Solar Panel Upgrade
Can You Upgrade An Existing Solar System?
You’ve been aching to put a solar panel system at your place of business or your home to create clean energy. It has been doing exactly what it was designed to accomplish: save money on your electricity usage and provide power for your home. Sometimes, things change. Perhaps your aging system isn’t producing enough solar power , or you have added new gadgets to reduce its efficiency. Maybe you’re 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 that decision. Let’s examine what are the benefits and drawbacks associated with an upgrade to your system. You will be the one who will make the final call.
Why Upgrade an Existing Solar System
One of the most important issues to consider when looking at an upgrade to an solar system that is in use is how many panels you will need. This is important because it can affect the structure of the system and the price of the whole solar system. The number of panels you require depends on many factors, including your electricity usage, where you live, the equipment you choose, and the overall design. Barnes Solar installers will be able to estimate 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 equipment. Some situations require a complete overhaul. Your system might not be able to create enough even after an upgrade due to the fact that older systems might not comply with modern standards.
In the event that the device has been operating for more than 20 years
The warranty for solar systems 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 technology available, and you might not want to mix them.
Inverters and batteries are not affected by the fact that you mix new and old panels. Mix-and-match solar panels create energy that is less than their capacity.
Get professional advice to assess the system and determine the need for an upgrade or overhaul.
Do you need to upgrade your inverter as well?
Yes. Inverters can be upgraded to make it more efficient in converting energy. The core of any solar panel is an inverter. A new inverter is required to increase the number of solar panels.
The ability of your system to manage power is determined by your inverter. It is worth considering upgrading your inverter whenever you want to increase or decrease the power output.
Since they are typically placed outside, inverters can withstand harsh weather conditions. A shelter which houses an inverter with a high-end model is an ideal solution for the majority of faults.
It will take time for panels to experience problems before they impact the system. The entire system may fail if the inverter stops working.
Types of inverters
- String Solar Inverters: This inverter connects the solar panels of a string in an in series circuit. This is the inverter that is most popular in the homes of Australian, European, and Asian homeowners.
- Micro inverters Micros are inverters which connect to solar panels and let them operate on their own. These inverters have attracted a tiny number of homeowners who have complicated roof designs. Micros let you place solar panels in specific areas of your roof. Micro inverters are the most sought-after throughout the US and Canada. They are more costly and feature higher quality over other models.
- Hybrid Inverters: The hybrid inverters consist of a solar panel and the battery storage converter. Some brands are capable of holding a small amount of energy after the event of a blackout. This is one reason why they’re loved by solar enthusiasts and use batteries for storage.
What are the challenges you will face when upgrading solar panels?
A system that is older may have cabling, existing panels inverters, cabling, or any other equipment that is not in line with the current standards. This can be a huge issue when upgrading. Current standards require earthed panel frames, systems that use an isolator that is not polarized as well as a method to place cables (high-density conduit without cable ties made of plastic).
It is important to determine if there is enough space on your roof to allow an installation for solar panels. If your roof system is already restricted, then you won’t be able to add all of the panels. However, ground mount systems might give you some flexibility. It is possible to install solar panels to other types of structures, if your roof space is a bit limited. They could be sheds, carports or gazebos.
Panel compatibility is a different issue. You won’t have to change any panel unless you’re in search of higher-quality and more effective solar panel. When you’re deciding to upgrade it’s best to ask Barnes Solar installers to check the entire solar energy system.
If you decide to proceed, you should install the same kind of panels that were used in the original array to ensure an aesthetic coherence. They should also feature identical power outputs to those of the initial panels. It is not recommended to install the identical panel to the one you already have. If this happens, make sure to get new more panels that have similar power ratings or an identical one. Otherwise, it could cause damage to your array.
What is the cost to upgrade a solar panel system?
The best method to answer the question is to choose what you want. It is possible to replace just a few panels will be minimal However, the price of replacing the entire system will probably surpass the price of a new installation.
It all depends on your requirements and needs, so please contact us to get an estimate.
Are there any mistakes to avoid when upgrading?
Although it may sound simple however, updating an existing system is complex. Before you can get the system you’ve always wanted there are a variety of methods and calculations to take into consideration.
Barnes Solar, your reliable solar provider, won’t be rushing to provide you with a simple estimate, or promise you that they will provide you with a safe haven. Instead, they will assist you in understanding these questions:
Avoid Losing your Feed-In Tariffs
It is possible to lose Fee-in-Tariffs, also called FiT that you have with the old system in the event of an upgrade.
To avoid being left out, make sure you check the state’s FiT policies and regulations. The policies are frequently updated. Make sure you check for the restrictions on how you can upgrade your solar system.
Calculate if you would make more money with the current price. Before you decide to upgrade your solar system, be sure to talk with your provider or power company.
Find out if the electricity provider you use allows expansion of capacity of power production.
It is possible to consider the additional panels as a whole new system in some cases. The existing tariffs would remain, but you’ll need to shell out a significant amount of money to get the new system.
Beware of marketing and sales pitches that are too good to be true.
Sales representatives employ tactics of marketing using psychology to fool customers into signing what appear to be too promising deals. Any agent who claims that solar upgrades will completely eliminate your electricity costs is lying to you.
The “No fees for solar installation” programs are not always free and do not offer a guarantee. Don’t be swayed by tempting deals.
Before you upgrade, define your needs
Be realistic about how much power your house requires. A solar kit that is compatible with your home is needed to power a 600-watt refrigerator.
Your system will work with a maximum efficiency of 80% during maximum sunlight hours. There is a vast difference in the daylight hours and daytime hours.
Don’t overstep your body’s limits.
Certain states have restrictions on the size of their solar systems. This means that your state is able to only generate a certain amount of solar energy. Barnes Solar might have the power to determine how much capacity they will accept from you.
Barnes Solar might charge additional charges to evaluate the impact of your upgrade to their system. Upgrade to a size that is accepted by your state or out network provider.
What happens to the existing system that you have already purchased?
Recycle or reuse old panels.
Take a look at your panels and determine whether they are up to date. You may then sell them or contact Barnes Solar to ask whether they’d like to buy them back. They’re still useful for both on-grid and off-grid systems.
If they are not up to date, however, you can still use them for work in your home. They could be utilized to power your farming activities. They can be utilized for Recreational Electric Vehicle (RVs) or other non-building mounted devices.
Let Barnes Solar Upgrade Your Solar System
We’ve been a pioneer in the area in renewable power. Barnes Solar is awarded “Best Construction Company of 2014″, and is currently rated among the top 3 percent among all Barnes Solarcontractors. We have a decade of experience with solar panel installation across California up to Texas. Our team of experts are all master electricians and all of our team members are certified in photovoltaic technology. Our experience and passion will ensure you get the best service possible for your solar requirements. For more information on our residential and commercial solar panel installations, contact us now.