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9 min Reading time If you have solar panels, and especially if you recently got them, you know there's nothing more exciting than checking how they’ve performed and how many clean kWh they’ve produced in the past days and weeks. There are several ways to view this data, and we’re happy to explain the advantages and limitations of each system.
Most of our customers use the Zonnefabriek app, which is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. In this app, you can do two things: track your solar yield (daily, monthly, and yearly) and refer new customers. For every new customer you refer who proceeds with a solar panel system purchase, you earn €75.
The same features of the Zonnefabriek app are also available on the Zonnefabriek website. You can log in by clicking "login" in the upper right corner. The username for both the app and the website consists of your postal code plus house number and any additional unit letter (e.g., ‘1069BD23A’). When you purchase a system, you receive an email with your password. If you forget it, click ‘forgot password’ to receive a new one at your registered email address. The website also provides more detailed information than the app, including product warranty details.
Limitations:
Only works for customers with an SMA or ZeverSolar inverter (not for SolarEdge).
Works best when only one inverter is installed.
Recently, Android users experienced a disruption in the app, but this has been resolved through a Google Play update.
A new version of the app is being developed, and you will be the first to know when it’s ready!
Customers with SolarEdge installations cannot use the Zonnefabriek app for monitoring (though they can still earn the €75 referral bonus!). Fortunately, SolarEdge has its own free app for tracking energy yield.
The app was recently renamed ‘My SolarEdge’ and allows users to monitor performance per solar panel, thanks to the optimizers placed behind each panel. It also makes it easier to adjust system settings, such as changing the inverter's WiFi password when installing a new router. After installation, SolarEdge will email you login details. Your username is your email address.
If you have an SMA inverter, you can track your solar yield using the Zonnefabriek app or, if you prefer, via SMA’s app and website, called ‘Sunny Portal.’ Sunny Portal sometimes provides more detailed information than the Zonnefabriek app.
SMA is also updating its apps this year. Recently, they launched the ‘SMA 360’ app, which is primarily designed for solar panel salespeople and installers, making it less relevant for most customers. However, later this year, SMA will release a new app for end users, called ‘SMA Energy.’ This app will have a more modern design, allow real-time monitoring of your energy production, and introduce new features related to energy management—especially for users with a Sunny Home Manager, which can control appliances like dishwashers or electric vehicle chargers.
Your username for SMA apps is your email address. If you don’t have a password for Sunny Portal yet, we recommend contacting our service department via email.
All these apps and websites rely on internet access. However, network disruptions can occur—sometimes due to home WiFi issues, other times due to broader internet problems. If you want to check your solar panel performance during an outage, you can still do so without internet access.
Older inverters have a display for reading data, while newer models require using a smartphone. You can connect directly from your phone to the inverter without using the internet.
SMA inverters without a display: You can log into the ‘SmartScreen’ of the inverter. Follow the steps we’ve outlined, or scan the QR code on your inverter for quick access.
SolarEdge inverters without a display: These also allow direct login, and scanning the QR code provides a quick entry method.
If you notice that your app hasn’t received new data for a while, visit our FAQ page for troubleshooting tips to restore communication. Most connectivity problems can be resolved quickly and easily.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to monitor your system. For the everyday user with an SMA inverter and a stable internet connection, the Zonnefabriek app is the best option—especially since it allows you to refer new customers easily. For others, there are many alternative monitoring solutions.
