Making the Most of Your Solar Panels This Winter

As winter approaches, solar panel owners may worry about how to keep generating energy with shorter days and less sunlight. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to get the most out of your solar panels this winter. Here are some easy tips to help you make the most of your solar energy system during the colder months.

1. Assess for Debris

Regularly check your solar panels for any debris, dirt, or leaves that could block sunlight and reduce efficiency. After windy or rainy days, inspect the panels to ensure nothing is obstructing their surface.

• Consider Professional Cleaning: If your panels are difficult to access or if you prefer a thorough cleaning, consider hiring a professional solar panel cleaning company. They have the right equipment and expertise to clean your panels safely and effectively.

2. Optimise Energy Use

To make the most of your solar panels, adjust your appliance usage to match their energy production. Running energy-intensive appliances during peak solar hours can significantly increase your efficiency. Here are some practical tips to help you optimise your energy use:

• Time Your Appliances: Schedule high-energy appliances like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers to run during the day when solar production is highest.
• Use Smart Plugs: Consider using smart plugs or timers to automate your appliances, ensuring they operate when solar energy is available.
• Shift Heat Pump Usage: If you have an air source heat pump, try to run it during sunny hours when your solar panels are generating energy. This way, you can utilise the solar power directly to heat your home, reducing your reliance on grid electricity.
• Minimise Evening Use: Be mindful of running multiple high-energy devices in the evening when solar production is low. Try to conserve energy during these times.
• Prioritise Essential Appliances: Focus on running essential appliances first, such as refrigerators and heating, before considering non-essential devices.

3. Utilise Your Battery System

If you have a solar battery storage, take full advantage of it during winter. Here are some tips for effective battery usage:

• Store Excess Energy: During sunny days, store any excess energy generated for use during cloudy periods or night time. This can help you maintain a consistent power supply.
• Monitor Battery Levels: Keep an eye on your battery charge levels and understand how much energy you can rely on during periods of low solar production. This helps you manage your energy consumption better.
• Prioritise Charging: If your battery system allows, schedule charging during the day when solar production is highest to ensure you have enough stored energy for the evening.

4. Monitor Performance

Keep track of how your solar system is performing using monitoring tools. Many systems come with apps that provide real-time data on energy production and consumption. Here are some quick tips to help you monitor effectively:

• Track Energy Production: Check daily energy generation to identify peak production times and adjust usage.
• Monitor Energy Consumption: Observe your real-time energy use to help plan when to run appliances.
• Identify Trends: Look for patterns, like production on sunny versus cloudy days, to better manage energy needs.
• Set Alerts: Use alerts for low battery levels or drops in production to address issues quickly.
• Evaluate Performance: Regularly review performance data to ensure everything is running smoothly and consult a professional if you notice any problems.

5. Limit Energy Consumption

On days when solar production is limited, be mindful of your energy consumption. Reduce the use of non-essential appliances and consider energy-efficient alternatives. Using LED lighting and smart home devices can also help lower your overall energy demand, allowing your solar power to stretch further.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your solar panels continue to perform well throughout the winter months, helping you save on energy costs and make the most of your investment in solar energy.

6. Choose the Right Energy Tariff

• Evaluate different tariff types (fixed, variable, time-of-use) to find one that aligns with your energy usage.
• Choose a tariff that maximises savings by matching your energy consumption with periods of solar production.

Have a look at one of our recent blogs on Export Tariff’s from Octopus Energy.