How to maximise savings from your solar power and battery investments
Now more than ever it’s time to consider harnessing the power of the sun to take control of your energy expenses.
Load-shedding, unpredictable power supply and rising electricity costs, are just a few of the challenges South Africans currently face amidst the country’s energy crisis, from Cape Town to Johannesburg and throughout South Africa. Now more than ever it’s time to consider harnessing the power of the sun to take control of your energy expenses. Solar power and battery systems are not just a solution for load-shedding; they’re a guaranteed way to save on your electricity bill. Here’s how you can make the most of your solar power system and maximise your savings:
- Choose a Hybrid Inverter with Battery Backup:
Investing in a hybrid inverter with a battery backup, as part of your solar power system, is your first step toward savings. With this system in place, your home can draw power from solar panels while staying connected to the grid. Essential appliances like your geyser, ovens, air conditioners, and pool pump can run on solar energy. During load- shedding, your inverter seamlessly switches to solar power or battery backup, ensuring you’re never left in the dark or without power.
- Optimal Solar Panel Placement:
The direction and placement of your solar panels matter. In the southern hemisphere, panels should ideally face north to capture the maximum sunlight. If your roof layout doesn’t permit this orientation, consider an east and west-facing setup. Avoid shading to ensure your panels operate at peak efficiency throughout the day.
- Battery Optimisation:
While it’s comforting to have a fully charged battery during load-shedding, it may not be the most cost-efficient approach. Analyse your average consumption during outages and adjust your battery retention accordingly. By analysing your average consumption during load-shedding and setting your battery retention to meet only that demand, any excess stored power can rather be used to power your home instead of using the grid.
- Time Your Appliance Use:
Solar panels generate power when there’s demand during daylight hours. To maximise savings, schedule high-energy-consuming appliances like geysers and pool pumps to run between 10am and 3pm when solar production is at its peak. Using Wi-Fi timers can help manage this effectively, ensuring consistent consumption throughout the day.
- Choose the Right Solar Provider:
Your choice of a solar provider can make or break your savings journey. Look for a solar power provider like Metrowatt that offers post-installation monitoring and optimisation services tailored to your usage patterns. They can help you get the most out of your solar system and even install Wi-Fi timers to intelligently control your loads.
In a world where Eskom costs continue to rise, your solar power system can be your ticket to financial relief. By following these five key steps, you can unlock the full potential of your solar power investment, save on your electricity bills, and secure a brighter, more sustainable future for your home. Don’t let soaring electricity costs hold you back – embrace solar power and watch your savings grow.
Brought to you by Metrowatt, your smart energy partner
