02/08/2026
Solar & Battery Owner Cheat Sheet
Get the Most From Your New Solar & Battery System
⚡ 1. Review Your Electricity Retailer
* Compare retailers regularly—some are much better suited to battery owners.
* Consider retailers such as Amber Electric that allow eligible systems to buy and sell electricity at wholesale market prices, potentially increasing returns if your system is compatible and configured correctly.
🔋 2. Optimise Your Battery Settings
* Set your battery to prioritise charging from excess solar during the day.
* Aim to have the battery close to 100% before the evening peak when household demand is highest.
* Review backup reserve settings to ensure you’re not unnecessarily holding back usable battery capacity.
📱 3. Install & Monitor the App
* Check your inverter and battery app regularly.
* Monitor:
* Solar generation
* Battery charge/discharge
* Household consumption
* Grid imports and exports
* Identify any faults or performance issues early.
☀️ 4. Shift High-Power Appliances to Daylight Hours
Run these while the sun is shining:
* Dishwasher
* Washing machine
* Dryer
* Pool pump
* Electric hot water system
* EV charging (where possible)
This maximises your use of free solar energy.
💰 5. Understand Your Feed-in Tariff
* Know what you’re paid for exported electricity.
* In some situations, using your own solar power is worth more than exporting it.
🔌 6. Charge an Electric Vehicle During Solar Hours
* Schedule EV charging between approximately 10am–3pm to utilise excess solar production.
📊 7. Review Your Energy Usage Every Few Months
* Compare current bills with previous bills.
* Check whether you’re importing more electricity than expected.
* Small setting adjustments can significantly improve savings.
🧹 8. Keep Your Solar Panels Clean
* Dust, bird droppings and debris can reduce output.
* A professional clean every 1–2 years (or more often in dusty areas) helps maintain performance.
🐦 9. Prevent Birds Nesting Under Panels
* Birds can damage wiring and create fire hazards.
* Bird proofing protects both your solar system and your roof.
🌳 10. Watch for Shading
* Trees grow over time.
* Even partial shading on one panel can reduce the performance of an entire string of panels.
🔥 11. Use Power During Peak Prices
* If your retailer supports time-of-use or wholesale pricing, let your battery power the home during expensive evening periods instead of importing from the grid.
📈 12. Update Your Battery Strategy Seasonally
* Summer and winter produce different solar generation.
* Adjust battery charging and backup settings to match the seasons for maximum savings.
🏡 13. Consider Future Electrification
* Replacing gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives (heat pump hot water, induction cooktop, reverse-cycle air conditioning) allows you to use more of your own solar power.
🔧 14. Keep Firmware Up to Date
* Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve battery performance, reliability and new features.
* Ask your installer if firmware updates are available.
📞 15. Have an Annual System Health Check
* A periodic inspection can identify:
* Faulty panels
* Loose connections
* Inverter warnings
* Reduced performance
* Battery health issues
A small maintenance check can prevent expensive repairs later.
💡 Bonus Tip
Don’t just “set and forget” your system. Spending 10 minutes every month reviewing your energy data can uncover opportunities to save hundreds of dollars each year.
