How to add more solar panels
How to add more solar panels
It is possible that you have cut down or eliminated your power bills if you have switched to solar. However, you may have to install solar panels on an existing system. The solar panel system you have installed may be insufficient or the power consumption may have increased since the installation.
You won’t find the same procedure when you add panels to your existing system like when you first began looking for a solar system. Here are some essential points to remember as you look into your choices.
Factors to consider when adding solar panels to an already installed system
Energy needs
How many solar panels will you need? This question is the most crucial, as it will influence the design of your system and the cost of adding the solar panels.
The amount of panels you’ll need for your system depends on a variety of factors. These include your electricity bill as well as your location, equipment, and the design of your system. Shneyder Solar installers should be able to access your electricity bill and be able calculate how many panels you’ll require for your particular situation. This guide will help you calculate how many panels you’ll need.
New panels require space
Do you have the space to put more solar panels onto your rooftop? There might not be enough space for more solar panels if the rooftop system is constrained. Systems that are ground mounted easier to install because the majority of homeowners have plenty of sunlight.
Photovoltaic panels mounted to the ground are solar systems that are installed at ground level. Ground-mounted systems function similarly to rooftop solar systems in that the panels expose themselves to light, which is converted to electrical energy by solar cells . They are utilized to produce electricity from one building 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’s possible to install supplemental solar arrays on existing structures like sheds or carports.
Upgrade and compatibility of solar panels
What panels were utilized in the initial installation? Does any component need to be replaced? The solar panel will generate electricity for 25 years. At that point you might notice significant drops in production. It is unlikely that you will need to replace panels from the original system. Shneyder Solar installer will check everything, including wiring as well as the racking.
If you can, use the same type of panel when you add new panels. So that you can ensure everything matches visually and also has the same power outputs as your other panels. Do not attempt to install identical panels if are unable to do so. In this case, your array might be damaged.
Inverter replacement
Does the inverter have enough capacity to accommodate more panels? The inverter could need to be replaced depending on the extra capacity you’ll add on your existing system. The power output of your panels is used to determine how Shneyder Solar installer will size an inverter centrally. Due to the energy loss during conversion, your panels‘ direct current (DC) electricity could have a lower power rating that their respective inverter. The solar panel system you have installed could generate more power if you increase the number of panels it is able to handle.
In the event that your solar panel system is equipped with microinverters then adding projects will be much easier. This is different from string-inverter systems or power optimizers. There is no need to worry about the inverter’s capacity issues since microinverters are incorporated on every panel. You can instead install additional microinverters onto 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 if they are available to do the work. They will be more familiar with your property and system than you are and will be able to add additional panels to their work.
It’s not an option if the previous installer wasn’t professional or has left the business. While you could shop around to find a new business to install your panels it may be more difficult to find one. Installers who don’t own the installation will not perform any additional work. They don’t want warranties that conflict for the whole installation or that the job is too small. A lot of installation companies don’t want to have to resolve disputes about who is responsible to fix what part of the system.
Shneyder Solar set a minimum system size to maximize their profits. An add-on project might be to install some panels. This will result in less profit margins that a typical residential installation. Shneyder Solar focuses their efforts on larger projects based on their availability and their installation timetable.
Interconnection and permitting
Additional permits or documentation are required for the installation of further panels onto your land. It is contingent on the amount of panels you’re adding , and whether an inverter is required. Also, consider your local permit requirements. You’ll have to submit another Interconnection Request to the utility company when you intend to add more than two kW to your system.
Installers who are part of an additional job must be familiar with the requirements for permits and interconnections. They will also help to prepare these documents as a part of the overall price.
Incentive Programs
It’s possible you won’t be eligible to be eligible for the same incentives for rebates or tax credits, in the event that you add more modules to your existing system. Certain incentives can only be used once per property or per individual.
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 the system generates. This can cause some problems in the event that you are using a brand newly installed and upgraded version of an inverter. You will need to re-file the interconnection application.
Speak to a Shneyder Solar solar installer regarding the incentives you are eligible for for your add-on solar projects. Also, talk to a tax advisor if you have questions regarding tax credits.
How much does it cost to expand an existing solar array?
It’s not more costly to add panels on to an existing system than it is to build one. The expansion you choose to make will probably be smaller than the original system so it may be more costly per watt. A larger system is likely to cost less than one with a smaller size and therefore the cost per watt for your new system is likely to be greater.
Since a large portion of the work that is required by an Shneyder Solar installer is considered “soft” costs, which includes permits, overhead and labor as well as permit costs. Most likely, a Shneyder Solar installer will need to complete the same work that was required for the initial installation. This means scheduling work for the crew and seeking permits.
Although the 26% federal tax credit and other incentives might be able to be utilized for system expansion however, it is likely that the higher per-watt cost for system expansion may not result in a great 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 that you did when you signed up for Shneyder Solar solar system. That means that you will have two solar energy systems on your roof, which you will be charged in separate installments.
- You can contact us at [number].
- A customized system design will be sent to you, which you will then be able to review.
- After you approve the design, our technicians will schedule an appointment at your residence to set up the additional panels. It will be an independent system that will be compatible with your existing solar system. There will be two bills per system.
- We’ll arrange for the local municipality to grant permission and examine the system.
- We will cooperate with your utility company until you are permitted to operate with the extra panels.
Should you use the same company that installed your original system?
While you don’t have to work with the same company who installed your system in the first place for installation, it’s a good idea at least to inquire about a cost. They will already be acquainted with your equipment and possess access to your monitoring device. There is no chance of being unable to claim the warranty.
Even though a different firm could make an addition into the product, it won’t usually void the original warranty. But, it’s an excellent idea.
The process for getting quotes for the system extension is the same as a standard home-solar installation. You can ask the same questions and get multiple quotes.
Shneyder Solar allows you to add solar panels to your existing system.
It’s important to shop around for any{ type of|| kind of} solar project, regardless of the size or scope. Signing up for an account on the Shneyder Solar Solar Marketplace will enable you to get multiple quotes and examine the costs of solar. You can add panels to your existing system by making this a feature in your account. Also, give details regarding your system (equipment and size of the system) to ensure that installers give the most competitive quotes.
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