Can You Upgrade An Existing Solar System?
You were eager to put a solar panel system on your business or home to produce clean energy. It has been doing what it was intended to do: save you money on your electricity usage and provide power for your home. Sometimes things change. Perhaps your aging system doesn’t produce enough solar power or you have introduced new devices to limit its effectiveness. Or maybe you are ready to upgrade to something more powerful.
These are all valid reasons to upgrade your solar panel system. When the time is right, we’ll be there to assist you in making that decision. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons associated with a system upgrade. You will be the one who decides.
Why Upgrade an Existing Solar System
One of the most important questions to ask when considering an upgrade to an existing system for solar is how many panels you will need. This is important as it will impact the design of the system and the cost of the entire solar system project. The number of panels you need depends on many factors, including your electricity usage, where you live, the equipment you choose, and the overall design. Nevada Solar Group installers will be able to determine how many panels you need by providing information about your electric bill.
Why not just purchase new solar panels and stop upgrading?
Upgrades are cheaper than purchasing new systems. Some situations require a complete overhaul. Your current system may not be able to produce much even after an upgrade, as older systems may not comply with modern standards.
If the system has been in operation for more than 20 years
A solar system’s warranty expires after 25 years. If the system has been in existence for more than twenty years, it is time to have it redesigned. There are new technologies on the market now, and you might not want to mix them.
The batteries and inverters will not be affected if you mix old and new panels. Mix-and-match solar panels produce power that is below their potential.
Get professional advice to assess the system and determine if it needs an upgrade or overhaul.
Do you need to upgrade your inverter as well?
Yes. You can upgrade an inverter to convert more power. The heart of a solar system is the inverter. An upgrade of the inverter is required for any increase in solar panels.
Your system’s ability to handle electricity is determined by the inverter. Consider upgrading your inverter whenever you want to increase or decrease your power output.
Because they are usually placed outside, inverters can withstand harsh weather conditions. A shelter that houses an inverter of high quality is an ideal solution for most faults.
It will take time for panels to develop problems before they impact the system. The whole system could fail if the inverter stops working.
Types of inverters
- String Solar Inverters – This inverter connects a string of solar panels in a series circuit. This inverter is the most common among Australian, European, and Asian homeowners.
- Micro inverters – Micros are inverters that attach to solar panels and allow them to operate independently. These inverters have attracted a small group of homeowners with complicated roof designs. Micros let you place a solar panel on specific areas of your roofs. Micro inverters are most popular in the US and Canada. These units are more expensive and feature higher quality than other models.
- Hybrid Inverters – The hybrid inverters are a combination of a solar panel and a battery storage converter. Some brands are capable of holding a small amount of power after a blackout. This is why they’re so popular with solar enthusiasts and use battery storage.
What are the challenges you will face when upgrading solar panels?
An older system may have cabling, existing panels, inverters, or other equipment that does not meet current standards. This is a major problem when upgrading. The current standards call for earthed panel frames, systems that use a nonpolarized isolator, and a way to house cables (high-density conduit with no plastic cable ties).
You should ask yourself if there is enough roof space for solar panel installation. If your rooftop system is already constrained, it’s likely that you won’t be able to add all the panels. However, ground mount systems might give you some flexibility. You can still install solar panels on other structures if your roof space is limited. These could be sheds, carports or gazebos.
Panel compatibility is another issue. You won’t have to replace any of the panels unless you are looking for better, more efficient solar panels. Before you decide to upgrade, it’s a good idea for Nevada Solar Group installers to inspect the whole solar energy system.
After you have decided to go ahead, you should install the same kind of panels as the original array to ensure aesthetic consistency. They should also have the same power outputs as the original panels. You should not install the same panel as the one you have. If that happens, make sure to get new more panels with the same power output or a similar one. Otherwise, it could cause damage to your array.
What is the cost to upgrade a solar panel system?
The best way to answer this question is to decide what you want. The cost of replacing a few panels will be minimal, but the cost of replacing the entire system will likely exceed the cost of a new installation.
Consumer Affairs reports that the cost of a 6kW system in Nevada is approximately $15,000. The federal tax credit value of $2,250, which is 22 percent in 2021, offsets this cost. It all depends on your requirements, so contact us to get an estimate.
Are there any mistakes to avoid when upgrading?
Although it may sound simple, upgrading an existing system is complex. Before you can have the system of dreams, there are many calculations and approaches to consider.
Nevada Solar Group, your reliable solar company won’t rush to give you a simplified quote, or promise a haven. Instead, they will help you understand these issues:
Avoid Losing your Feed-In Tariffs
You could lose the feed-in tariffs, or FiT, you currently enjoy with the old system if you upgrade.
To avoid missing out, make sure you check your state’s FiT policies and rules. These policies change frequently. Be sure to check any restrictions regarding how you can upgrade your solar system.
Calculate if you would make more money with the current tariff. Before you decide to upgrade your solar, make sure to consult your power company or provider.
Find out if your electricity provider permits an expansion of the power production capacity.
You may need to treat additional panels as a new system in some cases. The existing tariffs would be maintained, but you’d have to pay a lot of money for the new installation.
Do not fall for marketing and sales pitches that are too nice
Sales agents use psychology marketing skills to trick you into signing too good to be true deals. Any agent who claims that upgrading to solar will eliminate all of your electricity bills is deceiving you.
The “No fees for solar installation” programs are not always free and do not come with a guarantee. Don’t be swayed by tempting offers.
Before you upgrade, define your needs
Be realistic about how much power your house requires. A matching solar kit is required to power a 600-watt refrigerator.
Your system will work at a maximum efficiency of 80% and peak sunlight hours. There is a huge difference in the daylight hours and daytime hours.
Do not exceed your body’s limit
Some jurisdictions have limits on the size of their solar systems. This means that your state can only produce a certain amount of solar energy. Nevada Solar Group might have the right to decide how much capacity they will accept from you.
Nevada Solar Group might charge additional fees to assess the impact of your upgrade on their network. Upgrade to a size acceptable by your state or power output network operator.
What happens to the existing system that you have already purchased?
You can reuse or recycle old panels.
Check your panels to see if they meet modern standards. You can then either sell them or contact Nevada Solar Group to ask if they would like them back. They are still valuable for off-grid and on-grid systems.
If they are not up to modern standards, however, you can still use them for work on your property. They could be used to power your agricultural activities. They could be used on Recreational Electric Vehicle (RVs) or other non-building mounted devices.
Let Nevada Solar Group Upgrade Your Solar System
We have been an innovator in the field of renewable energy. Nevada Solar Group was named “Best Contractor of 2014”, and is currently rated among the top 3% of all Nevada contractors. We have 10-years’ rich experience in solar panel installation from California to Texas. Our experts are all journeymen electricians and all of our crews have photovoltaic licenses. Our passion and experience will ensure that you receive the best service possible for your solar needs. For more information about our residential and commercial solar panel installations, contact us today.