How to add more solar panels
How to add more solar panels
It is possible that you have cut down or eliminated your electricity costs if you’ve gone solar. However, you may need to add solar panels to an existing system. The solar panel system you have installed may be insufficient or your electricity consumption could have increased since installation.
You won’t find the same procedure for adding panels to your existing system as when you first looked for an solar-powered system. Here are some important points to remember while you research the options.
Considerations to make when installing solar panels on an existing system
Energy needs
What number of solar panels do you need? This question is the most important, because it will impact both the structure of your system as well as the cost of adding the solar panels.
The number of panels that you will need to power your system is contingent on a variety of variables. This includes your electricity bill, your location, your equipment, and the structure the system. Shneyder Solar installers should have access to your electricity bill and estimate the amount of panels you’ll require for your specific situation. This guide will assist you to calculate how many panels you need.
New panels require space
Are you able to place more solar panels onto your rooftop? There might not be enough space for more solar panels if your roof is constrained. Ground mount systems are easier to install because the majority of homeowners have ample sun land.
Photovoltaic panels mounted to the ground are solar systems that are installed on the ground. Ground-mounted systems work similarly to rooftop solar systems in that panels receive sunlight, which is converted into electrical energy by solar cells and is used to generate 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’s not enough roof space to accommodate additional panels. It is possible to install additional solar arrays on existing structures like carports or sheds.
Upgrade and compatibility of solar panels
Which panels were used in the original installation? Do any of the components need to be replaced? The solar panels are expected to generate energy for the next 25 years. When that time comes around you might notice significant drops in production. It is unlikely that you will need to replace panels from the initial system. Shneyder Solar installer will check everything, including wiring and racks.
If you can, use the same type of panel when adding new panels. This will ensure that everything is compatible visually and also has the same power outputs as your other panels. You should not install identical panels if you are not able to do this. Otherwise, your array could be damaged.
Inverter replacement
Is the inverter big enough to handle the additional panels? Inverters may have to be replaced based on the additional capacity you’ve added on your existing system. The produced by the panels is used to determine how Shneyder Solar installer will measure the central unit. Because of the loss of energy when converting of your panels are ‘direct current (DC), electricity can have lower power ratings that their respective inverter. The solar panel system you have installed could generate more power if you increase the number of panels it is capable of handling.
If your solar panel is equipped with microinverters then adding projects will be much easier. This is different from string-inverter or power optimizers. It is not necessary to worry about inverter capacities issues because microinverters are installed on every panel. Instead, you could add additional microinverters to the panels.
Panels to be installed by an installer
Does your original installer do add-on projects? It is best to get in contact with them to inquire whether they’re able to take on the task. They’ll be more familiar with your property and technology than you and can add additional panels to the work.
This may not be an option if your previous installer was not professional or has left the business. While you could shop around to find a new business to install your panels it might be harder to find one. Installers who do not have the installation will not perform any additional work. They don’t want warranties that conflict for the whole installation or that this job is not enough. Many installation companies do not want to settle disputes regarding who’s accountable for fixing what part or part of their system.
Shneyder Solar set a minimum system size to increase their profits. A possible add-on is to install some panels. This could yield lower profits than a residential standard installation. Shneyder Solar focuses their efforts on larger projects, based on their capacity and installation timetable.
Interconnection and permitting
Further permits or documents are required for the installation of more panels to your home. It depends on the number of panels you’re installing and whether an inverter is required. Additionally, you must meet your local permit requirements. You’ll need to submit another Interconnection Request to the utility provider if you add more than two power units to the system.
Installers who are part of an add-on job should be familiar with any permit and interconnection requirements. They should also be able to file these documents as part of the total cost.
Incentive Programs
It is possible that you will not be able to receive the same incentives like rebates or tax credits, when you add additional modules to your existing system. Some incentives are only claimed once for a home or for a single person.
Performance-based-incentives (PBIs) can be a bit complicated when it comes to add-on projects. The amount of incentive is dependent on the amount of power your system generates. This may cause issues when you own a newly installed or upgraded inverter. You will need to re-file the application for interconnection.
Speak to a Shneyder Solar solar installer regarding the incentives you can qualify for with your solar additions. Also, speak to tax professionals 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 put them in. The expansion you choose to make will probably be less than the original system so it may cost more per watt. A larger system will typically be less expensive than one with a smaller size, so the per-watt cost for your new system will likely be more expensive.
A lot of work that is required by a Shneyder Solar installer is thought of as “soft” costs, this includes permits, overhead and labor as well as permit fees. Most likely, a Shneyder Solar installer will need to complete exactly the same task as the installation they did originally. This means scheduling work for the crew and applying for permits.
While the federal 26% tax credit, and any other incentives could be able to be utilized to expand systems however, it is likely that the more expensive per-watt costs associated with system expansion will not result in a great financial return.
What does the process of adding additional panels to your home look like?
If you are eligible, you will undergo the same process similar to when you signed up for the Shneyder Solar solar system. This means you will have two solar systems on your roof, for which you will be charged in separate installments.
- We can be reached at [number].
- A customized system design will be delivered to you, and you are able to examine.
- After you approve the design Our technicians will then schedule an appointment at your house to install the additional panels. This will be an independent system that is compatible with your existing solar system. You’ll receive two bills for each system.
- We’ll help you get the local municipality to grant permission and check 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?
Although you don’t necessarily need to work with the same company who installed your system in the first place for installation, it is a good idea at least to request a price. They will already be acquainted with your equipment and be able to access the system for monitoring. There is no chance of getting rid of the warranty.
Although a different company may include an upgrade to the system, it doesn’t normally void the original warranty. However, it’s an excellent idea.
The procedure for getting quotes for the system extension is similar to that of a standard home-solar installation. Ask the same questions and receive 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. Signing up for the Shneyder Solar Solar Marketplace allows you to get numerous quotes and to compare solar costs. You can also add solar panels to your existing system by indicating this on your profile. Also, you should provide details regarding your system (equipment and system size) so installers can give you the best estimates.
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