---
title: Cut your usage before you size solar
description: The cheapest kWh is the one you don't use. Quick changes that shrink the solar system you need, starting with the geyser.
image: https://cleanvolts.co.za/hubfs/cut-usage-before-solar-featured-1.png
---

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![Hand adjusting a smart timer switch in a modern South African home with a pool outside](https://cleanvolts.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/cut-usage-before-solar-featured-1.png?width=1200&height=630&name=cut-usage-before-solar-featured-1.png)

# Cut your usage before you size solar

![Tony Lopes](https://cleanvolts.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/clean%20volts%20launch%20post.png?width=48&height=48&name=clean%20volts%20launch%20post.png)

 Tony Lopes

November 6, 2026

**Short answer:** Yes. Every kWh you cut lowers the size and cost of the system you need. Start with the geyser (timer, blanket, lower thermostat or a heat pump), then pool pump hours, lighting and standby loads. Make the changes, wait a month or two, and size the system on the new, lower bills.

*Last updated November 2026.*

A smaller, well-matched [solar installation](https://cleanvolts.co.za/new-installations) costs less upfront and pays back sooner. Cutting waste first is the cheapest way to get there, and most changes cost little or nothing.

## **Should I reduce my electricity use before installing solar?**

Yes. Panels, inverter and battery are sized from your daily use. If you cut 5 kWh a day before the installer measures it, you may need one or two fewer panels and a smaller battery, which can save thousands of rand. And unlike the system, the savings start straight away.

## **What uses the most electricity at home?**

| Load | Why it's big | Quick fixes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Geyser** | Often a third or more of the bill; heats and reheats all day. | Timer, geyser blanket, pipe lagging, thermostat at about 55°C to 60°C, or a heat pump. |
| **Pool pump** | Runs for hours every day. | Cut hours (often 4 to 6 in summer, fewer in winter), run in daylight, or fit a variable-speed pump. |
| **Heating and cooling** | Bar heaters and old aircons draw a lot. | Inverter aircons for heating, ceiling insulation, draught-proofing. |
| **Cooking and kettle** | Short but high loads. | Boil only what you need; use a microwave, air fryer or gas hob. |
| **Lighting** | Old halogen downlights use five to ten times more than LEDs. | Swap to LED. |
| **Standby** | TVs, decoders, old fridges and freezers run around the clock. | Switch off at the wall; replace a very old second fridge. |

## **How much does a geyser timer save?**

It depends on your hot water use, but limiting heating to one or two windows a day, rather than all day, commonly trims the geyser's use noticeably. With solar, set the timer to heat at midday, when the panels can supply it. See [heat pump, solar geyser or PV geyser](https://cleanvolts.co.za/guides/heat-pump-vs-solar-geyser).

## **Is a heat pump worth it before solar?**

Often, yes. A heat pump uses about a third of an element's electricity, which can take several kWh a day off the load the solar system has to cover. Fit it first, then size the system.

## **How do I measure the difference?**

Read your meter at the same time each day for a week before and after the changes, or compare monthly bills. Our guide to [reading your City Power bill](https://cleanvolts.co.za/guides/read-city-power-bill) shows how to find your daily kWh, and [what size solar system you need](https://cleanvolts.co.za/guides/what-size-solar-system-do-i-need) takes it from there.

**Safety First**

- **Geyser timers, thermostats and heat pumps** must be fitted by a registered electrician or plumber, with a Certificate of Compliance for electrical work.

## **Frequently Asked Questions**

### **How much does a geyser timer save?**

It varies with hot water use, but heating in one or two set windows instead of all day usually cuts the geyser's consumption noticeably.

### **Is a heat pump worth it before solar?**

Often. It cuts water heating energy by about two thirds, so you need a smaller system.

### **What uses the most electricity at home?**

Usually the geyser, followed by pool pumps, heating and cooking.

## **Where We Fit In**

CleanVolts matches you with a registered [CleanVolts Approved](https://cleanvolts.co.za/cleanvolts-approved) installer who sizes the system from your actual use, after the easy savings. The installer contracts with you directly. Using CleanVolts costs you nothing, and if the installer pays us a referral fee, we tell you up front.

[**Try the free sizing guide**](https://cleanvolts.co.za/solar-sizing-guide)

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## Keep reading

### [![Couple reviewing home loan paperwork at a dining table with solar panels visible on a nearby roof](https://cleanvolts.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/solar-bond-re-advance-featured.png?width=1200&height=630&name=solar-bond-re-advance-featured.png) Financing solar with a bond re-advance or further loan](https://cleanvolts.co.za/guides/solar-bond-re-advance)

### [![Homeowner photographing an inverter and battery on a brick wall to record details for a warranty claim](https://cleanvolts.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/solar-warranty-claims-featured.png?width=1200&height=630&name=solar-warranty-claims-featured.png) How solar warranty claims work in South Africa](https://cleanvolts.co.za/guides/solar-warranty-claims)

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