How Do I Know How Much Electricity My Solar Panels Are Generating?- A Helpful Guide

In 2023, most solar panels will have a power output between 250 and 400 watts.

Figures are often listed next to the panel name and are typically “245W”, “300W”, or “345W”. They all refer to a solar panel’s wattage, capacity, and output.

But how do I know how much electricity my solar panels are generating?

On most solar panel systems, you can check how much they push into the grid by reading a small display on the inverter.

It could also be connected to a separate meter during installation, which can be read at small intervals.

You can inquire with your electric cooperative for further details, depending on where you live.

How Do I Know How Much Electricity My Solar Panels Are Generating?

A solar inverter converts DC power from your solar panels into AC power to supply your switchboard.

The power produced at that same moment is typically displayed on the screen, expressed in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW).

In some cases, your installer might have provided you with an online app that serves the same purpose.

For instance, a five-kilowatt system should produce almost 5000 watts at noon on a day without clouds.

Variations In Inverter Readings:

You may see how much power your system produces in the middle of the day by using readings in watts or kilowatts.

A system should produce close to its full output at about midday if there are no clouds in the sky and the ambient temperature is above 20 degrees.

Though this was rated under laboratory test settings of strong, direct sunlight and cool air, don’t be shocked if your inverter reports less power than your system’s total output.

The inverter may claim to be producing 80% of the system’s rated power, but if it has been producing 50% or less for a string of clear days, there is probably a problem, and you should contact your installer.

Calculating The Electricity Produced:

The only calculation required is multiplying the panel’s wattage by the number of peak sun hours daily.

A 370-watt solar panel can anticipate roughly 3.5 peak sun hours each day. This indicates that this panel would generate 1,295 watt-hours of electricity daily (1.3 kWh per day).

That’s how you can calculate how much electricity my solar panels generate.

Factors Affecting Power Generation:

How do I know how much electricity my solar panels generate?

You might already have an answer to your question by now, but some factors can cause variance in your readings.

The solar panel’s power output is directly influenced by the efficiency of the solar panel and the quantity and size of the solar cells in the solar panel.

Additional factors that affect how much power a panel will generate in the real world include:

Type Of Solar Panel:

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are the two primary types of solar panels that are frequently utilized for home and commercial applications.

In a nutshell, monocrystalline semiconductors are more efficient than polycrystalline semiconductors (by around 2–5 percent more).

Additionally, it produces good low light.

The Direction:

This is the second-most crucial element. You may not realize how crucial the angles and directions your roof faces are.

Your solar panels should face south at a 35-degree angle for maximum performance and efficiency.

Any obstructions or shadows on your roof must also be removed because they will reduce the effectiveness of the solar panels.

Seasons/Weather:

Efficiency and energy output may be affected by the time of year.

Because of the longer daylight hours in the summer, you can generate much more power, and winter is the opposite.

However, it’s also crucial to keep in mind that solar panels actually generate energy all year round because they work by absorbing light rather than heat.

Underperforming Solar Panels:

Accumulating dust on the panels can reduce their output significantly, so they should be cleaned regularly.

If necessary, a soft broom can be used to sweep away dirt, bird droppings, moss, or other items that accumulate on the panels after being rinsed off with water. Avoid using detergents.

A little shade can make a large difference in performance, and certain shading problems might not be discovered until after installation.

Watch out for antennae, electrical cables, and vines in addition to the apparent trees.

On hot summer days, your system may operate particularly poorly if your inverter is overheated.

Make sure the inverter’s heat sinks (fins) are clean and that nothing is placed on top of the inverter.

Additionally, your installer should have provided you with a maintenance schedule.

It’s a good idea to have your system professionally inspected at least every two years, even if it’s operating efficiently.

Checking electrical connections and panel mounting could prove extremely beneficial in the case of an underperforming solar panel.

Comparing your system to a nearby system of comparable size is one technique to evaluate its performance.

The total energy your system produces on a specific day, expressed in kilowatt-hours, is a good indicator. It is recommended to monitor daily energy close to sunset.

When the inverter is still running, there is not much further generation expected.

If you observe that your solar system is functioning noticeably poorer than similar systems, there might be a problem.

When troubleshooting a design, you should start by contacting your installer.

Conclusion:

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