Maximizing Rooftop Solar Savings: 3 Simple Tips
Australia leads the world with four million households and businesses embracing rooftop solar technology. This innovation allows for the generation of electricity to power homes, with any excess energy being fed back into the grid.
At times, grid operators may need to manage the surplus solar energy by ‘spilling’ or ‘curtailing’ it, preventing grid overload and potential blackouts. Recently, the Australian Energy Market Operator highlighted the importance of developing strategies to curtail rooftop solar during emergencies.
Understanding Curtailment and its Importance
Curtailment of solar energy is a necessary measure to maintain grid stability in a renewable energy-powered system. While it may impact the return on investment for solar owners, it is a crucial aspect of managing energy flow efficiently.
Effective Strategies to Optimise Solar Energy Usage
1. **Right-sizing Your System:** Ensuring your solar system matches your energy needs is essential to avoid excess generation. Tools like the SunSPOT calculator can assist in determining the optimal system size based on your consumption patterns and roof characteristics.
2. **Time Your Energy Usage:** Utilise solar electricity effectively by running appliances during daylight hours. This practice is particularly beneficial as more households transition to electric appliances, offering potential savings and reducing energy wastage.
3. **Join a Virtual Power Plant:** Participating in virtual power plants can enhance grid stability by aggregating small-scale energy resources. These initiatives offer financial incentives to households while contributing to overall cost savings in electricity distribution.
By adopting these simple yet impactful strategies, individuals can play a significant role in maximising the benefits of rooftop solar energy. Whether through efficient system sizing, smart energy consumption practices, or participation in innovative energy programmes, every action contributes to a sustainable and economically viable energy future.
Authors: Dani Alexander, Baran Yildiz, Michelle Vaqueiro-Contreras, and Mike Roberts from UNSW Sydney.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
