It was a glorious sunny day when I unveiled my newly installed solar system. Gleaming solar panels adorned my roof, and a sleek inverter box graced my garage wall. Excited to embark on an energy-independent journey, a tiny doubt lingered: were the numbers adding up?
As a DIY enthusiast and environment lover, I had spent weeks planning and installing my solar system. But as a responsible self-contractor, I knew I should verify if my installation was running optimally. Enter PVBuddy Solar Check device — a game-changer for solar enthusiasts like me.
I started by examining energy production, comparing the numbers with PVBuddy's data. A 7% discrepancy caught my attention — not enormous but enough to warrant investigation. Switching to "String Amp" mode, I examined each panel string and found one was weaker than expected.
Isolating the underperforming string, I focused on each panel until PVBuddy revealed the culprit: a poorly connected module. Fixing the connection, I restarted the system and held my breath as I rechecked the numbers. This time, the kWh reading matched the inverter's — a relief!
Entire PVBuddy solution comes as a pocket sized Irradiance Sensor, any USB power bank, my mobile phone plus App with occasional use of clamp meter. This gadget ensured my solar investment performed optimally and gave me peace of mind.
Sipping a well-deserved beer on my porch, I admired the solar panels against the sunset sky. With PVBuddy by my side, I'm confident in maintaining and understanding my solar system.
For solar enthusiasts and newbie DIYers, here's my advice: trust your instincts, believe in yourself, and embrace technology like PVBuddy. When the sun sets on your day, and your solar panels rest, you can unwind knowing you've made a difference — one panel, one string, one solar system at a time.
Watch video on John's journey with PVBuddy below:
