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Summer sun is in full force, bringing longer days, more energy use, and oftentimes, higher bills. As a solar homeowner, you don’t have to choose between savings and having enough power, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to make sure you’re getting the absolute most out of your panels, batteries and the energy they produce and store.
How to maximize solar energy savings and combat high summer utility bills:
1. Monitor your energy usage*, power up your savings
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your home’s energy. The fact is, every home is unique with its own constantly changing energy needs and production levels. Since solar panels are tied to their environment - not just the weather, but also things like dust and shade - staying informed is key. Luckily, the Sunrun app is your most valuable tool for this. With the app you’ll have straightforward, real-time insights into both your household’s energy production and usage (when available). Having this personally tailored info is essential since it helps inform all future energy decisions
By being more informed, you’ll be able to identify trends like when and how your family uses the most energy. The usual stand outs are the AC and heating units but you’d be surprised how often energy use can be inflated by the other devices we use or leave on without thinking.
While tracking your energy use, you’ll be able to spot inefficiencies. If you’re looking at a graph and you see a spike or a large increase in energy use that surprises you, dig deeper. Maybe it’s just been a hot week and the AC’s been on more than normal, maybe not. If there doesn’t seem to be an explanation like this, there could be an issue with your solar system.
Of course, it might be the case that your energy use has gone up but everything you use is essential to you. In that case you might want to consider upgrading your system. Solar is unique in that it can grow with you. More batteries and extra panels are always an option when the goal is maximum energy.
2. Clean panels help solar work its magic
A little care goes a long way in guaranteeing your solar panels operate at their best. It's no surprise that solar panels need sunlight in order to work but this goes beyond just hoping for sunny days. Solar panels want as little material getting in the way between them and the sunlight itself. Over time dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of panels reducing their efficiency. The upshot is that cleaning your panels does not have to be difficult. Here’s how the process works:
Safety first: Your safety is paramount. We strongly advise against getting on your roof to clean panels.
Often, natural rainfall is enough to keep your panels sufficiently clean. If you anticipate rainfall in the near future, check your energy production before and after. If it improves after the rain, nature may have done the job for you!
Manual cleaning: Now maybe it's time to take matters into your own hands. Typically it’s best to begin with a simple garden hose. Spray the panels to break down loose debris and mild build-up. However, if a stubborn grime has accumulated, we recommend a long-handled soft-bristle brush like these along with a mild, biodegradable non-toxic soap like Dr. Bronners, Castile Soap or other similar non-toxic products. Mix the soap with water, scrub gently, and thoroughly rinse. A light vinegar and water mixture is also safe to use.
Notes:
Always clean when panels are cool (early morning or evening) to avoid thermal shock. Sharp changes in temperature can damage the device.
Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, scour pads, or high pressure washers.
If you’re ever unsure or uncomfortable with cleaning, please contact a professional in your area.
3. Trim your trees, make way for the sun
Shade may be nice for a picnic but shade in the wrong place can drastically impact your solar production. Even a small amount of shade cast by an overhanging branch can reduce the output of your entire solar array. This doesn’t mean we should get rid of plants altogether, it just reminds us to be attentive to our garden’s growth.
Proactive pruning: Regularly assess any trees or tall shrubbery around your home that could potentially cast shadows on your solar panels throughout the day.
Consider future growth: It sounds obvious but remember that trees grow! What might not be a shading issue today could become one in a few years. Tackling an issue early can prevent it from becoming a hassle later.
Professional help: For larger branches or tall trees, we always recommend consulting with a professional arborist. They have the expertise and equipment to safely trim trees without damaging your property or your solar investment.
4. Smart energy use, saving during peak rates
When it's hot, everyone wants to use their AC. Energy costs during high demand seasons like the summer are tied to this. Time of use rates is just a term that says energy costs vary depending on the time of the day it's used. Peak hours are those periods where most people are drawing electricity at once.
More expensive energy might sound like a bummer but it’s actually an opportunity to game the system and get the most savings. Simple things like slightly changing when you use electricity can end up saving you a lot of money and with little to no shift in comfort.
The first step is creating a schedule to avoid using the biggest offenders (like the AC) during peak hours. When are energy prices the highest? Well, average peak hours for most places are in the mornings between 6AM and 10AM and in the evening between 4 PM and 9 PM. Try to shift your highest energy-consuming activities to off-peak hours. This includes your:
Dishwasher
Washing machine and dryer
Electric vehicle charging
Pool pump
If you can shift some of these to run during the middle of the day, you’ll end up saving big.
It would be a shame if saving money meant being hot all day. But this isn’t the case! It’s true that the AC draws a lot of power but we can still work around that to stay comfortable.
Save on home cooling: Consider efficiency measures to cool your home in the summer:
Pick an efficient, comfortable temperature like 78° for your AC
Use ceiling, attic, and portable fans for better air circulation
Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day
Open windows in the early morning and evening when outside temperatures are cool
Much of this advice is for electricity use in general. You might be wondering: what does this have to do with solar? Well, the most important thing is that solar lets you stack savings. Your panels are producing the most energy during the day. By shifting your usage to this time, not only do you avoid peak rates but you also increase the amount you pull from your own, self-generated energy, effectively squashing your energy bill.
5. Upgrade for long-term savings and comfort
Beyond daily habits and keeping your panels spick and span, energy-efficient upgrades are like smart investments that work hand-in-hand with your solar system, helping you save and stay comfortable. Plus, many local utilities offer rebates and incentives that can help make these upgrades more affordable.
Evaporative coolers: If you live in a drier climate, these can be a game-changer. They use a fraction of the electricity of traditional AC units and can keep your home pleasantly cool using the power of evaporation.
Smart thermostats: These are your home's intelligent energy manager. They learn your family's routines, adjust temperatures to maximize comfort while minimizing waste, and can even be programmed to work with your utility's Time-of-Use rates. It's like having a personal energy assistant!
Window films: Your windows are beautiful, but they can also be sneaky culprits for energy loss. Applying special reflective window films can dramatically reduce the amount of heat seeping into your home during the summer and escaping in the winter. It makes a noticeable difference in comfort and helps your cooling system take a much-deserved break. Starting as low as $0.50 per square foot, these films can be extremely cost effective upgrades for your home.
Get the full benefit from your solar system this summer! By monitoring usage, maintaining panels, trimming trees, optimizing energy habits, and upgrading your home, you'll ensure a cool, efficient, and cost-effective season.
*Usage data is only available for battery customers, or if you have a CT clamp installed to read your usage. If you are wanting usage data, reach out to our team to see what upgrades are available in your area.