Solar Panel Upgrade
Can You Upgrade An Existing Solar System?
You’ve been aching to put solar panels at your place of business or your home to produce renewable energy. It’s done the job it was meant to accomplish: save the cost of electricity and provide power for your home. Sometimes things change. Maybe your older system isn’t producing enough solar power or you have added new gadgets to reduce its efficiency. Perhaps you’re looking to upgrade to something more robust.
These are all valid reasons to upgrade your solar panel system. If it is time we’ll help you make the right choice. Let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages with a system upgrade. You are the one who makes the final decision.
Why Upgrade an Existing Solar System
A key issues to ask when considering upgrading your solar system that is in use is how many panels you will need. This is important because it can affect the design of the system as well as the overall cost of the solar system project. The number of panels you will require is contingent on numerous factors, such as the amount of electricity you use as well as where you reside, the equipment you choose and the overall design. [xfield_company] installers will be able to determine the amount of panels you’ll need by providing information about your electricity bill.
Why not just purchase new solar panels and stop upgrading?
Upgrades are less expensive than buying new systems. Certain situations require an entire overhaul. Your current system may not be able to create any significant output even after a change, as older systems may not meet the standards of modern technology.
In the event that the device has been in operation for longer than 20 years, the system is in operation
The warranty for solar systems expires after a period of 25 years. In the event that the device has been operational for longer than 20 years, it’s the right time to redesign it. There are new technologies on the market now and you don’t need to mix them.
The batteries and inverters will not be affected if you mix old and new panels. Mix-and-match solar panels generate power that is below their capacity.
Consult a professional for advice on the system and determine the need for an upgrade or overhaul.
Do you need to upgrade your inverter as well?
Yes. It is possible to upgrade an inverter to convert more power. The core of a solar panel is an inverter. A new inverter is essential for any increase in solar panels.
The capacity of your system to manage electricity is determined by the inverter. You should consider upgrading your inverter every time you want to increase or decrease the power output.
Because they’re usually put outside, inverters can be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. A shelter which houses an inverter of high quality is an ideal solution for the majority of faults.
It can take time for panels to develop issues before they can affect the system. The entire system may fail in the event that the inverter fails to work.
Types of inverters
- String Solar Inverters – This inverter connects a string of solar panels in an in series circuit. This type of inverter is most popular one among Australian, European, and Asian homeowners.
- Micro inverters - Micros are inverters that attach to solar panels and let them operate on their own. These inverters have attracted attention of a small number of homeowners with complex roof designs. Micros allow you to place solar panels on certain areas of your roof. Micro inverters are most popular throughout regions like the US in the US and Canada. These units are more expensive and feature higher quality than other models.
- Hybrid Inverters: The hybrid inverters combine the solar panel as well as the battery storage converter. Some brands can hold a small amount of power after an outage. This is one reason why they’re well-liked by solar enthusiasts. They also utilize batteries for storage.
What are the challenges you will face when upgrading solar panels?
An older system might contain cabling, old panels, inverters, or other equipment that doesn’t meet the current standards. This is a significant issue when you are upgrading. The current standards call for earthed panels or systems with an isolator with no polarization and a method to place cables (high-density conduit with no plastic cable ties).
It is important to determine whether there’s enough space on the roof for the installation of solar panels. If your roof system is already constrained, it’s likely that you’ll be unable to fit all of the panels. But ground mount systems may provide some flexibility. You can still install solar panels onto other buildings, if the roof space isn’t enough. They could be carsports, sheds, or gazebos.
Panel compatibility is a different issue. You won’t have to change any panel unless you are looking for higher-quality energy powerful solar panels. When you’re deciding to upgrade, it’s a good idea to ask [xfield_company] installers to check the entire the solar power system.
After you have decided to go ahead, you should install the same kind of panels as the original array to ensure the same aesthetics. They should also feature identical power outputs to those of the initial panels. You should not install the identical panel to the one you currently have. If this happens, make sure you get replacement panels with the same power output or a comparable one. Otherwise, it could cause damage to your system.
What is the cost to upgrade a solar panel system?
The best way to answer this question is to determine what you would like. The cost of replacing just a few panels is minimal however, the expense for replacing all the panels will probably surpass the price of a new installation.
Consumer Affairs reports that the cost of a 6-kW device in [xfield_company]is about $15,000. The tax credit for federal residents of $2250, which will be 22 percent by 2021, will offset this expense. It all depends on your needs Contact us for a quote.
Are there any mistakes to avoid when upgrading?
Although it may sound simple however, updating an existing system can be a bit complicated. Before you can have the system of your dreams there are a variety of calculations and approaches to consider.
[xfield_company], your reliable solar provider, won’t be rushing to provide you with a simple quote or promise an unbeatable rate. Instead, they will guide you through these problems:
Avoid Losing your Feed-In Tariffs
It is possible to lose feed-in tariffs, or FiT that you have in the old system in the event of an upgrade.
To avoid missing out, be sure to make sure you are aware of your local FiT policies and rules. These policies change frequently. Make sure to review any restrictions regarding how you can modify your solar panel.
Calculate if you would make more money using the current rate. If you are considering upgrading your solar panel, make sure to talk with your power provider or company.
Find out if your electricity supplier allows expansion of capacity of the power generation.
You may need to treat the additional panels as a whole new system in certain situations. The current tariffs will remain, but you’d have to shell out a significant amount of money for the new system.
Beware of marketing and sales pitches that are too sweet.
Sales representatives employ psychology marketing skills to trick customers into making promises that are too promising deals. Anyone who says that upgrading to solar will completely eliminate your electricity costs is lying to you.
The “No costs for solar installation” programs may not be free and don’t come with a guarantee. Don’t be swayed by tempting deals.
Before you upgrade, define your needs
Be realistic about how much power your house requires. A solar kit with a matching kit is required to power a 600-watt refrigerator.
Your system will operate at a maximum efficiency of 80 percent and maximum sunlight hours. There is a vast variation in days and evenings.
Don’t overstep your body’s limits.
Certain jurisdictions have limitations on the size of their solar panels. This means that your state can only generate a certain volume of solar power. [xfield_company] might have the right to decide what capacity they’ll take from you.
[xfield_company] might charge additional fees to assess the effect of your upgrade in their networks. Upgrade to a size acceptable by your state’s power output network operator.
What happens to the existing system that you have already purchased?
You can reuse or recycle old panels.
Take a look at your panels and determine whether they are up to date. You may then sell them or call [xfield_company] to ask whether they would be interested in having return them. They’re still extremely useful in both off-grid and grid-connected systems.
If they are not in line with modern standards but you may still use them for the work you want to do in your home. They can be used to power your agricultural operations. They can be utilized on Recreational Electric Vehicle (RVs) and other devices that are not built-in.
Let [xfield_company] Upgrade Your Solar System
We’ve been a pioneer in the area of renewable energy. [xfield_company] was awarded the title of “Best contractor of 2014″ and is currently being ranked among the top 3 percent among all [xfield_company]contractors. We have 10-years’ rich experience with solar panel installation across California to Texas. Our experts are all journeymen electricians. All of our team members are certified in photovoltaic technology. Our passion and experience will ensure that you receive the highest quality service for your solar requirements. For more details about our residential and commercial solar panel installation, contact us now.