stories of new solar panel owners disappointed by their energy bills in those first months after the installation. Browse forums or discussions on energy efficiency, and you will likely find frustrated comments about underwhelming results despite believing in solar energy potential to offset energy costs.
Fortunately, these issues are often preventable. In fact, by learning how to use solar power effectively, you can maximize the benefits of your solar panels and reduce that energy bill at once. Too often, people overlook some of these practices and do not adjust their behavior to this new source of energy that works different than the traditional grid, and that is when they miss out on the full potential of their solar systems.
Where to begin? Well, let’s get started with our practical guide.
How to optimize solar energy usage at home?
Phew, sounds like a pretty complex topic, doesn’t it? And shouldn’t your solar system already be optimized when installed? Well, there are actually a few things you can do to get better results and for that we need to get right to the beginning of making that decision to go solar.
Before getting those solar panels installed, you need to make sure your home is suitable and ready for solar in the way that will allow for maximum potential of harnessing that sun power. You need to look at:
#1 Roof orientation
In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing roofs are ideal for solar panels, capturing the most sunlight. A south-facing orientation can boost energy production by as much as 30% compared to east- or west-facing roofs. However, if your roof faces east or west, you can still generate enough power to be worth the transition—just be aware that you might produce around 20% less energy.
#2 Shading
Any shading on your roof—whether from trees, nearby buildings, or chimneys—can reduce solar panel efficiency. Even partial shading can cut energy production by up to 25%.
More on this topic in our article: Do solar panels work when partially shaded?
#3 Local climate
While solar panels are most effective in sunny regions, they can still be viable in areas with less sunlight. For example, solar panels in cloudy regions produce in general about 15 to 20% less energy, but they still work and can produce just enough to save you energy – also, not every day is cloudy, some months your production can rise to their full potential. Let’s explore this topic a bit more in detail.
Impact of weather patterns on solar efficiency
On clear, sunny days, your photovoltaic solar panels will operate at their peak efficiency. You may notice perfect energy output when the conditions are right – including even the comfortable temperature that is close to the standards under which panels are tested (77 degrees Fahrenheit).
Days like these are the perfect time to schedule energy demanding activities. You should consider running energy-intensive appliances like washing machines or dishwashers, charging electric vehicles, or even pre-cooling or pre-heating your home to make the most of the abundant solar power available.
On cloudy days, your panels will still generate some electricity, their output can drop, for example, by 30% depending on the density of the clouds. To compensate for this drop in output, you should adjust your energy usage by tapping into your battery storage system or delaying non-essential activities until sunnier days return.
During rainy or snowy days, solar efficiency can drop further, although rain also helps to clean your panels and improves their performance once the weather clears.
In the winter months, with shorter days and a lower sun angle, you should expect some seasonal changes in solar production. This means relying more on stored energy or the grid and adjusting the angle of your panels, if you can, to capture as much sunlight as possible.
Choosing the right solar system size for effective energy use
Then comes the second important part of transitioning to solar energy. It is time to select the right size of your solar system. Selecting the right size goes beyond just choosing the most expensive or efficient panels; it is about finding a system that aligns with your specific needs.
Start by examining your electricity bills to determine your average monthly energy consumption. For instance, a typical U.S. household uses about 877 kWh per month, which might require between 6 to 8 kW solar system. If you plan to add an electric vehicle or expand your home, you should consider a larger system to accommodate future energy demands.
Budget is another critical factor, as solar equipment is a major investment with the average residential system costing between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. While high-efficiency panels may have a higher upfront cost, they can generate up to 20% more energy. You will need to weigh your long-term savings and return on investment when deciding how much to spend at the beginning. It is also recommended to discuss this with a professional.
Additionally, consider your long-term goals. If maximizing energy savings over time is your priority, investing in premium panels and possibly a battery storage system could be worthwhile.
However, if your immediate goal is to minimize upfront costs, a more modest system might offer quicker returns, with payback periods often ranging from 6 to 10 years depending on your location and available incentives.
Now let’s assume that we have gotten to the point when you got your solar panels installed just in the best location and in the most beneficial sizing for your needs, let’s proceed with further steps on using solar power more effectively.
How to use solar power more effectively: Best practices for using solar panels at home
Imagine walking into your home each day, knowing that the sunlight streaming through your windows is powering everything from your lights to your appliances. You check your solar monitoring app and see the real-time data: yes, your solar panels are generating clean energy in sustainable amounts.
