Thinking about adding a solar battery to your home? Discover how a solar battery installation in the Macedon Ranges can maximise your energy savings, boost your home’s efficiency, and provide reliable backup power.
A few years ago, getting a zero electricity bill with solar was much easier. High feed-in tariffs meant you could export excess power to the grid and get credited generously for it. But as feed-in tariffs have dropped, it’s become harder to wipe out your bill entirely—at least without being more strategic about how you use your power.
The good news? There are still ways to get close to zero. By being smarter and more creative with your setup, you can maximise your solar, minimise your costs, and even improve your comfort and convenience at the same time.
1. Store Excess Power with a Battery
A solar battery is a game-changer. It lets you store the excess power your panels generate during the day, so you can use it any time – morning, night, or during peak hours when electricity is most expensive. This flexibility helps reduce your reliance on grid power and gives you backup power when you need it most.
2. Choose a Solar-Friendly Electricity Plan
Not all electricity plans are designed to help you save with solar. OVO Energy, for example, offers three free hours of power in the middle of the day. Yes, completely free!
But there’s always a trade-off when you get something for free. Some plans reduce your feed-in tariff or adjust other charges to balance things out. It’s important to do the numbers and ensure the plan works in your favour and doesn’t cost you more elsewhere.
For me, the trade-off is a higher peak power cost; however, as I’m using my battery during peak hours, it’s not an issue for me.
You can compare energy plans using the government’s Energy Made Easy website to find the best deal for your needs; this works well if you have solar only; however, if you have solar and battery, it’s less helpful, and there are some more suggestions below that will help you.
At Bluegum, we also do a bill review for all our solar clients after installation to help ensure they’re on the best plan to maximise their solar savings.
3. Avoid Using Power in Peak Hours
One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to reduce the power you buy from the grid during peak hours. Most electricity plans charge the highest rates between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., so this is when you want to avoid running high-energy appliances as much as possible.
Here are a few things to avoid using between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.:
- Charging your EV – Shift this to off-peak hours (midnight–6 a.m.) or charge from solar during the day.
- Running your dryer – If possible, run it during the day when solar is available or late at night on off-peak rates.
- Underfloor heating – Use it earlier in the day to store warmth rather than running it during peak times.
- Pool pumps – Schedule them to run outside of peak times.
Check your electricity bill to confirm your peak hours, which can vary depending on your provider.
Even if you don’t have solar yet, this change will save you money.
4. Use Smart Appliances & Timers
To maximise using your solar & the grid at off-peak times, your appliances need to run at the right time.
Next time you buy a new appliance, make sure it has a built-in delay start function. Most modern dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers have this feature, and it only takes two clicks of a button to activate it.
For example:
- Dishwasher – If you load it at 6:30 a.m. before work, simply press the delay start button to run after 11 a.m. when your free power kicks in.
- Dryer – If you put a load in after dinner, set it to start after 9 p.m. or even after midnight to take advantage of off-peak rates.
- Washing machine – You can delay it so the cycle finishes right before you wake up, so you can move the washing straight into the dryer in the morning—no need to stay up late waiting for it to finish.
5. Charge an EV the Smart Way
Owning an EV doesn’t have to mean bigger power bills. I charge my car automatically at the lowest cost, with a smart charger that’s part of my home energy system:
- Step 1: My charger prioritises solar first (free energy).
- Step 2: It only uses the grid when rates are lowest (8c/kWh from midnight–6 a.m.) First from the battery and then from the grid if needed.
Best part? I don’t even have to think about it.
- I get home.
- I plug in.
- My charger automatically pulls the cheapest energy source.
And just like that – I’m driving for pennies.
6. Automate Your Air Conditioning
A Wi-Fi-enabled air conditioning system lets me:
- Pre-heat or cool the house using solar during the day.
- Set automation so my air conditioner turns on when my house reaches 25°C—because if it’s that warm, the sun is probably shining, meaning I’ve got plenty of solar power!
This way, when I get home, my house is already comfortable, and I’m not paying for expensive peak-hour cooling.
7. Charge a Battery for Free in Winter
Winter solar production is lower, but I still charge my battery for free.
I use my OVO plan’s free midday power to top up my battery; this is especially helpful in winter when not every day is a great solar day; it means no matter the weather, my battery is full every night, and I can avoid the high peak rates between 3 – 9 PM.
8. Use an EV-Friendly Electricity Plan
Some energy providers offer ultra-low rates between midnight and 6 a.m. If you have an EV, this can save you hundreds a year.
- I use my EV-friendly plan to charge my car for just 8c/kWh.
- I also use this cheap rate to power my home overnight, so I’m never paying peak prices.
9. Say Goodbye to Gas
Switching to an all-electric home can save you money in more ways than one.
- No more gas bills—you’re automatically saving $400 a year by not paying two daily supply charges.
- More energy independence—there’s no way to produce gas at home, but solar allows you to generate, store, and control your own power. Giving you independence and control.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking… “But what happens when the power goes out?”
It’s a fair question, but here’s the reality – gas appliances don’t work without electricity either.
- Gas hot water systems require electric igniters to function.
- Ducted gas heating needs electric components to run.
- Gas cooktops also need electric igniters—unless you’ve got matches handy.
So if the grid goes down, your gas appliances won’t be running either—but with a solar and battery system, you actually have backup power when others don’t.
Thinking about making the switch to all Electric? Let’s chat! Book a free consult, and we’ll walk you through your options.
10. Use a Heat Pump for Hot Water
Many people think solar hot water is the best option, but heat pump technology is far more efficient and makes better use of roof space.
Instead of taking up valuable roof space for solar hot water.—which only support your hot water system—it’s smarter to install solar panels that power your whole home and run a heat pump for hot water.
Here’s why heat pumps are a perfect match for solar:
- They draw 75% less power than traditional electric water heaters.
- They can run entirely from solar instead of exporting excess power to the grid.
- Most come with built-in timers, so you can set them to run during peak solar hours for maximum efficiency.
A heat pump also runs at a much lower energy draw, making it an ideal match for any solar system, no matter the size. This means your solar power can be used more efficiently, reducing energy waste and ensuring your home stays powered as affordably as possible.
Essentially, a heat pump + solar system = the most cost-effective and energy-efficient way to heat water while keeping your electricity down.
Take Control of Your Power & Your Bill!
By using your solar wisely, you can bring your bill close to zero—even in winter.
Small changes add up fast. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see the savings!
Find out how to reduce your electricity bill without compromising comfort and convenience. – Book Your Free Solar Consult Today
Thinking about how to make your home more energy-efficient? Whether it’s solar, batteries, EV charging, air-con or heat pumps, now is the time to make the most of your setup.
Book a free consult today, and let’s create a plan to help you take control of your power and enjoy the freedom that comes with it!
Chantel