Solar monitoring systems help get the most out of your solar panels since you can see how well the system produces energy in real-time. This technology comes as an app or device screen, which keeps you up to date on your system’s health by showing how much energy your panels produce and identifying changes in your system. A good monitoring system can help you catch and fix performance issues early on, ensuring your panels provide their expected seven to 20 years of savings.
The best-rated solar companies offer modern monitoring systems, but not all systems work the same way. Before investing in a residential solar system, research your options to see which one best fits your needs and budget.
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How Do Solar Monitoring Systems Work?
Solar monitoring systems use sensors and communication devices attached to your solar arrays. The sensors are often integrated into the inverter and track production data from each panel. They transmit information about the voltage, current, and power output to and transmit it to a communication device like a gateway. From there, the data uploads to a cloud-based software via ethernet, WiFi, or a cellular network.
Homeowners can view information about their system through a dedicated web portal or mobile app. Most monitoring systems present the final data as bar graphs, charts, or other data visualization. Monitoring data shows the power production rates for each solar panel, daily solar energy production, historical trends, and information about your energy usage. You can then compare your home’s power consumption, including peak usage periods, to the energy your system produces to meet your energy needs. You’ll also be able to manage and optimize charging and discharge cycles for any of the best-performing solar batteries.
In addition to real-time monitoring, many systems will proactively notify you of any solar system issues, from system faults to declining power production. These alerts help you address problems quickly, reducing system downtime. Some systems even provide weather alerts for low-sunlight days or incoming storms. These features allow you to plan for emergencies and ensure you have efficiently stored solar power for later use.
What Are The Benefits of Solar Monitoring Systems?
Solar monitoring systems play a critical role in ensuring your solar energy system operates at peak performance, regardless of solar panel type. They provide key data and offer several benefits that can optimize your solar energy production and savings.
- Performance tracking: By tracking how much energy your solar panels produce, you can assess whether your system is performing optimally.
- Real-time monitoring: With real-time monitoring features, you can identify and diagnose issues immediately, potentially saving you from costly repairs.
- Energy usage analysis: By analyzing energy consumption data in tandem with your production data, you can adjust your habits to maximize energy savings.
- Cost savings: Identifying inefficiencies and underperforming components can help you save money by proactively reducing energy costs.
What Are the Types of Solar Monitoring Systems?
Three main types of solar monitoring systems are available from solar equipment manufacturers, professional installers, and third-party monitoring companies. Each type will work on off-grid and hybrid solar systems. We’ll explore each monitoring type below.
Equipment-Integrated Solar Monitoring
Solar manufacturers may enhance their products with a built-in monitoring system. This equipment-integrated technology can be built into either the solar panels or the inverter, which converts the DC output from your panels into AC power for your home. Solar inverter monitoring systems are the more common of the two. They typically offer easy-to-read results on a website or mobile app.
Inverter-based monitoring systems typically track energy production, basic home energy use, and system performance data. Most companies use either string inverters (connected to multiple panels) or microinverters (installed on individual panels). A microinverter monitoring system offers module-level monitoring, allowing you to see individual panel performance.
Many inverter manufacturers include monitoring software with their equipment. Though this software is tied to a specific inverter brand, it will typically work with many solar panel brands. However, module-level monitoring or more advanced features may come at an additional cost.
Installer Solar Monitoring
Some solar installers offer monitoring apps alongside their energy systems. These apps often customize and enhance the data provided by your inverter’s built-in monitoring. Installer-run apps offer clear insights into daily production, upcoming electric bills, and easy online payment options. However, their detail may not be as granular or insightful as module-level systems.
Some installer-based software directly connects to customer support for troubleshooting and maintenance scheduling. They may also provide local weather alerts to help you prepare for low-sun days or dangerous conditions. You can usually access this data via a dedicated website or downloadable app for your phone.
Third-Party Home Energy Monitors
Third-party or standalone energy monitoring systems come from companies that don’t manufacture solar equipment or offer installation services. These systems focus on your entire home’s energy picture, not just solar. They use your electrical panel’s current transfer (CT) sensors to track energy flow. Some can even monitor individual major appliances or integrate with smart home devices for deeper insight into where your energy goes.
Beyond displaying your current energy use, these monitors typically provide cost analysis, historical trends, customizable goals, and alerts for unusual energy spikes. Some even estimate greenhouse gas emissions. They work alongside your existing solar monitoring, and many offer solar-specific features. However, the level of integrated data may vary between brands.
If you go this route, we recommend hiring a professional electrician to ensure safety and proper installation. However, some systems are designed to be DIY-friendly. Always consult product instructions carefully.
What Are the Key Features To Look For in a Solar Monitoring System?
A good solar monitoring system should go beyond basic solar output tracking. Look for one with a user-friendly interface that displays energy production and consumption in a clear, digestible format. The system should offer real-time updates, mobile app access, and alerts for performance issues, so you can stay informed without digging through complex data.
You should also prioritize systems that include energy usage analysis, integration with other smart home devices, and trend reporting to help you spot long-term patterns. Reliable customer support and warranty coverage add peace of mind, especially when your system needs troubleshooting or software updates.
What Are Some Top Solar Monitoring Systems?
Below is an overview of some top solar monitoring solutions and home energy monitors.
