As a form of green energy, solar power goes a long way in reducing your household’s carbon footprint. As Solar Photovoltaic panels become cheaper (70% price reduction since 2014), you should add solar panels to existing system. This blog will answer whether it is possible to do so and how.
Can you add more solar panels to an existing system?
You can add solar panels to an existing power system. This extra power may come in handy, especially if you’re planning on increasing the power consumption in your home.
Solar panels contain PhotoVoltaic Cells that convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC). You can connect all your solar panels in your home to an inverter that converts DC into Alternative Current(AC). This current is compatible with most home appliances’ energy and the national grid use. So it’s possible to add as many solar panels as your power consumption requires, provided that your inverter can handle the generated energy.
Different ways to add more solar panels to your existing solar system
You have several options for adding solar panels to existing systems. Each method has its pros and cons. Therefore, it is up to you to decide which best suits your current need.
Add More Panels Onto The Same Inverter
The easiest way to increase your solar power output is simply adding more solar panels on the same inverter. To do this, you ought to know the total output of all the solar panels on your current system. Learning your energy output will allow you to remain within the maximum input rating of your inverter.
Also, there is a natural loss of power when the panels transfer energy to the inverter. Up to 20% of the energy generated is lost. Your inverter may not be hitting its prescribed capacity, and you can add a few more panels. However, ensure that a professional does the installation, preferably the same one who set up the system.
Get a New Inverter
What are the chances that your outdated inverter is holding back your power generation capacity? Recent technological advancement has developed more efficient inverters with bigger power capacities. So getting a new inverter could be the answer to your energy woes. This is a more expensive option, but it will increase the efficiency of your overall system. You can consider buying microinverters and attaching them to solar panels to convert DC energy from the specific panel to AC energy and direct it into the grid.
Install a Separate System
You could also install a brand-new solar panel system. This leaves your old one intact and grants you a warranty from the supplier. However, the cost will be higher as you’ll need new panels, inverters, wiring, and a backup battery system. Despite the associated cost, you can claim tax rebates. Thus, the government could slash up to 30% of your taxes as a ‘refund’ on the costs incurred when installing the system. Installing a more modern system will also improve your power efficiency, reducing your carbon footprint.
Factors to Consider when adding solar panels to the existing system
Before deciding to add solar panels to an existing system, you should weigh several factors:
Your Power Needs
If you’ve increased your household appliances or more people in your home, your power consumption has gone through the roof. In addition, any upgrades to the home electrical system are directly proportional to an increase in power needs.
Based on these needs, a professional should advise you on the solar panel numbers you need to balance the power the grid consumes. The consultant will also guide you on the power limit you can legally generate and input back into the national grid.
Where to Install Panels
Solar panels on a rooftop
If you want to add solar panels to existing systems, you need space for them. The city bylaws may also limit where you can install solar panels.
In many cases, your solar installer can transfer some of the electrical components from one set of panels to another to create space for additional panels. However, if this isn’t possible, leaving some extra space on your roof is best until you figure out what other options are available.
Cost of Installing a New Panel
A PhotoVoltaic Inverter
Adding solar panels to existing power systems is a costly undertaking. The costs go beyond just the solar panel. You’ll need a new inverter(s), possibly overhaul your wiring system, and batteries for backup, and pay the solar installer.
Take Advantage of New Inventions
Development in the solar energy industry has made power generation cheaper and more efficient. You can now generate power faster and store it for longer using modern solar panels, inverters, and batteries. While the initial investment may be high, modernizing your solar panels will save you money by cutting back on power bills and even your carbon footprint.
Charging e-bikes and electric vehicles
EV charging at home
Charging new technology, such as e-bikes and electric vehicles, may strain your power supply infrastructure. An electric vehicle with a daily commute of 50 kilometers consumes roughly 15 kWh. To sustain this, you may consider adding solar panels to an existing power system.
FAQs
- How much does it cost to add solar panels to the existing system?
You can calculate this as the cost per watt. In January 2022, this cost was $2.77 per watt.
- Adding solar panels to existing system tax credit
Adding solar panels to your existing tax credits grants you up to 30% rebates in some states. You’ll also get incentives such as access to loans to upgrade your system.
- Is installing a solar system worth it?
Homeowners with solar energy systems save over $500 in energy bills.
Summary
Before you add solar panels to your existing system, it is essential to ask yourself which aspect is more important to you: cost or efficiency. If saving money is your priority, there are ways of reducing the costs associated with expanding your set-up. However, if efficiency gains are more valuable to you, expanding your system should be the best option. By taking the time to answer this question beforehand, you can find a solution that meets both of your needs in equal measure.
