Quick Reference Guide

Transcription

1 Quick Reference Guide Welcome to your monitoring portal! This website is a great way to view your photovoltaic (PV) system s energy generation. This guide has been designed to provide you with information about the monitoring website and its features. For additional information, please contact your installation or leasing company (See the Frequently Asked Questions section for information on how to contact them). Home Page The Home page shows information about your PV system s current power production and energy generation over time. Click on the Home tab to return to this page Current Generation / Net Meter Your dashboard is customized to display the following meters: Instantaneous Power or Generation Your dashboard will display only one of these meters. Both meters represent the current power production of the PV system. OR Generated to Date This meter represents the lifetime energy production of the PV system to date. 1

2 Load This meter is displayed only for systems with energy consumption monitoring and represents the current power consumption of the building. Net Meter This meter accompanies the Load meter for systems with consumption monitoring and represents utility-side interaction: If the readings are positive: The building is consuming more power than the PV system is generating and, as a result, power is being pulled from the utility grid. If the readings are negative: The building is consuming less power than the PV system is generating and, as a result, power is being sent to the utility grid. 2 Generation Graphs Depending on the configuration of your PV system, your dashboard will display one or both of the following graphs: Historical Generation This graph displays the energy generation of the PV system over a period of time. Energy Consumption vs. Production For systems with consumption monitoring, this graph displays the energy generation of your PV system, building energy consumption, and energy sent back to the grid over a period of time. Generated & Sold: This series displays the amount of energy produced by your PV system that is not consumed by the building, and is instead pushed to the utility grid. Generated & Consumed: This series displays the amount of energy produced by your PV system that is consumed by the building. Purchased: This series displays the amount of energy consumed by the building that comes directly from the utility grid instead of from your PV system. 2

3 3 How it Works This box provides information on how your PV system works. Click on this section to learn more or select the How it Works tab. 4 Your System Photo To add photos of your system, contact your installation or leasing company. 5 PV System Information This section provides basic information about your PV system. 6 Environmental Benefits This section displays the equivalent environmental offsets relative to the energy generation of your PV system. Below are examples of a selection of benefit options. To discuss other options, please contact your installation or leasing company. 3

4 How it Works The How it Works page provides more information about how your PV and monitoring systems work. Access this page by selecting the How it Works tab or by selecting the How it Works section on the Home page. Reports The Reports page allows you to view detailed energy generation data over specific periods of time. After selecting the Reports tab, select the Report Period, then the Report Type, and click the Run Report button. 1 4

5 1 Report Types Below are report types that could be displayed on your Reports page. Generation This report displays energy generation of your PV system over a given period of time. Generation is shown in kilowatt-hours (kwh), which is power production over time. Generated vs. Expected This report compares actual to expected energy generation. Expected values are based on monthly generation expectations calculated by your installation company. Generation vs. Consumption For systems with consumption monitoring, this report compares energy generation to building energy consumption. Dollars Saved This report displays an estimate of money saved on utility bills as offset by your PV system. Figures are based on energy prices set by your installation or leasing company. Report Spreadsheet This option allows you to view the activity of your PV system in more detail - from energy generation to energy consumption by the building. 5

6 Settings The Settings page allows you to modify your password and troubleshoot any issues you might come across Password Update tab Select this option to update your password. 2 Help tab Select this option to download an additional copy of this guide, learn how to troubleshoot internet connectivity issues, or contact your installation or leasing company. 6

7 Frequently Asked Questions Below are common questions from solar monitoring system owners. For all other questions, please contact the company that installed or is leasing your PV system. What if I can t remember my password? Click on the Forgot password? link on the main log-in page to change your password; an will be sent to you with a temporary password. If you forgot your username as well, please contact your installation or leasing company. How do I change my username? Contact your installation or leasing company to change the address used as your username. Why does my meter say Offline on my homepage? There are several reasons that offline appears: The monitoring system has been disconnected from the internet. The PV system and monitoring device have been turned off. The monitoring system is back-logging older data to the website; meters will display power production and energy generation once all data is received. Please contact your installation or leasing company to determine the cause and get your system back online. 7

8 How do I change the photos on my home page? Contact your installation or leasing company to upload new photos of your PV system. How can I contact my installation or leasing company? Click on the Help option under the Settings tab, fill out the Contact Us fields on the right-hand side of the page, and click the Submit button. 8