Business

Why You Should Reduce Your Power Consumption before Getting Solar

6:18 pm
June 29, 2024

By: PowerStore

Installing a solar power system is a great way to switch to renewable energy and cut down or even eliminate your power bill. With that in mind, many people don’t see much purpose in worrying about just how much energy you’re using—after all, why worry when you don’t have to pay the utility company for it? However, it’s a good idea to cut down on your power consumption even before you install that solar power system. Why? Keep reading to find out.

Reduced Equipment Costs

The more power you use on a daily basis, the larger your solar power system needs to be. You’ll need more panels, a higher-capacity inverter, and if you’re installing solar batteries, a larger battery bank. By taking the time to change your habits and reduce your power consumption, you can reduce the size of the system you need to install, making it much more affordable for you. Of course, you’ll need to maintain those good habits once your system is installed to ensure that you’re not using more power than your system can provide. So, make sure you take the time to really cement those habits before buying the equipment for your system.

More Reliable System Performance

Once you get those habits firmly established and your solar power system installed, you’ll reap the benefits of more reliable system performance. By keeping your energy needs relatively low on a daily basis, you’ll worry less about running out of power, draining your batteries, and all the other potential concerns that arise when switching power supplies. With steady and reliable power and low power consumption, you can switch to solar without worry.

How to Reduce Your Energy Consumption

So now that you understand why you should reduce your power consumption, you might be wondering exactly how to do that. Here are a few tips that can help:

1. Conduct an Energy Audit: The best way to start is to work your way through the home and identify areas where you might be losing energy. This can include windows and doors that don’t seal well, appliances that aren’t energy efficient, and systems that need a tune-up.

2. Upgrade Insulation and Windows: If your audit reveals that your insulation and windows aren’t energy efficient, upgrade them to cut down on the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home.

3. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances: If your appliances are old and outdated, replace them with Energy Star-rated models. This can significantly reduce the amount of power that your appliances use on a daily basis.

4. Seal Leaks and Drafts: After your audit, if you find drafty windows, doors, and other entry points, make sure to seal them up with caulking and weatherstripping.

5. Change Your Daily Habits: There are many daily habits you can alter that will help you cut down on your energy usage. Simple things like shutting off the lights when you leave a room, adjusting your thermostat a few degrees, and not turning on the TV as simple “background noise” can make a big difference.

Once you’ve adjusted your habits, you can purchase fewer solar panels and a smaller SMA Sunny Boy inverter, saving money in the long run.