If you\u2019re looking for a way to reduce your energy usage, and your carbon footprint, one of the best things you can do is invest in solar for your home. On average, Origin customers reduced their reliance on energy from the grid by around a quarter* within the first year of installing solar \u2013 but it doesn\u2019t have to end there. These tips can help you get the most out of your system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best way to get the most out of your solar<\/a> is to make sure you\u2019re using as much of your power as you can during the day. And some hours of the day are better than others. If your solar panels<\/a> face north, they tend to get the most energy between 10am and 2pm. If they\u2019re east facing, they tend to get the most sun in the morning, and west-facing \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 tend to generate the most during the afternoon. The sun is all powerful. Unless there are leaves in its way. To make sure your solar panels<\/a> are getting all the rays they can, trim back trees and branches that might be creating shade. Who knows, you might find a love of topiary while you\u2019re at it. While you\u2019re up the ladder pruning, make sure you also remove any other debris like leaves, random frisbees, balls and anything else that might be shading your panels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most things are better when they\u2019ve had a clean. Like a car after a road trip. Your teeth after eating garlic pasta. And, of course, your solar panels<\/a>. In fact, dirty solar panels can lose 20% of their energy output<\/a>. We recommend getting your panels professionally cleaned<\/a> every 6-12 months to remove any dust, bugs and dirt that may have accumulated on your roof. That way there\u2019ll be nothing in the sun\u2019s way, and your panels will be so clean your neighbours will see the sparkle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to harness the power of solar<\/a> when the sun isn\u2019t shining, a battery is a great investment. But how do you know which battery is right for you<\/a>? As a rule of thumb you should look at how much energy you use and compare that with how much energy your solar panels create. If you do have a battery<\/a>, or are thinking about getting one, Origin Loop is a great program to be part of. It\u2019s our Virtual Power Plant<\/a> (VPP) – a smart, innovative, energy network that transforms the way people harness their solar by connecting batteries far and wide, so even more Australians can have cleaner energy.
So, get out your compass, get your bearings and flick on your appliances at the right time to ensure your panels are doing the heavy lifting during the day. Want to make things even simpler? Invest in a timer and set your appliances accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTrim back trees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Keep things clean<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No sun? No problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If the battery is too large, the solar system<\/a> will rarely be able to charge it fully. And if it\u2019s too small you\u2019ll be sending much of the power you\u2019ve generated back to the grid. We know trying to find a Goldilocks battery (one that\u2019s just right) can be confusing, which is why we have\u00a0a handy guide<\/a> to help you find the right one for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJoin the Loop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re a Loop member your battery will connect to our Virtual Power Plant<\/a>. We can then draw on the power in your battery and feed it into the energy grid at peak times.
Being a Loop member means there\u2019s less reliance on gas and coal, so it\u2019s better for the environment. But it\u2019s also better for you. You\u2019ll receive $1 every time Origin discharges one kW of power from your battery and gives it to the grid. Right now we\u2019ll also give you a $400 credit<\/a> on your next energy bill when you connect your Tesla Powerwall to Origin Loop<\/a> on a no lock-in contract.
To give you peace of mind, we\u2019ll always make sure you have at least 20% of battery charge during a Loop event. Plus how much energy we discharge is completely transparent and you can track it all in our app<\/a>. As a Loop member, you\u2019ll be helping the environment, getting more from your solar, and getting a stack of savings. It\u2019s win-win-win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n