FEBRUARY ONLY
Energy Saving Tips
For Solar Customers
In order to see a maximum benefit in going solar, it is important to be mindful of your energy use at home. Here are our key strategies for solar energy conservation and maximizing your system’s output.
Time your appliance Usage:
- Focus on using appliances and devices during daylight hours, when your solar system is generating the most power
- Schedule tasks that are especially energy-intensive (like laundry, running the dishwasher, your HVAC) during the day when your solar panels are producing the most electricity
Power Management Habits
- Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use
- Switch your lightbulbs to LED, which are more efficient than traditional bulbs
- Utilize power strips to be able to easily turn off multiple devices at once
- Upgrade to energy-efficient Energy Star certified appliances
- Ensure your home is properly insulated to maintain temperature
- Utilize natural light during daylight hours by opening curtains and blinds
- Consider adding on a battery storage system to utilize excess solar power during non-peak hours
- Use smart devices to automate energy usage based on your schedule and solar production
- Regularly check your energy usage with a smart meter or monitoring app to identify areas for improvement
Cooling your Home in Warmer Months
- The thermostat suggested setting for cooling your home is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Each degree below that will increase your electricity consumption. Keep in mind that your A/C unit is working from the outside (in extreme heat, where we live) which means that if it’s 100 degrees out and your thermostat is set to 78, your cooling system is working hard to close that 22 degree gap to cool your home.
- You can save up to 10% on your annual energy costs by increasing the temperature by 7-10 degrees while you’re at work or away for the day.
- All of this said, your solar system will vastly improve your ability to efficiently produce cool air inside your home during the daylight hours when your panels are generating the most energy they can – a huge benefit of going solar here!
Cooling your Home in Warmer Months
- Some utility companies have programs in which they conduct home energy audits. Through the process, the home energy auditor will gather information and produce a report including characterizations of your home and action you can take to reduce your home’s energy use while increasing comfort of the living space. Common recommendations often include:
- Understanding where your consumption is heaviest in your home
- Completing whole-home air sealing to reduce air leakage and drafts
- Adding insulation to your home’s attic, foundation, or walls to prevent heat loss
- Sealing and insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces
- Removing or repairing any parts of the home with internal moisture or mold to improve air quality and reduce deterioration
- Improving the efficiency of heating, cooling, and hot water systems
- Installing home ventilation, smart thermostats, LEDs, smart power strips, ENERGY STAR appliances, solar PV, electric vehicle charger, and other efficient technologies that improve home performance
- The right mix of improvements to your home will depend on the age and quality of current equipment, the local climate, and your home energy goals.
There are many benefits of conserving energy as a solar owner:
- Maximize Your Savings: By using more of the electricity generated by your solar system, you will lower your electric bill and reduce your reliance on the grid
- Increase the Return on your Investment: By conserving energy, you can get the most out of your solar ystem and recoup the cost faster
- Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption overall contributes to a smaller carbon footprint
- Battery Systems: By conserving energy, you can maximize the runtime of your battery backup system, ensuring a longer-lasting power supply during outages