If you want to be more environmentally conscious about your energy consumption, investing in a solar powered hot water system is a fantastic first step. In this week’s blog, we look at how you can get more out of your solar panels in order to save energy and money.

solar panels

Understand how positioning influences production

The window of time in which your solar panels produce the most energy will depend on which way they face. Solar panels installed on a north facing roof will produce the most energy between 10am and 3pm, while solar panels facing the east will peak in production much earlier, with most energy production occurring between 8am and 1pm. West facing panels, however, will produce the most energy between 11am and 5pm. Why does all this matter? Because through understanding the peak energy production times of your solar panels, you will be able to optimise how you use your appliances.

Run appliances during daylight hours

To make the most of your solar panels you should run high energy consumption appliances during hours when the most energy is produced. Appliances requiring hot water tend to use a lot of energy, so try to run things like your dishwasher, washing machine and shower during peak production times, along with other high consumption appliances like dryers and air conditioners. If you’re usually at work during these hours, it’s a good idea to buy an automatic timer for your appliances.

Install a battery bank

Another option for making the most of solar power is to invest in a battery bank so that power can be stored for later use. This is essential for anyone whose excess power isn’t being returned to the grid and will also ensure you still have sufficient power during times of low production (for example, during winter).

Keep your panels clean

In order for your solar panels to properly absorb the sun’s rays, they must be kept clean and free of debris. Regularly clean your solar panels to remove any built up grime, dirt or bird droppings and make sure they’re not in a position where they are obstructed by the shadow of taller buildings or tree branches. To clean your solar panels, use some warm water and a soft brush or cloth, and avoid using harsh chemicals. If you can’t safely reach your solar panels you will need to hire a professional to perform routine maintenance and cleaning for you.

By running your hot water system and other appliances on solar power, you can drastically reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. Talk to JPG Plumbing today about installing a solar hot water system today on 0400 978 442.