Can I Add More Solar Panels to My System?

In today’s eco-conscious world, extending the capacity of your home’s solar system could be a wise financial decision. 

But the question, ‘Can I add more solar panels to my system?’ involves more than just purchasing additional panels. 

It’s about assessing the potential for long-term savings against the initial outlay. 

In technical terms, you can add more panels if your current system’s inverter can handle the increased power output, and if there’s sufficient space on your property. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to properly evaluate your current setup, outline the necessary upgrades, and explore the necessary regulatory requirements.

Key Takeaways

• You can add more solar panels to your system if there is available roof space or alternative locations like garages, carports, or even ground-mounted setups.
• Check if your current inverter can handle additional panels; you may need to upgrade it or install microinverters for each new panel.
• Acquire new solar permits to ensure your expanded system complies with the latest local building and electrical codes, which may include updating safety features.
• Review updates in net metering policies, as adding more panels could affect the financial benefits due to changes in how excess electricity is credited.
• Consider adding a solar battery to store excess energy, which can be especially beneficial if the expansion of panel count is restricted, enhancing both system resilience and cost-effectiveness.

What to Consider Before Adding Solar Panels to an Existing System?

1. Available Roof Space for Additional Panels

Just like when adding new furniture to a room, finding space for more solar panels starts with seeing what room you have. 

If there’s open space on your main roof, that’s your best bet. 

It’s straightforward—just install the new panels there, and everything stays organized and easy to manage.

But if your roof is already filled up, don’t worry, you have other spots to consider. 

How about your garage roof, a carport, or a shed? 

These places can be perfect for extra panels and help you boost your system without changing your main roof’s layout.

Still tight on space? 

Then ground-mounted panels might be the solution. 

Setting them up in your yard could give you the expansion you need. 

Remember, this approach requires a bit more planning—you’ll need to check local zoning laws, assess the ground conditions, and consider additional wiring and security.

2. Your Solar Inverter Upgrade

Next up, let’s talk about your solar inverter, the device that turns the DC electricity your panels generate into AC power for your home. 

First, check the capacity of your existing string inverter (if that’s what you have). 

You need to see if it can handle the output from any additional panels. 

If it can’t, you might need to replace it with a bigger one.

If your system uses microinverters, though, things are a bit simpler. 

Each panel has its small inverter mounted on the back. 

This setup makes it easier to expand because you don’t have to swap out a big central inverter. 

Instead, you just add a new microinverter for each panel you install. 

Related article: Do Solar Panels Damage Roof?

3. Solar Permit Requirements

If you’re considering expanding your solar setup, getting a new solar permit is usually a must. 

This permit is your proof that everything about your expanded system checks out with the local building and electrical codes. 

The thing is, what you need for this permit can change based on a few details. 

Are you swapping out your inverter, or maybe adding a new type of mount like a pole? 

Each change might need a different kind of permit.

Also, there’s this group called the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) that you’ll need to deal with. 

They might say you need to tweak your existing setup to meet the latest solar regulations. 

For example, the National Electrical Code (NEC) now requires new solar installations to have a quick shutdown feature at the module level. 

This wasn’t always a rule, so if your system is older, you might need to upgrade to stay up to code.

4. Net Metering Considerations

Net metering is when you get credits from your utility company for the extra electricity your solar panels pump back into the grid. 

If you’re thinking about adding more panels, ensure to let your utility company know so they can update your setup in their records.

Here’s something to keep in mind: the rules around how much you get paid for your solar power can change. 

For example, states like New Jersey and Maryland have recently cut back on the amount they pay for solar energy. 

Older systems might still get the old, higher rates, but that could change if you add new panels.

This means even though you’re making more power with the new panels, you might not see as big a financial benefit as you hoped because of these new, stingier rules. 

5. Solar Battery Storage Options

Of course, expanding your solar system isn’t just about adding a few more panels. 

You’ve got to think about batteries too. 

Here’s the thing: solar batteries snag and store any extra energy your panels pump out during those sunny peak hours. 

Then, when the sun’s not doing its thing—like at night or on cloudy days—you tap into that stored energy instead of pulling from the grid. 

This setup not only cuts down your dependence on the power company but can also slash your electric bills, especially if you’re in a spot with peak pricing.

