Many Perth homeowners invest in solar panels expecting dramatically lower energy bills, only to find their electricity costs remain higher than anticipated. If you’re wondering, why is my electric bill high even with solar panels in Perth?, you’re not alone. Several factors can contribute to this issue. Let’s break down the key reasons and how you can optimise your solar savings with Australis Solar, one of the leading Perth solar energy companies.
1. Your Energy Usage Is Higher Than Your Solar Production
Solar panels generate electricity based on sunlight exposure. If your energy consumption exceeds what your system produces, you’ll still rely on the grid to cover the shortfall. This is common in:
- High-energy households running multiple appliances.
- Increased usage during cloudy or winter months when solar output is lower.
- Homes with electric heating, cooling, or pool pumps that consume a lot of power.
How to Fix It: Monitor your energy usage and adjust habits, such as running appliances during peak solar hours to maximise self-consumption.
2. You’re Using Power Outside of Solar Generation Hours
Solar panels only produce electricity during daylight hours. If you use a significant amount of energy at night, your home will automatically draw power from the grid, increasing your bill.
Solution: Installing a solar battery in Perth can store excess energy generated during the day, allowing you to use solar power at night and reduce grid dependence.
3. Your Feed-in Tariff Is Low
Feed-in tariffs (FiTs) pay homeowners for excess solar energy sent back to the grid. However, FiT rates vary by retailer, and some providers offer very low returns per kWh exported.
What You Can Do: Compare electricity retailers to find the best feed-in tariff or consider battery storage to use more of your solar power instead of exporting it.
4. Your Solar System May Not Be Operating Efficiently
If your solar system isn’t performing optimally, it won’t generate the expected savings. This can be caused by:
- Dirty or shaded panels reducing energy generation.
- Faulty inverters impacting electricity conversion.
- Wiring issues or degradation lowering system efficiency.
Action Step: Schedule a solar panel maintenance check in Perth with Australis Solar to ensure your system is running at peak efficiency.
5. Changes in Energy Pricing or Usage Patterns
Electricity prices fluctuate, and even with solar, increasing rates can impact your bill. Additionally, changes in household energy consumption—such as working from home or adding new appliances—can increase power usage.
Best Strategy: Keep track of your energy usage and consider a time-of-use tariff to optimise costs based on when you consume power.
6. Your Solar System Might Be Undersized
If your solar system is too small for your household’s energy needs, it won’t generate enough electricity to cover your consumption, leading to higher grid usage.
How to Solve This: Australis Solar can assess your system’s performance and recommend solar system upgrades in Perth, including additional panels or battery storage to improve self-sufficiency.
How to Lower Your Electricity Bill with Solar in Perth
If your electric bill is still high despite having solar panels, Australis Solar can help. We offer:
- Solar system health checks in Perth to diagnose inefficiencies.
- Battery storage solutions in Perth to reduce grid reliance.
- Expert recommendations on upgrading your solar system for maximum savings.
Looking for the best Perth solar solutions? Contact Australis Solar today for a free consultation and expert advice!