How to Fix Your Underperforming Solar System
When the cost of electricity started skyrocketing, and load-shedding became the norm, many people in the Overberg saw solar energy as a smart way to reduce their bills. Being as off the grid as possible topped many homeowners' to-do lists.
While some solar owners reaped the benefits of stepping away from Eskom, others were surprised when their systems didn’t cut costs as much as they thought they would.
If you are one of those people left disappointed by the sun’s performance, the good news is that in most cases, underperforming systems can be fixed with a few simple checks and adjustments.
Michael Rautenbach from AllSolar Overberg in Bredasdorp has seen it all when solar systems fall short of expectations, and is always on the ready with professional advice and solutions.
Four Reasons Solar Systems Underperform
Michael says, most of the time, when your solar system underperforms, it usually boils down to four things. Poor system design, not having a professional energy audit before installation, skipping maintenance, and ignoring your solar logs.
1. Poor System Design
Remember, a poorly designed solar system can cost you money.
If your inverter is too small for your household’s energy use, your system can’t keep up. For example, a family with a 3kW inverter that regularly uses 6kW during the day will still need to get electricity from the grid.
The same goes for panels. If they aren’t in the right spot, shade from a tree or a nearby building can mean your system produces less than it should, even on sunny days.
A well-planned system matches your energy habits and your roof’s seasonal conditions, so every panel and every watt works for you.
2. No Energy Audit Before Installation
An energy audit identifies your household’s energy use before you install solar.
Skip the audit, and you might end up with a system that’s too small when you’re baking, running the dishwasher, or hosting weekend guests, and too big at times when your home is mostly empty.
That’s wasted energy and money being poured down the drain.
3. Lack of Regular Maintenance
Solar panels are low-maintenance, but they’re not maintenance-free.
If you ignore the dust, leaves, and bird droppings, you shouldn’t expect miracles.
Regular checks and ongoing maintenance ensure that your system operates at peak efficiency.
4. Ignoring Your Solar Logs
Modern solar systems come with easy-to-use monitoring apps or logs. Unfortunately, many users don’t check them until there is a problem.
Small drops in performance can often be spotted early if you know what to look for, saving you headaches and money down the line.
How to Fix Underperforming Systems
Don’t panic. If your solar system is underperforming, call AllSolar Overberg!
Michael and his team will:
1. Inspect solar panels and the inverter to ensure that your inverter is sized correctly, and that nothing is obstructing sunlight.
2. Offer maintenance plans that include services such as panel cleaning, tightening loose wiring, and scheduling more intensive inspections if needed.
3. Review your energy habits and suggest a more effective usage plan. In most cases, using high-power appliances during the day when panels are producing most energy maximises savings.
4. Suggest upgrades that could include adding extra panels, upgrading your inverter or adding batteries.
The Bottom Line
Solar energy works best when the system is designed to match your energy use. It should be maintained regularly and monitored carefully.
Small tweaks and proactive checks often unlock the savings you expected when you first installed your system.
Book a consultation with Michael to ensure your solar system is performing 100%!
