Youve Just Lost A Premium Feed
Most of the solar systems installed under the generous solar feed-in tariffs of yesteryear were small because solar PV systems were expensive, and premium FiTs were necessary for them to make financial sense. Fortunately, this is no longer the case PV system prices have come down to a point where going solar makes sense even without a strong feed-in tariff.
But most state-backed feed-in tariff programs stipulated that system owners could not expand their existing solar systems at the risk of losing their feed-in benefits. Two of these programs the Solar Bonus Scheme in NSW and the Transitional Feed-in Tariff in South Australia recently concluded payments, leaving the formerly size-constrained system owners at liberty to add more solar capacity. Other state programs will end in the coming years .
In this situation, there are several options:
Can I Add More Solar Panels To An Existing System
Yes, if you bought your solar system from Freedom Forever, and there is room for them, you can add solar panels to your existing system. You can also add home batteries if you want to start storing some of the power youre generating. You may need to change the inverter in your solar system to one that can handle the additional current being supplied by your newly-expanded system.
Malfunctioning Systems Can Be Changed Out
What if your current system has stopped working? Can you add new panels then? If your system has stopped working, you can exchange a like-for-like product. If your inverter or panels need to be replaced, they can be exchanged. This is a better solution than trying to add onto a damaged network, and an expert in solar panel technology can help.
Are you wondering how you can upgrade your existing solar installation? You dont necessarily need to replace the entirety of the installation, but its also not as simple as just adding on new solar panels. Because new solar panels are unlikely to be compatible with the system that you have now, and because it may blow you past peak capacity, its better to create a secondary system that will connect to the original system.
In general, creating and tying in a second solar panel system is going to be the ideal solution, because it allows both panel systems to work together to create a single pool of usable energy, which can either power your home or be sold elsewhere. We have the solution to that.
If youre looking to add more solar panels, we can help. Contact us today to find out more about how to improve your energy output.
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Can I Connect Two Different Solar Panels Together
Although mixing different solar panels is not recommended, it is not prohibited and everything would be fine as long as each panels electrical parameters are carefully considered. The problem lies in the different electrical characteristics of the panels, together with different performance degradations.
Can I Upgrade My Solar System With Diy Tweaks
A DIY solar upgrade would save you hundreds of bucks. However, only licensed electricians can upgrade your solar system. Upgrading the system by yourself- even if youâve Googled the A-grade blueprint- might attract a harsh legal penalty.
Instead, result in minor procedures such as replacing fuses and performing routine maintenance. Otherwise, contact electrical contractors around your location to do the upgrade for you. Surprisingly, they offer competitive packages.
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Should I Add Solar Panels To My New Homes Existing System
So youve purchased a new home! Congratulations. Thanks to the California Solar Mandate, your new home will also have a fully-functioning solar system installed when you move in. The states mandate requires that all newly constructed homes with a permit pulled after January 1, 2020, need to have a solar photovoltaic system as an electricity source.
The cost of your existing solar system is likely already included in your mortgage, making payments seamless and affordable. Youve already made the smart decision to go solar by purchasing a new home, so the question is no longer if solaris right for you but rather is the system right for you?
Reasons You May Want To Add Batteries To Your Solar System
Blackouts
If you live in California, you may be subject to frequent blackouts in the fall during hot, windy days. A regular solar system cant provide power to your home during blackouts, but a system with batteries can.
Time-of-Use billing
If your utility company bills you using Time-of-Use billing, then batteries can save you money. Peak rates are often charged in the evening after your solar system stops producing power. Batteries can power your home during those peak-rate hours, and then recharge the next day from your solar system.
Incentives
Some states, including California, have financial incentives for installing batteries. Batteries are also eligible for the federal tax credit for renewable energy.
You should contact a qualified tax expert and consult with them. Neither Freedom Forevers family of independent authorized dealers nor Freedom Forever itself can give you tax advice. A qualified tax professional will understand your situation and be able to give you the most relevant advice.
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Talk To The Professionals
Deciding whether to add more solar panels to your system can be a big decision, and you want to ensure you will receive the right return on your investment. Our team of friendly experts at Project Solar UK will be able to help you, no matter how far along you are on your solar journey. Get in touch with us today.
How To Expand Inverter Capacity
Your inverter is usually chosen based on your system size, which means your original inverter may not have enough capacity to handle additional electricity generated by new panels. However, there are two options for expanding this capacity.
