Installation day is over. The panels are on the roof, the system is live, and the first thing most people do is wonder: what do I actually do now?
The short answer is: not much. That’s the point. But here’s what you should know.
Your bills start reducing immediately
Your system will reduce your energy import from the grid from the day it’s switched on. You don’t need to do anything to activate that. It happens automatically.
Keep an eye on your system’s performance
AEI’s systems come with real-time monitoring capability, giving you visibility into how your system is performing day to day. You can track things like:
- Whether your home is drawing from solar, the grid, or sending excess back
- Your system’s output statistics and overall efficiency
- Power production versus household consumption
- Imported and exported energy levels to help you optimise your usage and understand costs
If you’re unsure how to access your monitoring after installation, AEI’s support team can walk you through it.
Selling your excess energy
ESB will install a smart meter, allowing you to sell your excess solar power back to your energy provider each month. If you haven’t already been in touch with your provider about this, it’s worth doing so once your system is up and running.
Maintenance is minimal, but not zero
AEI’s solar PV systems are highly reliable and rarely require maintenance. The panels are made of self-cleaning glass, and heavy rain often helps keep them clean. To maintain optimal performance, cleaning every two to three years is recommended. Many window cleaning companies now offer solar panel cleaning as a service.
The panels come with a 25-year performance guarantee, and components generally only need to be replaced if they fail, which is rare.
What about power outages?
During a power outage, standard grid-tied solar systems will automatically shut down to prevent back-feeding electricity, which can be dangerous to repair crews. Hybrid systems with battery storage can provide backup power during an outage. If the ESB network goes down, your system will also shut down for safety reasons, but once power is restored, it will automatically reboot and resume normal operation without any action required from you.
If something does go wrong
AEI always has a real person answering calls, with a 24-hour response time if a team member is unavailable. Many issues can be diagnosed and resolved remotely, or a technician will be dispatched to your property. You can also log a fault directly through the AEI website.
AEI’s client portal contains documents, tips, and videos to help you navigate any issues that arise.
