How do I use more of the solar I already have?

When does my home have spare solar electricity?

Generation and surplus are different. If the roof produces 3 kW while the home is already using 2 kW, the spare power is 1 kW. An additional appliance needing 2 kW would use that surplus and import another 1 kW. Those assumed readings show why the solar-production number alone cannot tell you whether a task is covered.

Use a monitor that shows both generation and household use, or check export data alongside the roof’s output. Look at several clear and cloudy days and at different seasons. Winter’s shorter generation window can change what will fit into the available surplus.

Which household jobs are easiest to move?

Begin with a flexible job whose finish time suits your household. A dishwasher delay-start function, an approved hot-water schedule or an EV charging timer may already provide the control you need. Follow the equipment’s instructions and choose a routine that remains practical when you are away.

Move one task first and watch whether it creates imports. Starting several appliances together can use more power than the roof is providing. A simple timer follows the clock even on a cloudy day; suitable solar-aware controls can respond to the actual surplus, subject to their equipment and installation.

If you leave for work before the solar surplus, check the delay-start feature already built into the appliance. An EV that spends the day away may need another charging period. The aim is a routine your household can keep, rather than one that requires someone to watch the app all afternoon.

Is using solar always cheaper than exporting it?

Compare the grid rate you avoid with the feed-in payment you give up. Suppose moving a 2 kWh task avoids electricity at 35 cents per kWh, and the same solar would otherwise earn 6 cents per kWh. The assumed benefit is 58 cents for that task: 70 cents of imports avoided, less 12 cents of export income forgone. It applies only to the portion actually supplied by otherwise-exported solar.

The answer can change with a higher feed-in tariff, a free-grid period or export limits. On a demand tariff, running several large loads together can also change a separate charge. Use your own plan’s rules and the same amount of useful work in the comparison.

Can I move hot water into solar hours?

Find the tank’s model number and ask the installer about its permitted schedule, recovery time and circuit. Some systems use a separately controlled load, and changing that arrangement needs the appropriate electrical work. A large electric element may still import power while solar is generating; ask whether the available surplus can cover the heating input.

Keep the approved storage temperatures and hygiene cycles working. A schedule should leave enough hot water for the household and allow the required heating to finish. Ask the manufacturer or licensed installer about those requirements before changing the controls.

How do I know whether the change helped?

Record the task, the old and new times, and grid imports over comparable days. Note weather and other large loads, because a sunnier day or an empty house can make the change look more effective than it was. For EVs or hot water, check that the same charging target or hot-water service was delivered.

You do not need a perfect measurement to make a useful first decision. You need to see that the task finishes when required and that a genuine solar surplus covers more of it. If imports rise, adjust the schedule or move fewer loads together. Keep the routine that works for your household.

What does this mean if I am considering a battery?

Use the improved routine as the starting point for the battery estimate. Direct solar use reduces both exports and the energy the battery would otherwise need to supply later. Ask the installer to size storage using that updated pattern, along with seasonal generation and future appliances.

Start by opening the solar app, finding one period with spare generation and choosing one suitable task. Once that works, review the next flexible load. If you are then considering a battery, use the updated household pattern in the comparison and ask us about the electricity-plan options.

Related advice: Is your hot-water tank already a battery? · Is a home battery worth it for me?

Match the new routine to your energy plan

Check our solar buyback information (opens in a new tab) and compare our available plans (opens in a new tab) using the updated household pattern. If you’re with another retailer, use its feed-in rate when working out your current export income. Your installer can confirm which controls your solar, hot-water or charging equipment supports.

Check whether a battery suits your home