How do I increase self-consumption?

Run appliances during solar hours (10am-3pm), add a battery (increases from 50% to 80%), install a solar diverter for hot water, charge your EV from solar, and use a time-of-use tariff.

What is a good self-consumption rate?

Without battery: 30-50% is typical. With battery: 60-85%. Home workers: 50-70% even without battery (more daytime consumption).

Solar Self-Consumption Explained

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 18 March 2026|educational

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

Self-consumption vs export energy flow — Self-consumed solar saves 5x more than exported solar. Maximise self-consumption for maximum savings.

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What is solar self-consumption?

Solar self-consumption is the percentage of generated electricity you use directly instead of exporting to the grid. Without battery: ~50% self-consumption. With battery: ~80%. Self-consumed kWh saves 24.5p (avoided grid import). Exported kWh earns only 4-15p (SEG). Every kWh shifted from export to self-use adds 10-20p of value. Increasing self-consumption from 50% to 80% adds £200-£400/year to your savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related: Home Heating Systems

Solar panels are most powerful when combined with an efficient heating system. Heat pumps use solar-generated electricity to heat your home at 300-400% efficiency — making them the ideal partner for solar.

heat pump running costs in the UK

Heat pumps use electricity at 300-400% efficiency, making them ideal partners for solar.

From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide