PVBuddy is a solar health check solution that allows you to easily monitor how well your system is doing, giving accurate readings quickly without having to shut down the system during test unless absolutely necessary. Say goodbye to costly repairs and maintenance bills!
If you are in California with a 5kW PV system, this translates to USD 700 to $4,000 per year of unharvested solar energy!
You have invested significant amount in your PV solar system. You deserve to make it work hard for you.
The range of solar energy loss due to poor maintenance is typically between 5 to 15% and in extreme case, up to 30%.
The key points are:
- Soiling (buildup of dust and debris) can lead to 5-7% losses, with higher losses in dry, dusty regions and lower losses in areas with frequent rain.
- Regular cleaning (1-3 times per year) can reduce soiling losses to 1-2% on average.
- Shading from objects like trees, buildings, or bird droppings can cause 7% system losses, which can be mitigated by using module-level power electronics.
- Snow cover can lead to 10-30% losses for fixed-tilt systems, depending on location and panel tilt.
- Overall, well-maintained solar systems can see 5-7% losses due to soiling and shading, while poorly maintained systems can see losses up to 15%.
PVBuddy can help you detect to harvest the generated energy arising from your strings or modules. The mobile app keeps track of present and historical data to empower you with knowledge on appropriate response; early detection thus saves you money and energy with each resolution. Clean energy checking used to be complex and hazardous; PVBuddy makes it easy and safe to check.
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It's so easy ...
A confession: setup of PVBuddy app may take some getting used to. But after the initial one-time configuration, it's a simple 3-step process. Here is illustration of the first of 3 modes in String Watt test mode.
String Watt mode
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Checks with Inverter
In String Watt mode, the user entry value of inverter reading is compared with the computed expected value to determine the deviation from expected. This String Watt mode is particularly useful to monitor power trend behaviour or shading alert from objects onto the string(s) under test.
Bonus tip: Savvy users can use this mode to time when to clean the strings of modules or even check the PV system remotely for signs of any degradation (we tested at up to 10km distance) before getting on site and hands on with the next test modes already built in PVBuddy.
The other two test steps are illustrated here as String Amp / Module Amp modes.
PVBuddy Mobile App
By now you will realize you only need three main items (App, Sensor and optional Clamp meter) to fully realize the potential of PVBuddy to check the health of your PV solar system.
Learn more of the mobile app here or you can directly download app at google Playstore here.
Note: Phone Android OS version 13 and above is recommended. Google resources may be limited with some lower version phones.
