What Performance Testing Measures
We measure actual kilowatt-hour production against your system’s rated capacity, comparing real-world output to manufacturer specifications across different weather conditions. Testing includes individual panel voltage and amperage readings, inverter conversion efficiency, and total system output during peak and low-light conditions. We record performance data across multiple days to account for Hobart’s variable cloud cover and seasonal sun angle changes that affect production patterns.
The testing process identifies specific efficiency losses from panel soiling, micro-shading from nearby trees or structures, and degradation in older installations. We measure string-level performance to locate underperforming panels, check for voltage drops in DC cabling, and verify inverter operation matches optimal parameters. This granular data shows exactly where your system loses efficiency and quantifies the financial impact of each issue. Most Hobart installations we test show 8-15% improvement potential from addressing identified inefficiencies.
Comprehensive Performance Testing Services
Our complete testing service examines every component affecting your solar system’s output and efficiency. We measure:
- DC production at the panel level
- AC conversion through inverters
- Total system performance against consumption patterns
- Voltage drop analysis across cabling
- Connection integrity and earthing verification
We conduct tests during multiple weather conditions to capture performance across Hobart’s variable climate, measuring output during full sun, partial cloud, and low-light conditions that occur throughout the day. This comprehensive approach reveals issues that single-point testing misses, particularly problems that only appear under specific conditions like morning shading or afternoon temperature impacts on panel efficiency.
Each test includes thermal imaging to identify hot spots indicating failing cells, detailed inverter diagnostics showing conversion losses, and string-level analysis revealing imbalances across your array. You receive complete documentation covering all system components with performance ratings, identified issues, and prioritised recommendations. Testing services include pre-inspection reports for property sales and post-installation verification for new systems.
Identifying Efficiency Losses and Underperformance
We pinpoint exactly where your system loses performance, from individual panel issues to systemic problems affecting total output. Our testing reveals efficiency losses that reduce your returns without triggering obvious system failures, measuring gaps between what panels should produce and actual generation. Most Hobart installations show some level of underperformance from accumulated issues that develop gradually over time.
Common efficiency losses we identify include:
- Soiling and debris reduce light absorption by 5-12%
- Micro-shading from tree growth or new nearby structures
- Panel mismatch, where one weak panel drags down the string performance
- Inverter efficiency drops with age or incorrect sizing
- Cable resistance losses from corroded connections
- Bypass diode failures, reducing partial-shade performance
Testing quantifies each loss type in kilowatt-hours and dollar impact, showing which issues deliverthe best return when addressed. We separate normal age-related degradation from correctable problems, establishing whether underperformance stems from maintenance needs, component failures, or installation defects requiring warranty claims.
Maximising Solar Investment Returns
Regular performance testing protects the financial returns you expected when installing solar panels. Systems operating at reduced efficiency cost you money every billing cycle through lower feed-in tariff credits and higher grid electricity purchases. Our testing quantifies these losses in dollar terms, showing exactly how much underperformance affects your annual savings and extended payback periods beyond original calculations.
We help Hobart property owners maintain the production levels that justified their solar investment, identifying issues before they significantly impact returns. Testing every 2-3 years catches degradation early, verifies warranty-covered components operate correctly, and ensures you capture maximum value from Tasmania’s solar resource. The cost of performance testing typically returns 5-10x through identifying efficiency improvements and preventing prolonged underperformance that erodes your system’s financial benefits over its 25-year lifespan.
Measuring Actual vs Expected Output
| Actual Output Measurement | Expected Output Benchmarks |
|---|---|
| We record your system’s real-world production across different times and weather conditions using calibrated monitoring equipment. Testing captures peak output during optimal sun, partial production under cloud cover, and low-light performance throughout the day. Data collection runs over multiple days to account for Hobart’s variable conditions. | Expected output comes from manufacturer specifications, your system size, panel orientation, and Hobart’s solar resource data. We calculate what your system should produce based on location latitude, seasonal sun angles, and historical weather patterns. These benchmarks account for normal losses from inverter conversion and cabling resistance. |
System Optimisation Recommendations
Performance test results generate specific recommendations for improving output and returns on your solar investment. We identify low-cost fixes like panel cleaning schedules for Hobart’s pollen-heavy spring months, repositioning of nearby vegetation causing micro-shading, and inverter setting adjustments for your consumption patterns. The recommendations prioritise changes by cost versus expected production gains, showing payback periods for each suggested modification.
Our reports include data on optimal panel angles for Hobart’s latitude, potential benefits from adding optimisers to partially shaded strings, and upgrade paths for underperforming inverters. We calculate expected production increases from each recommendation, translating kilowatt-hour gains into dollar savings based on current TasNetworks electricity rates. Mount Nelson and West Hobart properties often see significant gains from orientation adjustments we identify during testing, while older systems frequently benefit from inverter upgrades that improve conversion efficiency by 3-5%.
Frequently Asked Questions
On-site testing takes 2-3 hours,s depending on system size, with detailed reports delivered within one week. We schedule testing during clear weather periods to capture accurate peak performance data.
We use calibrated IV curve tracers, digital multimeters, and pyranometers that measure solar irradiance alongside panel output. All equipment meets Australian Standards for solar system testing and verification.
Yes, our panel-level testing pinpoints exactly which panels underperform and by how much. This data supports warranty claims and helps prioritise repairs or replacements based on performance impact.
We recommend testing every 2-3 years for systems under 5 years old, and annually for older installations. Testing after major weather events or when electricity bills suggest reduced production also proves valuable.
Testing identifies improvement opportunities but doesn’t directly enhance performance. Acting on our recommendations—cleaning panels, adjusting settings, replacing components—delivers the actual efficiency gains.
Yes, we test battery charge/discharge efficiency, capacity retention, and integration with solar production. Battery testing shows whether storage systems maintain manufacturer-specified performance or require warranty service.
Get Your System Performance Tested
Contact us to schedule comprehensive solar performance testing for your Hobart property. We provide detailed analysis showing exactly how your system performs, where efficiency losses occur, and what improvements deliver the best returns. Testing appointments available across Sandy Bay, Battery Point, Mount Nelson, West Hobart, and surrounding suburbs with same-week reporting.
Call for performance testing quotes or to discuss specific concerns about your system’s output. Our testing identifies issues early, protects your investment returns, and ensures your solar panels deliver the production and savings you expected at installation.
