Installing a residential solar panel system is one of the best things you can do for your home. In addition to slashing the cost of energy bills, you’ll probably make it an attractive purchase for prospective buyers if you decide to sell it. Once the panels are there, though, you need to learn how to make the most of them. At Arise Solar, we’re here to provide you with some of our best tips.
Make sure you choose a residential solar panel system that’s the right size
Although your residential solar panel system won’t remove your electricity usage entirely, it’ll bring you as close as possible. An excellent starting point involves finding a solar panel system that’s the right size for your home. At Arise Solar, we install the following sizes:
5 kW systems
If you live in a small-sized family home, you’ll find that a 5 kW system is ideal. Overall, this will generate around 20 kWh per day.
6.6 kW systems
With a 6.6 kW system, you can meet the electricity needs of a large family-sized home that has a normal power output. This translates to around 24 kWh per day.
10 kW solar systems
If you’re living in an extra-large family home with a higher than usual energy output, a 10 kW solar system will work in your favour. Depending on where you live in Australia, a 10 kW solar system will generate about 29 to 45 kWh per day.
It’s important to bear in mind that the kWh stated above can vary according to where you live. There are some parts of Australia (such as Brisbane) where the sunshine hours are much higher than in the cloudier parts (Melbourne). However, the team at Arise Solar can answer your questions with regards to expectations before we install your system.
Track your energy usage
To make sure your residential solar panel system is functioning as it should, you may want to consider tracking its usage. One of the best ways to do this is by using a smart monitor that focuses specifically on solar panels. In addition to measuring how much solar energy you produce, it’ll also state how much you’re using and what your total energy usage is. As a result, you’ll see both how much solar power you use and how much electricity you use. Using a smart metre gives you the chance to make changes throughout your home that reduce your energy costs further.
Take a greener approach to your household activities
Once you have a smart metre in place you may immediately feel compelled to take a greener approach to the way you live. Even the smallest of changes can have a significant impact, such as only using your water heater right before hot water is needed, turning off lights when you leave the room, and not relying too heavily on your HVAC. With every small change, you’ll see a reduction in your energy bills.
Use solar services to maintain your system
Thanks to advances in technology, solar panels are now easier to maintain than ever. This means they’ll last a long time without you having to clean them or use maintenance services too frequently. This doesn’t mean you should leave them alone entirely, so you should consider using solar services designed to maintain your system.
At Arise Solar, we provide both cleaning and maintenance services that’ll help your residential solar panel system go the extra mile. Using cleaning services is important, as when large layers of dust and pollen gather on the panels, they’ll prevent adequate sunlight from passing through. Similarly, when you encounter events such as storms or if there’s been a nearby fire, using a professional cleaning service ensures the system is as clean as it can be.
At Arise Solar, we install residential solar panel systems throughout Australia. To learn more about what we do or to grab a free quote, contact us here or call 1300 274 737.