Enphase Enlighten
Enphase, a leading microinverter manufacturer, provides the Enphase Enlighten monitoring system with its products. This system provides real-time information on system performance and energy production, including modular-level monitoring with detailed analytics for each panel in your solar project. It also tracks energy usage patterns and offers alerts for malfunctioning panels or lower production levels.
Homeowners can access system data through the Enphase MyEnlighten website or the Enlighten Mobile app for Android or iOS mobile devices.
SolarEdge Monitoring
SolarEdge offers high-quality string inverters for residential installations and provides individual panel performance monitoring with DC power optimizers. These optimizers improve panel performance and offer real-time power production data. Without power optimizers, you can only track total system production levels. SolarEdge’s data tracking includes energy usage patterns, historical performance data, and remote troubleshooting options.
The mySolarEdge app and dedicated web portal offer additional monitoring, including solar battery levels, smart device remote operation, and automated report scheduling. The app is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices.
Tesla Monitoring
Tesla provides a brand-exclusive monitoring app for its customers. The app works with Tesla solar panels, solar roofing, the Tesla Powerwall, and Tesla electric vehicles. When we downloaded the app, we could add various Tesla products for easy, all-in-one product management. The app provides data visualizations for solar power production and home energy use. You see detailed information on real-time and historical production levels, even based on the time of day.
Tesla only offers solar monitoring through the dedicated app and does not provide a web alternative. Additional uses include controlling your Tesla Powerwall during charging and discharging mode, including switching to battery-only power. Its monitor software also lacks module-level production data and weather updates.
CURB Monitoring System
The CURB monitoring system provides real-time energy usage data using CTs. Attaching CTs to every circuit allows you to receive more detailed energy use tracking. The CURB system offers individual tracking for appliances, solar energy systems, EV chargers, and smart home devices. The tracking details expand with additional CTs, but you must pay more for extra sensors.
CURB monitoring includes customizable energy usage alerts for pre-set usage thresholds, helping you conserve energy usage and save money. In 2020, CURB merged with Elevation Solar and became part of its Home Energy Solutions Division. The Apple Store and Google Play carry the Energy CURB app. You can also sign up for email alerts for additional energy-saving tips and summaries on your energy usage.
Sense Energy Monitor
The Sense energy monitor uses AI device profiles to track energy consumption throughout your home. The profiles offer detailed energy consumption results, including real-time data, energy usage alerts, and historical data analysis. The Sense energy monitor also provides energy production with specialized solar inverter sensors and tracks any excess energy sent back to the grid, known as grid exports.
Sense provides both app and web-based access to your monitoring data. For the app, use your iOS or Android device, and for the web-based dashboard, use any internet-accessible device.
How Do I Choose a Solar Panel Monitoring System?
Whether considering an integrated monitoring system or a standalone option, you should decide what features, data, and controls you need for your home. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of factors to consider when comparing solar panel mentoring systems.
- Accessibility: Decide whether you need web access, a dedicated app, or access to both options. You’ll also want a user-friendly dashboard or interface with simple navigation and monitoring details.
- Alerts and notifications: Pick a monitoring system with timely, customizable alerts for poor performance, local weather, or malfunctions.
- Compatibility: Some systems only work with specific panel and inverter brands. If you already have a solar system, ensure the monitoring system you’re considering will work with it.
- Data reporting: Invest in a monitoring system that provides real-time data on energy production, consumption, and historical analysis. Access to up-to-date details ensures your panels continue performing at peak capacity, maximizing your energy savings.
- Overall cost: Many monitoring systems include recurring monthly cloud backup or data analysis costs. If you want granular production details, you must buy additional circuit sensors. Standalone energy monitoring costs around $299 but could cost more with added sensors and equipment.
- Troubleshooting and support: Look for systems with reliable technical support for system issues and troubleshooting. An online knowledge base or manual can also be helpful.
Our Conclusion
Solar monitoring systems ensure even the highest efficiency solar panels continue performing at optimum levels and help your home operate more efficiently. These systems typically come with your solar inverter or from your installation company. However, availability varies based on your system’s design and selected installer. Stand-alone energy monitoring can provide insight into your power production, but you may need additional sensors to connect one to your system.
Whether you decide to install solar panels yourself or go with a professional provider, we recommend requesting quotes from three companies to compare options.
FAQs About Solar Monitoring Systems
Does SolarEdge charge for its monitoring?
No, SolarEdge does not charge for its monitoring services. You receive 25 years of free module-level monitoring, the same timeframe as the manufacturer’s warranty.
Can you monitor individual solar panels?
Yes, you can monitor individual solar panels, but you will the right equipment. Your system must use either microinverters or DC power optimizers for a string inverter. You’ll also need a solar monitoring system or energy monitor capable of tracking individual panel production.
How do I monitor my solar panel usage?
To monitor your solar panel usage, you need a solar monitoring system. These systems provide detailed analysis of energy consumption and production, real-time monitoring, and system issue alerts. Some solar providers and inverter manufacturers include monitoring services with their products, or you can purchase standalone energy monitors to track your system’s performance.
Is solar consumption monitoring worth it?
Solar consumption monitoring is worth it if you want to maximize your solar investment and understand your home’s energy patterns. It helps you identify issues quickly, optimize how you use your solar power, and potentially even save money on utility bills.