Yash
An effective solar monitoring system gives real-time energy production data.
An effective solar power monitoring system gives real-time energy production data.
On a clear sunny day, you think that your system is working to its maximum extent.
But it may not produce the power as expected due to some production issues such as loose wiring etc.
And you are losing solar units.
Therefore, we need a system that gives us real-time energy production data, making sure that the system is working properly.
If you already have a solar power system but there is no way to monitor it, then this article is for you.
Or
When you are planning to invest in a new solar power system that gives you daily energy analysis, read this interesting post.
What is solar monitoring system?
A solar monitoring system gives you real-time data on the energy produced by the solar panels.
Also, it tells whether one or more solar panels are producing enough power as other panels in the system.
It helps us in detecting the fault in time.
Thus, saving precious kW-hr of energy.
In addition, it tracks the system’s performance over time such as energy produced in the last 7 days, over a month, or the custom range that you want to analyze.
In total, an effective solar monitoring system not only helps in fault detection but also improves the return on investment of the solar power system.
Any solar monitoring system comprised of:
- Hardware fitted at the back of the panel that conditions, smooths, and converts the energy produced by the solar panels.
- Software that records the energy data on a real-time basis as well as stores the historical data.
- Internet connection helps in sending data stored in the software to your smartphone
- Mobile App that you download on your smartphone using the internet connection and analyze the energy data.
The types of solar monitoring systems
There are 2 main types of solar monitoring systems.
- Micro-inverter based solar monitoring system
- DC optimizers based solar monitoring system
However, the basic working remains the same.
They mainly differ in their hardware and the point of energy collection.
Read:Best solar inverters for your home in 2022
(a) Micro-inverter based system
In the first type, a microinverter is connected at the back of each solar panel.
For example, a series of 10 solar panels will have 10 microinverters. Each is connected on the rear side of every solar panel.
Let me give you a brief of this hardware.
Micro-inverter is a small inverter that is connected to the solar panel.
It takes the DC energy produced by the solar panel and converts it into AC (alternating current).
In addition, it tracks and captures the maximum power produced by the solar panel.
The output of each micro-inverter is then combined and sent to the electrical appliances.
And they run smoothly.
Each microinverter has in-built software that collects and stores energy data.
Finally, the data is sent to your smartphone through an internet connection.
That you can access by downloading the mobile app on your smartphone.
Enphase is among the top leaders in this technology. This technology helps in capturing the maximum power from the solar panels and you get enhanced power for running the electrical appliances.
(b) DC optimizers based monitoring system
Another type is solar monitoring systems using power optimizers.
A DC optimizer is also fixed at the back of the solar panel like a microinverter.
But it does not convert the DC power into AC rather it keeps it DC only.
It captures the maximum power generated by the solar panel.
Thereafter, it conditions and smooths this power.
Finally, sends this power to the string or central inverter for AC conversion.
In micro-inverter-based solar monitoring, each solar panel has its own micro-inverter for DC to AC conversion.
While in DC power optimizers-based system all solar panels are connected to one inverter, called a string inverter, for AC conversion.
This central inverter has built-in software that collects and stores the energy data.
That you can access through your smartphone using an internet connection.
SolarEdge is the leading manufacturer of this technology. This technology works well in partially shaded conditions or when the solar panels are installed in multiple orientations.
Advantages of a solar monitoring system
Access to real-time energy production from solar panels is one of its biggest advantages.
Any fault in the system can be detected on a real-time basis and corrective action can be taken promptly.
Thus, saving your W-hr, time, and money.
Also, it not only shows you the real-time energy data but also:
- 7 days data
- Monthly data
- Yearly data
- Custom range data
This historical data may help you in understanding energy production in a better way.
For example, by looking at 3- or 6-months energy patterns you can analyze the energy-deficient or energy excess months.
Thus, preparing you in advance to make the right strategy in those months.
Also, you can check the detailed view
And the graphical view of energy output from the solar panels.
Thus, making you understand the energy pattern in a more effective way.
You can check the status of the system working whether it is working normally or not.
If the micro-inverter is not reporting then it is a production issue related to the micro-inverter.
In case everything is normal then bad weather conditions might have triggered a production issue.
Moreover, the solar-monitoring software updates regularly so that you get faster, easier and smooth access to information.
In case, you can’t access the internet, you get the text notifications when the grid goes down or comes back.
Apart from this, you can prioritize the energy production sources.
For example, during peak hours you can choose the batteries first then solar panels, and in the last grid.
(I keep it in the least priority because grid prices are continuously rising).
Apart from all this solar monitoring systems offer many tools to understand the energy chart in a more effective and efficient manner.
Best solar monitoring systems
Let us compare the top 2 solar monitoring systems in detail.
- Enphase
- SolarEdge
Both offer top-quality monitoring performance.
But there is a difference in terms of their:
- Technologies
- Warranties
- Prices
Enphase has micro-inverter-based solar monitoring systems.
That we have discussed above in the post.
While SolarEdge offers DC optimizers based solar monitoring systems.
Both technologies offer:
- Effective panel-level monitoring
- Great performance under partial shade conditions and solar panels installed with multiple roof angles.
Enphase has Enphase Enlighten app for buyers, Enphase Manager for solar professionals, and installer toolkit for solar installers.
While SolarEdge offers SolarEdge Monitoring app for solar professional and MySolarEdge app for system owners.
Other common features are:
- High power output
- Easy to install
- High efficiency
- Module compatibility with almost any solar module
- Wide input PV operating range
- Wide ambient temperature operating range
- Effective cooling
But they differ in their warranties and the prices.
Enphase offers 25 years warranty on its inverters.
But these are costly too.
While SolarEdge gives 12 years warranty but is cheaper in price.
Conclusion
Yes, the solar monitoring systems are indeed worth investment.
When the system size is large and you do not want to lose your W-hr due to a delay in detecting the production issues.
When you are living in a place with sudden changes in weather all the time.
You are running a business that requires a continuous supply of power. And any delay in fault detection may affect your business negatively.
Or even you are a person who wants to track the performance of your solar power system remotely.
An effective solar monitoring system keeps your panels running smoothly and improves the financial feasibility of the solar power system.
