Solar power is a great way to lower electricity bills while reducing reliance on the grid. The solar energy generation process is low cost, as it does not require fuel or resources. However, to realise the benefits of solar power, you need to plan for the purchase and installation process. A high output can significantly lower your electrical bills and generate annual energy savings. Below are a few measures to maximise the system's efficiency.

Evaluate energy consumption patterns

Before setting a solar system, evaluate the energy consumption patterns in your home. Where do you spend the most energy? Households use most of their power on heating, cooling, heating water, lighting, washing and drying and running electrical appliances. Most of these heavy consumption activities occur during the day. 

An energy assessment allows you to determine whether solar is a worthy investment for your home. It also gives you a rough idea of the ideal size and number of panels required to produce enough supplemental energy. If you can run most power-hungry appliances during the day, you can save a significant amount of money on electricity bills.

Determine potential output

The output of solar panels depends on various factors such as the sun's orientation, sun hours, shading, type of roof, location and many others. For example, during the summer, your panels will have a higher output due to the increased sun hours. The absence of trees and large buildings allows maximum sunlight to hit the panels, leading to increased output. 

Before investing in a solar system, evaluate the above factors and estimate the potential output of the panels. Choose the best installation location with maximum solar exposure and minimal shading. If your roof isn't ideal for the project, you can opt for ground-mounted solar panels for maximum output.

After establishing the potential output of each panel, determine the best solar PV size to maximise output. Your contractor can help you crunch the numbers and determine the best size for your system.

Assess your options

There are two issues you need to address when installing a solar PV system: battery storage and feed-in tariffs. Solar batteries allow you to store excess energy and use it during the night. However, their high cost can discourage solar users from investing in them. If battery storage isn't in your budget, you can consider feed-in tariffs. 

Feed-in tariffs allow you to sell excess energy to your electrical retailer. The amount paid is fed back to the power grid, allowing you to spend less money on grid power. If your expected output is greater than your consumption during daylight hours, lower your energy costs by utilising one of the above options.

If you need help to choose the right solar system for your needs, contact a solar contractor.