4 Ways to Get More Solar Savings

Solar is a great way to lock in your energy rate, and take control of your monthly energy bills. And it’s a powerful way to give back to the environment. But sometimes it’s easy to love your solar energy too much, and you can quickly fall into needing extra power from your utility. In fact, our solar customers in California used on average 15% more power last year after switching to solar. 

If keeping your bills down feels like an uphill battle, we’ve got 4 ways to help you take back control.

1. Monitor your energy usage.

Keeping track of your energy consumption is crucial, especially after installing solar panels. We commonly see that homeowners increase their energy usage after going solar by making lifestyle changes or adding things like a hot tub, sauna, EV, or additional family members.

If you already have a Sunrun solar system (with a Powerwall, Shift or CT Clamp installed), you can easily monitor your usage through the Sunrun app. 

2. Timing counts.

When it comes to using your appliances, timing matters. Avoid peak energy rates between 4-9 PM. And here are a few ideas to keep the biggest energy suckers running more efficiently:  

Air conditioning:

• Best: Pre-cool your home by as much as  6-7 degrees before 4 PM, then use fans or open windows as temperatures drop at night.

• OK: Keep the AC on a higher setting until 9 PM after pre-cooling.

• Avoid: Running the AC from 4-9 PM.

EV charging:

• Best: Charge mid-day when solar production is highest and utility rates are low 

• OK: Charge after 9 PM.

• Avoid: Charging during peak hours (4-9 PM).

3. Make energy-efficient upgrades.

Consider making energy-efficient upgrades to your home to complement your solar system. This could include installing energy-efficient appliances, improving insulation, or updating lighting systems. For detailed guidance on conducting a home energy audit and identifying potential upgrades, check out Sunrun's step-by-step guide on conducting a home energy audit.

4. Plan for seasonality.

Understanding and planning for the seasonal variations in solar production can help you manage energy use more effectively all year. The amount of energy you use during the summer will vary drastically from your consumption during the winter.  Here’s how solar production and energy usage varies through the seasons. 

See how adjusting your energy habits may boost your solar savings all year:

Summer 

• Increased A/C usage can reduce your potential solar savings and may lead to higher energy bills. Peak solar production occurs during long daylight hours and direct sun exposure. 

• Homes with net metering may build up credits during sunny days to offset future usage.

Winter

• Shorter days and lower sun angles reduce solar energy production. Increased heating usage may lead to higher electricity bills, especially if heating systems are electric. 

• Homes with battery storage or net metering can benefit from utilizing stored energy or previous credits to offset costs.

Spring/Fall

• Lower energy usage in mild weather can result in surplus solar energy being sent back to the grid, reducing bills or building energy credits.

By monitoring your energy use, managing appliance timings, making home efficiency upgrades, and understanding seasonal solar changes, you can significantly reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint with Sunrun.