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 generate clean energy. It’s been doing the job it was meant to accomplish: save energy costs and also provide power for your home. Sometimes things change. Perhaps your aging system isn’t producing enough solar power or you have introduced new devices to limit its effectiveness. Maybe you’re looking to upgrade to something more powerful.
These are all legitimate arguments to replace your solar panels. If it is time we’ll assist you in making this choice. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons associated with upgrading your system. You will be the one who decides.
Why Upgrade an Existing Solar System
The most crucial issues to ask when considering the possibility of upgrading an existing system for solar 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 will require is contingent on many factors, including the electricity you consume as well as where you reside and the type of equipment you select, and general design. Nevada Solar Power Installers installers will be able determine the amount of panels you’ll need by supplying information regarding your electric bill.
Why not just purchase new solar panels and stop upgrading?
Upgrades are more affordable than purchasing new systems. Certain circumstances require a total overhaul. The system you have now may not be able produce much even after an upgrade, as older systems may not meet the standards of modern technology.
In the event that the device has been operating for more than 20 years
The warranty for solar systems expires at the end of 25 years. If the system has been operating for more than twenty years, it’s the right time to redesign it. There are new technology available, and you might not be able to combine them.
Inverters and batteries will not be affected if you mix old and new panels. Mix-and-match solar panels generate energy that is less than their power potential.
Get professional advice to assess the system and determine the need for an overhaul or upgrade.
Do you need to upgrade your inverter as well?
Yes. You can upgrade an inverter to make it more efficient in converting power. The heart of any solar system is the inverter. An upgrade of the inverter is necessary to increase the number of solar panels.
Your system’s ability to manage power is determined by your inverter. Consider upgrading your inverter whenever you’d like to boost or decrease your power output.
Because they are usually placed outside, inverters can be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. A shelter with an inverter that is with a high-end model is the best solution for the majority of faults.
It may take time for panels to develop issues before they affect the system. The entire system could fail when the inverter ceases to function.
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 common one among Australian, European, and Asian homeowners.
- Micro inverters Micros are inverters that attach to solar panels and let them operate on their own. These inverters have attracted attention of a small number of homeowners with complex roof designs. Micros let you place solar panels on certain regions of your roof. Micro inverters are most popular throughout the US and Canada. These units are more expensive and feature higher quality than other models.
- Hybrid Inverters – The hybrid inverters consist of an solar panel and an inverter for battery storage. Certain models are capable of storing some energy after an outage. This is why they’re so well-liked by solar enthusiasts. They also use batteries for storage.
What are the challenges you will face when upgrading solar panels?
An older system might include cabling, panels inverters, cabling, or any other equipment that does not meet current standards. This can be a huge issue when upgrading. Current standards require earthed panels or systems with an isolator that is not polarized as well as a method to store cables (high-density conduit that does not have cable ties made of plastic).
Consider asking yourself whether you have enough space on your roof to allow solar panel installation. If your rooftop system is already limited, you won’t be able to install all the panels. But, ground mount systems might give you some flexibility. You could still put solar panels to other types of structures if your roof space is limited. These could be carsports, sheds, or gazebos.
Panel compatibility is a different issue. It is not necessary to replace the panels unless you are looking for higher-quality energy efficient solar panels. Before you decide to upgrade, it’s a good idea to ask Nevada Solar Power Installers installers to inspect the whole array of solar panels.
After you have decided to proceed then you must install the same panels as the original array in order to guarantee aesthetic consistency. They should also feature the same power outputs as originally installed panels. You should not install the identical panel to the one you have. If that happens, make sure you get replacement panels that have identical power supply or a comparable one. Otherwise, it could result in damage to your array.
What is the cost to upgrade a solar panel system?
The best way to answer the question is to choose what you want. The cost of replacing a couple of panels is minimal However, the price for replacing all the panels will likely surpass the cost of a new installation.
Consumer Affairs reports that the cost of a six-kW installation in Nevada is about $15,000. The federal tax credit of $2250, which will be 22 percent in 2021 reduces the cost. The amount you pay depends on your requirements, so contact us to get an estimate.
Are there any mistakes to avoid when upgrading?
Although it sounds simple but upgrading an existing system is complex. Before you can achieve the system of dreams There are numerous calculations and approaches to consider.
Nevada Solar Power Installers, your reliable solar company won’t rush to give you a simplified estimate, or promise you that they will provide you with a safe haven. Instead, they will help you understand these issues:
Avoid Losing your Feed-In Tariffs
You could lose the Fee-in-Tariffs, also called FiT that you have when you use the old system, if you upgrade.
To avoid missing out, be sure to check the State’s FiT policies and rules. The policies are frequently updated. Make sure to review the restrictions on how you can upgrade your solar system.
Determine if you could earn more money with the current tariff. Before you decide to upgrade your solar, make sure to talk with your power company or provider.
Find out if your electricity supplier permits an expansion of the power production capacity.
You may need to treat the additional panels as a whole new system in some instances. The existing tariffs would be kept, however, you’ll have to shell out a significant amount of money for the new installation.
Do not fall for marketing or sales messages that seem too nice
Sales agents use psychology marketing skills to trick you into signing what appear to be too amazing deals. Anyone who promises that converting to solar will reduce all your electricity bills is deceiving you.
The “No charges for solar installations” programs may not be cost-free and do not provide a warranty. Don’t fall for gimmicks or tempting offers.
Before you upgrade, define your needs
Be realistic about how much the power you require for your home. A matching solar kit is needed for a 600-watt refrigerator.
Your system will operate at maximum efficiency of 80% during the peak hours of sunlight. There is a huge difference in the daylight hours and daytime hours.
Don’t overstep your body’s limits.
Certain jurisdictions have limitations in the amount of solar energy they can produce through their systems. This means that your state is able to only produce a specific quantity of energy from solar. Nevada Solar Power Installers might have the power to determine how much capacity they will take from you.
Nevada Solar Power Installers might charge additional charges to determine the impact of your upgrades on their network. Upgrade to a capacity that is acceptable by your state or output network operator.
What happens to the existing system that you have already purchased?
Recycling or reusing old panels.
Examine your panels to determine if they meet modern standards. You may then sell them or call Nevada Solar Power Installers to ask whether they’d like to buy return them. They’re still useful in both off-grid and grid-connected systems.
If they are not in line with modern standards but you may nevertheless use them to perform construction on your property. 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 Nevada Solar Power Installers Upgrade Your Solar System
We’ve been a pioneer in the field that of green energy. Nevada Solar Power Installers was awarded “Best Construction Company of 2014″, and is currently being ranked among the top 3 percent of all Nevada contractors. We have a decade of experience with solar panel installation from California from California to Texas. Our experts are all journeymen electricians, and all of our crews are licensed to install photovoltaic systems. Our experience and passion 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 now.