As summer approaches in South Africa, it’s the perfect time to maximize the efficiency of your home solar system. You can enhance your solar system’s performance and reduce electricity bills with simple adjustments. Here are the top strategies to get the most out of your solar setup.
Why Optimize Your Solar System Now?
Many solar systems in South African homes were initially designed for load-shedding periods. However, with load-shedding on hold, most systems need to be set up to take full advantage of the solar energy they produce. According to Marc du Plessis, executive head of the LookSee home efficiency platform, optimizing your system can yield significant savings on energy bills.
Top Ways to Optimize Your Solar System
1. Adjust Battery Usage for Maximum Savings
Most South African solar systems keep batteries charged between 80% and 100%, a practice meant for when load-shedding was common. Now, without frequent outages, adjusting this setting can help reduce reliance on grid power and save on electricity costs.
Example of Battery Adjustment:
When set to keep at least 80% of battery storage, running appliances like washing machines may lead to drawing power from the grid once the battery hits this threshold. Adjusting the minimum storage to 40% allows appliances to run without triggering grid power, and the battery recharges using solar energy alone.
Determining Your Battery’s Minimum Threshold:
Check your battery’s recommended Depth of Discharge (DoD), which indicates how much of the battery’s capacity you can use without impacting performance. Factor in a safety margin for unexpected outages (around 10-20%) to find the best threshold for your system.
2. Implement Load Scheduling for Peak Efficiency
South Africa’s abundant sunshine offers a unique advantage. However, timing energy-intensive tasks can make a huge difference in how efficiently your solar system runs.
Scheduling During Peak Solar Hours:
Solar panels typically perform best between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM, so this is the ideal window for high-energy activities. Stagger tasks like washing, dishwashing, or ironing across these hours to avoid overloading the system, which may otherwise draw from the grid.
Avoiding Power Overload:
Example: If you run a dishwasher and washing machine simultaneously, you could exceed the output of your solar panels, prompting a grid draw. Prioritize flexible loads, such as the geyser or pool pump, for later in the day to help maintain battery storage for nighttime use.
3. Maintain Your Solar Panels for Peak Output
Keeping your panels clean and free from shade is essential to maximize energy generation. Solar panels often lose efficiency due to built-up dirt or obstructions from trees.
Cleaning and Clearing:
Dust, dirt, and bird droppings on panels reduce their efficiency. Regularly clean your panels to ensure they’re capturing maximum sunlight. Trim overgrown branches or foliage that cast shadows over the panels during peak sunlight hours.
Conclusion:
Optimize Your Solar System and Save Money This Summer, but with these simple changes, you can increase your system’s efficiency and reduce electricity bills. Adjusting battery usage, scheduling loads effectively, and maintaining panels are steps that can add up to significant savings over time.
FAQs
How often should I clean my solar panels?
It’s recommended to clean your panels every few months, especially after dusty or dry periods, to ensure optimal sunlight absorption.
What is the Depth of Discharge (DoD) for a solar battery?
DoD refers to how much of the battery’s capacity can be used without affecting performance. Consult your battery’s specifications for the ideal DoD.
Is load scheduling necessary if I have a large solar setup?
Yes, even with a large setup, scheduling high-energy tasks during peak solar hours can minimize grid reliance and extend battery storage for the evening.