If you’ve got solar panels on your roof, you’re already ahead of the game. But the real savings come not just from having solar — they come from how you use your power. The biggest mistake many households make? Using most of their electricity at night, when their panels aren’t generating.
This guide explains why daytime energy use is key to reducing your electricity bill, how to make the most of your free solar energy, and the simple changes you can make to start saving more — even without a battery.
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Harnessing the sun — this WA home runs on stored solar energy.
Solar Power Is Only Generated During the Day
Your rooftop solar system only produces energy when the sun is shining — typically between 9am and 4pm, with a peak around lunchtime.
If you’re not home, or you’re not using much power during that time, the extra energy your panels generate is sent to the grid. You’ll receive a feed-in tariff (FiT) for that exported energy, usually between 4–12 cents per kilowatt hour.
But here’s the catch: when you buy energy back from the grid at night, you’ll pay 30–40 cents per kilowatt hour.
That’s a big difference. So while exporting excess solar earns you a little, using that energy directly saves you a lot more.
Example:
Exporting 1 kWh = Earns 6c
Using 1 kWh = Saves 32c
That’s over five times the value.
The Strategy: Shift Your Energy Use to Daylight Hours
This is where the concept of “load shifting” comes in. It means using your bigger appliances when your solar panels are generating power — during the day.
By doing so, you consume your own solar energy instead of exporting it or relying on the grid.
Appliances You Can Run During the Day
Some of the best appliances to run on solar include:
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Clothes dryer
Pool pump or spa filter
EV charger
Hot water system (if electric)
Many of these can be scheduled using a delay start timer or a plug-in timer switch, so they run during solar generation hours even if you’re not home.
No Battery? No Worries
One of the biggest myths in solar is that you need a battery to make the most of your system. Not true.
While batteries help store excess power for night-time use, you can still save big just by using more electricity while your panels are active.
Every kilowatt-hour you use during the day is power you don’t have to buy later.
Keeping track of solar savings and usage with live system data.
Quick Wins for Better Self-Consumption
Here are some fast, low-tech ways to increase daytime solar usage:
Use built-in delay timers on washing machines and dishwashers
Charge laptops, power banks and phones during the day
Run the pool pump from 10am–3pm
Pre-cool or pre-heat your home before 4pm
Smart home tech helps too — like solar-compatible EV chargers or app-connected power points — but it’s not essential to get started.
What About Night Time?
At night, your panels aren’t producing energy — so you’re back on the grid (unless you have a battery).
That’s why it’s smart to minimise heavy usage after sunset:
Turn off unused appliances at the wall
Delay EV charging until mid-morning
Cook efficiently and avoid using ovens and dryers at night
Small changes add up — especially if you’ve already made the most of your solar energy during the day.
Real-World Tip: Don’t Chase Perfection — Build a Habit
You don’t need to become obsessed with your solar app or run your home like a science lab. Focus on one or two habits that shift 2–3 kWh of energy use into daylight hours.
For most households, that’s enough to increase self-consumption by 20–30% — which can cut your annual energy bill by hundreds of dollars.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve invested in solar, you’ve already taken a smart step. But the next smartest step? Use your solar power while it’s being generated.
It’s the easiest way to boost your savings, cut your reliance on the grid, and feel the impact of solar without needing a battery or complex upgrades.
Just shift your heavy-use appliances to the day, and let your rooftop do the rest.
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