Each month, you watch your savings grow, adding up to a substantial amount that makes you smile with satisfaction. But solar energy is not just about the money—you take pride in knowing that your decision to go solar is making a positive impact on the environment.
This is how you can feel once you will adopt a few easy measures. Here are a few tips how you can get the most out of your solar panels:
#1 Optimize when you use energy
Run high-energy appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and electric vehicles, during peak sunlight hours (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) when your solar panels are producing the most electricity.
For example, shifting just one load of laundry to peak solar hours can save you up to 5 kWh per week.
#2 Invest in energy-efficient appliances
We know that buying brand new appliances is quite a financially intense decision, but it does pay off in the long run. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances is recommended as they use less energy than standard models.
ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, for example, can use between 10 to 50% less energy than standard models. Over the course of a year, this means saving hundreds of kilowatt-hours, allowing your solar panels to cover more of your energy needs. For instance, replacing an old refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR model could save up to 150 kWh annually.
#3 Monitor and maintain your system
Regularly clean your solar panels to remove dirt and debris that can reduce efficiency by up to 20%. Cleaning your panels just a few times a year can prevent this. In regions with heavy pollen or dust, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. A simple rinse with a hose or soft brush can usually do the trick, though you might want to hire a professional for more thorough cleaning.
Use monitoring tools and apps to track your system’s performance and identify any issues early. Keeping your panels and equipment in good condition is a must if they are to continue to operate at peak efficiency.
#4 Improve home energy efficiency
Improve your home’s insulation, seal windows and doors, and consider using smart thermostats to reduce heating and cooling needs. By lowering overall energy consumption, you increase the proportion of energy covered by your solar panels.
How to make the most of solar power at home?
Besides the tips shared previously, you can do a bit extra to get as much energy produced by your panels as possible, but in this case, you may need to be ready to invest some money in it. Because a well-designed energy storage system will transform how you use the power generated by your solar panels.
Home batteries are engineered to hold the excess energy your panels produce during the day. These batteries, like the Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem, are capable of storing several kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, which can be used to run essential appliances throughout the night.
For example, a typical home battery with a capacity of 10 to 13 kWh can supply enough energy to keep your household running smoothly during peak evening hours when electricity rates are highest. Such a nice bonus, despite the initial cost, batteries could save you every day some money – especially if you are at home mainly at this period of time.
To make the most of your stored energy, it is wise to prioritize its use during high-demand periods. By running your air conditioning or heating system in the evening, after the sun has set, you will be utilizing the energy your panels generated during the day to the maximum.
Some homeowners with a well-sized battery system can cut their grid electricity use by up to 70%.
Our second tip on how to make the most of your solar panels is focused on minimizing energy waste. Proper insulation in your walls, attic, and windows can prevent heat loss in the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer. By improving insulation, you can decrease your overall energy usage by up to 30% and you can use more of the solar energy you generate towards other household needs. It makes perfect sense.
Incorporating smart thermostats, such as the Nest or Ecobee, can further enhance your home’s energy efficiency. With the thermostat you can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule and preferences, cutting heating and cooling costs by about 10 to 15% by avoiding unnecessary energy use when you are not home or when you are asleep. Integrating a smart thermostat with your solar system ensures that your home only uses the energy it needs, particularly during peak solar production times.
Eliminating phantom loads, which are the energy consumed by devices that are plugged in but not in use, is another effective strategy. Chargers, televisions, and microwaves are common culprits, and these phantom loads can account for up to 10% of your household’s energy consumption. By using power strips or unplugging devices when they are not in use, you can eliminate this wasted energy.
Cost-effective solar upgrades for your home
This is something that not many people may consider, but in some cases, the savings could be worth it. You only need to be smart about it.
There are several cost-effective upgrades that can significantly boost your system’s efficiency and output. Here are some suggestions:
Adding more panels
If you have the roof space and your energy needs have increased, adding more panels can be a straightforward way to increase your solar power generation. Each additional panel can increase your system’s capacity by about 300 to 450 watts, depending on the panel type.
This can be particularly cost-effective if your current system was initially undersized or if you have added new energy-consuming appliances since the original installation.
