“While the sun’s shining”: weather, practical knowledge and everyday practices in Australian households with solar PV and battery storage

As the world transitions to renewables it is important that people use energy at the ‘right’ time, such as when the sun shines. The sector believes that providing energy feedback will help people do this. However, studies show that energy feedback is not necessarily helpful or accessible for all people. By talking with households who have solar and batteries, I found that people use lay weather knowledge to guide and understand their energy consumption. On this basis, I propose ways that the energy sector can help the renewable transition by better listening to everyday people and their practical expertise.