Solar Panel Upgrade
Can You Upgrade An Existing Solar System?
You’ve always wanted to install solar panels for your home or business to produce green energy. It’s been doing the job it was meant to do: save you the cost of electricity and also provide power for your home. Sometimes things change. Perhaps your aging system doesn’t produce enough solar energy or have added new gadgets that limit the effectiveness of your system. Or maybe you are ready to upgrade to something more powerful.
There are many valid arguments to replace your solar panels. If the time is right we’ll assist you in making the right decision. Let’s examine some of the advantages and disadvantages with an upgrade to your system. It is you who decides.
Why Upgrade an Existing Solar System
One of the most important questions to consider when looking at upgrading your existing system for solar is how many panels you’ll need. This is crucial because it can affect the structure of the system and the cost of the entire solar system project. The amount of panels you will require is contingent on numerous factors, such as the electricity you consume and where you live, the equipment you choose, and the overall design. LA Solar Group installers will be able to determine how many panels you need by providing details about the cost of your electric bill.
Why not just purchase new solar panels and stop upgrading?
Upgrades are less expensive than buying new systems. Certain circumstances require a total overhaul. Your current system may not be able produce much even after an upgrade, as older systems may not comply with modern standards.
If the system has been operational for longer than 20 years, the system is in operation
The warranty for solar systems expires at the end of 25 years. If the system has been operational for longer than 20 years, it is the time to upgrade it. There are new technologies available and you may not want to mix them.
Inverters and batteries aren’t affected when you mix old and new panels. Mix-and-match solar panels create electricity that is not at their power potential.
Get professional advice to assess the system and decide the need for an overhaul or upgrade.
Do you need to upgrade your inverter as well?
Yes. You can upgrade an inverter to help convert more power. The central component of a solar array is its inverter. A new inverter is required for any increase in solar panels.
Your system’s ability to manage power is determined by your inverter. You should consider upgrading your inverter every time you wish to increase or decrease the power output.
Since they are typically placed outside, inverters can endure harsh weather conditions. A shelter that houses an inverter with a high-end model is an ideal solution for most faults.
It can take time for panels to develop issues before they affect the system. The entire system may fail in the event that the inverter fails to work.
Types of inverters
- String Solar Inverters – This device connects a string of solar panels in a series circuit. This inverter is the most popular in the homes of Australian, European, and Asian homeowners.
- Micro inverters Micros are inverters that connect to solar panels and permit them to function independently. These inverters have attracted a small group of homeowners with complicated roof designs. Micros let you place solar panels in specific areas of your roof. Micro inverters are most popular across the US in the US and Canada. These units are more expensive and feature higher quality over other models.
- Hybrid Inverters: The hybrid inverters are a combination of a solar panel and a battery storage converter. Certain models can hold a small amount of energy after an outage. This is why they’re so well-liked by solar enthusiasts. They also use battery storage.
What are the challenges you will face when upgrading solar panels?
An older system might contain cabling, old panels, inverters, or other equipment that doesn’t meet current standards. This is a significant issue when upgrading. Current standards call for earthed panel frames, systems that use an isolator that is not polarized, and a way to store cables (high-density conduit without plastic cable ties).
It is important to determine if there is enough roof space for solar panel installation. If your roof is already constrained, it’s likely that you’ll not be able to fit all the panels. But ground mount systems could provide some flexibility. It is possible to install solar panels on other structures in case your roof space is limited. These could be carports, gazebos, or sheds.
Panel compatibility is another issue. It is not necessary to replace the panels unless you’re in search of superior and more powerful solar panels. When you’re deciding to upgrade it’s best to ask LA Solar Group installers to check the entire solar energy system.
Once you’ve decided to proceed, you should install the same panels as the original array in order to guarantee aesthetic consistency. They must also have identical power outputs to the original panels. You should not install the identical panel to the one you currently have. If this happens, make sure you get replacement panels that have the same power output or a comparable 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 way to answer this question is to determine the type of system you’d like to have. Cost of replacement for a couple of panels is minimal, but the cost to replace the whole system is likely to exceed the cost of a brand new installation.
Consumer Affairs reports that the cost of a 6kW installation in LA Solar Groupis about $15,000. The tax credit for federal residents of $2,250, or 22 percent by 2021, offsets this cost. It all depends on your needs Contact us for a quote.
Are there any mistakes to avoid when upgrading?
Although it may sound simple but upgrading the system you have is a complicated process. Before you can achieve the system of dreams there are a variety of ways to think about and calculations.
LA Solar Group, your reliable solar provider won’t rush to provide you with a simple quote or promise an unbeatable rate. Instead, they will guide you through these problems:
Avoid Losing your Feed-In Tariffs
It is possible to lose feed-in tariffs, or FiT, you currently enjoy in the old system if you upgrade.
To ensure you don’t miss out, ensure you make sure you are aware of your State’s FiT policies and guidelines. The policies are frequently updated. Make sure you check for any restrictions that apply to the ways to upgrade your solar system.
Determine if you could earn more money using the current tariff. Before you decide to upgrade your solar panel, make sure to consult your power provider or company.
Find out if your electricity supplier allows expansion of power production capacity.
It is possible to consider additional panels as a brand new system in some instances. The existing tariffs would remain, but you’d have to shell out lots of money for the new installation.
Don’t fall for sales as well as sales pitching that sound too nice
Sales representatives employ techniques of marketing psychology to trick clients into making promises that are too amazing deals. Anyone who says that converting to solar will reduce all your electric bills is lying to you.
The “No costs for solar installation” programs may not be free and do not provide a warranty. Don’t be swayed by tempting deals.
Before you upgrade, define your needs
Be realistic about how much energy your home requires. A solar kit with a matching kit is needed for a 600-watt refrigerator.
Your system will operate at a maximum efficiency of 80 percent and the peak hours of sunlight. There is a huge variation in daylight hours and the daytime hours.
Don’t exceed your body’s limit
Certain states have restrictions on the size of their solar systems. It means you is able to only generate a certain volume of solar power. LA Solar Group might have the right to decide how much capacity they will take from you.
LA Solar Group might charge additional fees to assess the impact of your upgrade to their system. Upgrade to a size that is accepted by your state or power the operator of your output network.
What happens to the existing system that you have already purchased?
You can reuse or recycle old panels.
Take a look at your panels and determine whether they are up to date. Then, you can either sell them or call LA Solar Group to ask whether they would be interested in having them back. They’re still extremely useful for off-grid and on-grid systems.
If they are not up to modern standards, however, you can still utilize them to construction within your own property. They could be utilized to power your farming operations. They could be used to power Recreational Electric Vehicle (RVs) and other devices that are not built-in.
Let LA Solar Group Upgrade Your Solar System
We’ve been an innovator in the field in renewable power. LA Solar Group has been awarded the title of “Best Construction Company of 2014″ and is currently rated among the top 3 percent out of the total LA Solar Groupcontractors. We have 10-years’ rich experience in solar panel installation all the way from California up to Texas. Our experts are all journeymen electricians. All of our staff have photovoltaic licenses. Our passion and experience will ensure that you receive the most efficient service available for your solar needs. For more details about our residential and commercial solar panel installations, contact us now.
