Owning a solar energy system comes with many benefits, from reduced electricity costs to ensuring a clean energy future for your children and grandchildren. But to make the most of your investment, regular performance monitoring is key.
Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, keeping a close eye on how your solar panels are performing can maximize their efficiency and longevity. Like any piece of mechanical equipment, solar panels and their components require regular checks and care to maintain efficiency. With regular monitoring, you can boost energy output, extend the life of your system, and catch potential issues before they become costly problems.
In this blog, we’ll share best practices for solar performance monitoring, including key metrics to measure, signs your solar system needs maintenance, how to carry out a visual inspection, DIY solar panel maintenance tips, and when to schedule a professional inspection. By following the tips in this article, you’ll not only enjoy more consistent clean energy from your solar energy system but also have peace of mind that your investment is working exactly as it should.
Key takeaways:
- Solar system monitoring can help maximize efficiency, longevity and financial return.
- Various solar monitoring solutions exist to help you keep an eye on your system's health and performance. Most solar inverters come with a built-in or add-on monitoring option. Checking these regularly will help you boost energy efficiency, identify and address issues early on, and optimize energy consumption habits.
- Basic DIY maintenance, like visual inspections, cleaning, and vegetation management, will keep your solar system healthy and in optimal condition.
- Scheduling professional inspections every now and again is important for solar panel safety, care, and preventative maintenance.
What is solar system monitoring?
Solar system monitoring involves tracking your solar panel system’s performance to make sure its operating at peak efficiency. Keeping a close eye on your solar performance allows you to identify potential issues early on, before they escalate and lead to downtime or reduced energy production. Regular monitoring also allows you to fine-tune your solar system to optimize energy generation, reduce your electricity bills, and make smarter choices when it comes to energy usage.
There are three main solar monitoring systems available:
- Sensor-based monitoring systems: These collect real-time data from sensors installed on your panels.
- Cloud-based monitoring systems: These collect and store data from your solar system on the cloud, so you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Smartphone monitoring apps: These provide real-time information on your solar system’s performance via an app on your phone.
Regardless of which solar panel monitoring system you have, each of these tools provide real-time data on important metrics like voltage, current, and temperature, to give you a detailed picture of how your system is performing at any given time.
Key solar system performance metrics to monitor
Monitoring your solar system can be futile if you don’t know what exactly to look for. To properly keep an eye on your system’s health, you need to understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) that reveal how your system is performing.
You can think of these KPIs as benchmarks: if your system begins to deviate from the norm then it could be time to schedule in professional maintenance. Below are three essential solar system metrics to check on your solar monitoring system:
- Energy production: This metric tracks solar energy production over a defined period, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). By regularly checking energy output, you can check if your system is generating the expected amount of electricity based on solar exposure, panel orientation, and system size. If you identify any sudden drops in energy production, it could indicate an issue that needs addressing.
- Performance ratio: This metric compares your solar system’s actual energy output to how much energy it should theoretically be generating under ideal conditions. This ratio considers variables like shading, temperature, and system losses, all of which can affect system performance. Noticing a decline in performance ratio can signal the need for maintenance or further inspection.
- System efficiency: This metric refers to how well your solar panels transform sunlight into usable electrical energy. Factors like panel age, quality, and environmental conditions can all impact system efficiency. If you notice any changes in this metric, it might indicate a potential issue with individual panels or components.
Similar Reading: 9 Ways to Improve Solar Panel Efficiency and Output
Signs your solar system may need maintenance
Now that you know which key solar system metrics to monitor, it helps to recognize when something might be wrong. Here are three common warning signs that it might be time to schedule in maintenance or troubleshooting:
- Sudden drops in energy production: Sudden, unexplained decreases in your solar system’s energy output could point to issues like panel soiling (accumulation of dust and grime), shading, or equipment failure. Keeping a regular eye on energy production data allows you to spot changes quickly, so you can address any issues before they significantly affect system efficiency.
- Inverter faults or errors: Solar inverters are responsible for converting the direct current (DC) energy generated by panels into alternating current (AC) power that can be used to power appliances. Inverter faults or error codes can signal several issues, like overheating or communication problems, that require immediate troubleshooting.
- Communication breakdowns or data gaps: Communication breakdowns or data gaps could be a sign of issues with the system’s communication network or faulty components. These problems prevent you from receiving accurate data and alerts, making it harder to properly monitor and manage your system’s performance.
Don’t worry, help is available if you don’t trust yourself to recognize these warning signs. At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we offer an optional active monitoring service for a small annual fee. When activated, our team will supervise your solar operation to make sure it’s operating at peak efficiency. You can add this service at any time. For any questions or to add this solution to your solar system, call us now on 480-576-5693.
How to visually inspect your solar panels
Visually inspecting your solar panels is important as it can help you discover issues you may not have noticed otherwise. While keeping an eye on your solar panel monitoring system can provide valuable insights, sometimes you need to get a little more hands-on.
Here’s what to look out for when visually inspecting your solar panels and other system components:
- Are the panels dirty or shaded? Leaves, dirt, debris, and bird droppings can all accumulate on your solar panels over time and obstruct sunlight, leading to reduced energy production. Similarly, if your solar panels are shaded then they’re not getting the sunlight they need to generate electricity.
