Solar equipment has come a long way in recent years and has received many upgrades to bring it into the modern era. One such upgrade is the addition of monitoring apps that homeowners can easily use to keep track of their system’s performance. Generally speaking, a solar power system can run just fine on its own with little interference from you. So why should you care about monitoring your inverter and using the app or web portal to monitor your system’s production? Keep reading to learn just a few reasons.
When it comes to solar power, efficiency is one of the most important features of your system. However, many things can interrupt the efficiency of your system’s production, including things as simple as partial shading of your solar array. Utilizing those monitoring apps that inverters now provide can allow you to spot any unexpected drops in efficiency. You can then use that information to try to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem and fix it.
For example, if you see a dip in your efficiency at a certain time of day, you can step out into your backyard and examine the panels. You might notice that a branch has now grown out far enough to shade a couple of panels. Then, you’ll be able to trim that branch back and get your system back to optimum efficiency again.
Inverters can display error messages on the unit’s front screen. However, most people aren’t checking their inverter’s display every day. If you have a different way to monitor your system (such as on your phone), you can quickly be notified of errors via a popup notification. This allows you to address the problem quickly so that you can avoid loss of power or reduced power production due to the error. It may even help you avoid damage to some of your equipment in the long run.
Finally, it’s important to remember that a little knowledge can go a long way. These advanced monitoring apps show you not only your power production but your consumption as well. This can help you be more aware of your energy usage so that you can make more energy-efficient decisions, reduce your power consumption, and truly get the most from your Fronius inverter and solar power system.