Solar panels are a big investment, so it’s important to ensure your system is working properly. If it’s your first time relying on a solar panel system for your power supply, you might be wondering how to tell if your solar panels are working.
The solar panel experts at Solar Liberty share key insights about how to tell if your system is operating as expected.
Read Your Meter
Reading the meter is one of the easiest ways to check if your solar panels are working properly. Many solar energy systems come equipped with a meter that displays the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) generated by your solar panels. By regularly checking your meter, you can track how much energy your system is producing for your property.
When functioning properly, you may notice an increase in kWh during daylight hours while the sun shines. If you notice a consistent increase in kWh over time, it’s a sure sign that your solar panel system is in proper working condition.
Check the Inverter
The inverter is another key component of your solar energy system that is responsible for converting direct current (DC) electricity created by your solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity for your property. Most inverters have indicator lights to help you easily identify potential problems within your system.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with your inverter’s indicator light system and what each light means. In general, green lights are a good sign that everything works as it should, while red or flashing lights might point to a problem. Refer to your inverter’s manual or contact your solar panel installation experts if you notice any abnormalities.
Review Your Bill
Another great place to check and see that your solar panels are working properly is your energy bill. By comparing your current energy bill to past bills, you can see if any significant deviations may signify a problem with your panels. If your energy bills are higher than normal, it could mean that your solar panels aren’t producing enough electricity to offset your energy consumption.
While some fluctuations in your energy bill are normal, significant increases can indicate larger problems with your solar panel system. In this case, it’s best to have a solar panel expert assess your unit to determine the underlying cause for these billing discrepancies.
Consider the Weather
Finally, it’s important to consider how the weather may impact your solar panel performance. While solar panels are capable of generating electricity on cloudy days, they are most effective in direct sunlight. Decreases in performance during overcast or rainy days are entirely normal.
However, if your solar panels fail to perform as expected regardless of weather conditions, this could indicate a problem that needs further investigation from a skilled solar panel repair expert. Keep your eye on local weather conditions and monitor your solar energy system’s performance over time to determine whether it’s time to contact a professional for repairs or replacement.
Get Solar Panel Repair or Replacement with Solar Liberty!
Monitoring your solar panels’ performance is a great way to protect your investment and ensure your system works as expected. If, after reading your meter, checking the inverter, reviewing your bill, and considering the weather, you believe an issue exists with your solar panel system, contact the solar panel experts at Solar Liberty.
As the number one largest solar panel installer in New York State, our team is uniquely capable of identifying and addressing issues within your solar energy system. Our experienced, trained, and NABCEP-certified solar installers and electricians are prepared to diagnose and fix your solar panel problems, making expert replacement recommendations when necessary to ensure you always have the reliable power supply your property needs.
Request solar panel repair or replacement services by calling Solar Liberty at 866-807-3639!
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