Solar panels are only able to generate electricity when the sun is shining. While you won’t notice any difference or loss in power at night or on cloudy days, monitoring solar panel performance is key to keeping your energy costs low. In addition, those with battery storage units or generators will have to monitor solar panel performance closely to ensure there is enough power to run a home overnight while the sun is not out.
Monitoring Solar Panel Performance Through App
After solar panel installation, homeowners will have access to one of the best apps available, making monitoring solar panel performance easy. The app provides 24/7 monitoring and will allow you to check system status, see how much energy is being produced, and track performance over time.
Can I Sell Electricity From My Solar Panels?
Excess energy generated from solar panels can be fed back into the main energy grid. Depending on your energy provider, you can receive credits for this extra power and have them applied to your monthly energy bill. These credits will come in handy at night when solar panels are not generating power and your home pulls from the grid to power your home. Unused monthly credits roll over and can be cashed out at the end of the year. This program is often referred to as net metering.
Learn more about net metering programs offered by the major utility companies in Florida by clicking the links below.
How Will I Know My Solar Panels Are Producing Energy?
Seasonal changes, storms, and shade up are a few of the factors that can impact the amount of sun solar panels receive, which can reduce overall performance. The single best way to ensure your solar panels are operating at their peak is to monitor performance through an app.
What If My Solar Panels Aren’t Producing Enough Power?
During our comprehensive solar energy audit and system design, we take steps to ensure your home will have enough panels to cover your average energy usage. Some factors are outside of our control, like the weather.
If you crank down the AC during an abnormally hot summer, your home will be using more power. This can cause a higher dependence on grid energy which may mean a slightly higher energy bill for that month. This does not mean your solar panels are working properly; it just means your home is requiring more energy. Energy credits and net metering programs can help offset any extra usage, keeping your average monthly bill as close to $0 as possible.
My Neighbor Has Solar Panels & Energy Bill Didn’t Go Down
Solar panels have been around for over a decade and while the concept of harnessing energy from the sun hasn’t changed, the installation and design protocols have. Several homeowners that jumped on the solar bandwagon early may still have a monthly energy bill along with their solar panel financing payment. This is not the ideal scenario and is a big fear among homeowners. There are several reasons this could be happening:
- Not enough solar panels were installed. Average yearly energy use must be taken into account when deciding how many panels to install. If energy usage exceeds the power generated, you will still get a monthly bill from your utility company.
- Low-efficiency panels were used. The amount of power a solar panel can produce each year depends on the size, manufacture, and material. Average solar panels on the market vary between 4-10+ KwH. In general, the higher the wattage the more energy is produced. If lower-rated panels are installed and are not capable of meeting a home’s energy needs, you will still get a monthly bill from your utility company.
- Solar panel batteries. Saving excess energy through batteries connected to a home’s solar system can exponentially increase the amount of power needed. The system will prioritize battery storage until they are full before powering a home. Often this means several additional panels are needed just for the battery component. If this added energy need is not factored in, the system may not be able to cover energy demands and resulting in a higher monthly energy bill.
We understand that in order for the investment in solar panels to make sense, monthly energy costs must be as close to $0 as possible. With monthly financing payments less than average energy bills, homeowners can actually save money by making the switch. For this reason, we spend more time than average Florida solar contractors determining your home’s energy usage and the ideal design of solar panels so you don’t get stuck with a new bill each month.
Get Help Monitoring Solar Panel Performance
Have questions about monitoring solar panel performance or need more information? The experts at Raze Solar are here to help! Call or text (904) 595-6835, schedule a free solar panel quote online, or view our services areas and learn how to make the switch.
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