Solar Panel Upgrade
Can You Upgrade An Existing Solar System?
You were eager to put a solar panel system at your place of business or your home to produce green energy. It has been doing what it was intended to do: save you money on your electricity usage and also provide power for your home. Sometimes things change. Maybe your old system doesn’t produce enough solar power or you have introduced new devices to limit its effectiveness. Perhaps you’re ready to upgrade to something more robust.
There are many 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 what are the benefits and drawbacks associated with an upgrade to your system. You are the one who makes the final decision.
Why Upgrade an Existing Solar System
A key questions to consider when looking at an upgrade to an solar system that is in use is the number of panels you’ll need. This is vital since it affects the design of the system and the overall cost of the solar system. The amount of panels you will require is contingent on a variety of factors, including your electricity usage and where you live as well as the equipment you pick as well as your overall style. [xfield_company] installers will be able determine the amount of panels you’ll need by providing details about your electric 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 system might not be able produce much even after an upgrade, as older systems may not be in line with the latest standards.
If the system has been in operation for longer than 20 years, the system is in operation
The warranty for solar systems expires at the end of 25 years. When the solar system is operational for more than twenty years, it’s time to redesign it. There are new technology that are available today, and you might not want to mix them.
The inverters and batteries aren’t affected when you mix old and new panels. Mix-and-match solar panels produce electricity that is not at their capacity.
Seek advice from a professional to evaluate the system and determine whether it is in need of an upgrade or overhaul.
Do you need to upgrade your inverter as well?
Yes. You can upgrade an inverter to help convert more power. The central component of any solar array is its inverter. A new inverter is essential to increase the number of solar panels.
The ability of your system to handle power is determined by your inverter. You should consider upgrading your inverter every time you wish to increase or decrease the power output.
Because they are usually placed outdoors, inverters are able to withstand harsh weather conditions. A shelter which houses an inverter that is of top quality is the ideal solution to the majority of faults.
It will take time for panels to develop issues before they can affect the system. The whole system could fail when the inverter ceases to function.
Types of inverters
- String Solar Inverters – This inverter connects strings of solar panels in the form of a series circuit. This type of inverter is most popular one among Australian, European, and Asian homeowners.
- Micro inverters Micros are inverters which connect to solar panels and permit them to function independently. These inverters have attracted attention of a small number of homeowners with complex roof designs. Micros permit you to put a solar panel on specific regions of your roof. Micro inverters are very popular throughout the US as well as Canada. These models are more expensive and are more durable than other models.
- Hybrid Inverters – The hybrid inverters consist of an solar panel and the battery storage converter. Certain brands are capable of storing a small amount of energy after an outage. This is why they’re so loved by solar enthusiasts and use battery storage.
What are the challenges you will face when upgrading solar panels?
An older system may contain cabling, old panels inverters, cabling, or any other equipment that is not in line with the current standards. This is a significant issue when it comes to upgrading. The current standards call for earthed panels or systems with an isolator with no polarization as well as a method to place cables (high-density conduit with no cable ties made of plastic).
You should ask yourself whether you have enough space on the roof for solar panel installation. If your rooftop system is already constrained, it’s likely that you’ll be unable to install all the panels. But ground mount systems may allow you to be flexible. It is possible to install solar panels onto other buildings, if your roof space is a bit limited. This could include carsports, sheds, or gazebos.
Panel compatibility is a different issue. There is no need to replace the panels unless you are looking for higher-quality and more efficient solar panels. Before you decide to upgrade it’s recommended for [xfield_company] installers to inspect the whole array of solar panels.
If you decide to proceed, you should install the same kind of panels as the original array to ensure an aesthetic coherence. They should also feature identical power outputs to originally installed panels. Do not install the same panel as the one you currently have. If that happens, make sure to get new more panels with similar power ratings or an identical one. In the event that it does, it can cause damage to your array.
What is the cost to upgrade a solar panel system?
The best approach to answer this question is to decide the type of system you’d like to have. It is possible to replace a couple of panels is minimal However, the price to replace the whole system will likely outweigh the cost of a new installation.
Consumer Affairs reports that the cost of a 6-kW system in [xfield_company]is about $15,000. The federal tax credit of $2,250, or 22 percent by 2021, will offset this expense. The amount you pay depends on your requirements and needs, so please contact us for an estimate.
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 achieve the system of your dreams there are a variety of calculations and approaches to consider.
[xfield_company], your reliable solar company won’t rush to provide you with a simple estimate, or promise you a haven. Instead, they will guide you through these problems:
Avoid Losing your Feed-In Tariffs
You could lose the feed-in tariffs, or FiT, you currently enjoy in the old system when you upgrade.
To ensure you don’t miss out, ensure you check your State’s FiT policies and rules. They change regularly. Make sure you check for any restrictions that apply to how you can improve your solar panel.
Calculate if you would make more money with the current rate. If you are considering upgrading your solar panel, make sure to consult your power company or provider.
Find out if your electricity supplier allows an increase in the power production capacity.
You may need to treat the additional panels as a whole new system in some instances. The current tariffs could be kept, however, you’d have to shell out lots of money to get the new system.
Do not fall for marketing and sales pitches that seem too good to be true.
Sales reps use their tactics of marketing using psychology to fool customers into signing what appear to be too promising deals. Anyone who promises that solar upgrades will eliminate all of your electric bills is lying to you.
The “No costs for solar installation” programs are not always free and don’t come with a guarantee. Don’t fall for gimmicks or tempting offers.
Before you upgrade, define your needs
Be realistic about the amount of the power you require for your home. A solar kit that is compatible with your home is needed for a 600-watt refrigerator.
Your system will work at highest efficiency, which is 80% during the peak hours of sunlight. There is a vast distinction between days and evenings.
Do not overstep your body’s limits.
Certain states have restrictions regarding the capacity of their solar systems. This means that your state is able to only produce a specific amount of solar energy. [xfield_company] might have the authority to decide on how much capacity they will take from you.
[xfield_company] might charge additional fees to assess the effect of your upgrade in their networks. Upgrade to a size that is accepted by your state’s power output network operator.
What happens to the existing system that you have already purchased?
Recycle or reuse old panels.
Check your panels to see whether they’re up to the latest standards. Then, you can either sell them or contact [xfield_company] to ask whether they would be interested in having return them. They’re still extremely useful for off-grid and on-grid systems.
If they are not up to modern standards However, you could nevertheless use them to perform work in your home. They can be used to power your agricultural activities. They could be used for Recreational Electric Vehicle (RVs) or other non-building mounted devices.
Let [xfield_company] Upgrade Your Solar System
We’ve been an innovator in the area of renewable energy. [xfield_company] was named “Best Construction Company of 2014″ and is currently being ranked among the top 3% of all [xfield_company]contractors. We have 10-years’ rich experience in solar panel installation from California from California to Texas. Our experts are all journeymen electricians, and all of our staff are licensed to install photovoltaic systems. Our dedication and expertise will ensure you get the most efficient service available for your solar requirements. For more details about our residential and commercial solar panel installations, contact us now.
