How do i know if my solar panels are working

how to check if my solar panels are working properly and what to do if not
Here are some steps you can take to check if your solar panels are working:

1. Inspect your inverter: The inverter is the heart of your solar system and converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that your household can use. 
   
   If the inverter malfunctions, your solar panels will not work.

• If your inverter has a display, check the status lights.
  
  A green light typically means that everything is okay, an orange light means that there may be a potential issue, and a flashing red light indicates that there is a serious problem with the system.
• If you notice any red or orange lights on your inverter, contact a qualified solar technician to have your system inspected.

2. Examine your electric meter: Your electric meter measures how much electricity your home consumes. 
   
   If your solar panels are working properly, you should see a decrease in your electricity consumption, as the panels will be generating some or all of the electricity your house needs.

• On a sunny day, if your electric meter is still showing that you are drawing power from the grid, there may be an issue with your solar installation.
• If you notice a significant increase in your electricity consumption, this could be a sign that your solar panels are not working properly.

3. Review your electric bill: One of the main reasons people install solar panels is to save money on their electricity bills. 
   
   If your solar panels are working correctly, your utility bill should be significantly lower than it was before you had the system installed.

• If your utility bills start to increase again, this could be a sign that your solar panels are not working as efficiently as they should.

4. Check the weather: The amount of electricity that your solar panels generate depends on the amount of sunshine they receive. 
   
   Cloudy or rainy days will typically produce less electricity than sunny days.

• If you notice that your power generation has decreased significantly, this could be due to bad weather. 
  
  However, if your power generation remains low even on sunny days, this could be a sign that there is an issue with your solar panels.

5. Remove any obstructions: Anything that blocks sunlight from hitting your solar panels can lower their efficiency. 
   
   Even a small amount of shade can affect the performance of your entire system.

• Trim any overhanging tree branches that could be shading your solar panels.
• Wash your solar panels regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris.

If you follow these steps and still can’t determine if your solar panels are working properly, it’s advisable to contact a qualified solar technician to inspect your system and identify any issues.