How monitoring saves more
Monitoring is a key part of saving more in Solar PV and battery storage installations. The problem is that in both residential and business instances it is time consuming, complicated and challenging due to some of the software that exists in the market.
Automation Solar has designed in capabilities that monitor Solar PV and battery storage installations to then make decisions on optimisation. Using artificial intelligence Automation Solar can use monitoring data to benefit users 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, without any human input.
Part of the Set Up Fee is used to monitor the system initially and start building the energy demand. This monitoring is ongoing and builds further pictures on solar PV generation and battery storage cycling.
One key part of any Solar pV and battery storage installation is the batteries and keeping them at optimal temperature, capacity and discharge rates.
Register to start saving
Monitoring to save more
Monitoring systems play a crucial role in maximizing the efficiency, performance, and savings of solar PV and battery storage installations. By providing real-time insights, detecting inefficiencies, and optimizing energy usage, monitoring ensures that homeowners and businesses get the best return on their investment. Here’s how:
1. Real-Time Performance Tracking
- Monitoring systems provide live data on solar generation, battery charge levels, and energy consumption.
- Users can adjust energy usage in real time to maximize self-consumption of solar energy and reduce grid reliance.
- Example: If the system detects high solar production during the day, users can run appliances like washing machines or EV chargers instead of exporting excess energy to the grid.
2. Early Fault Detection and Maintenance Alerts
- Undetected issues such as panel shading, inverter malfunctions, or battery degradation can significantly reduce system efficiency.
- Monitoring systems send automatic alerts when performance drops, allowing for quick troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Example: If one panel underperforms due to dust or shading, the system notifies the user, preventing long-term energy loss.
3. Optimizing Battery Usage for Maximum Savings
- Smart monitoring ensures the battery charges when solar production is high and discharges during peak grid tariff hours.
- Some systems use AI-driven predictive analytics to forecast demand and automatically adjust battery settings for optimal savings.
- Example: If grid electricity is expensive in the evening, the system prioritizes using stored solar power rather than drawing from the grid.
4. Reducing Grid Dependency & Maximizing Export Revenue
- Monitoring helps track energy imports and exports, allowing users to minimize expensive grid purchases and maximize Feed-in Tariff or export payments.
- Example: If the system detects excess solar generation, users can choose to store it in the battery or sell it back to the grid when rates are high.
5. Enhancing Participation in Smart Tariffs & Demand Response Programs
- Many energy suppliers offer time-of-use tariffs where electricity prices fluctuate throughout the day.
- Monitoring systems integrate with smart tariffs to schedule energy use when electricity is cheapest.
- Example: The system can automatically shift battery discharge to avoid peak rates, saving hundreds per year.
6. Improving System ROI & Long-Term Financial Benefits
- By maintaining optimal system performance and reducing inefficiencies, monitoring accelerates return on investment (ROI).
- Businesses and homeowners can extend the lifespan of solar and battery components by identifying and addressing performance issues early.
Conclusion
Investing in a solar PV monitoring system ensures maximum energy savings, improved efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Whether it's a homeowner optimizing self-consumption or a business leveraging smart energy management, monitoring is the key to unlocking the full potential of solar power and battery storage.