How to add more solar panels
How to add more solar panels
You may have reduced or eliminated your electricity bills if you have gone solar. However, you may need to add solar panels to an existing system. Your solar panel system might be too small or your electricity consumption could have increased since installation.
You won’t find the same process when adding panels to your existing system as when you first looked for a solar panel system. Here are some key points to remember as you look into your options.
Factors to consider when adding solar panels to an already existing system
Energy needs
How many solar panels will you need? This question is the most important, because it will impact both the design of your system and the cost of the add-on.
The number of panels that you will need for your system depends on many factors. These include your electricity bill, your location, your equipment and the design of your system. Nevada Solar Group installers should have access to your electricity bill and be able calculate how many panels you’ll need for your particular situation. This guide will help you calculate how many panels you need.
New panels require space
Are you able to place additional solar panels on your roof? You may not have enough space for additional solar panels if your rooftop system is constrained. Ground mount systems are easier to add on because most property owners have plenty of sun land.
Ground-mounted solar panels are photovoltaic that are installed at ground level. Ground-mounted systems function similarly to roof solar systems in that panels are exposed to sunlight, which is converted into electrical energy by solar cells and used to generate electricity from a single building or, in the form of solar farms, communities.
However, you don’t have to give up if there isn’t enough roof space for additional panels. It is possible to install supplemental solar arrays on existing structures, such as sheds or carports.
Upgrade and compatibility of solar panels
Which panels were used in the original installation? Does any component need to be upgraded? The solar panels will continue to produce electricity for 25 years. At that point, you may see significant drops in production. It is unlikely that you will need to replace any panels from the original system. Nevada Solar Group installer will inspect everything, including wiring and racking.
If possible, you should install the same panel type when adding new panels. This will ensure that everything matches visually and has the same power outputs as your other panels. You should not install identical panels if you are unable to do so. Otherwise, your array could be damaged.
Inverter replacement
Is the inverter big enough to handle the additional panels? Your inverter may need to be replaced depending on the amount of additional capacity you add to your system. The power output of your panels is used to determine how Nevada Solar Group installer will size your central inverter. Due to the energy loss during conversion, your panels’ direct current (DC), electricity can have a lower power rating than their inverter. Your solar panel system may produce more electricity if you add more panels than it can handle.
If your solar panel system has microinverters, adding on projects will be easier. This is in contrast to power optimizers or string-inverter systems. You don’t need to worry about inverter capacities issues because microinverters are installed at each panel. Instead, you can simply add additional microinverters to the panels.
Panels to be installed by an installer
Does your original installer do add-on projects? It’s best to get in touch with them to find out if they are available to do the work. They will be more familiar with your property and system than you are and will be able to add additional panels to their work.
This may not be an option if your previous installer was unprofessional or has gone out of business. Although you can shop around to find a new company to install your panels, it may be more difficult to find one. Installers who don’t own the installation will not do add-on work. They don’t want conflicting warranties on the entire 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 of the system.
Nevada Solar Group set a minimum system size to maximize their profit margins. An add-on project might be to install a few panels. This will result in a lower profit margin than a residential standard installation. Nevada Solar Group focuses their efforts on larger projects depending on their availability and their installation schedule.
Interconnection and permitting
Additional permits or documentation will be required to install additional panels on your property. It depends on the number of panels that you are adding and whether an inverter is needed. Also, your local permitting requirements. You will need to submit another interconnection request to your utility company if you add more than two kW to your system.
Installers who are involved in an add-on job should be familiar with any permits and interconnection requirements. They will also help to file these documents as part of the total cost.
Incentive Programs
You may not be eligible to receive the same incentives, such as tax credits or rebates, if you add additional panels to your system. Some incentives can only be claimed once for a property or one per person.
Performance-based-incentives (PBIs) can be a bit complicated when it comes to add-on projects. The incentive amounts are determined by how much electricity your system generates. This can cause some problems if you have a new or upgraded inverter. You will need to re-file the interconnection application.
Talk to Nevada Solar Group solar installer about the incentives that you are eligible for for your add-on solar projects. Also, talk to a tax advisor if you have questions regarding tax credits.
How much does it cost to expand an existing solar array?
It is not cheaper to add panels on to an existing system than to install one. Your expansion will likely be smaller than the original system so it may be more costly per watt. A larger system will generally be cheaper than one that is smaller, so the per-watt cost for your new system will likely be higher.
Because a lot of the work required by a Nevada Solar Group installer is considered “soft” costs, this includes overhead, permits, labor, and permit fees. Most likely, Nevada Solar Group installer will need to complete the same work as the original installation. This includes scheduling work for the crew and applying for permits.
Although the 26% federal tax credit, and any other incentives may be possible to be used for system expansion, it is possible that the higher per-watt cost associated with system expansion will 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 go through the same process as when you signed up for Nevada Solar Group solar system. This means you will have two solar energy systems installed on your roof, for which you will be billed separately.
- You can contact us at [number].
- A customized system design will be sent to you, which you can then review.
- After you approve the design, our technicians will schedule an appointment to visit your home to install the additional panels. This will be an independent system that is compatible with your existing solar energy system. You’ll get two bills for each system.
- We will arrange for your local municipality to permit and inspect the system.
- We will work with your utility company until you are allowed to operate the additional panels.
Should you use the same company that installed your original system?
Although you don’t necessarily need to use the same company who installed your original system for installation, it is a good idea at least to get a quote. They will already be familiar with the equipment and will have access to the monitoring system. There is no risk of losing the warranty.
Although a different company may add an expansion to the system, it won’t usually void the original warranty. However, it is a good idea.
The process for getting quotes on a system extension is similar to a standard home-solar installation. Ask the same questions and get multiple quotes.
Nevada Solar Group allows you to add solar panels to your existing system.
It’s important to shop around for any type of solar project, no matter how big or small. Signing up for the Nevada Solar Group Solar Marketplace will allow you to receive multiple quotes and compare solar costs. You can add panels to an existing system by indicating this in your account. Also, provide information about your system (equipment and system size) so installers can give you the best possible quotes.
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