- Are there any cracks or discoloration? Cracks, chips, or discoloration on your solar panels can signal physical damage or degradation. If you spot this on your solar panels, it’s best to call in a professional inspection as it could compromise the panel’s efficiency and lifespan.
- Is the mounting hardware loose or damaged? Loose or damaged mounting hardware can make solar panels crooked and affect their ability to properly capture sunlight. It can also be a safety risk.
- Is the wiring exposed or damaged? Exposed or damaged wiring can lead to short circuits, pose a fire risk, and reduce energy production.
- Are there any signs of wildlife? Check under and around your solar panels for any signs of bird or rodent activity. These pesky creatures are prone to nibbling on wires and damaging your solar system.
See More: Why Bird Proofing Your Solar Panels is Essential for Long-Term Performance
When to schedule professional solar panel maintenance
To ensure your system’s long-term performance and safety, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance visits from qualified solar professionals. While visual inspections and system monitoring are helpful for spotting any potential issues, trained solar technicians have the necessary expertise, tools, and know-how to properly inspect, service, and tweak your solar system for safety and optimal energy production.
Here’s why you need to schedule professional solar panel inspections:
- Identify and address issues early: Solar professionals can detect potential issues before they escalate into bigger problems. This prevents costly repairs or system downtime in the future by spotting and rectifying issues early on.
- More comprehensive inspection: Solar technicians can access and inspect all solar system components – including panels, inverters, mounting hardware, and electrical connections – for wear and tear, damage, or malfunctions. These comprehensive checks ensure your whole system is working safely and efficiently.
- Prevent issues from occurring later on: Professional solar inspections include preventative maintenance tasks that can stop issues before they happen, maximize energy output, and extend your solar system’s lifespan.
- Ensure the safety of your solar system: Professional solar inspections can identify and address any potential hazards that pose safety risks, such as electrical fires to structural damage.
- Optimize your solar system: Qualified solar professionals can also optimize your solar system during an inspection, for example, by adjusting solar panel angle ,clearing debris that might be obstructing sunlight, or adjusting battery discharge times to align with rate plans that may change by season.
- Maintain your manufacturer's warranty: Some solar panel warranties require routine maintenance and inspections by professional solar technicians. By scheduling regular maintenance you’ll not only be enhancing solar efficiency and safety, but also protecting your system’s warranty.
Keep Reading: 10 Things to Check Before Hiring Solar System Installers
So, what do solar professionals do during a maintenance visit? Here’s what you can expect from a routine maintenance check:
- Visual inspection: Checking all panels are clean and inspecting solar equipment for physical damage, cracks, or corrosion, looking for signs of animal activity.
- Electrical assessment: Checking and testing system components to confirm they’re working correctly, integrity of wiring and conduit, inspecting wiring for damage or corrosion, checking and tightening electrical connections.
- Hardware tightening and adjustments: Checking that mounting hardware is properly secure and aligned, adjusting solar panel tilt angle for optimal energy generation.
Sometimes, debris and grime may be removed from panels during the service but a complete clean will likely require an additional cost. Professional solar panel cleaning might include:
- Removing dirt, debris, bird droppings, and other grime from solar panels to ensure unobstructed access to sunlight for maximum energy production.
- Trimming or removing any nearby vegetation that might be shading solar panels and reducing efficiency.
DIY solar panel maintenance tips
Between professional maintenance visits, you can schedule in some routine DIY tasks to keep your solar system in good condition. This is another opportunity for you to optimize solar energy production and identify any potential issues before they become a bigger problem.
Here are four DIY solar panel maintenance tasks you can do from time-to-time:
- Visual inspections: Regularly check your solar panels for any signs of physical damage, including chips, cracks, discoloration, or loose hardware. Keep an eye on debris or shading that might be obstructing sunlight and check for signs of animal activity that could pose an issue later on.
- Solar panel cleaning: Gently clean your solar panels about twice a year, using mild soapy water and a soft cloth or squeegee. This helps prevent the buildup of dirt and grime and keeps them operating efficiently. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or pressure washers that can damage the panels.
- Trim nearby trees: Check nearby trees and vegetation and trim any branches that might be casting shadows over your solar panels.
- Inspect wiring and connections: Check exposed wiring and connections for any signs of damage or corrosion, but avoid tampering with anything.
Safety is paramount when it comes to DIY solar panel maintenance. Always take care around electrical components, and if your solar panels are on the roof, be sure to practice all necessary safety precautions before attempting to access them. Remember that it’s never advised to address any potential issues yourself. If you spot anything of concern during a DIY inspection, call solar professionals for help.
Continue Reading: How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Summary: Solar performance monitoring
Solar systems are known for being low-maintenance, but regular performance monitoring can help you enhance energy production, avoid production downtime, and extend your system’s lifespan. And who doesn’t want that? The best practices in this article should have given you a solid understanding of key solar system performance metrics, signs it’s time for maintenance, how you can practice DIY solar maintenance at home, and when it’s time to call in the experts. With this information at hand, you can protect your investment and keep accessing clean, renewable energy for years to come.
Time for a professional solar panel inspection? Our in-house solar service department at Sun Valley Solar Solutions is part of our commitment to exceptional customer service. Unlike other solar companies who outsource servicing to third parties, we run a full in-house solar service team consisting of field technicians, two project coordinators, and three dedicated case managers.
We’re dedicated to maintaining the health and lifespan of your solar system – contact us now to book solar panel maintenance or enquire about our monitoring services.