Your panels are installed, the inspector has come and gone, you’ve even flipped the switch to turn your solar in Colorado system on. Now, while your solar panels busily work away at turning light into energy, you can sit back and relax.
Or can you?
Sure, your panels are here now to do the heavy lifting, but there are still things that you can do to get the most out of your solar investment.
Tips To Get the Most Out Of Your Newly Installed Solar Panel System
Monitoring Your System
As your electricity bill rolls in, you’ll get to see your monthly numbers lower—including the amount you owe! But that bill is just a monthly snapshot. For more in-depth analysis, give the Steel City Solar app a try.
When we installed your system, we also attached a tracking device to your inverter. This device constantly monitors and reports on the system’s energy output. With our app, you can watch your production numbers click up and up in real-time!
Aside from that warm, real-time feeling of success, monitoring has some great benefits.
Detect Any System Problems
If you notice a sudden change in your production, there could be an issue with one of your panels. Contact us directly through the app and we can come check the system out.
Analyze Your Personal Energy Usage
You can find general tips online about how to lower your energy usage, but monitoring will help you see your family’s specific usage. Examine your numbers to find what days and times you consume the most energy and create a plan to reduce.
Collect Data On Your Solar Panel System
Over time, you’ll be able to view your usage and production by day, time, month, even year! This opens a wealth of information for you to understand how your system works and what you can do to make the most of your produced energy.
Home Improvement For Energy Efficiency
Now that you’ve gotten the bug for green energy, make the most of it! Look for other home repairs or upgrades that can help you increase your energy efficiency. Here are a few ideas:
1. Replace old appliances
Appliances are getting smarter and more efficient every year. Even furnaces and AC units that were labeled efficient 15 or 20 years ago use a lot more energy than those same appliances manufactured today. Efficient stoves, ovens, and refrigerators have the double benefit of lowering your energy usage and increasing your home’s value.
2. Replace your lightbulbs and fixtures
Today’s LED lightbulbs use a fraction of the energy old glass bulbs used. You can also upgrade your light fixtures or add in natural lighting (more windows/skylights) to reduce electricity usage during daylight hours.
3. Insulate your home
Blow-in insulation to your attic or crawlspace, seal leaks and cracks and install double-paned windows.
4. Install a new thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your schedule and will adjust the temperature of your house to reduce energy usage when you’re not home.
5. Get an energy audit
Most energy companies offer a free, in-home energy audit. A trained professional will assess your home’s energy efficiency and give you ideas and guide you to programs that can help increase your efficiency.
To schedule an audit:
Xcel Energy customers click here
San Isabel customers click here
Black Hills customers click here
Get the Steel City Solar App
In addition to monitoring your panels, our app is the easiest way to stay in communication with us. With the app, you can easily send us messages and get quick replies, view your installation documents, view other products you may need, or refer friends to our services.
The app is available for both Apple and Android users and is easy to use and install.
Apple users click here
Android users click here
We’re here to help with your solar energy.
We’re excited for you to start enjoying the benefits that solar power will bring to you and your family’s life. If you have any questions about your system, please don’t hesitate to call us at (719) 569-5166 or contact us through our app. As your solar energy partners, we’re committed to giving you the best experience possible for the lifetime of your panels.
