Smart solar panels versus traditional panels: key differences
Smart solar panels represent the latest innovation in solar energy solutions. Unlike traditional panels, smart panels are equipped with advanced technologies such as built-in sensors, monitoring systems, and communication capabilities. These features enhance performance and functionality, allowing for more efficient energy production and management. In this article, we’ll run through the key factors that set smart panels apart from traditional ones, then discuss cost, future-proofing, and other factors.
What makes a panel smart?
Smart solar panels and traditional solar panels both aim to harness solar energy efficiently, but they do so using different technologies and functionalities. Smart solar panels, like SolarEdge’s Smart Panels with in-built power optimiser, incorporate advanced technologies such as real-time monitoring, remote troubleshooting, advanced safety, and shade mitigation.
At the heart of each smart panel is a Power Optimiser, a device that acts like a mini-computer. This power optimiser significantly enhances the panel's efficiency and electricity production by constantly monitoring the panel’s performance and adjusting its operations to maximise power output, even in less-than-ideal conditions. SolarEdge Smart Panels also come with a 25-year warranty, which is the same as most panels.
Traditional solar panels, on the other hand, typically operate using a simpler string inverter system. In this setup, multiple panels are connected in a series, and the performance of the entire string can be affected by the weakest panel—if one panel is shaded or dirty, the overall energy production of the entire string can drop. Unlike smart panels with individual monitoring, traditional panels lack the capability to optimise performance on a panel-by-panel basis. This means they are less efficient in varying conditions, leading to lower overall energy yields compared to smart solar panels.
Extra benefits offered by smart panels
The integration of power optimisers in smart solar panels brings significant safety benefits. These optimisers can automatically shut off the power from an individual panel in case of a fault or during maintenance, reducing the risk of electrical hazards. The ease of monitoring provided by smart panels also allows homeowners to track the performance of each panel individually, ensuring quick identification and resolution of issues. This contrasts with traditional panels, where identifying and troubleshooting problems is more complex and less efficient. Technological advancements in smart solar panels provide a more efficient, safer, and easier-to-manage solution for solar energy systems.
Remote troubleshooting and maintenance
One of the standout features of smart solar panels is their ability to identify and diagnose system issues remotely. Traditional solar panels require manual inspections and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and costly. In contrast, smart solar panels that use Power Optimisers have built-in sensors and monitoring systems to detect issues such as shading, dirt accumulation, or electrical faults. This information is sent to a central monitoring platform, allowing for quick identification and resolution of problems by your installation company.
Remote troubleshooting significantly reduces downtime and maintenance costs. Technicians may be able to resolve issues without visiting the site, thanks to detailed diagnostics and actionable insights provided by the smart system—this is possible with the mySolarEdge app, for example. This leads to more efficient maintenance schedules, ensuring that your solar energy system operates at peak performance with minimal interruptions.
Shade performance optimisation
Traditional panels often suffer from significant energy loss when partially shaded. In contrast, smart panels equipped with power optimisers can mitigate these losses by adjusting the performance of each panel individually. This ensures that the entire system continues to operate efficiently, even if some panels are shaded. By continuously monitoring and adjusting to environmental changes, smart solar panels ensure optimal performance throughout the year.
Integration with smart home systems
Another significant advantage of smart solar systems is their ability to integrate seamlessly with smart home automation systems. This integration allows homeowners to control, monitor, and optimise their energy usage from a single platform. Smart solar systems can communicate with other smart home devices, such as thermostats, lighting systems, energy storage and EV chargers, to synchronise energy consumption with solar energy production.
There are many benefits to smart home integration—users can schedule energy-intensive tasks, like running a dishwasher or charging an electric vehicle, during peak solar production hours. This maximises self-consumption of solar energy, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering energy bills. Integration with mySolarEdge and other smart home systems allows for better management of energy storage, ensuring that batteries are charged optimally and used efficiently.
Cost considerations and return on investment
When evaluating the cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of smart solar panels compared to traditional panels, several factors are key. While smart solar panels fitted with Power Optimisers typically have higher upfront costs due to their advanced technology, the long-term savings and benefits often justify the initial investment. In fact, smart panels equipped with Power Optimisers yield between 5 to 10% more than panels without optimisers. This can mean hundreds of dollars in additional savings, per panel, over the panel’s lifetime.
As discussed earlier, SolarEdge Smart Panels include power optimisers that work tirelessly throughout the year to maximise energy yield. The additional cost of these optimisers, approximately $100 to $120 per panel, translates to less than $5 per panel per year over a 25-year lifespan. This is comparable to the price of a cup of coffee per panel annually. Given the substantial benefits, including increased energy production, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced system reliability, making your panels smarter through the use of Power Optimisers is a wise investment.
Planning for the future
Smart solar panels are designed with future expansion in mind. SolarEdge's DC-coupled architecture allows for easy addition of more solar panels and batteries as energy consumption or technological advancements change. This scalability ensures that your solar investment grows with you, adapting to your evolving energy needs and lifestyle changes.
Future-proofing your energy system with SolarEdge means you are always prepared to meet your energy demands, both now and in the future. The ability to expand your system seamlessly provides long-term flexibility and enhances the overall value of your solar energy investment.
Ready to explore the benefits of smart solar panels? Get in touch with a SolarEdge authorised installer to discuss your options and find the right solution for your home or business. Got a question? Contact our team now.
