Quick answer
Solar self-consumption is the share of solar generation used on-site instead of exported. It is one of the strongest drivers of rooftop-solar bill savings.
What matters most
- Run flexible loads—dishwashers, pool pumps and some hot-water systems—during solar hours where practical.
- A battery can increase self-consumption but adds capital cost and energy losses.
- Smart-meter interval data is the best way to understand your load timing.
Solar decision framework
Separate production from value. System size and location drive generation; your daytime load drives self-consumption; tariff structure determines what each kilowatt-hour is worth.
How to calculate it with SunnyWatly
Use the relevant calculator with your own bill, quote or vehicle information. Defaults are examples only and can become stale as tariffs, rebates and hardware change.
Do not rely on a headline figure alone. Ask what assumptions sit behind the estimate and whether they match your property, tariff and usage pattern.
What can change the result
- Electricity usage and time of day.
- Retail import and feed-in tariffs.
- Roof, shading, inverter or charger constraints.
- Hardware efficiency and usable capacity.
- Network limits and future tariff changes.
Primary public sources used by SunnyWatly