If you’re already using solar power, then you’ve probably reduced (or possibly eliminated) your electricity bill. However, there might be a situation where you want to add more solar panels to your existing system. Your solar panel system’s functionality might start to decline, or you’re thinking about an increase in electricity consumption because of new home appliances, or the purchase of additional electric vehicles (EVs). At Kosmos Solar in Grand Prairie, TX our team of professional solar installation specialists has been working with residents of the DFW Metroplex for years to handle a wide variety of solar power-related projects including upgrading existing systems.
Adding additional modules to the existing system is not the same as when you first installed a solar system. There are quite a few things to consider when thinking about upgrading your existing solar system including the size of panels, overall capacity, and especially the space requirements that could become a concern during the project.
Start With Your Projected Energy Needs
How many additional solar panels do you need? This is the first question that needs to be answered because this affects your system design and additional project costs. The number of panels that you need to add to your system depends on several factors, including your solar energy bill, desired equipment, and your system design. If you have information about solar electricity bills and can provide it to your installer, the installer will be able to determine how many additional modules you need based on your specific situation. If you want to calculate this number yourself, then it is still important to talk with a professional to make sure your project goals are attainable.
Always Pay Attention to Space Requirements
Do you have enough space to install additional solar panels? If you have a roof system with limited space, the answer might be no. Ground-based systems are a little easier to expand because property owners are more likely to have plenty of lands available for installation. That doesn’t mean you will have to give up if you lack roof space to install additional panels. You can check into the installation of additional solar systems on other structures of your property at any time including carports, sheds, or even your garden’s gazebo.
Make Sure the New Equipment Will Be Compatible
Which panel was used during your initial installation and do you need to update ant of the existing components? These questions (and others) are important to consider when planning to upgrade or expand your existing installation. Your solar panels will typically produce electricity for more than 25 years. From that point on, there might be a big drop in production, so you might not need to replace the original system panels during your current project. However, it is always a good idea to ask your installer to check everything, including the wiring.
Think About the Capabilities of Your Inverter
Is your inverter big enough for additional panels? Depending on how much new capacity you add to your system, you might need to replace the inverter. Because the direct current (DC) generated by your panel is converted to alternating current by the inverter, the performance of this inverter can be slightly lower than the panel due to the loss of energy that occurs in the panel. Additional projects are a little easier if your original solar panel system uses a micro-inverter as opposed to a power optimizer or a string inverter. Because micro-inverters are located on each panel, you don’t need to worry about problems with inverter capacity and can easily install additional micro-inverters with new panels.
Work with Kosmos Solar in Grand Prairie, TX to Enhance Your Solar Installation
If your existing solar panel installation is just not providing the power output you need for modern living, then it might be time to think about expanding your system. Instead of struggling through each aspect of the process, your best choice is to contact our office right away so our team of skilled solar panel installation experts can help you develop the best possible project plan to suit your needs and budget.