Energy suppliers now charge people with solar panels for feeding energy back into the grid. This makes it seem as if you're saving less than before. However, you can still benefit greatly from solar panels.
With a dynamic energy contract and a few smart (new) habits, you can consume more of your own energy and earn back the cost of your solar panels faster.
Use energy during the day
Many people consume energy mainly in the morning and evening, while their solar panels generate most energy during the day. By shifting your energy consumption to the middle of the day, you consume more of your own solar power. This shortens the payback period.
Here's how:
- Turn on the washing machine or dishwasher when the sun is shining.
- Charge your electric car or e-bike during the day.
- Use a smart plug or timer to run appliances automatically.
Optimize your consumption
Morning peak
Most people consume more energy in the morning. You make coffee, take a shower, and turn on appliances. This causes a brief spike in your consumption: the morning peak.
Peak sunshine hours
Peak sunshine hours refer to the hours when the sun is at its brightest. This is when your solar panels generate the most energy. This is usually in the middle of the day, between 11:00 and 15:00.
Feed-in
This is when you feed energy back into the grid. You generate more energy with your solar panels than you consume at that moment.
Peak sunshine hours
Peak sunshine hours refer to the hours when the sun is at its brightest. This is when your solar panels generate the most energy. This is usually between 11:00 and 15:00.
Optimized peak
The optimized peak is the moment in the middle of the day when your smart devices and/or heat pump consume energy while the sun is shining.
