Once your solar PV system is installed, it’s natural to want reassurance that everything is running smoothly and delivering the savings you expect. At Solar Suffolk, we aim to give homeowners the confidence and knowledge they need to get the most out of their solar energy system.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you monitor your panels and ensure they’re performing at their best.
Check Your Generation Meter
Your generation meter shows how much electricity your system has produced. The reading – shown in kilowatt hours (kWh) – should steadily increase throughout the day whenever there’s sunlight.
Look out for the indicator light:
- A flashing light means your system is actively generating power
- The faster the light flashes, the more your panels are producing
- If the light is constantly on or completely off during daylight hours, it may indicate an issue with your solar PV system. If so, contact a qualified installer to investigate further
Monitor Your Electricity Bill
While not the most accurate way to check whether your solar panels are working, a sudden, unexpected rise in your electricity bill could indicate reduced solar performance. If your solar system is working correctly, you should see a noticeable drop in the electricity you draw from the grid, thereby lowering your bills.
Use Your Solar Monitoring App
Most solar inverters now include a monitoring app that’s easy to download onto your smartphone or tablet. The monitoring app is the easiest way to keep track of performance in real time. Most apps allow you to:
- View daily and historical generation
- Receive alerts if faults occur
- Compare your usage with your solar production
During installation, Solar Suffolk helps every customer set up and understand their monitoring dashboard so you’re always in control of your energy data.
Consider the Weather
If output is lower than usual, don’t forget the weather’s impact. Even on cloudy or rainy Suffolk days, your panels will still generate electricity – usually around 10%-25% of normal output. A temporary dip is usually nothing to worry about.
Still Unsure? We’re Here to Help
If you’ve checked everything and your system still doesn’t seem to be performing as expected, just give us a call. Our Solar Suffolk technical team is always happy to run diagnostics or book a maintenance visit.
Keep Your Solar System Running at Its Best
With regular checks and support from Solar Suffolk, you can feel confident that your system is working hard, helping you save money, increase grid independence, and lower your carbon footprint.
