How to add more solar panels
How to add more solar panels
It is possible that you have cut down or eliminated your electricity bills if you have gone solar. However, you may have to include solar panels in your existing system. Your solar panel system might be too small , or the power consumption may have increased since the installation.
It’s not the same process when adding panels to an existing system like when you first began looking for a solar system. Here are some important things to keep in mind as you look into your options.
Factors to consider when installing solar panels on an already installed system
Energy needs
How many solar panels do you need? This question is the most importantone, since it will affect both the structure of your system as well as the price of the additional component.
The number of panels you will need to power your system is contingent on several variables. This includes your electricity bill, your location, your equipment and the layout of your system. LA Solar Group installers should have access to your electricity bill and be able estimate the amount of panels you’ll need to have for your specific circumstance. This guide will assist you to determine the number of panels you’ll need.
New panels need space
Do you have the space to put additional solar panels on your roof? You may not have enough space to install additional solar panels if your rooftop system is constrained. The ground mount system is easier to add on because most property owners have plenty of sun-filled land.
Photovoltaic panels mounted to the ground are solar systems that are installed on the ground. Ground-mounted solar panels function in the same way as roof solar systems , in that panels are exposed to sunlight which is converted into electrical energy through solar cells. The energy is then used to generate electricity from one building or, in the case of solar farms, communities.
But, you don’t need to give up because there’s not enough roof space to install additional panels. It’s possible to install additional solar arrays on existing structures like carports or sheds.
Upgrade and compatibility of solar panels
What panels were used in the original installation? Do any of the components need to be upgraded? Solar panels will continue to produce electricity for 25 years. When that time comes around you could see substantial decreases in output. It is unlikely that you will need to replace panels from the original system. LA Solar Group installer will inspect all components, including wiring and racks.
If possible, install the same panel type when you add new panels. This will ensure that everything looks the same visually and also has the identical power outputs to your other panels. Do not attempt to install identical panels if cannot do it. In the event that you do, your array may be damaged.
Inverter replacement
Is the inverter big enough to accommodate all the panels? Inverters may have to be replaced depending on the amount of additional capacity you’ll add the system. The output of your panels will be used to determine the LA Solar Group installer will determine the size of the central unit. Due to the energy loss when converting of your panels directly current (DC), electricity can be less powerful than their inverter. Your solar panel setup could generate more power if you increase the number of panels it is able to handle.
When your solar panel system includes microinverters, adding projects is easier. This is in contrast to string-inverter systems or power optimizers. There is no need to worry about the inverter’s capacity problems since microinverters are installed in each panel. Instead, you could install additional microinverters onto the panels.
Panels to be installed by an installer
Does your original installer do add-on projects? It’s best to get in contact with them to inquire if they are available to do the work. They will be more familiar with your home and the system than you are , and will be able to add additional panels to their.
It’s not an option if your previous installer wasn’t professional or has left the business. While you could shop around to find a new business to set up your panels, it could be more difficult to find one. Installers who do not have the installation won’t be able to do add-on work. They do not want to have conflicting warranties for the whole installation or the size of the job is too small. Many installation companies don’t want to have to resolve disputes about who is responsible for fixing what part in the installation.
LA Solar Group set a minimum system size to maximize their profit margins. An add-on project might be to install several panels. This can result in less profit margins that a typical residential installation. LA Solar Group focuses their efforts on larger projects, based on their availability and their installation timetable.
Interconnection and permitting
Further permits or documents are required for the installation of additional panels on your property. It depends on the number of panels that you are installing and whether an inverter is needed. Also, your local permitting needs. You will need to submit another connection request with your utilities company when you are adding more than 2 megawatts to the power system.
Installers who are part of an additional job must be familiar with any permits and interconnection requirements. They will also help to document these documents as part of the overall price.
Incentive Programs
It’s possible you won’t be eligible to receive the same incentives, such as rebates or tax credits if you add additional panel systems to the system. Some incentives can only be claimed once for a home or for a single person.
Performance-based-incentives (PBIs) can be a bit complicated when it comes to add-on projects. The incentive amounts are dependent on the amount of power your system generates. This may cause issues if you have a new and upgraded version of an inverter. It is necessary to update the application for interconnection.
Talk to LA Solar Group solar installer about the incentives you may qualify for on your solar additions. Also, talk to an tax professional for any questions about tax credits.
How much does it cost to expand an existing solar array?
It’s not much more expensive to add panels onto an existing system, but it is cheaper to put them in. The new system will be smaller than the initial system, which means it will be more costly per watt. A larger system will generally be less expensive than one with a smaller size which means that the cost per watt for your new system will be greater.
Since a large portion of the work that is required by a LA Solar Group installer is classified as “soft” costs, which includes permits, overhead work, permit costs. It is likely that a LA Solar Group installer will have to finish exactly the same task as the installation they did originally. This means organizing work for the crew as well as needing permits.
While the federal 26% tax credit, and any other incentives could be able to use for system expansion, it is possible that the more expensive per-watt costs for system expansion may not result in a great financial return.
What does the process of adding additional panels to your home look like?
If you are eligible, you will follow the same procedure as when you signed up for LA Solar Group solar system. This means you will have two solar energy systems on your roof, for which you will be billed for each separately.
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- A custom-designed system design will be delivered to you, and you are able to examine.
- After you approve the design, our technicians will schedule an appointment at your residence to install the additional panels. This is an independent system, which is compatible with your existing solar power system. You’ll get two bills per system.
- We’ll arrange for your local municipality to allow and inspect the system.
- We will work with your utility company until you are able to run on the other panels.
Should you use the same company that installed your original system?
Although you don’t necessarily need to work with the same company who installed the original system for installation, it is an ideal idea to inquire about a cost. They will already be comfortable with the system, and be able to access the system for monitoring. There is no chance of being unable to claim the warranty.
Although a different company may add an expansion into the product, it doesn’t usually void the original warranty. But, it’s recommended.
The process of getting quotes on an extension to a system is the same as a normal home solar installation. The same questions should be asked and receive several quotes.
LA Solar Group allows you to add solar panels to your existing system.
It’s essential to look around for any solar project, no matter how big or small. By signing up to the LA Solar Group Solar Marketplace will enable you to get several quotes and compare solar costs. You can add panels to your existing system by making this a feature within your online account. Also, provide information regarding the system (equipment and size of the system) so installers can give you the best possible estimates.