Make the Most of Your Solar Power: Panels, Batteries & SEG Explained

Michael Stripling
17 minutes ago
3 min read

Solar panels are a fantastic way to lower your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and become more self-sufficient. They capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity you can use at home.

But what happens when the sun is shining but no one’s at home to use the energy?

Don’t worry - there are plenty of ways to make sure your solar power doesn’t go to waste. With the right setup and a few smart habits, you can squeeze every last drop of value out of your solar system.

How Solar Panels Work

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity powers your appliances, lighting, and devices - anything you’d normally run off the grid.

Best time for generation? Midday, when the sun is highest in the sky.

Best direction for panels in the UK? South-facing is ideal, but east/west can also work well.

Time Your Electricity Use for Daylight Hours

One of the easiest ways to get more from your solar panels is to use your electricity when the sun is shining. If you’re out at work during the day, you can still take advantage of your solar power by scheduling energy demanding tasks for midday.

Set delay timers on your washing machine or dishwasher so they run during peak sunlight hours.

Charge EVs and devices (like your phone, tablet, e-bike or vacuum) during the day instead of overnight.

Use a slow cooker or bread maker during the day and you’ll come home to a cooked meal!

Some smart home systems can even automate when appliances run based on solar generation levels.

Store Your Solar Energy with a Battery

If your panels are generating more electricity than you’re using, a solar battery is a great way to store the excess for later. That means more of your energy stays in your home, instead of being sent back to the grid.

Benefits of solar batteries:

Power your home in the evening or on cloudy days.
Rely less on the grid - especially helpful during peak energy price times.
Back-up power during outages (with the right setup).
Greater energy independence.

Batteries come in different sizes. A typical home might need a 5kWh–10kWh battery, depending on how much electricity you use and how much your panels generate.

Get Paid for What You Don’t Use - Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

If you don’t have a battery, or your battery is full, your unused electricity can still benefit you. With the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), energy suppliers pay you for every unit of electricity you export to the grid.

How to get started:

Make sure your system has a smart meter that can track your exports.
Choose a registered SEG provider (you don’t have to go with your current supplier).
Payments vary, so it’s worth comparing rates - some are fixed per kWh, others are variable.

SEG won’t make you rich, but it’s a great way to make your solar panels work harder for you. And knowing your generated energy isn't going to waste has a feelgood factor too!

Bonus Tips for Smarter Solar Use

Monitor your system - Use a solar app or online portal to see when you’re generating and using electricity. Spot patterns and adjust accordingly.

Keep panels clean - A little grime can reduce their efficiency. A yearly clean (or more in dusty/pollen-heavy areas) can boost performance.

Invest in energy-efficient appliances - The less electricity you use, the further your solar goes!

Stay on top of maintenance - Solar systems need very little upkeep, but it’s worth having an annual check-up to make sure everything’s running smoothly.

In Summary

Solar panels are a brilliant way to generate clean, green electricity - even better when you know how to use, store, or sell that power wisely.