How can the yield of solar panels be monitored?
Monitoring the output of solar panels is important to ensure optimal system operation and maximize energy production. The following article discusses different ways to monitor the yield of solar panels and their benefits.
1. Inverter display
Most solar power systems have an inverter that converts the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used in households. Many inverters have a display that shows real-time information about the energy produced by the system. On the screen you can check, for example, instantaneous power, daily production and total energy production.
2. Online tracking systems
Many modern solar power systems offer the possibility to monitor the yield via the network. This is usually done with the help of a data logger connected to the inverter, which sends the data to a cloud service. The user can then view this information on a computer or mobile device. Examples of such services include SolarWeb and Enphase Enlighten .
3. Smartphone applications
Many solar power system manufacturers also offer smartphone apps that allow users to monitor the system’s yield in real time. Applications often provide visual representations such as graphs and charts that make it easier to track production. Examples of such applications are Fronius Solar.web and Enphase Enlighten.
4. Energy monitoring devices
There are also separate energy monitoring devices that can be connected to a solar power system. These devices measure the amount of energy produced and can provide more accurate information than the inverter’s own display. Examples of such devices are Smappee and Solar-Log.
5. Manual tracking
Although automatic monitoring systems are convenient, it is also possible to monitor the yield of solar panels manually. This can happen, for example, by writing down the information received from the inverter screen at regular intervals. Manual monitoring can be useful especially in smaller systems where automatic monitoring systems are not economically viable.
Summary
Monitoring the yield of solar panels is important to maximize system efficiency and yield. There are several different ways to monitor, such as the inverter display, online monitoring systems, smartphone applications, energy monitoring devices and manual monitoring. By choosing a suitable monitoring method, the user can ensure that the solar power system works optimally and produces as much energy as possible.
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