Once you have had your solar panels fitted, what will be the next thing you will need to start thinking about? An important thing, especially if you have opted for free solar panels scheme, is to match up your household’s demand for electricity when the supply is most abundant, i.e. during sunlight hours. This is not always easy if you are out at work in the day but there are things you can do to maximise the value of having your solar panels.
The recommended time period to use power hungry items is from 10am to 3pm as this is when the sun is strongest. If you are out during this time, having washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers with a delay start function is extremely useful. For other devices such as computers, battery chargers or dehumidifiers that you can leave running during the day, timers can be used to switch them on and off when you need. Electric showers also take up a lot of power so should be used during the day if possible.
Of course, during the night you will still need to draw power from the grid so it is always wise to try and minimise your electricity usage overall. One good way to achieve this is to buy products with certification such as the Energy Saving Trust Recommended mark or EU energy label. Some other tips for general energy saving include turning devices off at the plug rather than leaving them on standby, not letting frost build up in your freezer, and only using as much water in the kettle as you need.
or more ideas on how to save electricity, see the following websites:
http://www.electricity-guide.org.uk/tips.html
http://www.uk-energy-saving.com/energy_saving_tips.html
http://www.energysavingadvice.co.uk/energy-saving-tips/energy-saving-tips.php
http://www.whatprice.co.uk/environmental/energy-saving-tips.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6076658.stm