Learn how to reap the full rewards of solar, and take good care of your system so it can power your home well into the future.

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Check you’re on the best power plan

The power plan you’re on can make a big difference to the savings you can get from your solar system. It affects how much you pay for electricity and the buyback rate you get for selling excess solar electricity. 

So which plan is likely to be best? 

Compare power plans

If you’re not locked into a contract, look around for a better deal.

You can do this anytime during the lifetime of your solar system (and even if you’re not on solar).

Shift your power use to the daytime

To maximise your solar power, use as much of your everyday electricity as possible while the sun is out. That might mean changing some habits, but automation can help.

  • Run your appliances

    Aim to use power-hungry appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher, and oven when there’s daylight.

  • Heat your water

    Set your water to heat up in the daytime by adding a timer or a solar diverter to your electric hot water cylinder.

  • Automate usage

    Use low-cost timers or smart plugs to turn appliances on when solar power is available.

  • Charge electric vehicles

    Switch to daytime charging if you have an EV, so you can use the power your panels are generating.

  • Spread out jobs

    Avoid running many appliances at once, as that’ll draw on lots of solar power and increase the likelihood that you’ll need to buy power.

Monitor system performance

While you’re getting used to having solar, it’s helpful to monitor your system so you can adjust your habits and make sure it’s working as expected.

Regular, ongoing monitoring will enable you to see how well your system is performing and pick up on any need for maintenance.

 

Use an app to see what’s happening

An app may come with your system or be an extra that you pay for. With an app, you can:

  • check how much solar power your system is generating, using or storing
  • understand your usage patterns
  • monitor system efficiency and performance
  • identify any system issues quickly
  • track how much electricity you’re buying and selling.

Care for your solar panels 

While they will work well for 25–30 years, it’s a good idea to look after your panels so they perform at their best.  

Clean to remove dirt and leaves

Cleaning your panels every 12 months can be enough for most homes, especially if you have good rainfall, which does a lot of the work.

If you live by the coast or in a dusty environment, you might need to wash your panels every 3 or 6 months. 

Method:

  • Wash your panels with plain water or a tiny bit of detergent if grime is stuck.
  • Do not use hot water, pressure washers, abrasive brushes, or steel wool.
  • If your roof is difficult to access and/or steep, you may need to pay a contractor to do the cleaning.

Keep shade at bay

Trim any trees that shade your panels, so more sunlight can be converted to electricity.

Electrify and insulate your home

If you’re still using gas, switching to an electric heat pump and electric hot water system (like a hot water heat pump or efficient cylinder) will boost your savings from solar.

  • Buy efficient appliances

    More efficient appliances will help your solar power to go further, as they use less energy to get the same jobs done.

    Find and compare efficient appliances

  • Insulate your home well

    A well-insulated home uses power more efficiently, dropping the amount of heating or cooling you need, and optimising your solar usage. 

    View insulation advice for your home 

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