How to Future-Proof Your Solar Power System: Tips for Maximising Efficiency and Savings
Why more Australians are installing solar power
Smart Australians are installing solar power to counter high electricity costs and reduce their carbon emissions. Solar panels achieve this by using the sun’s energy to create direct current (DC), which is fed through an inverter which converts DC into alternating current (AC), so the electricity can be used in your home.
Average Energy Consumption and Solar Power Needs
The average Australian household consumes around 16 kilowatt-hours (kWh) daily. If this is you, a 5 kilowatt (kW) solar power system could cover your electricity usage during the day. However, this may not be enough for your future needs.
Future-Proof Your Solar Investment
Provided you have enough roof space, installing more panels now or sizing the inverter to accommodate more panels in the future is a smart way to future-proof your solar investment. This approach ensures you will have sufficient electricity production to meet your evolving needs and the increasing trend towards electrification in Australia.
Understanding Electrification in Australia
Electrification is the shift towards using renewable electricity, rather than fossil fuels, to power various aspects of daily life, including transportation, heating, and cooking. In Australia, this transition is gaining momentum due to several factors:
- Government Initiatives: The Australian Government has launched the National Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy to make EVs more affordable and accessible, and to expand charging infrastructure. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption of EVs and significantly reduce emissions.1
- Economic Benefits: Australian households can reduce their energy bills by using efficient electric appliances and vehicles supported by a clean energy grid.2
- Environmental Impact: Shifting to electric-powered solutions helps reduce carbon emissions, contributing to Australia’s decarbonisation goals.3 This is particularly important as the country phases out fossil fuels and increases renewable energy production.
- Planning for Future Energy Needs.
As electrification continues to rise, particularly with the adoption of EVs, it is crucial to ensure your solar power system can handle increased electricity demands. Here are some considerations:
- Growing Your Family: More family members means higher energy consumption.
- Purchasing an EV: EVs require substantial electricity for charging.
- Adding Smart Appliances: Smart electric hot water systems and other energy-efficient appliances can increase your energy needs.
- Home Renovations: Additions like a swimming pool requires an energy-consuming pool pump and potentially a heating solution, which can significantly boost your electricity usage.
By planning ahead and installing more solar panels or a larger inverter now, you can ensure your system is capable of meeting these future demands. This proactive approach not only maximises your current savings but also prepares you for the ongoing shift towards electrification.
Get in touch with your local Solahart Dealer who will find the best solution for you based on your current and future energy needs.
Choose High-Efficiency Solar Panels
Choosing solar panels with higher efficiency can help generate more electricity per square metre, making full use of your roof space. Every Solahart Solar Power system uses world-leading inverters and high-efficiency panels with trusted Australian warranties, consistent with Solahart’s strict quality and performance requirements to withstand harsh Australian conditions.
Introducing the Solahart Silhouette® Bifacial Solar Panel
The newest addition to our range is the Solahart Silhouette® Bifacial Solar Panel, rated at 440W and 22% efficiency at standard test conditions.4 This dual-glass panel can produce energy from both the front and back sides of the module, potentially increasing the total power output from the same roof space.5 As they are covered with tempered glass on both sides, they are also more resistant to environmental and physical stress, such as dust and moisture.
Additionally, future-proof your investment further with a product warranty of 30 years6 as well as a performance guarantee of 30 years.7
ALSO READ: Learn more about the Solahart Silhouette® Bifacial Solar Panel
Consider Battery Storage
Another factor to consider is the time of day you use most of your power. If you use higher amounts of energy at night or when electricity costs are high during peak hours, adding battery storage to your solar system is also a smart investment.
A battery allows you to store unused solar power during the day to use at night, on cloudy or rainy days, during blackouts, and when utility rates are more expensive. If you anticipate your night time energy usage will continue to grow in the future, installing a battery can protect you from rising electricity costs by using more of the power you generate from your solar system.
ALSO READ: Six factors to consider before buying a solar battery system
Solahart Home Energy Management System (HEMS)
Then, bring it all together with a Solahart Home Energy Management System (HEMS), a platform designed to control connected appliances in the home to reduce your energy costs in three key ways:
- Maximise the amount of energy you use from your solar power system.
- Use the cheapest grid energy possible where required.
- Manage solar export limit, which involves diverting electricity generated by your solar system to connected home appliances, including your water heater and EV charging.
Learn more about HEMS below:
Invest in a Solar Power System Today
Investing in a solar power system can lead to immediate savings, especially if you take advantage of interest-free finance to pay for your system over time. However, thinking about the future can ensure the system you install now will produce the power you need as demand grows. Get in touch with Solahart today to organise a free in-home assessment where we can provide you with a bespoke solution for your home and budget.