Using the sun’s energy to help reduce your energy bill
The solar system generates electricity for your home on sunny days. Using solar power in your homes helps you avoid paying for electricity from the grid.
To get the most benefit from your solar system, use energy appliances when the sun is shining.
How the system works
The solar system has two main parts:
Solar panels on the roof
Solar panels on the roof transfers the sun’s energy into an electric current.
Solar energy inverter
The solar energy inverter converts the electric current into electricity that can be used by appliances in your home. It is a box located near your electricity meter.
The solar system operates when the sun is shining. It will generate more electricity on sunny days than cloudy days and more in summer than winter. Most solar energy will be generated between 10am and 3pm, when the sun is directly above the solar panels.
Any additional electricity generated by your solar system that you do not use will be fed back into the electricity grid.
Tips on using your solar system
Some do's and don'ts when using your solar system:
Do
- Use electric appliances between 10am and 3pm on sunny days.
- Operate high energy appliances such as your air conditioner, vacuum cleaner, iron and oven when the sun is shining.
Don’t
- Use electrical appliances more often than needed. You can save more money exporting excess solar to the grid.
- Allow sports equipment (cricket balls) to damage solar panels on the roof
- Don’t plant any trees or shrubs that may grow to shade your solar panels.
Check if your solar system is working
Check your electricity bill to ensure that you are receiving a solar feed-in credit and that your electricity usage hasn’t increased compared to your usage 12 months ago.
Your electricity usage tends to be higher in summer and winter, when you need to cool and heat your home. Your electricity bill includes details of your average daily usage and usage for the same time last year.
Check that your solar inverter displays a green light. Call the Maintenance Hub on 1800 422 322 if the inverter displays a red light or fault message. Also call the Maintenance Hub if you notice any damage to the solar panels on your roof.
How to save money from your solar system
Saving money from your solar system depends on a range of factors including:
Your electricity usage patterns
Use electrical appliances when the sun is up. Your solar panels are producing free energy for you.
Your electricity and solar feed-in tariff
Contact your electricity retailer to find out if you are on their best deal. Each electricity retailer has a range of price plans, called energy offers.
Visit Energy Made Easy to find the best energy offer for you.
Questions to ask electricity retailers:
- What is your best energy offer for my energy usage?
- What is your best solar feed-in tariff?
- Will I save the most money on a Single Rate or Time of Use tariff?
- What discounts, flexible payment options and hardship programs do you offer?
If you need independent advice about an issue you are having with an electricity retailer, or if you are having problems paying your bill, contact the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) on 1800 246 545.