Having solar panels does not automatically mean every kilowatt-hour they generate will reduce your electricity purchases.
One of the simplest ways to make better use of solar electricity is to use suitable appliances while your panels are generating.
The Australian Government recommends shifting suitable electricity use into periods when solar generation is available.
1. Washing Machine
If you normally run the washing machine in the evening, consider moving some loads to the daytime.
A washing machine is a flexible load, meaning you can often choose when it operates without affecting essential household activities.
2. Dishwasher
A dishwasher can also be scheduled to operate during periods of solar generation.
Some modern dishwashers include delayed-start functions, making it easier to coordinate operation with your household's energy availability.
3. Pool Pump
Pool pumps can operate for set periods rather than requiring continuous operation.
If your system and pool requirements allow it, running the pump during suitable solar-generation hours can increase the amount of solar electricity used directly.
4. Hot Water
Hot water is another potentially flexible load.
Smart or programmable systems can be configured to operate when solar generation is available. Energy.gov.au specifically identifies hot water as a load that can potentially be coordinated with rooftop solar.
5. EV Charging
If an electric vehicle is parked at home during the day, charging it during solar-generation hours can provide another way to use solar electricity directly.
Don't Move Everything to the Middle of the Day
Timing your appliances is useful, but it does not mean every appliance should run at the same time.
Your solar system has a maximum output, and your household has its own electricity demand.
The goal is to use available solar intelligently, not simply create unnecessary electricity consumption.
Start With the Loads You Can Control
Look at appliances that:
Can be scheduled
Do not need to operate immediately
Use meaningful amounts of electricity
Can safely operate during daylight hours
Your monitoring system can help show when solar generation is highest and how much electricity your home is using.
One of the simplest ways to make better use of solar electricity is to use suitable appliances while your panels are generating.
The Australian Government recommends shifting suitable electricity use into periods when solar generation is available.
1. Washing Machine
If you normally run the washing machine in the evening, consider moving some loads to the daytime.
A washing machine is a flexible load, meaning you can often choose when it operates without affecting essential household activities.
2. Dishwasher
A dishwasher can also be scheduled to operate during periods of solar generation.
Some modern dishwashers include delayed-start functions, making it easier to coordinate operation with your household's energy availability.
3. Pool Pump
Pool pumps can operate for set periods rather than requiring continuous operation.
If your system and pool requirements allow it, running the pump during suitable solar-generation hours can increase the amount of solar electricity used directly.
4. Hot Water
Hot water is another potentially flexible load.
Smart or programmable systems can be configured to operate when solar generation is available. Energy.gov.au specifically identifies hot water as a load that can potentially be coordinated with rooftop solar.
5. EV Charging
If an electric vehicle is parked at home during the day, charging it during solar-generation hours can provide another way to use solar electricity directly.
Don't Move Everything to the Middle of the Day
Timing your appliances is useful, but it does not mean every appliance should run at the same time.
Your solar system has a maximum output, and your household has its own electricity demand.
The goal is to use available solar intelligently, not simply create unnecessary electricity consumption.
Start With the Loads You Can Control
Look at appliances that:
Can be scheduled
Do not need to operate immediately
Use meaningful amounts of electricity
Can safely operate during daylight hours
Your monitoring system can help show when solar generation is highest and how much electricity your home is using.