But, adding a battery isn’t as simple as just plugging it in.

You might need a different type of inverter based on the battery you pick. 

For example, the Tesla Powerwall 2 is a hit because it has its inverter and slips right into most existing solar systems without a fuss.

If you go with a different battery model, you might need a new inverter that can juggle both your solar panels and the battery.

6. Aesthetic Considerations

Let’s be real, nobody wants their roof to look like a mismatched puzzle. 

So, when you upgrade your solar setup, think about how the new panels will look alongside the old ones. 

Here’s a tip: try your best to grab the same model of panels you already have. 

Even small differences in the design or color can be pretty noticeable and might throw off the look of your whole roof.

But if snagging the same model just isn’t in the cards, no sweat—just look for panels that are close in appearance. 

Say your existing panels have that shiny blue polycrystalline look. 

Stick with that style instead of opting for the sleek black monocrystalline panels, which could stick out like a sore thumb.

And don’t forget about the frames! 

If your current panels have silver frames, try to avoid going for panels with black frames. 

It might seem like a small thing, but it can help keep your roof looking neat and tidy.

Related article: What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar Panels?

7. Impact on Future Electricity Bills

Popping solar panels on your roof is a brilliant move for the planet, and it can be pretty sweet for your wallet too. 

But, there’s a catch when it comes to the extra juice those panels might pump out. 

Here’s the lowdown: in many areas, if your panels produce more power than you use, don’t expect to get paid for the excess. 

Most utility companies won’t give you retail rates for any power beyond what your household uses over the year. 

And yep, any credits you get for sending electricity back to the grid? 

They usually expire after a year.

This means there’s no real benefit to going wild and installing more panels than you need. 

If your system is too big, the extra energy it produces won’t do much for you financially since it’s more than you’ll get credited for.

So, what should you do? 

First up, figure out how much energy you use. 

Then, aim to size your solar system to match this usage. 

8. Age of Your Existing Solar System

Like anything else that’s been around for a bit, your solar system might not be as spry as it once was, especially if it’s hit the 25 year mark. 

So, you need to figure out whether it makes more sense to upgrade your old gear or just start fresh with a new setup.

See, older solar systems might not be up to speed with today’s tech. They’re often not as good at turning sunlight into electricity. 

Plus, the key parts like inverters—which need to be in top shape for everything to run smoothly—might not cope well with the extra demand from more panels.

 This could mean your system won’t perform as well, and you might even need some pricey upgrades to get everything working right.

9. Quality of the Original PV System

Finally, before expanding your solar panel setup, you should get a thorough inspection of your existing system. 

It’s not just about checking if everything’s ticking along okay right now; it’s about making sure your system can handle more panels without any issues.

If the team you’re considering for the expansion didn’t put in your original panels, you might run into some snags. 

Older setups might not meet current standards, which could lead to issues with electrical codes or how the panels were originally put in place. 

Problems like these can make adding new panels more complicated and might even lead to big headaches down the road, like needing major upgrades or running into legal troubles.

Here’s your move: bring in a seasoned pro to take a deep look at your current setup. 

They should check everything from whether the wiring is up to date to whether everything’s in line with the latest safety standards.

Are There Incentives for Adding More Solar Panels?

There are some incentives available for adding more solar panels, but just a heads up, they’re not always as hefty as what you got when you first set up your system. 

For instance, if you’ve already snagged the federal tax credit for your initial setup, you usually can’t grab it again for adding more panels unless you’re shelling out for new expenses.

But don’t miss out—take a look at local incentives. 

Some spots, like California with its Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), offer rebates for adding stuff like solar battery storage, whether it’s to a new system or beefing up your current one. 

This can help take the sting out of the costs.

Make sure to have a quick chat with your solar installers too. 

They can help you figure out what state and local perks might be up for grabs with your expansion. 

Remember, these rules can change a lot depending on where you live.

Also, keep in mind that plopping more panels on your roof can shake up how your utility company credits you for the energy you send back to the grid. 

A lot of utility companies have tweaked their net metering policies recently, and this could change the financial upside of adding those extra panels. 

