To determine if your solar system is producing enough power, you need to know what “enough” looks like. This involves calculating the expected output based on your system's size and the average solar irradiance in your area.
How do I know if a solar system is generating electricity?
If your system has a string inverter with monitoring, you can see how much electricity is being generated by the total system. In some cases, you can see how much electricity is being generated from individual strings (groups of solar panels). If you have microinverters, you can monitor the generation of individual panels.
Most solar and battery systems include some type of monitoring on a display panel, website or app. Some monitoring systems provide more detail and are more useful for tracking the health of your system. If your system has a string inverter with monitoring, you can see how much electricity is being generated by the total system.
Why should you check voltage and current on your solar panels?
Regularly checking voltage and current ensures that your solar panels are generating the expected amount of power and helps you spot any potential issues early. By doing so, you can maintain optimal performance and prolong the lifespan of your solar power system.
In some cases, you can see how much electricity is being generated from individual strings (groups of solar panels). If you have microinverters, you can monitor the generation of individual panels. This can make it easier to identify a fault if it occurs. Read more about inverters.
For example, if you notice a drop in efficiency, it could indicate that your panels are dirty or there's an issue with the system. Keeping an eye on this metric helps ensure your solar power system is performing optimally and generating the most electricity possible from the available sunlight.
How do I know if my solar panels need maintenance?
Dust, leaves, or bird droppings can block sunlight and reduce efficiency. By monitoring your panels' efficiency, you can identify when they might need cleaning, maintenance, or even replacement. For example, if you notice a drop in efficiency, it could indicate that your panels are dirty or there's an issue with the system.