The investment in your solar panels is expected to last you multiple decades, so investing a little money for peace of mind (literally) goes a long way. Today, the majority of solar PV systems in developed countries are either commissioned with an app or can be retrospectively connected to one that provides insight into generation and usage (often battery behaviour) in real time. For Solar Panel Installation Bristol, visit https://redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-bristol/
Typical metrics tracked by solar monitoring apps:
- Learn about solar generation (what you make)
This is the headline number: how many kWh your panels produce.
Most apps show:
Real-time outputs (what you are creating today)
Daily, monthly, and yearly totals
Charts of seasons past, so that you can compare
Why this is useful: you can quickly identify dips that may indicate shading, dirt bloom, a problem with the system (a fault), or an issue between one solar panel string and another – an inverter issue.
- Domestic usage, i.e., the consumption of your home
If you have a system with a consumption monitor/CT clamp, an app could display how much electricity your house uses in KWh.
Track energy usage to see when you are more wasteful and time power use accordingly; so as an example, using most of your power in the day because the sun is out.
- Self-consumption vs export
Many apps break down:
Solar used
The amount sent to the grid
For those who are exporting quite a bit, it may be worth considering moving usage (washing machine, dishwasher) during the daytime or looking into battery storage.
4. Battery performance
Battery-enabled apps often show:
State of charge (percentage)
Charge/discharge power
How is solar vs grid energy?
Backup mode status (if supported)
Why this is good: lets you know if the battery is being charged on schedule and evening time usage.
- Inverter details and error warning
The inverter is the brain of the whole system. Apps commonly provide:
Inverter online/offline status
Error codes or warnings
Notifications if the generation drops unexpectedly
Useful for: After all, inverter faults can reduce outputs to practically nil, and you might not notice that on your bills for weeks.
Why monitoring matters (beyond curiosity)
A good app helps you with:
Ensuring your system has not gone bonkers
Avoid fund ruin (and establish your savings)
Improve self-consumption by timing appliances
Seasonal performance (UK winter vs summer)
Warranty support with proof
The takeaway
Now solar monitoring solutions are making your PV system less of a set-and-forget purchase, turning it into one you can actually optimise. Simple alterations, e.g., doing the laundry in the middle of the day to align with available sunlight, actually aid you in being able to better predict and save from your solar energy savings.