For example, in California, if you bump up your system by more than 10% or 1 kilowatt and you were under an old net metering plan, you could be switched to a newer scheme like Net Billing or NEM 3.0. 

That might mean you’ll see less savings than you were hoping for.

When Should You Avoid Adding More Solar Panels?

You should avoid adding more solar panels to an existing system under several circumstances:

• Energy Needs Already Met: If your customer’s current solar array already meets their energy needs, adding more panels might not provide additional benefits but could incur unnecessary costs.
• Limited Space: If there is insufficient roof space or the available space is not suitable for solar installation (due to shading, orientation, etc.), expanding the system may not be feasible.
• Unfavorable Regulations or Incentives: Local regulations or changes in incentives that do not favor solar expansion can also be a deterrent. For instance, if new regulations limit the benefits of net metering or if incentives for expansion are lacking, the financial returns might not justify the investment.
• Cost vs. Savings: If the cost of adding more panels, considering installation, equipment, and potential upgrades (like a new inverter), significantly outweighs the expected savings on energy bills, then it might not make financial sense to expand.

What Alternatives to Expanding Your Solar Panel System?

1. Install Power Optimizers

If you’ve hit a snag with expanding your solar setup because of space constraints or tricky regulations, think about going for power optimizers. 

These gadgets are perfect if your system has a string inverter without any optimizers and you’re dealing with issues like shading or panels facing different directions.

Here’s what power optimizers do: they hook up to each solar panel, letting each one work independently and more efficiently. 

This is helpful for those panels that get a bit of shade during the day or don’t catch the sun quite like the others. 

2. Minimize Solar Panel Shading

Shading can put a damper on how well your solar panels work. 

If your panels are stuck under the shadow of trees, buildings, or other structures for parts of the day, they’re not going to pump out as much energy as they would in full sun. 

A good first step to tackle this is by checking if there are any branches or leaves you can trim back. 

This can be a quick fix that might boost your panels’ energy production quite a bit.

But what if the shade’s coming from stuff you can’t move, like the building next door or a permanent structure? 

As I mentioned before, that’s when power optimizers can make a difference.

They’ll let each solar panel work on its own, so even if one panel is shaded, it doesn’t drag down the rest. 

3. Upgrade Existing Solar Panels

Upgrading your solar panels is kind of like trading in an old flip phone for the latest smartphone—it’s a serious upgrade in terms of technology and efficiency. 

If you’re tight on space and can’t add more panels, switching out those old, less efficient panels for brand-new, high-efficiency ones can make a big difference in how much power you can generate.

Take this scenario: say your current solar panels are 200 watts each and they’ve been on your roof for about ten years. 

By upgrading to the latest 400-watt panels, you could nearly double the amount of energy you produce, all within the same amount of roof space. 

This not only cranks up your system’s power output but also keeps your setup modern and efficient as solar technology evolves.

This kind of upgrade is especially smart if your panels are getting old. 

Solar panels naturally wear out over time, becoming less effective at turning sunlight into electricity.

4. Add a Solar Battery

In case you haven’t yet added a solar battery to your setup, here’s why you might want to think about it. 

While a battery won’t up the total amount of power your panels produce, it changes how you can use that power, making your system way more practical.

A solar battery means you can keep the lights on during power outages and make the most of your solar energy when the sun’s shining the brightest. 

This is useful if expanding your panel array just isn’t an option but you still want to level up your existing system. 

Plus, if you’re living in an area with time-of-use rates, where electricity costs more during high-demand hours, having a battery can save you some serious cash. 

Instead of paying peak prices, you use the energy stored in your panels.

Think of a solar battery as your personal power bank.

It stores any extra energy your panels generate throughout the day. 

Then, when it’s more expensive or necessary—like in the evenings or on cloudy days—you use your stored energy instead of buying it from the grid.

FAQs

Conclusion

We’ve gone through all the key steps for adding more solar panels to your system—from checking your inverter’s capacity to scoping out extra space and navigating local codes. 

Here’s a pro tip: Before you jump into any upgrades, have a chat with a certified solar technician. 

They’ll give you a custom check-up, making sure your plans for expanding will really work with your setup and truly up your energy game. 

Do you still have any questions or concerns about making your solar system bigger and better? 

Let me know, and I’ll help guide you through the process!

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