Member Article

How self-builders can avoid the ‘rebound effect’ when choosing solar

Installations of ‘solar power roof slates’ and ‘solar power roof tiles’ can help self-builders create their own free, clean energy while earning an income from the Government’s Feed-in Tariff – what’s not to like? Unfortunately, while the number of solar slate and solar tile installations is rising, so is the amount of energy being wasted. So why is this happening?

What’s the ‘rebound effect’, anyway?

The ‘rebound effect’ is when an individual chooses to invest in green energy for their home and then leaves that home lit up like the Blackpool Illuminations every time they go out. Engaging in energy-wasting behaviours – such as leaving lights or appliances on when they’re not in use – becomes easier when you believe you’ve cancelled out the impact with your integrated solar PV roof slates.

Of course, it doesn’t make sense to do this. Self-builders who are looking to insulate themselves against energy price rises by choosing solar slates and solar tiles will not consciously want to waste that newly-generated energy. Beyond being extra-vigilant about switching off lights and appliances, there are other ways to make sure that your new-found energy is being used correctly.

Saving your energy for later

One way to prevent your clean energy from being wasted is to use battery storage for excess electricity generated by solar energy roof slates or tiles. This storage allows you to collect up energy you’ve generated during the day and use it during hours of darkness. So then you can access all of the energy you haven’t used in the daytime and stop it from going back to the National Grid. After all, you’ll only have to buy it back again at a higher price in the evening - where’s the sense in that?

Only once the battery is full the extra energy from your solar roof slates or solar roof tiles will be fed back into the Grid, so you won’t lose the opportunity to receive payments; you’ll just be using the optimal amount of generated energy first.

Connecting up your appliances

Another way to cancel out energy waste is to ‘link up’ your household appliances so that they all run in sequence. It’s not quite the same as synchronised swimming, but it requires just as much precision!

Intelligent home automation (or management) systems can allow you to manage your appliances in terms of priority. Then, when there’s enough free energy being generated, your washing machine, dishwasher etc will run in the specified order (depending on which you need first: a clean shirt or a clean plate!). This reduces your energy usage and prevents you needing to buy expensive energy from the Grid.

By combating areas where your generated energy may be going to waste, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment - and give the rebound effect the boot.

For more help please contact Solar Slate Limited on 01454 627 841 or email info@solarslate-ltd.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matthew Hyde .