Cut Your Home’s Energy Use: Smart Habits and the Benefits of Solar Power

Looking to reduce your electricity bill while doing something good for the planet?
Good news: it’s absolutely possible. With a mix of simple everyday habits and the smart addition of photovoltaic solar panels, you can achieve real and lasting energy savings at home.

Where Do European Homes Waste the Most Energy?

Before saving energy, it helps to understand where it’s being lost. Across Europe, energy costs remained a major household concern in recent years, with many families reporting difficulties paying at least one electricity or gas bill. Identifying key sources of waste is the first step toward lowering your annual expenses.

Heating: The Number One Energy Drain

Heating represents the largest share of household energy use in Europe - often 60–70% of total consumption, especially in colder regions. Electricity, natural gas, district heating, heat pumps and hybrid systems vary by country, but the pattern is the same: heating drives most of the bill.

A powerful insight shared across EU energy agencies: lowering indoor temperature by just 1°C can reduce heating consumption by around 5–7% per year. Keeping your thermostat around 19°C in occupied rooms can make a visible difference month after month.

Thermal Insulation: Why It Changes Everything

Poor insulation is like heating the outdoors - it wastes electricity or gas, and reduces comfort. Across Europe, millions of homes - especially older buildings - still need upgrades in areas like:

• Exterior wall insulation

• Roofing and attic insulation

• Window replacement

• Door sealing and draft prevention

Cold spots during winter are common, particularly in older homes and in regions with electric radiators or outdated heating systems. Improving insulation not only reduces bills but also makes living spaces more comfortable all year round.

EnergyHungry Appliances: What to Keep an Eye On

Hot water heating can account for 10–20% of a European household’s total energy use. Setting your water heater to 55°C can lower consumption without affecting comfort.

Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, refrigerators, computers, gaming consoles and lighting also contribute more to your bill than expected.
Switching to LED lighting and turning off standby devices can yield immediate savings.

How to Reduce Daily Energy Consumption

Energy savings also come from simple habits. Many EU countries have seen noticeable drops in electricity and gas consumption thanks to collective effort and awareness campaigns. Small actions, repeated daily, have a direct impact on your budget.

What Temperature Should Each Room Be?

Recommended temperatures:

• 19°C in occupied rooms

• 16°C when you’re away during the day

• 8–12°C if the home is unoccupied for more than two days

A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust these values and reduce consumption by up to 10–15% per year.

Simple Daily Habits That Lower Your Bills Immediately

• Take shorter showers: Using 10 liters less hot water per day saves about 10% annually on water heating.
• Close shutters or blinds at night: helps retain heat and reduce heating needs.
• Switch off lights and standby appliances: helps avoid hidden energy use.
• Cook smart: Use lids, and favor lower-temperature cooking to reduce energy consumption.

How to Use Your Appliances More Efficiently

Running washing machines, dishwashers and dryers during offpeak hours - common across Europe - helps reduce consumption and lower bills. And don’t forget the freezer: a layer of frost increases energy use by up to 30%.

Why Install Solar Panels to Save Money?

Photovoltaic solar panels are one of the most effective longterm solutions to reduce electricity bills. Across Europe, interest in residential renewable energy systems has grown significantly, with solar consistently ranked as the number one choice for homeowners.

Consumers choose solar because it offers:

• Longterm savings

• Independence from market price fluctuations

• Lowmaintenance, reliable technology

• A way to produce clean energy directly at home

As more European countries introduce incentives, faster permitting processes, and gridfriendly regulations, solar is becoming an accessible and financially attractive option for households of all sizes.

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?

The number of panels depends on your annual electricity consumption and available roof space.
For example, Mr. Mercier in Morancé installed 8 SunPower Performance 6 AC Black panels, covering more than half of his electricity needs and saving €836 in the first year alone. Over 25 years, he is expected to save more than €28,000, not including future electricity price increases.

For higher needs, Mr. Gambier in Ruy-Montceau installed 22 SunPower Performance 6 AC Black panels, producing 9 kWc. His system covers nearly 60% of his electricity use and will be paid off in under six years, with projected savings of over €83,500 over 20 years.

What Budget Should You Expect for a Profitable Solar Installation?

Costs vary depending on system size and project specifics. But real-life experiences speak for themselves: In 2018, Mr. Jonrond in Saint-Jean-de-Bournay installed SunPower Maxeon panels paired with a smart hot water management system. His investment has already paid off, with €19,000 in savings so far, and projections nearing €90,000 by 2043, all while increasing the value of his home.

Discover all our residential solar solutions to find the right fit for your needs and your budget.

How Much Can You Save with SunPower Over 25 Years?

SunPower panels are designed to last over 40 years. Thanks to their high efficiency and exceptional durability, they’re a long-term investment that significantly reduces your electricity spending.

For instance, Mr. Barbier in Dolomieu installed 12 SunPower Performance 6 DC panels, generating around 6,000 kWh per year and saving more than €1,100 annually.

On average, a well-sized solar system offers a return on investment in 6 to 12 years, then provides free power for decades. With electricity prices rising steadily, solar self-consumption is becoming one of the smartest ways to control your energy budget.

Discover why SunPower leads the solar industry with its unique technology and exceptional warranties.