Solar Panels
How to Maximise Your Solar Benefits
STAY EFFICIENT
Save electricity wherever you can. Energy efficiency remains crucial. Ideally, you will implement energy efficiency measures before installing your solar panels – this will make it more likely that you choose a system that meets your needs.
GET TO KNOW YOUR APPLIANCES
If you have a solid understanding of what is using electricity in your home and when, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to shift your use to make the most of the daylight hours.
SIZE MATTERS
Choose the right size system for your needs. Your panels are only producing electricity if the sun is shining. Estimate the percentage of your total household electricity use that occurs during the day. Unless you are on a generous feed-in tariff of 20 or 40 cents per kilowatt hour, there is no incentive for you to produce more electricity than you need. It may be better to get a smaller system and then work on your energy efficiency measures than to get a bigger system and over-produce.
SHIFT YOUR USE
Use electricity while the sun is shining. Examples of electricity use that could be shifted to the day time include charging phones, toothbrushes and other small appliances, pool, pond and spa pumps, washing machines and dishwashers.
MONITOR PRODUCTIVITY
Monitor your system’s output so you know when your solar panels are the most productive. This will depend on factors such as the time of year, your location, the direction your panels are facing and any shading from buildings and trees. Once you know when your panels are producing at their peak, you’ll know when to put the pool pump on!
Did you know more than 300,000 rooftop solar systems were installed across Australia in 2024, bringing the total number to more than 4 million?
This is continuing to grow in 2025 making solar a key contributor to the nation’s energy mix. Find out more statistics for solar in Australia with the Clean Energy Council report linked below.
Want to save on your new solar system?
Switch Your Thinking has partnered with a local suppliers to offer discounts on solar panel installation to residents of Switch Your Thinking Council areas. Click on the button below to check your eligibility and current offers!
Other Ways to Switch
Learn about more ways you can switch your thinking and live a more sustainable lifestyle.