Can You Upgrade An Existing Solar System?
You’ve always wanted to install a solar panel system on your business or home to produce renewable energy. It has been doing what it was intended to do: save you energy costs and provide power for your home. Sometimes things change. Perhaps your aging system isn’t producing enough solar energy or have added new gadgets that limit the effectiveness of your system. Or maybe you are looking to upgrade to something more robust.
There are many valid reasons to upgrade your solar panel system. If the time is right we’ll help you make that decision. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages that come with a system upgrade. You are the one who makes the final decision.
Why Upgrade an Existing Solar System
A key questions to ask when considering the possibility of upgrading an solar system that is in use is how many panels you’ll require. This is crucial because it can affect the design of the system and the overall cost of the solar project. The number of panels you need depends on numerous factors, such as the electricity you consume as well as where you reside, the equipment you choose, and your overall style. Texas Solar Group installers will be able determine the number of panels you require by providing details about your electricity bill.
Why not just purchase new solar panels and stop upgrading?
Upgrades are cheaper than purchasing new systems. Certain situations require an entire overhaul. Your system might not be able to produce enough even after an upgrade because older systems might not be in line with the latest standards.
When the equipment has been operating for more than 20 years
A solar system’s warranty expires after a period of 25 years. In the event that the device has been operational for more than twenty years, it’s time to have it redesigned. There are new technologies that are available today and you may not want to mix them.
The batteries and inverters are not affected by the fact that you mix and match old and new panels. Mix-and-match solar panels produce energy that is less than their power potential.
Seek advice from a professional to evaluate the system and decide 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 make it more efficient in converting power. The central component of any solar panel is an inverter. A new inverter is essential for any increase in solar panels.
Your system’s ability to manage electricity is determined by the inverter. You should consider upgrading your inverter every time you’d like to boost or decrease the power output.
Because they’re usually put outdoors, inverters are able to be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. A shelter that houses an inverter of high quality is the ideal solution to all kinds of problems.
It can take time for panels to develop problems before they impact the system. The entire system could fail if the inverter stops working.
Types of inverters
- String Solar Inverters – This inverter connects a string of solar panels in the form of a series circuit. This type of inverter is most popular among Australian, European, and Asian homeowners.
- Micro inverters - Micros are inverters that connect to solar panels and allow them to operate independently. These inverters have attracted a small number of homeowners with complicated roof designs. Micros allow you to place solar panels in specific regions of your roof. Micro inverters are most popular across the US as well as Canada. These models are more expensive and feature higher quality than other models.
- Hybrid Inverters: The hybrid inverters consist of an solar panel and a battery storage converter. Some brands are capable of holding some power in the event of an outage. This is why they’re so popular with solar enthusiasts and utilize batteries for storage.
What are the challenges you will face when upgrading solar panels?
An older system might have cabling, existing panels inverters or equipment that does not meet the current standards. This can be a huge issue when it comes to upgrading. Current standards require earthed panel frames and systems that employ an isolator that is not polarized as well as a method to house cables (high-density conduit with no plastic cable ties).
You should ask yourself if there is enough space on your roof to allow an installation for solar panels. If your rooftop system is already constrained, it’s likely that you’ll not be able to add all the panels. However, ground mount systems might give you some flexibility. It is possible to install solar panels on other structures if the roof space isn’t enough. This could include carports, gazebos, or sheds.
Panel compatibility is a different issue. You won’t have to replace the panels unless you are looking for superior and more effective solar panel. Before you decide to upgrade it’s best to ask Texas Solar Group installers to inspect the whole the solar power system.
Once you’ve decided to proceed then you must install the same kind of panels as the original array to ensure the same aesthetics. They should also have the same power outputs as originally installed panels. It is not recommended to install the same panel as the one you currently have. If that happens, make sure you get replacement panels that have similar power ratings or an identical one. In the event that it does, it can cause damage to your system.
What is the cost to upgrade a solar panel system?
The best way to answer the question is to choose the type of system you’d like to have. Cost of replacement for just a few panels is minimal, but the cost to replace the whole system is likely to exceed the cost of a brand new installation.
Are there any mistakes to avoid when upgrading?
While it might sound easy however, updating an existing system is complex. Before you can get the system of dreams there are a variety of ways to think about and calculations.
Texas Solar Group, your reliable solar provider won’t rush to give you a simple quote or promise a haven. Instead, they will help you understand these issues:
Avoid Losing your Feed-In Tariffs
You may lose the Fee-in-Tariffs, also called FiT, which you have in the old system when you upgrade.
To avoid being left out, make sure you verify for your specific local FiT policies and rules. These policies change frequently. Be sure to check the restrictions on how you can modify your solar panel.
Calculate if you would make more money on the current tariff. If you are considering upgrading your solar system, be sure to talk with your power provider or company.
Find out if your electricity provider allows expansion of capacity of the power generation.
You may need to treat the additional panels as a whole new system in some instances. The current tariffs will be kept, however, you’d have to pay a lot of money to get the new system.
Don’t fall for sales or sales messages that seem too sweet.
Sales reps use their techniques of marketing psychology to trick you into signing what appear to be too promising deals. Anyone who says that converting to solar will completely eliminate your electricity bills is deceiving you.
The “No costs for solar installation” programs may not be cost-free and do not come with a guarantee. Beware of swaying by attractive offers.
Before you upgrade, define your needs
Be realistic about the amount of the power you require for your home. A matching solar kit is required to power a 600-watt refrigerator.
Your system will operate at a highest efficiency, which is 80% and peak sunlight hours. There is a huge distinction between days and evenings.
Don’t exceed your body’s limit
Certain jurisdictions have limitations regarding the capacity of their solar systems. That means your locality can only generate a certain quantity of energy from solar. Texas Solar Group might have the power to determine what capacity they’ll take from you.
Texas Solar Group might charge additional charges to evaluate the impact of your upgrades to their system. Upgrade to a size acceptable by your state or output network operator.
What happens to the existing system that you have already purchased?
Recycle or reuse old panels.
Examine your panels to determine if they meet modern standards. You may then sell them or contact Texas Solar Group to ask whether they would be interested in having to purchase them. They are still valuable for off-grid and on-grid systems.
If they are not up to date but you may nevertheless use them to perform the work you want to do on your property. They can be used to power your agricultural activities. They could be used to power Recreational Electric Vehicle (RVs) or any other non-building mounted devices.
Let Texas Solar Group Upgrade Your Solar System
We’ve been a pioneer in the area in renewable power. Texas Solar Group is awarded “Best Construction Company of 2014″, and is currently rated among the top 3% out of the total Texas Solar Group contractors. We have 10 years of rich experience with solar panel installation from California to Texas. Our team of experts are all master electricians and all of our crews are certified in photovoltaic technology. Our dedication and expertise will ensure that you receive the highest quality service for your solar needs. For more information about our commercial and residential solar panel installations, contact us today.
