How to Monitor Your Solar System

When you go solar, the first thing you’ll need to make sure you understand is how to monitor your solar system. After all, if something goes wrong, you’re going to need to make sure you know how to tell. Otherwise, your system could be producing at 50% efficiency and you’ll have no idea. If something does go wrong, you’re going to need to make sure you’re able to tell someone.

Is monitoring included in my solar system?

The first thing you’ll need to find out is if your solar system even has monitoring built in. Make sure you ask the person installing your system, and if they don’t include it up-front, ask them if they can and if it will cost extra. It usually doesn’t, and most installers include it, anyway, but you’re definitely going to want a monitoring system.

Integrating the Monitoring System with Your Solar System

Integrating monitoring with the solar system will depend on the type of inverter. For an inverter with optimizers, monitoring will be installed directly after the system has been installed on the property. Microinverter systems, on the other hand, are installed after the system is officially turned on by the utility. A small wireless or ethernet device will be connected to the home’s or business’s internet connection to allow the inverter to send its production data through manufacturer’s online portal to which you will have log-in account to gain access. Monitoring is accessible via desktop, tablet, and smartphone app.

How to Tell When Something is Wrong

As you monitor your solar system, it’s important to be educated on what you see. The goal is to ensure that the system’s production is at or above what was guaranteed annually. Production will vary when tracking its results. The time of year, weather, clouds, the sun’s orientation and angle in the sky do determine your production for that day. Also, shading from roofing ventilation pipes, an HVAC unit, chimney, and tree branches will fluctuate production for the panels that may be affected by such obstructions. Also, at times, the panels may actually overproduce more of wattage than they are originally designed to. Daily data may present some inaccuracies and fluctuations to the production reports so we suggest homeowners to track and manage their solar monthly, quarterly, and annually. However, if you see a dramatic drop, like your efficiency going from 90% to 40%, that’s definitely a sign that you should contact your solar company right away.

Nevertheless, having the support you need is most important of all. Whenever any questions arise about the system and how it’s reporting production, it’s crucial to get immediate response and assistance to bring resolve to a concern to ensure that your solar system is bringing optimal solar energy to your home or business.

If for some reason, there’s no monitoring being displayed, that means that the inverter has lost connection with the home’s internet signal. But if this happens, it doesn’t mean your solar system is not working. The system is still functioning at 100%, it’s the details that are not be displayed in the monitoring portal. Contact your solar company so that they can get it back up and running so you can go back to monitoring your system right away.

Want to learn more about keeping your solar system running smoothly and efficiently? Check out the HahaSmart blog!

HahaSmart Blog - More Solar Tips and Guide
HahaSmart News - Stay Informed
Your Solar Incentives - See Credits and Incentives in Your Area
Check Your Home's Solar Price - See How Much You Save
Register Now - Unlock The Lowest Solar Prices in Your Area