A Homeowner’s Guide by Australis Solar | Perth WA
Thinking about installing solar or already made the switch? Congratulations — you’re on the path to lower energy bills, energy independence, and a smaller carbon footprint.
But here’s the thing many people don’t realise: just having solar panels isn’t enough. The real key to long-term savings lies in how you use your solar energy.
At Australis Solar, we don’t just install solar—we empower you with the tools, insights, and support to make the most of your investment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the practical steps you can take to maximise your solar savings, whether you’ve just installed your system or are planning ahead.
☀️ 1. Use More Power During the Day
“When should I use electricity to get the most from my solar?”
Solar panels generate power when the sun is shining—typically from 8am to 4pm, with the most energy produced around midday. To maximise savings, you want to use as much of that solar energy as possible while it’s being produced, rather than exporting it back to the grid for a small feed-in tariff.
Smart ways to do this:
- Run appliances during the day – washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps.
- Time your air conditioning to pre-cool or pre-heat your home in daylight hours.
- Charge devices, tools, or electric vehicles while the sun is out.
📌 Pro tip: Use timer settings or smart plugs to schedule appliances around your peak solar production hours. This simple shift can result in big savings.
⚡ 2. Stagger Energy Use to Reduce Grid Draw
“Can I run everything at once if I have solar?”
Not always. Even if your system is producing energy, running multiple high-wattage appliances simultaneously may exceed the output of your system, forcing you to draw power from the grid.
Example:
If your solar system produces 5kW and you run the air con (2kW), dishwasher (1.5kW), and washing machine (2kW) at once — you may go over 5kW and need to import power, reducing your savings.
What to do instead:
- Run appliances one after the other, not all at once.
- Spread usage across the day to align with your system’s peak performance.
🔋 3. Consider Adding a Battery for Night-Time Use
“Should I get a battery with my solar system?”
It depends on your lifestyle, energy usage, and future plans. Batteries allow you to store excess solar power generated during the day and use it at night, when you’d otherwise rely on the grid at higher tariffs.
At Australis Solar, we offer:
- Upgradeable and Hybrid-ready systems – so you can add a battery (or more) later.
- Expert advice on sizing your battery for your home’s unique needs.
- Premium battery brands like Sigenergy and BYD, known for reliability and smart integration.
Battery benefits:
- Reduces reliance on the grid.
- Cuts power bills further.
- Keeps your home running during blackouts (with backup functionality).
📌 Tip: Even if you’re not ready now, choosing an upgradeable to battery-ready inverter means you’re set up for future upgrades.
📊 4. Monitor Your System for Maximum Performance
“How do I know if my solar system is working well?”
Australis Solar offers systems that are installed with Smart Energy Meters. These allow you to monitor and control the system to track:
- Energy production
- Energy usage
- Exported and imported power
We also provide detailed Aurora proposal reports with:
- 3D roof modelling
- Annual generation estimates
- Payback period forecasts
- Environmental impact (carbon savings)
Monitoring your system helps you:
- Spot issues early (like dirty panels or inverter faults)
- Adjust usage habits for better savings
- Stay engaged with your investment
💡 5. Review Your Electricity Tariff & Retailer
“Can my energy provider affect my solar savings?”
Yes! The plan you’re on plays a big role in how much you earn from feed-in tariffs and how much you’re charged when you use grid electricity.
Key things to compare:
- Feed-in tariff (FiT) – the rate you’re paid per kWh exported.
- Usage charges – what you pay per kWh when using grid energy.
- Time-of-use vs flat rates – some customers benefit from shifting to time-of-use depending on their habits and if they have a battery.
📌 Hot tip: Some plans offer high feed-in tariffs but inflated usage rates. Don’t fall for this trap — focus on total annual savings, not just a headline number.
Australis Solar can help you identify and switch to solar-friendly plans that align with your usage.
🏡 Why Choose Australis Solar?
With so many solar companies out there, what makes Australis Solar the right choice for WA homeowners?
- ✅ Locally Owned & Operated in Osborne Park, WA
- ✅ Tailored solar solutions — not one-size-fits-all packages
- ✅ Upgradeable Battery-ready & hybrid systems for future flexibility
- ✅ In-house installers — no subcontractors, just quality
- ✅ Take care of rebates and clean energy incentives
- ✅ Ongoing support, monitoring, and performance checks
- ✅ Free energy consultations to help you make informed decisions
💬 Common Questions About Solar Savings
Q: How long does it take to pay off a solar system?
A: Most systems installed by Australis Solar reach payback within 3 to 5 years, depending on system size, household usage, and your tariff.
Q: Is solar still worth it in 2025?
A: Absolutely. With rising energy prices and falling solar costs, solar is still one of the best investments for homeowners. Add battery-ready options and smart energy use, and the long-term savings are even greater.
Q: Can I expand my system later?
A: We can design scalable systems with room to grow — whether that’s more panels with a battery or future-proofing with spare MPPTs. Australis Solar will typically have discussed this with you during our designing stage.
🌞 Ready to Start Saving?
Maximising your solar savings doesn’t have to be complicated — especially with the right partner. At Australis Solar, we’re here to help you harness every drop of sunlight and turn it into real, long-term financial benefit.
🚀 Get Started Today
📍 Perth’s Local Solar Experts
🔗 Click here to request a free consultation
💬 Or give us a call — we’re happy to talk solar, savings, or batteries anytime.