Make the Most of Your Solar System During the Holidays

Make the Most of Your Solar System During the Holidays

The holiday season is here, bringing cheer, decorations, and, often, increased electricity usage. Whether you’re planning on hosting guests, putting up lights, or just spending extra time indoors, your energy needs may change in ways you might not expect. As a solar customer, you can take some practical steps to maximize your system’s output and efficiency to keep energy costs low while fully embracing the festivities.

1. Managing Increased Electricity Usage

With family or friends coming over, your home’s power usage may spike due to additional heating, hot water, cooking needs, and the use of electronics and appliances. Here are some tips to keep energy usage under control:

  • Use Efficient Appliances: If possible, use energy-efficient appliances for cooking, cleaning, and other high-energy activities.
  • Optimize Energy Use During Peak Sunlight Hours: Plan to run dishwashers, washing machines, or other high-energy appliances during daylight hours when solar production is at its highest.
  • Battery Storage (if applicable): If your solar battery is typically set up for backup, you can still switch it to support Time-of-Use (TOU) for a few weeks during the holiday season to maximize savings. Many batteries allow you to toggle between backup and TOU modes, so you can take advantage of your battery’s energy storage during high-rate hours and lower your energy bills. Please contact your installer directly to make these adjustments. Just remember to notify them once you want to switch the settings back to backup mode.

2. Holiday Lighting and Decorations

Decorative lights can add warmth and charm to your home but can also drive up your electric bill if you’re not careful. Here are a few energy-saving tips:

  • Choose LED Lights: LEDs consume up to 80% less power than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. They’re not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
  • Set Timers for Outdoor Displays: Instead of running lights all night, use a timer to turn them on and off automatically. This can help you save energy and lower costs.
  • Consider Solar-Powered Lights: Solar-powered holiday lights are an excellent choice for eco-friendly use. They charge during the day and light up automatically at night, drawing no power from your home.

3. Setup Your Enact Home App for Proactive Alerts

We are committed to ensuring your solar system operates efficiently throughout the holiday season and beyond. Setting up your Enact Home App enables us to proactively alert you if we detect an issue with your system, helping you stay informed and avoid disruptions.

  • Ensure Comprehensive Support: Setting up your Enact Home App is essential for us to provide proactive alerts. Without this setup, we won’t be able to notify you if an issue arises. If you haven’t set up your account yet or need assistance, please contact our support team at support@enact-systems.com or (408) 404-4384.

4. Additional Tips for Keeping Winter Energy Costs Down

With colder weather and more time indoors, winter often brings higher home energy needs. Some ways to balance out this additional load:

  • Use Smart Thermostats: They help regulate your home’s temperature, keeping it comfortable without unnecessary energy use.
  • Seal Drafts and Insulate Properly: Gaps around doors and windows can let heat escape, making your heating system work harder. A quick check and adding weather stripping can make a big difference.
  • Monitor and Adjust for Cloudier Days: Winter months often come with cloud cover, reducing solar panel output. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and your system’s energy production, adjusting your energy usage to align with lower production on cloudy days. Even minor adjustments can help manage your system’s efficiency without affecting your holiday plans.

Thinking Ahead: Leveraging Your System in Winter

Though winter sunlight may be limited, your solar system continues to generate energy to power your home. By optimizing your habits and energy use, you can continue to benefit from clean, cost-saving energy during the winter months. With a few adjustments, you can enjoy a warm, festive holiday season while maximizing your solar system’s potential and keeping energy costs down. We wish you a holiday season filled with light, joy, and the warmth of renewable energy. May your solar system shine brightly, bringing energy savings and a little extra sparkle to your celebrations. Happy Holidays from all of us!

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