| Production tracking | Panel/module-level details available | Billing and account tools | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enphase Enlighten | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ |
| mySolarEdge | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ |
| Sunrun app | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Compare our top 3 solar monitoring systems
To select our picks, we considered what users had to say about their monitoring systems by scouring customer reviews. Our top picks include both integrated monitoring systems that come as part of full solar energy systems and stand-alone monitoring systems you can add to your existing solar panels.
Enphase Enlighten
mySolarEdge
Sunrun app
What does a solar monitoring system do?
A home solar monitoring system is important for anyone with solar panels. Here are just a few reasons why:
- Troubleshooting: A monitoring system lets you see if there are any drops in your solar panels’ efficiency month-to-month. These drops can indicate that your panels need to be cleaned or repaired.
- Energy tracking: You can see where your energy is going with some systems. So, if a particular appliance uses too much electricity, you can decide if it’s time to upgrade to a more efficient model.
- Battery supervision: Some monitoring systems can track how much of a charge is in your solar battery if you have one.
- Net metering: You can often track how much energy you’re selling back to the power company through net metering.
Who needs a home solar monitoring system?
Solar energy systems usually come with a monitoring system, but most of those are very basic and don’t provide much information. Adding a separate, stand-alone monitoring system is often a better way to track things in more detail, like seeing how much power your appliances use.
Solar monitoring keeps track of energy production, usage and more.
“Residential solar inverter monitoring platforms can monitor loads, but the level of detail will be much lower than dedicated energy monitoring systems,” said solar application specialist Will White.
Setting up your system
If you do decide to add a stand-alone monitoring system, it’s probably smart to get some professional assistance with the installation.
“It’s best practice to de-energize the load center before installing this type of monitoring system but even with the main breaker turned off, the terminals connected to the feed from the utility will still be energized,” White said. “A homeowner with some technical skills should be able to install one of these systems, but in many cases, it will be best to hire a qualified electrician.”
How much do solar monitoring systems cost?
Typically, stand-alone monitoring systems cost anywhere from around $80 to $400. Solar monitoring systems can quickly pay for themselves by saving you money on energy from the power grid.
Integrated systems are included in the cost of your complete solar energy installation. Starting prices for full solar panel systems from SunPower and Tesla are higher. The cost of going solar varies considerably, especially when you consider everything that goes into a renewable energy system.
» MORE: How much do solar panels cost?
FAQ
Do all solar systems include monitoring?
Most modern solar installations include some form of monitoring, but the level of detail varies widely. Some only show production.
Why can’t I see my home’s energy usage?
Consumption monitoring usually requires additional metering hardware and correct setup. Without it, your app may only track solar production.
Is panel-level monitoring worth it?
It can be — especially if you want early warning when one panel or section underperforms. For many homeowners, system-level monitoring is enough.
Should I use my installer’s app or the manufacturer’s app?
If your installer provides a “hub” app, it can be convenient for account/service support, but the manufacturer’s app often provides more technical detail for performance and troubleshooting.
Bottom line
The best solar monitoring experience usually comes from using the app designed for your system’s hardware — Enphase Enlighten for Enphase, mySolarEdge for SolarEdge — and using provider apps like Sunrun’s for customer support and account convenience.
If you care about savings optimization, make sure your system includes the hardware needed for consumption and grid-flow monitoring, not just production.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- U.S. Department of Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to Solar.” Accessed Feb. 17, 2026.
