Voltage increases causing solar systems to underperform
Over the summer months we have been made aware of several solar pv systems dropping out at peak times. This is due to an increase in the distributed voltage supplied into properties. A standard installation should be between 207-253 volts with the average being 242 volts. With solar inverters the upper tolerance is set at 233 Volts to match the maximum grid parameters but we have tested installations way in excess of this. This is causing some solar systems to underperform as it can cause the inverter to knock off when certain high voltages are reached. In all cases, we have recommended a voltage optimisation unit.
Voltage Optimisation works to reduce and stabilise the incoming voltage to a property and so reduce the amount of electricity used.
If you have a solar pv system installed in your property, it would be advantageous to monitor the levels of generation and contact us if you see any unexplained drops in performance. We are seeing this most on very sunny days – The days when you should be generating the most from your solar panels. As part of our solar maintenance packages, this is something we will be checking for to help you protect your investment and ensure you are getting the most from your solar pv system.
If you have concerns about your solar panel performance or would like to find out more about voltage optimisation and how it can work for you, please call us on 01226 763 127 for a free, no obligation quotation. You can also visit our Voltage Optimisation page on our website.