How to Get the Most Out of Your Solar Panels

Energy Wired
18 hours ago
4 min read

3D illustration of a worker with tools standing next to a solar panel, representing solar panel installation and maintenance. — Worker with tools ensuring efficient solar energy performance

If you’re looking to cut down your energy bills and shrink your carbon footprint, one of the best investments you can make is installing solar at home. A solar system doesn’t just help the planet—it also pays off financially in the long run. But to really get the most out of your solar system, you need to go beyond installation. With a few smart habits and some planning, you can maximise solar efficiency and make sure your system is working hard for you every day.

Here’s how to make the most of your solar investment.

Optimal placement

Where and how you install your solar panels has a huge impact on performance. For maximum sunlight capture, panels should be installed on:

South-facing roofs in the Northern Hemisphere
North-facing roofs in the Southern Hemisphere (that’s us!)

If you have the choice, you can fine-tune placement based on when you use the most energy:

East-facing panels generate more power in the morning—perfect if your household uses lots of energy early in the day.
West-facing panels produce more power in the afternoon, great for families who are home later or want to offset evening electricity costs.

Even with the right placement, remember that solar production peaks in the middle of the day. That’s why using timers to schedule appliances (like the washing machine or dishwasher) can make a big difference in maximising self-consumption.

Regular maintenance

Solar panels are low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way. To keep your system performing at its best:

Clean the panels every so often to remove dust, dirt, or bird droppings.
Trim trees or bushes that may cast shade and reduce energy production.
Inspect for damage or loose wiring, especially after storms or extreme weather.

It’s best to book a regular check-up with an accredited solar installer like Energy Wired or a licensed electrician. Not only will they make sure your panels and inverter are safe and running efficiently, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing the work is insured and guaranteed.

Know Your Energy Habits

One of the most powerful ways to get the most out of your solar system is to understand how and when your household uses energy. Most solar monitoring apps will show you a breakdown of your electricity use so you can line up your habits with your solar production.

For example:

In summer, the sweet spot is usually 10am–4pm.
In winter, solar output is lower, so aim for 11am–2pm.

That means running energy-hungry appliances—like the dishwasher, washing machine, or pool pump—during those windows. If you often need more power in the evenings, it may be worth adding a battery to your system.

Monitor your System’s Performance

Knowledge is key to making the most of your solar system. Most modern solar inverters come with built-in monitoring, but there are also third-party apps and tools that give you more detailed insights.

With monitoring, you can:

Track how much energy your panels are producing
Spot dips in performance (so issues can be fixed quickly)
See how much solar power you’re using vs. exporting to the grid

This helps you adjust your habits in real time, ensuring you’re getting the full benefit of your solar panels.

Add a battery

Pairing your solar with a battery is one of the best ways to maximise solar savings. Batteries let you store excess energy during the day and use it later when the sun isn’t shining—like in the evening or on cloudy days.

Benefits include:

Greater energy independence
Lower reliance on the grid
Protection against rising electricity prices
Backup power in case of blackouts (depending on the system)

If you’re interested in storage options, take a look at our guide to choosing a solar battery

Live More Efficiently

Solar works best when paired with efficient appliances and mindful energy use. Some easy changes include:

Switching to LED lighting
Choosing appliances with high energy star ratings
Using smart plugs and timers to automate when things turn on

For practical, government-backed advice, check out Australia’s official energy guide. Some of their top tips include:

Washing machine, dishwasher or dryer: most have a built-in timer—set them to run during the day.
Pool pump: run it during daylight hours.
Cooling: keep the air-conditioner running while the sun’s out, and close doors/windows to keep the cool air in.
Heating: where possible, use electric heaters during the day and retain the warmth by closing doors and windows.
Slow cooker: let dinner cook through the day so it’s ready by evening.
Electric vehicles: charge during daylight hours, or use a smart charger/app to schedule charging when solar generation is highest.

Small tweaks like these add up to big savings and help you rely less on grid power.

Rebates & Rewards

Finally, don’t leave money on the table. Many governments, councils, and energy providers offer rebates, feed-in tariffs, and incentives to make solar even more affordable. These can help offset installation costs and shorten your payback period.

In some cases, you can even sell excess energy back to the grid, turning your solar panels into an extra income stream.

Check out our blog page for more information on current rebates and programs in your area.