Integrating solar with other renewable energy sources
Combining solar with other renewable energy sources, like wind or geothermal, can provide a more consistent and reliable energy supply. For example, adding a small wind turbine can complement your solar system during cloudy or winter months when sunlight is less abundant.
This hybrid approach can reduce your dependency on grid power evenly throughout the year.
Using solar tracking systems
Solar tracking systems adjust the position of your panels throughout the day to follow the sun’s movement, increasing energy production by up to 25%. While traditional tracking systems can be expensive, there are now more affordable options available for residential use. These systems are particularly effective in areas with long sunny days. The extra energy produced by your system can quickly offset the initial cost.
Seasonal tips to maximizing solar energy throughout the year
Spring and summer routine example
From the solar energy perspective, this is the most fruitful time. The days are longer, and the sun is higher in the sky and your solar panels are producing lovely amounts of energy for your use. Here is an example of how a family might adjust their routine during these seasons:
Morning routine: The sun rises earlier and you should try to take advantage of this as soon as the sun is available. You may program the thermostat to begin cooling the house in the early morning when solar energy starts being produced, which will help to reduce the need for grid electricity during peak afternoon heat.
Afternoon activities: With peak solar production typically occurring between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., you could schedule activities that require significant electricity use during this window.
For example, you charge electric vehicles, vacuum the house, or use power tools for DIY projects during the afternoon. Additionally, it is the best window to prepare meals using electric ovens or stovetops during these hours, knowing that solar power is at its highest.
Evening and night: In the evening, after the sun has set, you will rely on stored solar energy if you have a battery system or draw from the grid. You may want to limit energy use to essential activities like lighting and entertainment. Try to avoid running major appliances that were already used earlier in the day.
Fall and winter routine example
In the fall and winter, days are shorter, and the sun’s angle is lower.
Morning routine: With the sun rising later in the winter, you should delay energy-intensive tasks until mid-morning when solar production begins to pick up. You could use programmable timers or smart plugs to start appliances like coffee makers or slow cookers a little later.
Heating should be ideally programmed via thermostat to start warming the house once solar energy is available if you want to minimize your grid dependency.
Afternoon activities: As the sun sets earlier in the winter, peak solar production might occur earlier in the day, around late morning to early afternoon. It is during this time when you should do your laundry or cooking.
Do not forget one important aspect – charge devices and batteries during the day to make sure they have enough power for the evening. Outdoor chores could be scheduled for midday when the sun is strongest.
Evening and night: With long dark hours, you need to be more conscious of energy use in the evening. If you have a battery system, you could rely on stored energy to power essential lighting and appliances. You might set your thermostat to lower the temperature earlier in the evening, using blankets and other passive methods to stay warm overnight as well.
Additionally and this may be the hardest adjustment for many, activities like watching TV or using computers should be ideally limited to early evening. You are trying to not consume too much of your energy when sun doesn’t shine.
Frequently asked questions on how to use solar power more effectively
If you have come to this article with some specific questions on your mind and are still not sure about the answer, here are some of the most common queries we could think of that are related to this topic.
#1 When is the best time to use the dishwasher with solar panels?
The optimal time to run your dishwasher is during the peak solar production hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. By running your dishwasher when your panels are generating the most electricity, you will make sure that the dishwasher runs off the free, renewable energy produced by your solar system.
By sticking to this schedule, you may end up saving up to 30% on the energy used for dishwashing.
#2 When is the best time to wash clothes with solar panels?
The answer is the same as with the dishwasher, washing clothes during peak sunlight hours maximizes the use of solar energy. If possible, schedule your laundry cycles between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. For larger households, shifting laundry to these times can significantly lower energy bills, especially when washing multiple loads per week.
#3 How to save electricity with solar panels?
To save electricity with solar panels, align your energy consumption with your solar production. This includes using major appliances during peak solar hours, optimizing your home’s insulation, and employing energy-efficient appliances.
Additionally, consider installing a battery storage system to store excess solar energy for use during non-peak hours or at night. By following these basic measures, you can reduce your overall electricity consumption by up to 50%.
#4 When is the best time to use electricity with solar panels?
The best time to use electricity in a solar-powered home is during the day, specifically when the sun is shining brightest. Generally, this is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when your solar panels are at their highest production levels. You may want to postpone some of your activities based on the weather as well. For example, if it’s cloudy and rainy, wait for some more sunny days to wash your laundry.
