Following our various environmental reports, many of our clients have gone on to install solar PV panels. That is a great thing and an even a better thing is to monitor the performance of those panels. We had a chat with Solar Dynamics who design, install and maintain solar energy systems for homes, independent businesses, nationwide company sites and public sector organisations. Here’s what they say about monitoring.
Consider monitoring of your solar PV and battery system
Commercial Solar PV and storage offers huge savings on energy costs and carbon reduction—if installed correctly. But choosing cheap systems and skipping ‘back to base’ monitoring can turn a smart investment into a costly mistake.
The hidden dangers of poor monitoring
Solar PV systems operate typically with 500-1000V DC and 400V AC three-phase power, often in harsh environments. A single undetected fault can generate excessive heat, posing a risk. Worse, if multiple DC faults occur or panels are damaged, dangerously high voltages can build up without being detected.
Routine maintenance alone isn’t enough
Routine maintenance can address these issues—but only if faults are detected in time. Without real-time monitoring, faults can go unnoticed for years, leading to:
- Lost energy savings
- Missed carbon offset gains
- Increased safety risks
Solar Dynamics has been asked to maintain many ‘orphan systems’—installations where the original installer is no longer around—and often uncover faults that have gone undetected for years, affecting both performance and safety.
Why monitoring is essential
Comprehensive monitoring ensures:
- Early detection of faults
- Quick, safe rectification
- Maximum energy efficiency and carbon savings
Without real-time monitoring, you’re gambling with your system’s safety and performance. Some of the things that can go wrong include
Solar Dynamics: Safety and performance you can trust
At Solar Dynamics, we install monitoring systems on all projects, from small 5kWp arrays to large 200kWp+ systems. We know that safety is as important as financial returns and carbon offset benefits.
Protect your investment
Opting for cheap solar without monitoring and expert maintenance might save money upfront but can cost far more over time. Protect your system, your savings, and the environment by choosing a provider who values safety, performance, and long-term reliability.
Advice for choosing a solar PV installer
- Choose high-quality panels that are designed for your specific environment. Just because a panel looks good on paper doesn’t mean it’s right for your location. Different environments require different panel specifications. For example, if your site is exposed to salt mist, ammonia, or high winds, standard panels might degrade faster.
- Work with experienced professionals who can recommend the best products for your site. Cheaper panels may also underperform at high temperatures, develop hot spots, or suffer from delamination (where the protective layers peel off, leaving the panel vulnerable).
- Verify the manufacturer’s reputation for ethical practices. Some low-cost panels are manufactured in regions where forced labour is a concern—an ethical red flag you definitely don’t want associated with your sustainability efforts. On average, solar PV systems carry an embedded carbon footprint of around 750 kg/kW. Look for companies whose offset programs are registered with reputable global organizations such as the United Nations.
With Solar Dynamics, your system is always in safe hands. We are happy to offer free advice 01403 622700 or have a look at our website: www.solardynamics.co.uk