In most cases, simply installing a second inverter and handling the additional panels as a separate array is a simple and straightforward approach. Both inverters can be tied to the grid, so you usually dont need to seek additional approval with your planning board or your utility company.
Alternatively, many solar panels manufactured today use a microinverter. Microinverters convert the current of a single panel, rather than a whole string, and they are much smaller and less expensive than traditional inverters. Microinverters simplify an upgrade to your existing system because the new panels will each convert their own current. You can add panels with microinverters a few at a time, and you dont need to install additional components like a second inverter.
Microinverters have a few other benefits as well. With a microinverter, you can install higher capacity solar panels than those in the original system. Each panel will convert its own electricity, so it wont be affected by how large the other panels are in the rest of the string. Additionally, a shaded panel with a microinverter wont drag down the efficiency of the rest of the string because it has its own inverter.
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How Much Does It Cost To Add Solar Panels
The cost of adding solar panels to your system depends on how you approach the upgrade and the other components your project requires. In January 2022, the average cost for a new system was $2.77 per watt, but if you can add panels without updating your inverters, you might be able to lower your per-watt cost.
Still, using the cost for a new system is a good benchmark that can help you budget for adding to your system.
Can I Add More Solar Panels To Existing Systems On Nj Houses
You can add more solar panels to existing systems on NJ houses. Often, solar customers look to upgrade their solar panel systems when their energy needs change. For example, you may have recently installed a pool, purchased an electric powered car, or expanded your home. With increased energy use, you may need more solar panels to keep your electric costs low. As a homeowner looking to expand your solar system, you need to consider several factors for your home solar upgrade. This way, you can ensure your addition goes smoothly when you switch to solar NJ. Read on to learn about the most important factors to consider if youre asking, Can I add more solar panels to existing systems on houses NJ?
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Simply Adding Panels With No Inverter
If you have extra room on your roof or your ground mount, adding extra solar panels without an inverter can be a great option. All you need is some extra racking. However, make sure to double-check because there are things you have to bear in mind to make this happen.
First, you need to make sure that all the panels are compatible. The easiest track you can take is to add the exact solar panels you already have to your solar system.
If your panels are no longer available, you can also use a panel with a similar capacity. Talk to your solar panel installer since they may have a better idea of the best panel options for you. Aside from that, you also need to make sure that your current inverter can support the capacity of the added solar panels.
Depending on your inverter size, you can add solar panels and connect them to your existing inverter. However, if the capacity is less than the DC size of the combined new and old solar panel system, you need to purchase a new inverter.
When going with this option, always keep the warranty of your system in mind. If you are satisfied with the job of your solar installer, you can stick with it when adding more solar panels to your existing solar system.
And this way, you can better negotiate warranty terms with your installation company. If you switch companies, you may void the warranty of the original system, and youll run into troubles if issues come up.
Want To Go Solar Add Panels Or Batteries To An Existing System Call Us At 800
Solar is changing fast. Stay informed.
Accolades
Every solar energy system is customized based on many different factors, including your electricity needs, home structure, utility company rules, state and federal incentive programs, geography and topography. System production may be decreased by several factors that would affect the production guarantee. Refer to your specific installation agreement for exclusions and/or other factors.
The statements made by Freedom Forever are based on the data available as of the last update to this website. There is no express or implied dollar savings guarantee. Statements regarding tax rebates and/or incentives are not guarantees you should seek advice from a tax professional regarding any rebate terms and/or qualifications. Warranty and repair of the system are subject strictly to the specific terms and conditions stated in your installation agreement.
For more information about the Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program by the Illinois Power Agency, please read the Illinois Shines Brochure.
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Add Solar Panels To An Existing System On Energysage
With any solar project, big or small, its good to shop around. By signing up on the EnergySage Marketplace, you can receive multiple quotes to compare costs for solar. If youre looking to add panels onto your existing system, note that in your account, along with information about your existing system so that installers can provide you with the most accurate quotes possible.
Protection From Peak Usage Prices
In many cases, residential and commercial customers who use solar power to generate their own electricity can use a system called net metering if its available in their area. Net metering simply means that you can sell the electricity that you dont use back to the grid effectively adding a credit on their electric bill. On these types of grid-tied power systems, however, you may also pay a higher rate for electricity consumed during peak hours, which are the times of the day with the highest overall electricity demand. This is sometimes called time-of-use billing.
