Solar auditing is a comprehensive process that assesses the performance, safety, and compliance of solar energy systems. It ensures systems operate at peak efficiency and meet regulatory and warranty standards, contributing to optimal energy savings and return on investment
- Analyze the actual energy produced by the system compared to projected output based on the solar array’s specifications, location, and orientation.
- Identify potential drops in efficiency due to panel degradation, shading, inverter performance, or environmental factors that could impact output.
- Calculate the Performance Ratio, which is the ratio of actual output to theoretical maximum output under standard conditions, adjusting for irradiance and temperature. The PR is a key metric in gauging system efficiency.
- Check for any physical damage to the panels, such as cracks, delamination, or discoloration, which can reduce performance.
- Inspect the structural integrity of the mounting system, including bolts, racks, and brackets, to ensure that the panels are secure and have not shifted.
- Conduct a shading analysis to detect any obstructions that may have developed since installation, such as tree growth or nearby construction.
- Measure voltage and current at various points in the system, including panel output, inverter input/output, and connections to ensure consistency and detect any component failures.
- Inspect the grounding to confirm that the system is safely connected to avoid electrical shock risks and protect against surges.
- Measure insulation resistance in the wiring and components to detect any degradation or potential faults that could lead to system failures.
- Check the inverter for any error messages, efficiency losses, or performance issues, as inverters can be responsible for significant system losses if not functioning correctly.
- If the system includes battery storage, assess battery health, capacity, and charge cycles. Any degradation in the battery can impact storage and backup capabilities.
- If the system includes a monitoring system, analyze historical data for irregularities, dips in performance, or faults.
- Ensure that sensors and meters are accurately recording solar irradiance, temperature, and other factors to provide precise performance tracking.
- Confirm that the system complies with local regulations and codes, such as electrical codes, fire safety requirements, and structural standards.
- Review warranty terms for components like panels, inverters, and batteries. Maintaining system components in line with these requirements is essential to uphold warranties and insurance coverage.
- Calculate the financial performance by comparing expected savings or revenue to actual returns. This includes evaluating savings from utility bills, feed-in tariffs, and any other financial incentives.
- Assess if the system is on track to achieve its anticipated payback period and ROI, accounting for any maintenance costs or performance variations.
- Based on audit findings, provide actionable maintenance recommendations, which could include panel cleaning, component replacement, wiring repairs, or software updates. Regular maintenance can correct minor issues before they lead to significant performance drops or failures.
