Solar Panel Upgrade

Can You Upgrade An Existing Solar System?

You’ve been aching to put a solar panel system at your place of business or your home to generate renewable energy. It has been doing what it was intended to accomplish: save money on your electricity usage and also provide power for your home. Sometimes things change. Maybe your old system isn’t producing enough solar power , or you have introduced new devices to reduce its efficiency. Perhaps you’re in the market for a new upgrade that is more powerful.

These are all valid arguments to replace your solar panels. If the time is right and you’re ready, we’ll help you make that decision. Let’s look at the pros and cons associated with an upgrade to your system. It is you who decides.

Why Upgrade an Existing Solar System

A key issues to ask when considering an upgrade to an existing solar system is how many panels you’ll require. This is vital because it can affect the structure of the system and the price of the whole solar project. The amount of panels you need depends on a variety of factors, including your electricity usage, where you live, the equipment you choose and the overall design. [xfield_company] installers will be able to determine how many panels you need by supplying information regarding your electric bill.

Why not just purchase new solar panels and stop upgrading?

Upgrades are cheaper than purchasing new equipment. Some situations require a complete overhaul. Your system might not be able to create any significant output even after a change, as older systems may not be in line with the latest standards.

If the system has been operating for longer than 20 years, the system is in operation

A solar system’s warranty expires after a period of 25 years. If the system has been operating for more than twenty years, it’s the right time to redesign it. There are new technologies available and you may not need to mix them.

Inverters and batteries will not be affected if you mix new and old panels. Mix-and-match solar panels produce electricity that is not at their potential.

Seek advice from a professional to evaluate the system and decide the need for an upgrade or overhaul.

Do you need to upgrade your inverter as well?

Yes. Inverters can be upgraded to convert more energy. The central component of a solar array is its inverter. A new inverter is necessary to increase the number of solar panels.

The ability of your system to manage power is determined by the inverter. Consider upgrading your inverter whenever you want to increase or decrease your power output.

Since they are typically placed outside, inverters can endure harsh weather conditions. A shelter with an inverter that is of high quality is an ideal solution for the majority of faults.

It will take some time for panels to show problems before they impact the system. The entire system may fail if the inverter stops working.

Types of inverters

• String Solar Inverters: This inverter connects the solar panels of a string in an in series circuit. This type of inverter is most popular among Australian, European, and Asian homeowners.
• Micro inverters - Micros are inverters that are attached to solar panels to let them operate on their own. Inverters like these have attracted a small group of homeowners with complex roof designs. Micros allow you to place a solar panel on specific regions of your roof. Micro inverters are very popular across both the US as well as Canada. These units are more expensive and have better quality than other models.
• Hybrid Inverters – Hybrid inverters combine an solar panel and a battery storage converter. Certain brands can hold a small amount of power after the event of a blackout. This is why they’re so popular with solar enthusiasts and use batteries for storage.

What are the challenges you will face when upgrading solar panels?

An older system might have cabling, existing panels inverters or equipment that does not meet the current standards. This can be a huge issue when you are upgrading. The current standards call for earthed panels, systems that use an isolator that is not polarized, and a way to house cables (high-density conduit with no cable ties made of plastic).

Consider asking yourself whether you have enough space on the roof for solar panel installation. If your roof is already restricted, then you’ll not be able to install all the panels. But ground mount systems may give you some flexibility. You can still install solar panels onto other buildings if your roof space is a bit limited. These could be carports, gazebos, or sheds.

Panel compatibility is a different issue. You won’t have to change any panel unless you are looking for higher-quality energy effective solar panel. If you are considering upgrading it’s recommended for [xfield_company] installers to inspect the whole solar energy system.

Consumer Affairs reports that the cost of a 6kW system in [xfield_company]is around $15,000. The federal tax credit of $2250, which will be 22 percent in 2021, offsets this cost. The amount you pay depends on your specific needs and needs, so please contact us for a quote.

Are there any mistakes to avoid when upgrading?

Although it may sound simple however, updating an existing system is complex. Before you can get the system of your dreams there are a variety of methods and calculations to take into consideration.

[xfield_company], your reliable solar provider won’t rush to give you a simplified estimate, or promise you a haven. Instead, they will assist you in understanding these questions:

Avoid Losing your Feed-In Tariffs

It is possible to lose Fee-in Tariffs, also known as FiT, which you have with the old system in the event of an upgrade.

To ensure you don’t miss out, ensure you check the local FiT policies and guidelines. They change regularly. Make sure you check for any restrictions regarding how you can upgrade your solar panel.

Determine if you could earn more money using the current rate. If you are considering upgrading your solar panel, make sure you consult with your provider or power company.

Find out if the electricity provider you use permits an expansion of the power production capacity.

You may need to treat the additional panels as a whole new system in some cases. The current tariffs could be maintained, but you’ll have to shell out a significant amount of money for the new system.

Beware of marketing and sales pitches that are too good to be true.

Sales representatives employ psychology marketing skills to trick clients into signing what appear to be too good to be true deals. Anyone who says that converting to solar will completely eliminate your electricity bills is deceiving you.

The “No fees for solar installation” programs aren’t always free and do not come with a guarantee. Beware of swaying by attractive offers.

Before you upgrade, define your needs

Be realistic about how much energy your home requires. A matching solar kit is needed to power a 600-watt refrigerator.

The system operates at a maximal efficiency of around 80% during maximum sunlight hours. There is a significant difference in the days and evenings.

Do not exceed your body’s limit

Some jurisdictions have limits in the amount of solar energy they can produce through their panels. That means your locality can only generate a certain quantity of energy from solar. [xfield_company] might have the right to decide the amount of capacity they’ll take from you.

[xfield_company] might charge additional fees to assess the effect of your upgrade on their network. Upgrade to a size that is accepted by your state or power out network provider.

What happens to the existing system that you have already purchased?

You can reuse or recycle old panels.

Examine your panels to determine whether they’re up to the latest standards. You may then sell them or call [xfield_company] to ask whether they would be interested in having return them. They are still valuable for off-grid and on-grid systems.

If they are not up to date but you may still use them for work within your own property. They can be used to power your agricultural operations. They can be utilized to power Recreational Electric Vehicle (RVs) or any other non-building mounted devices.

Let [xfield_company] Upgrade Your Solar System

We have been an innovator in the field of renewable energy. [xfield_company] was awarded the title of “Best Contractor of 2014″, and is currently listed among the top three percent out of the total [xfield_company]contractors. We have 10-years’ rich experience in solar panel installation from California to Texas. Our technicians are all journeymen electricians, and all of our crews have photovoltaic licenses. Our experience and passion will ensure that you receive the most efficient service available for your solar requirements. For more details about our residential and commercial solar panel installation, contact us today.