Solar power solutions are a great way to reduce your energy bills and simultaneously help the planet. But before you buy that solar panel, ensure you know how to maximize the potential of your investment. Here are some tips to get the most out of your system.
Use apps
First, there are plenty of apps available to help you track your energy usage. Most solar providers will offer an app to show you the big picture. The app will show you how much you’ve been wasting in watts and dollars. This is a great way to discover which habits you need to break.
Know how many watts your laptop uses when it’s plugged in
For example, you’ll want to know how many watts your laptop uses when plugged in. The solar panel on your roof can only provide you with so much energy at a time. You can also use a battery system to extend your system’s usefulness. This will help you make the most of your solar power during the daytime and at night.
Know the right time of day to turn on your appliances
You’ll need to know when to turn on your appliances to get the most out of your solar power solution. You should also set timers to run appliances such as your dishwasher or washing machine at the right time. It would help if you also tried to minimize the number of appliances you use simultaneously.
There are plenty of other tricks of the trade to help you maximize the efficiency of your solar power solution. This includes keeping your solar panels clean. You’ll also want to install thick drapes to insulate your windows from the hot sun. Similarly, you’ll want to avoid running appliances that can draw much energy, like pressure washers.
Know how much energy your appliances use
Finally, you’ll want to know how much energy your appliances use. This is especially important if you are tied to time-of-use rates. Knowing how much you use on a given day, you can ensure you don’t run the lights when you’re away. You’ll also want to ensure your refrigerator and dishwasher are full of dishes and laundry. It would help if you also noted the times of the day when the sun isn’t shining. The sun can interfere with the output of your solar panel.
