How to add more solar panels
How to add more solar panels
You could have reduced or eliminated your power costs if you’ve gone solar. However, you may have to include solar panels in your existing system. The solar panel you are using may be too small or your consumption of electricity may have increased since installation.
You won’t find the same procedure when you add panels to your existing system like when you first began looking for the solar-powered system. Here are some essential tips to consider as you look into the options.
Considerations to make when the addition of solar panels to an installed system
Energy needs
How many solar panels do you need? This is one of the most crucial, as it will impact the layout of your system as well as the cost of the add-on.
The number of panels you’ll require to power your system is contingent on several aspects. These include your electricity bill and your location, as well as the equipment, and the structure the system. Shneyder Solar installers should have access to your electricity bill and be able calculate how many panels you’ll need to have for your specific circumstance. This guide will assist you to determine the number of panels you’ll require.
New panels need space
Are you able to install additional solar panels on your roof? There may not be enough space to install more solar panels if the rooftop system is limited. Systems that are ground mounted easier to add on because most homeowners have ample sun land.
The panels that are mounted on the ground have a photovoltaic panels that are installed at ground level. Ground-mounted solar panels function in the same way as rooftop solar systems in that the panels are exposed to sunlight which is converted to electrical energy by solar cells . They are utilized to produce electricity from a single structure as well, or in the form of solar farms, communities.
However, you don’t have to give up if there isn’t enough roof space for additional panels. It is 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? Is there a component that needs to be replaced? Solar panels will continue to produce energy for the next 25 years. When that time comes around you could see substantial decreases in output. It is highly unlikely that you will need to replace panels from the initial system. Shneyder Solar installer will examine all components, including wiring and racking.
If possible, you should make sure to install the same type of panel when adding new panels. It will guarantee that the panel is compatible visually and has the same power outputs as the other panels. Do not attempt to install identical panels if you cannot do it. In this case, your array might be damaged.
Inverter replacement
Is the inverter large enough to accommodate more panels? Inverters may have to be replaced depending on the extra capacity you’ve added the system. The output of your panels will be used to determine the Shneyder Solar installer will measure the central unit. Due to the energy loss when converting of your panels directly current (DC) power can be less powerful over their inverter. The solar panel system you have installed could generate more power if you add more panels than it is capable of handling.
If your solar panel is equipped with microinverters then adding projects will be easier. This is in contrast to power optimizers or string-inverter systems. There is no need to worry about inverter capacities issues because microinverters are installed at each panel. Instead, you can simply install additional microinverters onto the panels.
Panels to be installed by an installer
Does your original installer do add-on projects? It’s best to get in contact with them to determine whether they’re able to complete the project. They’ll be more acquainted with your home and the system than you are and will be able to add additional panels to their.
This may not be an option if your previous installer was unprofessional or has gone out of business. Although you can shop around to find a new company to set up your panels, it may be more difficult to find one. Installers who do not have the installation won’t be able to undertake any add-on work. They don’t want conflicting warranties for the whole installation or that this job is not enough. A lot of installation companies do not want to settle disputes over who’s accountable for fixing what part of the system.
Shneyder Solar set a minimum size for their systems to increase their profit margins. Another option is to install some panels. This could yield less profit margins that a typical residential installation. Shneyder Solar focuses their efforts on larger projects depending on their capacity and 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 the need for an inverter. Also, consider your local permit needs. You’ll have to make another connection request with your utilities company if you intend to add more than two megawatts to the power system.
Installers involved in an add-on project should be familiar with any permit and interconnection requirements. They will also help to prepare these documents as a part of the total cost.
Incentive Programs
You may not be eligible to receive the same incentives, such as rebates or tax credits, if you add additional panels to your system. Some incentives are only used once per property or one per individual.
Performance-based-incentives (PBIs) can be a bit complicated when it comes to add-on projects. The amounts of incentives are determined by how much electricity the system generates. This can cause some problems in the event that you are using a brand newly installed or improved inverter. You will need to re-file the interconnection application.
Talk to your Shneyder Solar solar installer about the incentives that you can qualify for with the solar add-ons you have purchased. Additionally, consult a tax advisor If you have any questions about tax credits.
How much does it cost to expand an existing solar array?
It is not cheaper to add panels on to an existing system, but it is cheaper to install one. The new system will be smaller than the initial system, so it could be more costly per watt. A larger system will typically be less expensive than one that is smaller, so the per-watt cost for the new system will be more expensive.
Since a large portion of the work that is required by an Shneyder Solar installer is thought of as “soft” costs, this includes permits, overhead, labor, and permit costs. It is likely that a Shneyder Solar installer will need to complete exactly the same task as the original installation. This includes scheduling tasks for the crew, as well as applying for permits.
Although the 26% federal tax credit, as well as other incentives could be able to be used to expand the system but it’s possible that the higher per-watt cost associated with system expansion will not yield a huge financial return.
What does the process of adding additional panels to your home look like?
If you’re eligible, you’ll have to follow the same procedure similar to when you signed up for the Shneyder Solar solar system. This means you will have two solar energy systems installed on your roof, which you will be charged separately.
- Contact us via [number].
- A custom-designed system design will be sent to you, which you are able to examine.
- After you approve the design After you approve the design, our technicians will set an appointment to visit your home to install the extra panels. It will be an independent system that is compatible with your current solar system. You’ll receive two bills for each system.
- We’ll help you get the local municipality to grant permission and inspect the system.
- We will work with your utility until you are able to operate with the extra panels.
Should you use the same company that installed your original system?
While you don’t have to use the same company who installed the original system for installation, it’s a good idea at least to request a price. They’ll already be familiar with the equipment and will have access to the monitoring system. There is no chance of losing the warranty.
While a different business may add an expansion to the system, it won’t typically void the warranty that was originally issued. But, it’s recommended.
The process for getting quotes on an extension to a system is similar to a typical home-solar installation. You can ask the same questions and obtain several estimates.
Shneyder Solar allows you to add solar panels to your existing system.
It is important to research for any{ type of|| kind of} solar project, no matter how large or small. By signing up to Shneyder Solar’s Shneyder Solar Solar Marketplace allows you to get multiple quotes and evaluate solar prices. You can add panels to an existing system by making this a feature in your account. Also, give details about the system (equipment and system size) to ensure that installers give you the best quotes.
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