What Top Factors to Consider for Adding Solar Panels to an Existing Array?

 

If you have already installed a solar system at your home, but wish to add more solar panels to bring down the electricity bill to zero, then this is the post for you. There are instances where current solar panels are unable to meet the increased electricity needs of the residential or commercial space. In this situation, what to do? Can solar panels be added to an existing array? Well, the answer is yes. Before going for additional panels, ensure to consider some important factors. To understand more about it, keep reading. 

Factors to Consider for Adding New Panels to Existing Solar Panel Arrays:

Numerous factors can affect your decision to add solar panels to the existing ones. Following are some vital: 

• Increased Energy Requirement

The most important question to address is how many additional solar panels you need. To determine an accurate answer, there are various factors to consider, like utility bills after installing the solar system, the area you live in, system design, and equipment. An average home needs 20 to 24 solar panels for a full-fledged dependency on solar. Plus, if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or rainfall, you will need more panels.     

                 

• Space for Panels

Another factor to consider is whether you have enough space for additional panels or not. Sometimes the rooftop may not have enough space to accommodate new panels. The ground-mounted system can be a bit easier to install as typically you have enough space for a few additional panels. Even if you are running out of space, you can go for installing supplemental structural solar arrays like sheds, carports, or gazebos. Talk to our solar installation expert in UK to find out the best solar space solution. 

 

• Inverter Replacement

The next important question to ask yourself is if your current inverter is large enough for additional panels. Depending on how much more capacity you need, consider replacing your inverter. Inverter plays a major role as it converts the direct current produced by solar panels into alternating current. By adding a few more panels, your entire solar system becomes much more than its original size. The newly added will generate the electricity that your existing inverter might find difficult to handle. 

Things become easy when the original solar system uses micro inverters as compared to string inverters or power optimizer systems. Since micro-inverters are located at each individual panel, you can add such an inverter with an additional panel without causing hassle. Talk to expert solar panel installation and maintenance service provider- Solar Daddy.     

 

• Permission and Interconnection

Do the additional panels or inverters demand additional permission from the authority? Well, the answer lies in further reading. There are various factors that can affect the answer. These factors include the number of panels you are planning to add, if an additional inverter is required or not, etc. 

If you are replacing an inverter and new panels, then chances are there you have to submit another interconnection application with your utility company. The solar panel installation company UK you are working with should have knowledge about various permissions you may need. 

• Incentives     

If you have additional panels in the solar system, then you may not be eligible for some of the government incentives like rebates or tax credits that you claimed when you originally installed your system. In some places, incentives are based on once per property, while in others, it is once per person. If you are unsure about incentives, talk to your solar installation company about what incentives you might not be eligible for when installing additional panels.     

• Upgrade and Compatibility 

What panels are used in the original installation, and does it or any components need the upgrade? Solar panels can generate electricity for more than 20 years, and if the performance dips and you need to add or replace panels with new ones. When replacing a few panels or adding new ones, it is advisable to use the same type of solar array. If you are unable to install the same panels, install panels with the same or similar output otherwise you may damage the existing array.   

• Aesthetic Considerations   

Another thing that needs to be considered is whether the extended system will look and match the existing panel's appearance. In the majority of cases, you might be able to install very similar or the same PV modules. For example, if your original solar panels are monocrystalline and have a black colour, then adding polycrystalline panels, which are blue, makes the entire setup look odd. We agree that aesthetics might not matter much for some people, but what's wrong with having one?                           

Add Additional Solar Panels with Solar Daddy

Well, now that you have understood several things to keep in mind while installing additional solar panels in the existing system, it's time to find a reliable and efficient solar panel installation service provider in the UK. Your search ends with Solar Daddy. For any solar project, big or small project, commercial or residential, we are the right choice. We take pride in saying that we have experts on our team who have years of experience in carrying out solar projects efficiently. You can also hire us for solar maintenance services. For any doubt or query, book an expert consultation call. Go green, go solar.

 

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