Florida solar panel systems don’t typically need constant adjustments or maintenance, but it’s a good idea to use a solar monitoring system to keep an eye on your solar panel system performance. When you have a solar energy system installed, you should monitor the performance of the solar panels and inverters. Solar monitoring can be done with a mobile app and/or online portal which provides real-time data on how much electricity the system is producing, tracks historical weather and system performance, and detects any issues with your solar panel equipment.
What is Solar Monitoring?
Solar monitoring systems are designed to detect and notify problems with solar panels so that they can be fixed before the system goes offline. Solar monitoring systems are an important part of a solar energy system as it ensures your solar equipment is running smoothly and at full capacity.
With older solar systems and inverters, it was difficult to get any data on solar panel performance or electricity generation over time. You would literally need to read the data directly from the inverter and keep track of your electric production / usage manually.
How Solar Monitoring Works
Modern solar energy systems can be monitored by means of advanced tracking software connected to the inverter which tracks how much electricity they produce, as well as monitor their temperature, voltage, and other elements which may affect their performance. You can even track system performance conveniently through your phone on a mobile app.
At SEM Power, our partnerships with solar technology companies like Enphase Energy, SolarEdge, and SMA Solar enables you to monitor your solar array in real-time using a mobile app. You also receive monthly reports via email that summarize your energy production. The app allows you to see the effect of weather patterns and easily pinpoint production issues.
The Benefits of Solar Monitoring For Your Home
Solar Monitoring is more than just a tool. It’s a service that will save you money on energy bills and protect your home against solar energy system downtime. It’s important to note that power will still be available to your home if the solar array is down.
Parallel vs Central Inverter Setups
With a parallel microinveter setup such as the Enphase micro inverter system, each panel has an individual inverter so that if one inverter goes down the remaining inverters on the system will continue to produce power. With a central inverter setup, if a single inverter goes out, the entire system is down.
Image credit: Enphase Energy
Monitoring your solar panels can help you to optimize your home energy costs.
Homeowners are starting to invest in solar panels for their homes. These panels can save homeowners money on their monthly utility bills, but they also provide other benefits. Monitoring the solar panel usage remotely is just one of these. Monitoring your solar panels can help you better understand and optimize the amount of time you’re paying for power, and adjust your energy consumption during peak daylight hours.
Protect Your Home With Solar Monitoring
One of the most important benefits of solar monitoring is that it can protect your home against power outages. If something goes wrong with the system, an alert system will direct you to the issue straight away.
In addition to detecting issues with solar equipment, solar monitoring systems can pinpoint repair solutions for the energy system equipment. Solar monitoring systems can also keep track of historical weather data. This data is valuable to homeowners since they can forecast how ongoing weather patterns might affect the overall energy production from their solar panel system.
Leveling Your Energy Costs
Another benefit to going solar is what the involves leveling your energy costs. This involves stabilizing your electric rate through renewable energy.
In August 2021, both Duke Energy and TECO announced they are raising their base electricity rates due to rising natural gas prices. If this rate increase settlement is approved by the Florida Public Service Commission most TECO residential energy customers would experience a 14 percent higher utility bill starting in January2021.
However, once you go solar, you have locked in your energy costs based on the cost of your system. It can never go up! The average solar installation cost in Tampa is typically less than the cost of a monthly electric bill after tax incentives are factored in. Plus, you’ll save money by generating your own electricity. Florida offers ways to offset your total cost through:
- Generous solar incentives
- Solar Rebates
- Tax credits
- Tax exemptions
Conclusion: Why You Should Monitor Your Solar Power Right Now
You should install and monitor your solar power right now. This is because solar incentives and benefits are constantly changing and you don’t want to be left out.
In December 2020, Congress passed an extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a 26% tax credit for systems installed in 2020-2022, and a 22% credit for systems installed in 2023. The tax credit expires starting in 2024 unless Congress renews it.
Contact SEM Power to learn more about solar monitoring for your Florida home
Are you in need of solar monitoring for your Florida home or business? Trust SEM Power in Tampa, Florida, to help you get your solar panels in tip top shape. We offer all types of services, including solar panel installation, solar pool heating installation, and a variety of troubleshooting and maintenance services. Call us today to get started!