How to Check if Solar Panels are Working

To make sure you are getting the most out of your solar panels, it is important to know how to check if they are working properly. Solar panels are extremely durable and are made to stand the test of time, but sometimes there can be technical problems limiting their performance. 

To ensure your solar panels are functioning properly here are 5 things you can check to get the most efficiency from your solar power system:

1. Check the Weather

Your solar can produce more energy depending on how much sunlight it is in contact with. While solar panels still produce energy on cloudy and rainy days, their operation capacity will be 10% to 25% less than normal

Cloudy and rainy days may be common, but on average, they won’t affect your overall return on investment. What matters most is how much sun your home receives year-round. 

2. Inspect your inverter

Your solar system’s inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity that solar panels generate into alternating current (AC) electricity to power your home. Sometimes, an underperforming solar system can be linked to a malfunctioning inverter.

If you find your inverters’ indicator lights flash red, call your solar company or inverter manufacturer so they can help you troubleshoot the problem. 

3. Check your solar meter

To find out how much power your solar panels are generating, make sure to check your solar meter. Your solar meter monitors your system’s production and shares this information with your solar company. As long as your kilowatt-hours are increasing, your solar panels should be working correctly. 

4. Review your electric bill

If your electric bills, after installing solar, still seem too high given the amount of power your solar panels should be producing, it’s possible that your solar panels are not performing correctly. 

5. Talk to your solar company

Not sure if your solar power system is working correctly? We stand behind our work with a 12-year workmanship warranty. For our clients with online monitoring, we will be alerted in the event of a system failure, allowing our in-house warranty specialist to respond quickly, getting to work on a solution to the problem. It’s a part of who we are as a company.

If rising electricity bills have you considering making the switch to solar, contact us today by emailing hello@amsunsolar.com or call us at 805-549-4008 to see how we can help you create a customized solar solution.

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