My solar system is on an old plan and gets 71c kWh and I only pay 31c kWh for electricity I use from the grid. So to get the most from my system I need to use it when it’s not generating solar so it can feed it to the grid.
In Adelaide, what time would it be generating? It faces north.
Here is a good indicative graph, that also shows the impact of clouds etc.
https://pveducation.com/solar-concepts/solar-system-output/
Between 6.05am and 7.54pm.
Here are some tips…
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/using-sa…
How big is the system? It might be worth upgrading
You should check out solarquotes for info.
https://www.solarquotes.com.au/location/
Upgrading would stop the 71c feed in tariff. It would likely be a terrible idea.
Do you have a source on that?
I wouldn't put it past the power companies to do that though.
That was the deal in NSW. 1.5kw system with 60c feed in tariff for 7 years or something. Upgrade and you lost it.
@Euphemistic: What about "repairing" it. Eg. all the panels happened to need replacing, so you put in higher output panels and now export the maximum amount all day.
It's the general rule on these super-generous feed-in tariffs.
I'd be very surprised if OP has a Feed-in Tariff agreement that would allow an increase to the system size without penalty.
Are you on gross FIT or net FIT?
If gross, then don't worry about it.
If net, depends where your panels are orientated
We are generating 5kW between 9am and 4pm these days in perfect conditions, now we have summer day lengths.
Highest has been 48kW in one day so far in last month.
FIT .19 $9.18 - $0.89 supply charge - $0.95 for battery
Does your inverter have a display of watts produced or can you look it up through an app? Watch the rates and determine it for yourself.
From when the sun comes up it will produce, but starting small until full sun is achieved sometime during the morning. Then it will taper off in the afternoon.
I think our north facing panels hit max around 11am.
North facing solar panels produce the most energy overall, good for daytime energy usage, generates extra electricity to offset your electricity bill and more importantly, generate more power to charge a solar battery when the time comes.
When the sun is out, all the time, but maximum between about 10am and 4pm.