How to add more solar panels
How to add more solar panels
You could have reduced or eliminated your electricity bills if you have gone solar. But, you might need to install solar panels on an existing system. Your solar panel system might be too small or the power consumption may have increased since installation.
It’s not the same procedure for adding panels to your existing system, as you did when you first began looking for the solar system. Here are some important points to remember as you look into your options.
Things to take into consideration when the addition of solar panels to an existing system
Energy needs
What number of solar panels do you require? This is one of the most importantone, since it will impact both the structure of your system as well as the cost of adding the solar panels.
The number of panels that you will need to power your system is contingent on a variety of factors. These include your electricity bill as well as your location, equipment and the design that your device. Texas Solar Group installers should be able to access your electricity bill and estimate the amount of panels you’ll need for your particular situation. This guide will assist you to calculate how many panels you’ll need.
New panels need space
Are you able to place more solar panels onto your rooftop? There may not be enough space to accommodate additional solar panels if your roof is constrained. The ground mount system is more convenient to add on because most homeowners have plenty of sun land.
Photovoltaic panels mounted to the ground are solar panels that are installed on the ground. Ground-mounted systems work similarly to rooftop solar systems in that they are exposed to sunlight, which is converted into electrical energy through solar cells. The energy is then used to generate electricity from one building as well, or in the case of solar farms or communities.
But, you don’t need to give up because there isn’t enough roof space to accommodate additional panels. It’s possible to install additional solar arrays on existing structures, such as carports and sheds.
Upgrade and compatibility of solar panels
What panels were utilized in the original installation? Do any of the components need to be upgraded? Solar panel will generate energy for the next 25 years. When that time comes around you might notice significant drops in production. It is highly unlikely that you will need to replace panels from the original system. Texas Solar Group installer will check everything, including wiring and the racking.
If possible, you should make sure to install the same type of panel when adding new panels. So that you can ensure everything is compatible visually and also has the same power outputs as your other panels. Do not attempt to install identical panels if cannot do it. In this case, your array might be damaged.
Inverter replacement
Is the inverter big enough to take on more panels? Inverters may have to be replaced based on the additional capacity you’ll add the system. The power produced by the panels will be used to determine the Texas Solar Group installer will measure your central inverter. Due to the loss of energy when converting, your panels‘ direct current (DC) electricity could have a lower power rating than their inverter. Your solar panel system may generate more power if you have more panels than it is able to handle.
When your solar panel system includes microinverters, adding projects will be easier. This is different from power optimizers or string-inverter systems. You don’t need to worry about inverter capacities issues since microinverters are incorporated on every panel. Instead, you could 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 determine if they are available to complete the project. They will be more familiar with your property and system than you are and are able to include additional panels to their work.
This is not an option if your previous installer wasn’t professional or has gone out of business. Although you can shop around for a new firm to set up your panels, it may be more difficult to locate one. Installers who do not own the installation will not perform any additional work. They do not want to have conflicting warranties for the whole installation or the the job is too small. Many companies who install systems don’t want to have to settle disputes regarding who’s responsible for fixing what part of the system.
Texas Solar Group set a minimum system size in order to maximize their profit margins. An add-on project might be to install some panels. This can result in less profit margins than a standard residential installation. Texas Solar Group focuses their efforts on larger projects, based on their availability as well as their installation timetable.
Interconnection and permitting
Additional permits or paperwork are required to put in further panels onto your land. It will depend on the number of panels you’re adding and whether an inverter is required. Also, consider your local permit needs. You’ll need to submit a second interconnection request to your utility company when you intend to add more than two megawatts to the power system.
Installers who are involved in an additional job must be familiar with any permit and interconnection requirements. They should also be able to prepare these documents as a part of the overall cost.
Incentive Programs
You may not be eligible to receive the same incentives like rebates or tax credits in the event that you add more panel systems to the system. Some incentives can only be applied to a single property or per individual.
Performance-based-incentives (PBIs) can be a bit complicated when it comes to add-on projects. The incentive amounts are determined by the amount of electricity the system generates. This can cause some problems if you have a new or improved inverter. It’s necessary to file the application for interconnection.
Talk to your Texas Solar Group solar installer regarding the incentives you can qualify for with the solar add-ons you have purchased. Also, talk to an tax professional 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 onto an existing system, but it is cheaper to build one. Your expansion will likely be smaller than the initial system, which means it will cost more per Watt. A larger system is likely to be less expensive than one that is smaller, so the per-watt cost for your new system will be more expensive.
Since a large portion of the work required by the Texas Solar Group installer is classified as “soft” expenses, this includes overhead, permits work, permit costs. Most likely, Texas Solar Group installer will require the same work as the installation they did originally. This will include planning tasks for the crew, as well as applying for permits.
Even though the 26% federal tax credit, and any other incentives might be able to be utilized to expand the system but it’s 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’ll undergo the same process that you did when you signed up to the Texas Solar Group solar system. This means you will have two solar systems on your roof, for which you’ll be charged for each separately.
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- A design for the system that is custom made to your specifications will be delivered to you, and you can then review.
- If you are satisfied with the design, our technicians will schedule an appointment at your home to install the extra panels. This is an independent system, which is compatible with your current solar power system. There will be two bills per system.
- We will arrange for the local municipality to grant permission and check the system.
- We will cooperate with your utility company until you are able to operate with the extra panels.
Should you use the same company that installed your original system?
Although you don’t necessarily need to use the same firm that installed your system in the first place for installation, it is an ideal idea to get a quote. They’ll be already familiar with the equipment and will be able to access the system for monitoring. There is no risk of getting rid of the warranty.
Even though a different firm could include an upgrade into the product, it won’t normally void the original warranty. But, it’s an excellent idea.
The process of getting quotes on an extension to a system is similar to a normal home solar installation. Ask the same questions and receive several quotes.
Texas Solar Group allows you to add solar panels to your existing system.
It is important to research for any solar-powered project, no matter the size or scope. By signing up to the Texas Solar Group Solar Marketplace will enable you to get multiple quotes and examine the costs of solar. You can add panels to an existing system by marking this within your online account. Also, you should provide details about the system (equipment and system size) so installers can give the most competitive estimates.
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