Homeowners can reduce their dependence on the more expensive peak hour electric service by using their battery banks during these times, which can reduce their electric bill significantly.
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G83 & G59 Solar Applications
The second thing to bear in mind is the size of the system.
Systems under 3.68kW are deemed small scale and can be installed and connected to the grid straight away. The system then needs to be registered by submitting a G83 form to the Distribution Network Operator after the install .
The reason for the 3.68kW is because there is a 16 Amps per phase limit so 16A multiplied by 230v = 3.68kW.
If you decide to install a system larger than 3.68kW, then you need to make a G59 application to the DNO this is a legal requirement they will decide whether this size system will operate within the existing grid framework i.e. an acceptable load will be exported on the grid. In most cases this application will be approved provided the proposed system is not deemed excessive. The process will however take approximately 8 weeks from start to finish, so it may delay the install.
The good news is that inverters are limited to 16 Amps, so in reality a 4kW system can be installed without the need to go through the G59 process, however if you are planning to install additional panels which will take your total installed capacity above the 4kW threshold , you will need to go through the G59 process.
If You Do Buy New What Will Happen To The Old Panels
Yes, you can reuse, or recycle the old panels.
Examine your panels and find out if they comply with modern standards. Then you can either sell them or contact your supplier to see if they may want them back. Compliant panels are still useful for on or off-grid systems, and they could fetch you a good price.
However, if they are too old to meet modern standards, you can use them for other work on your property. For instance, they could power up your agricultural activities. You could use them on Recreational Vehicles , or other non-building mounted systems.
This Reddit userâs father used old solar panels to stop grass from growing to unwanted areas of their yard.
Image showing how old and damaged solar panels are being reused,
Solar panel recycling isnât so popular, but you may want to talk to your installation service provider or manufacturer for advice.
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Three Ways To Add More Solar Panels
Its essential to communicate with your chosen installer to ensure you are avoiding any risks that may come with adding more panels. This is a case-by-case procedure that will be relative to your home, budget, and energy needs. Here are three main ways to add more solar panels to an existing solar installation:
Is It Possible To Add More Panels To An Existing Solar Panel System
If you have made a significant change in your life that has resulted in more power usage than when you initially set up your solar panels, it may be time to add more panels. Adding a hot tub or increasing your household size are examples of changes that raise your homes power usage.
Not all systems are set up to take on more solar panels. A few things need to be considered before adding on more panels.
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When The Old System Doesnt Meet Legal Standards
International laws control the quality and safety of solar systems. For instance, the nonpolarized isolator is now a requirement for all systems.
The 2013 IEC 61730 laws set international standards for the safety and efficiency of solar systems.
If youâd set up your current system before 2013, you may have to do an overhaul replacement instead of an upgrade. The standards came with new requirements including a fire rating, and high-density conduit.
The 2015 IEC 62109 brought up an earth fault alarm that informs solar users of any damaged earthing connection.
In Australia, panels must meet the Clean Energy Council requirements. Panels that donât meet these accreditations can stay in their initial installation, but not moved.
Also, technology is far more advanced than it was ten years ago. Before 2012, almost all inverters had transformers but these days they don’t. Manufacturers realized theyâd save more money by creating transformerless inverters.
Integrating the old solar systems with the new ones is, therefore, a big challenge.
Avoid Going Beyond Your Size Limit
Some jurisdictions have solar system size limits, where your state has a fixed size of solar power that you can produce. Power companies may have the discretion to determine what capacity they will allow from you.
The power companies may decide to charge extra fees to analyze the impact your upgrade can have on their network.
So, upgrade to a size thatâs acceptable by your state and power network operator.
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Australian Standards For Solar Panel Installations Have Changed
Consider the fact that Australian standards for solar panel installations have changed over time. Though you may be able to add more solar panels to your installation, the new panels may make it so that your installation isnt up to code. Your entire installation would need to be updated.
In general, these issues are grandfathered in for people who already have installations. If your current installation doesnt meet code, its not going to be an issue until you try to modify it. But once you modify it, you are going to need to concern yourself with the new codes.
If youre looking to explore the chances that you might need to make to your existing installation, talk to us today.
