Upgrade an existing solar system? Tips and Mistakes to avoid
Looking to upgrade an existing solar panel system? Find out how you should how to upgrade, and avoid common mistakes.
Can You Upgrade An Existing Solar System?
Ever since you went green, you’ve installed a solar system that powers your entire home. The system has been working just fine but you increased your consumption with the addition of a few appliances or machines. Possibly, you developed a new hobby that eats up your power, or some panels just slowed down.
The new electric car you bought recently guzzles up your last watt of power. The stress is evident in the monthly bills, and you have to do something. Fortunately, your roof is spacious enough to support a few more panels, and you are wondering, “can you upgrade an existing solar system?”
Yes, you can upgrade the existing solar system, as long as the upgrades meet the standards outlined by the policies of your state and network provider. The additions must work seamlessly with the existing panels, inverters, or battery storage.
An upgrade can be either a repair or an alteration.
You only repair the specific parts of the system that are worn out. However, the technician can also check if the other parts are working correctly. Repairs aim at restoring the system to the initial standards that existed at the time of installation.
Then, alterations are a strategic changes in the way the system works. This could include a few replacements or additions of panels, inverters or batteries. Alteration upgrades aim to improve the system to current standards.
When should you Upgrade Your Solar System?
Your current power output is basically what was enough for you at the time of installation. Over time, you will need to increase your electricity production. Maybe you’ve had a few people move in with you, bought new appliances, or the latest Tesla Cyber Truck- whichever!
The current system doesn’t meet your demand
As long as your current system does not meet your electricity needs, you can upgrade your existing solar array. If you are currently producing lower power kilo-wattage than you need, you can add more panels to your system.
Also, you can replace the old panels with more efficient brands that will convert more sunlight to electricity.
Before you expand your production, consider your consumption, size of your roof, and budget.
How to Know if Your Solar System Meets Your Power Demands
Sometimes, you could be consuming more power than your solar panels are producing. The information on your application or utility bill receipts should guide you appropriately.
The solar installation company should show how your system should ideally perform. If you notice a sharp difference between the estimated and current system performance, there could be a problem.
Here is how to tell your system is underperforming:
Lower performance than state guidelines
The performance of your solar system depends on your city. Cities that experience more sunlight hours have higher energy generation.
Of course, you have to tilt the angles at the optimum inclination and remove any shadowing. The Clean Energy Council recommends that panels in Australia are inclined at 30 degrees north.
If your system’s average daily output is lower than the ideal city production, you are running an underperforming solar array. See the ideal average daily output production for different cities in Australia.
Table showing the average daily output per kilowatt of installed solar arrays in different cities
Do you need to upgrade your inverter as well?
Yes, you can upgrade the inverter of an existing solar system to convert more power. The inverter forms the heart of the solar system. Any increase in the number of solar panels demands an upgrade to the inverter.
The inverter determines how much electricity your system can handle. Whenever you are stepping up or increasing your power output, consider upgrading your inverter, too.
Inverters experience harsh weather conditions as they’re usually installed outside the house. Installing a high-quality inverter in an enclosed shelter is a brilliant solution to most of the faults.
If panels develop a problem, it will take time before they affect the system. But, in case the inverter stopped working, the whole system would fail.
Why choose us for your Solar Panel Upgrades in Adelaide?
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