What is solar data monitoring?

Solar data monitoring allows you (and us!) to see the performance of your system on a website or phone app. The monitoring platform you have depends on the type of inverter your system has and connects through the internet in your home.

All data monitoring sites are slightly different, but you can expect to see exactly how much electricity your system is producing, and track your environmental benefits since the solar system installation. In intervals of 15 minutes or less, the monitoring system records and presents your system’s daily, monthly, and annual performance using easy-to-understand diagrams and graphs. Some systems also have the ability to show you the individual performance of each solar module in an “array view” (systems with microinverters or optimizers). 

Solar data monitoring is the best way to keep an eye on the health of your system and take the first step in diagnosing issues. 

Getting started:

Once your photovoltaic (PV) system is operational and producing energy, TFS will schedule an in-person data monitoring walkthrough appointment at your home. This appointment will last 1-2 hours, depending on how much information you would like! 

The appointment will start with the technician connecting your system to the home internet and the data monitoring website. Once it is connected, our tech will help you gain access too. This will give you a chance to ask questions about your system, how to use the monitoring, and how to understand what you are seeing. 

Your system’s data will start accumulating after this appointment. 

How does TFS use it?

For the first 10 years after your installation, TFS proactively monitors your system using alerts and data that we get from the data monitoring platform.* We run regular reports (at least once per month) which allow the Data Monitoring and Service team to detect connection and production issues with your system.

If TFS detects a connection or production issue with your system, we will reach out to you. Our first step is almost always collaborating with you to take basic troubleshooting steps since this is the fastest way to resolve an issue. If the issue cannot be resolved this way, we will coordinate with you to schedule an appointment.

*Not all monitoring platforms have the ability for TFS to monitor your system proactively. If you have a Tesla or SunPower monitoring system, TFS is unable to offer proactive monitoring. 

How can I use it?

Assure Optimal Performance – Track your system performance and connectivity to make sure your system is performing its best for you. During your first 10 years, TFS will proactively monitor the system for you, but we always recommend you check it too!* Due to the large volume of systems TFS is monitoring, if you are checking your system regularly, you may be able to catch an issue before us! You can also (depending on the monitoring platform) set up regular monitoring alerts and reports to track performance.

Monitor Solar Savings – Understand the financial benefits of your PV system by tracking how much you have saved over the lifetime of your system. Some data monitoring portals will do rough calculations for you, but you can also visit our Understanding Your Utility Bill page to learn how to use your bill and solar monitoring for a complete picture of your savings. 

Quantify Environmental Impact – Data monitoring makes it easy for you, your family, and friends to understand the environmental benefits of your system. How much CO2 reduction has your system caused so far? 

*Not all monitoring platforms have the ability for TFS to monitor your system proactively. If you have a Tesla or SunPower monitoring system, TFS is unable to offer proactive monitoring. 

How does the utility company use it?

It is important to remember that the Utility company does not use your data monitoring system! They do not have access to it and it will never be used for billing. They get all of their information from external meters on the outside of your home that they install. This means that if your data monitoring loses connection for a period of time, it will not affect your bill.

The information on the data monitoring platform is typically very accurate (unless there are interruptions in the internet), but the meters that the utility company uses are what is called “revenue grade”. This means they have to follow a much more strict set of guidelines, and the data they receive and send is more accurate than the data showing on your monitoring website. 

Solar Data Monitoring Examples