When you’re managing a busy family home, your energy use is likely to be high. If you want to take an environmentally-conscious approach to the way you live, you might want to turn to renewable energy. At Arise Solar, we often install 6.6 kW solar panels at our clients’ homes. We attend properties throughout Australia, using some of the best brands in the world. If adding solar panels to your property is a new concept for you, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. We’re here to explain how you can run a family home using solar energy.
Knowing whether a 6.6 kW solar system is enough
In recent months, there have been times when solar energy has accounted for 50 percent of the energy leaving Australia’s grids. Whether a 6.6 kW solar system is enough will depend on your household’s energy consumption and where you live.
On average, a 6.6 kW solar panel provides just under 9,900 kWh per year. How well that covers your energy usage will depend on your household’s habits and what you use electricity to power. For example, if you have an electric water heater, you’ll naturally require more energy than someone who uses gas.
Getting the most out of your 6.6 kW solar panel
The most obvious way to make a 6.6 kW solar panel take over more of your energy bill is to use less electricity. This doesn’t need to mean placing severe restrictions on your home’s energy use. Instead, you can make a series of small changes that amount to big savings. Here are some examples:
Unplug chargers when they’re not in use
In reality, leaving a charger dormant for eight hours when it’s not in use shouldn’t waste more than $0.01 worth of energy. But if you have five chargers per day in that state, you’re spending $18.25 per year more than you need to.
Ditch standby mode
Do you regularly leave your computer, TV and DVD player on standby? Depending on your current tariff, each item could cost $60 per year. With several items across your home, that amount soon rises.
Switch to LED bulbs
LEDs use much less electricity to power properties than incandescent bulbs do. If you haven’t done so already, perform a quick audit of where incandescent bulbs remain and make the switch.
Tactical energy use
Switching to more energy-efficient appliances will benefit your home in the long run. But if you’re paying to install a 6.6 kW solar system, you might not want to make another big purchase again anytime soon.
If that’s the case, start using your appliances tactically. Your 6.6 kW solar panels are at their best when the sun is in full swing. So make sure you set your dishwasher, water heater, and washing machine to work during the daytime. That way, they’ll run off the solar energy your panels are producing rather than defecting to the mains supply.
Managing a household using a solar panel is achievable when you have the right habits. If you want to arrange a quote for installation, complete our contact form.
