Overview: how do I monitor my PV installation?

Whether to calculate the efficiency of your installation, keep an eye on your production, or detect any malfunctions as early as possible, you want access to the data concerning your solar panels. However, among the online offers, all-in-one components, and management software, you might feel lost. Here is a summary of the main monitoring solutions available to you.

The EDF Data Logger

Directly connected to the network meter, it allows you to retrieve data concerning your installation's production. On some models, it is possible to connect sunlight sensors or thermometers to supplement this raw data. The EDF logger has the advantage of being inexpensive and adaptable to all brands. However, the data transmitted is general and does not, for example, allow you to distinguish between inverters if you have several, nor does it inform you in real-time of a malfunction in your installation.

Recording Systems Integrated into Components

Some inverters allow the recording and processing of information about your installation by connecting to data loggers. The brand SMA offers such a product for its inverters. The Sunny WebBox records production data from an SMA inverter, communicating via RS485. The data is then transmitted to a server accessible from the internet or a local PC. The advantage of this kind of system is that it not only allows a more detailed analysis of the data than an EDF logger but can also alert you by SMS in case of a malfunction in the installation, allowing you to react quickly. Although primarily aimed at solar plants, Sunny WebBox can also be suitable for residential installations.

However, SMA offers a second type of solution that might be more suitable for small installations and is even simpler to use since it works with Bluetooth with the inverter and does not require any particular installation: the Sunny Beam. It allows access to data from your installation via a digital display. This way, you always have the power curve and daily production of your panels in view. Other data available includes the power of the inverter(s), the energy efficiency of your installation in €, and the avoided CO₂ emissions.

The Sunny systems from SMA are complemented by an internet portal of the same name, which allows easy management for new producers with access to graphical reports and receiving installation information by email.

Finally, note that some optimizers also allow for installation monitoring, integrating an MMU that collects the data and sends it online for processing, such as the Tigo Energy optimizers. For more information, read our article on this topic.

Independent Recorders

These are data loggers or Dataloggers compatible with different inverters. They are multi-brand solutions that often offer more personalized and complete information processing solutions. Among them, the MaxWeb xp Ethernet recorder allows independent recording of data related to the installation's efficiency and production. The data is then accessible online, allowing you to keep an eye on your installation at all times.

Online Solutions

These are data processing solutions collected via a web platform, which allows the creation of personalized reports, email or SMS alerts in case of malfunctions, and even maintenance or troubleshooting advice.

PV soft offers this online monitoring and processes the data in the form of dashboards and reports sent regularly. Compatible with the main market boxes, it requires a connection via an internet line or a mobile network. It allows precise monitoring of the different components.

These kinds of solutions work with a monthly or annual subscription, with different plans available. PV Soft, for its part, offers a free discovery package with limited features but which allows you to test the platform before subscribing to a paid plan.

Watch My PV is another online solution that allows you to compare your production with the expected production of an installation with the same characteristics as yours. This way, you can spot different malfunctions. In case of a problem, Watch My PV provides a list of technical points to check on your installation, allowing for simple and quick resolution of minor issues. The platform works without a connection to your installation, simply by entering the data. A discovery offer is also available for 9 euros per month.

Have you tested any of these solutions? Give us your feedback!

All rights reserved