How often should peak output be hit?

[MikeXl426]

Hi

Ok, I know that temperature makes a difference but I've got a customer 'commenting' that the 3.36kWp system I put in hasn't hit 3kW yet.

I was wondering if anyone had any indicators whether I should be concerned or not. All commissioning tests proved OK etc. We've had a few good days of weather so I was after opinions from you folks to guide me whether I should investigate yet....or just wait until a cold sunny day appears and then see what it does. The system faces SW on 30degree roof. No shading issues.

Thanks

 

[Worcester]

Have you measured the irradiance?

And how do they know it hasn't? what monitoring system have you installed?

The clouds fly over where we are and literally in seconds the output can drop by 80%.

 

[MikeXl426]

Admittedly, he's yet to download latest data for past week. Using SMA/Sunnybeam viewer. I may be just fretting as I said he had 'commented', not complained. Saturday was a very blue-sky day but hot so output would be lowered.

I'll wait a while and have a closer look at data etc if the comment becomes a complaint.

Mike

 

[Worcester]

Don't wait!

We always go back and do a follow up call, so why not hook up your laptop and use Sunny Explorer, download the data and analyse it and discuss it at your leisure? - Rather than wait for a complaint give him more than he expects!

 

[SolarCity]

What inverter are you using?

 

[MorganPVI]

We've seen some 3,76kwp arrays producing 3.9kw

Irradiance is 1100 - 1200

 

[Graeme Harrold]

My 3.92KW system has been out performing too. COuple of days where peaks of 4.2 were found. With SMA the only way to get a true and live picture of the SMA inverter is to use Explorer. The data on the Sunnybeam is a 5 minute average sample rate, should be hitting peak though (dependant on weather.)

 

[MikeXl426]

Interesting points. Worcester...thanks for the advice ... pro-active better than reactive!

 

[SolarCity]

We installed a 2kWp system with 8no. 250w Sanyo panels and it went over 2100w within minutes. This was with scaffold still erected and still shading some of the array. Couldn't believe it.