Some homeowners who either inherited a pre-installed system or went with a more conservative installation sometimes ask if adding more solar panels is possible. The good news is that adding more solar panels to an existing system is possible, but the process is more complicated than installing the appropriate number of panels the first time around. Ultimately, sometimes it makes the most sense to start from the ground up.
Adding More Solar Panels – The Necessary Steps
When adding more solar panels to an existing system, the first step is to ensure that the system’s solar inverter can handle the additional power. The inverter is the component of the system that converts the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power that can be used in the home. If the inverter is not rated to handle the additional power, it must be replaced with a larger one that can accommodate the additional panels.
The next step is to evaluate the system’s existing wiring and electrical components. If the existing wiring and electrical components are not designed to handle the additional power, they must be upgraded to prevent safety hazards such as electrical fires; this can be costly, but it is essential to ensure that the system is safe and functioning properly.
Once the inverter and electrical components have been evaluated, the next step is to determine the placement of the new solar panels. The new panels will need to be installed in a location that maximizes their exposure to sunlight, which may require installing a new mounting system. A professional solar installer must carefully consider the new panels’ orientation and tilt to ensure they are aligned optimally to get the best results throughout the day.
After the new solar panels have been installed, the system must be reconfigured to ensure that all panels are working together efficiently. This process, known as panel optimization, involves adjusting the output of each panel to ensure that they all contribute to the system’s overall power production. Panel optimization is essential for maximizing the system’s efficiency and power output.
What’s the Better Choice?
While adding more solar panels to an existing system is possible, it is much more difficult than installing the appropriate number of panels the first time around. When designing a new solar power system, it is important to consider the home’s current and future energy needs; this means considering factors such as the size of the home, the number of appliances and devices that will be using electricity, and the potential for future growth. It’s always better to have an overabundance of power than not enough.
Designing a solar power system that is appropriately sized for the home’s needs will not only ensure that the system is functioning optimally and save homeowners money in the long run. An underpowered solar array system will not be able to generate enough electricity to meet the home’s energy needs, which means that homeowners will need to supplement their power with electricity from the grid.
Adding more solar panels to an existing system is possible, but it requires careful evaluation of the system’s inverter, wiring, electrical components, and the location of the new panels. It is much easier to design a solar power system appropriately sized for the home’s current and future energy needs rather than retrofitting it later.
By working with one of the best solar companies in Texas, homeowners can rest assured that all energy needs and considerations will be taken into account before any system design or installation is completed.
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