Solar panels are already installed in many homes across Spain. And installers are witnessing a surge in demand as energy costs rise. If you already have solar panels or want to purchase some in the future, it is critical to understand how to get the most out of them. Here are 5 ways to get the best from solar panels. 

Spain saw a 55 per cent increase in solar installations in 2022. This was partly thanks to the growth in rooftop solar panels and the energy crisis.

1 – Use your electricity when your generation is at its peak.

Use your appliances when your solar panels produce the most energy during the day to limit the excess electricity you need to purchase. 

Peak generation occurs between 12 pm and 3 pm when the sun’s energy is most potent, so this is the best time to utilise high-energy appliances such as the washing machine.

Suppose you wish to rely entirely on your solar panels. In that case, you must track your generation and usage to ensure that you are not using more electricity than you are capable of producing.

2 – Connect your solar panels to a house battery.

Because it is not practical to utilise electricity solely during the day, investing in battery storage is a fantastic method to make the most of the energy you create. 

This means you may save any excess electricity for consumption at night or another time, which is especially useful if you are not at home during the day when your panels are producing at the optimum level. With batteries, you may utilise more renewable energy and less grid electricity, saving you money on your bills. 

However, battery storage may not be suitable for everyone. If you spend most of your time at home and use most of your electricity during the day, there won’t be much excess solar energy to store. Batteries can be costly, so keep an eye on your generation to see whether you can benefit from storage.

3 – Maintain the condition of your solar panels.

Solar panels require little maintenance because there are no moving parts, and rain washes most of the dirt or dust away. It is still necessary to clean your solar panels twice a year, especially during the summer when there is less rain, because a debris buildup reduces the panels’ performance.

The inverter is responsible for converting the energy provided by the sun into energy that your appliances can consume. Because they involve electrical components, they will most likely require some maintenance, primarily dust cleaning.

4 – Utilise government initiatives

Spain has initiatives to claim money back via the government of each Autonomous Community. Most rebates are aimed at the Property Tax (IBI) and the Construction, Installations and Works Tax (ICIO). Some of these rebates make solar a very viable option, with some areas reducing IBI by up to 50%

5 – Charge your EV with your solar panels.

If you have an electric vehicle, solar panels can be a much cheaper and greener way to charge it, as they use solar power rather than grid power.