How to Get the Most Out of Your Solar System

Rooftop solar panels capturing sunlight in a suburban home.

Maybe you've just got a solar system installed, or considering solar and wondering how to get the most out of your investment? There's a few things to think about beyond the components and installation, including the optimal placement of panels, changing your energy habits and the way you use your appliances, performance monitoring and maintenance. With a few smart habits and some planning, you can maximise energy efficiency and make sure your system is working hard for you every day.

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

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Optimal placement

The design of your solar system including where on the roof your panels are installed has a huge impact on performance. This will be greatly impacted by the design of your roof and availablity of roof space. Optimal designs are usually either north facing, or east and west facing (to capture both morning and afternoon sunlight). South facing is the least optimal but can still be effective in some scenarios.

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 clothes dryer or dishwasher) can make a big difference in maximising self-consumption. This is especially true if you don't have a battery to store energy for usage after sunlight hours.

Regular maintenance

Solar panels are low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way. Any objects causing shading or anything blocking sunslight getting to your panels will siginificantly reduce your systems performance. To keep your system performing at its best we recommend:

• Clean panels every so often to remove dust, dirt, moss, fungus, or bird droppings. We recommend cleaning them every 2 years.

• Trim trees or bushes that may cast shade and reduce energy production.

  
  

You can clean panels yourself or book a clean and check up with an accredited solar installer like Energy Wired.

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 clothes dryer, 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 solar system is 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.

Benefits include:

• Greater energy independence

• Lower reliance on the grid

• Reduce the impact of 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.

• Cooking: Use an energy-efficient Induction stove top for cooking or use a 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.

Anything that heats or cools uses alot of energy so aim to have them running in daylight hours. Small tweaks like these add up to big savings and help you rely less on the grid.

Rebates & Rewards

Finally, don’t leave money on the table. There are many federal and state government incentives and rebates to reduce up front installation costs. These can help offset installation costs and shorten your payback period.

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

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How to get the most out of your solar panels:

Getting the most out of your solar system is about more than just installing panels—it’s about ongoing care, smart habits, and making the most of the sun when it’s shining.

By optimising placement, scheduling your energy use, investing in storage, and keeping your system maintained, you’ll enjoy lower bills, greater independence, and a smaller carbon footprint.

If you’d like personalised advice, we’re here to help. Contact us at 03 9071 2468 or email hello@energywired.com.au—we’ll make sure your solar investment shines at its brightest.