The biggest benefit of solar energy is reducing your reliance on the National Grid—and lowering your electricity bills. But at Solar Suffolk, we believe there’s even more to gain. With a few smart strategies, you can save more, earn more, and make your solar PV system work even harder for you.

Here are our top practical tips for maximising your solar investment.

Keep Panels Clear of Shade and Debris

To ensure your solar panels operate at peak performance, it’s crucial to keep them clean and free from shading. Overhanging trees, chimney shadows, or even a build-up of debris can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching your panels—cutting into your energy generation.

At Solar Suffolk, we install SolarEdge systems with individual panel optimisers, meaning one shaded panel won’t affect the performance of the entire system (unlike traditional setups).
Still, it’s a good idea to regularly trim nearby branches to ensure maximum sunlight exposure.

Make the Most of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme that pays you for the excess electricity you send back to the grid.

We always advise homeowners to compare SEG tariffs across energy suppliers—some pay far more than others. According to recent data, those who shop around could earn up to £110 a year just by exporting unused electricity.

Consider Adding a Solar Battery

When you book a system consultation with Solar Suffolk, we’ll assess whether a solar battery makes sense for your energy usage.

If you tend to use more power in the evening (when the sun isn’t shining), a battery lets you store daytime energy for use later—minimising what you draw from the grid.

Pro tip: Some homeowners export their daytime energy (earning rates of up to 15p per kWh), then recharge their battery overnight using off-peak tariffs (sometimes as low as 7p per kWh). This smart strategy can maximise both savings and profits.

Use High-Energy Appliances During Daylight Hours

Appliances like dishwashers, tumble dryers, and washing machines use a lot of electricity. By running them during the day, you can power them using your free solar energy instead of buying from the grid.

If you’re not home during the day, a smart timer or automation system can help you schedule these tasks without any hassle. And unless your battery is fully charged, it’s best to avoid running high-energy appliances after sunset.

Business Owner? Cut Costs with Climate Change Levy Exemptions

If you run a business in Suffolk, there’s another benefit: potential tax relief.

Businesses that consume less than 33kWh of electricity per day may be eligible for exemption from the Climate Change Levy (CCL)—a government tax on commercial energy use.
Solar panels can help reduce your daily usage enough to qualify, cutting your energy bills and your tax liability.

Final Thoughts

Installing solar panels is just the first step. With the right support, smart habits, and technology from Solar Suffolk, you can squeeze even more value from your system—cutting costs, earning returns, and powering your life more efficiently.

Find Out How Much More You Could Be Saving

Want to unlock your system’s full potential?
Contact Solar Suffolk today for a free, no-obligation assessment—and discover how much more your solar panels could be doing for you.