Maximise Solar PV Savings: Tips for Better Generation and Battery Use

If you’ve already made the switch to solar, congratulations - you’re generating clean, renewable electricity for your home and reducing your reliance on the grid. But while solar PV panels are low-maintenance, getting the best possible savings from them takes a little thought and care.

In this guide, we share practical tips on how to make your panels perform at their best, how to use your energy more efficiently and how to decide if battery storage could make your setup even more cost-effective.

Keep Your Panels Clean and Clear

It might sound simple, but dirt, dust, bird droppings and leaves can all block sunlight and reduce your panel efficiency. Even a thin film of grime can lower generation by several percent and over time that adds up.

Check your panels a few times a year, especially in spring and autumn. If they’re easy to reach and safe to access, a gentle rinse with a hose or soft brush will usually do the trick. Otherwise, professional solar cleaning services are quick and affordable and ensure your system stays in peak condition.

If your panels are in an exposed coastal or rural area in Kent or Sussex, regular cleaning can make a noticeable difference to performance.

2. Time Your Energy Use Around Daylight Hours

Your solar system generates the most power during the middle of the day, which often doesn’t match up with when most households use energy. The trick is to shift some of your electricity use into those daylight hours so you’re using more of your own free energy instead of exporting it to the grid.

Try running washing machines, dishwashers, or immersion heaters during the day instead of in the evening. Many appliances now have built-in timers, making it easy to schedule them for sunny hours.

Even small changes like charging devices or running your home office equipment while the sun is shining can boost your savings.

3. Consider Adding Battery Storage

A battery storage system allows you to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it later when the sun’s down - especially useful in the evenings when demand and electricity prices are higher.

For homes in Kent and Sussex that export a lot of energy back to the grid, adding a battery can increase self-consumption dramatically. It’s also ideal if you’re on a variable-rate tariff, as you can store cheap electricity overnight and use it during peak hours.

Modern batteries are compact, efficient and can even integrate with smart energy management systems or electric vehicle chargers for a complete home solution.

4. Check Your System Settings and Performance

Most modern solar PV systems include an app or monitoring portal that shows how much energy you’re generating and using. Get into the habit of checking this data - it’s the easiest way to spot when something isn’t performing as it should.

If your output seems unusually low on sunny days, or you notice sudden drops in performance, it could be as simple as shade from a new tree, a loose cable, or a dusty panel. Regular checks help catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems.

5. Make the Most of Smart Export and Tariffs

If you’re exporting excess power back to the grid, make sure you’re signed up to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This government scheme pays you for the electricity your solar system exports and the rate varies depending on your energy supplier.

Shop around - some tariffs pay better than others and combining SEG payments with battery storage can really improve your returns.

If you have an EV or plan to get one, ask about tariffs designed for solar households that offer cheaper overnight charging using your own stored energy.

6. Schedule an Annual System Check

Solar PV systems are incredibly reliable, but an annual inspection helps ensure everything’s running as efficiently as possible. This includes checking connections, inverter health, and system performance. This is just like having your annual boiler service.

An engineer can also check that your system’s output matches expectations based on your roof angle and orientation - giving you confidence you’re getting the most from your investment.

Make the Most of your Solar System

Getting the best out of your solar PV system doesn’t take much effort - just a few smart habits and regular checks.

• Keep panels clean and clear

• Use more power during daylight hours

• Add a battery for evening use

• Check your system performance

• Make sure you’re on the right export tariff

These small actions can lead to bigger long-term savings and a smoother, more efficient system.

If you’re ready to boost your solar setup or explore adding battery storage, our team at Wells Renewables can help. We install and optimise solar PV systems for homes across Kent and Sussex, with honest advice and expert aftercare.