Can You Add Solar Panels To An Existing Solar Energy System?

There are a number of reasons why a business might want to increase the size of its solar energy installation. Your business’s energy needs may have increased due to expansion or an increased workforce, or if you initially installed a smaller system size, you might simply be looking to offset an even larger percentage of your overall energy consumption.

Is it possible to add solar panels to an existing solar installation? Yes, it is possible and can even be financially feasible. Upon inquiry, solar installation services can provide a quote for the minimum required number of solar panels necessary to go ahead with the installation and come up with a logical number based on your energy needs and the available space on your property.

Is Adding Solar Panels A Good Idea?
A shortage of funds might have limited the solar capacity you installed the first time around, and it’s certainly not a bad idea to save more on electricity and contribute to the welfare of our environment. However, your ability to expand your solar energy production depends on whether or not you have the required space and a sound foundation for your new solar panels. This may mean roof replacement or replacing your inverters. 

How Can I Add To My Existing System?
The easiest way to add to your solar system is to double up. Instead of interconnecting new solar panels to an existing system, you can install a completely new solar installation alongside the one you already have. If you have enough roof space, the installations can be situated side by side, but if not, don’t worry; ground-mounted solar panels and solar canopies are equally effective solutions that may better suit your commercial building’s infrastructure. 

Nonetheless, it is possible to add solar panels to an existing system; it’s a little bit more complex. For example, the ideal way to add solar panels is to go through the same solar installation service and use the same type of solar panels. Suppose it’s been a few years since you initially went solar. In that case, you may not be able to access the same type of solar panels, or if you weren’t completely satisfied with the solar installation’s service, it’s worth exploring other solar installer options. Contact IE Construction to learn how we can help you upgrade your commercial solar system.  

While it is possible to add solar panels to an existing system, you may encounter some obstacles For example, depending on the capacity of your solar inverter, you might need to upgrade it or replace it in order to facilitate the new installation.

Alternatives To Adding Solar Panels

Before jumping into a second solar installation, it’s important to consider whether or not the efficiency of your existing solar panels can’t be increased.

Solar Panel Maintenance
Solar panels require little maintenance, but they most definitely need to be cleaned. An accumulation of dust and debris can severely impact your solar panel’s efficiency rate and reduce the amount of solar energy your installation can produce. It’s important to gently wash solar panels and carefully remove any debris such as leaves or empty bird nests. 

Reducing Shade
Solar panels are most efficient when in direct contact with sunlight. Any shading or obstacles can significantly reduce the output of a solar system. If possible, trim any vegetation obstructing your solar panels to encourage higher efficiency. 

Battery Storage
Your solar installation will often use excess solar energy during peak sunshine hours. Though receiving credits for sending excess energy back into the utility grid is possible, consider investing in battery backup. The extra solar energy can be used when your solar system isn’t producing enough to cover your consumption. 

Utilizing Microinverters
Alternatively, you can also employ microinverters, which are perfect if you are only looking for a small upgrade in overall capacity. Microinverters perform the same function as traditional inverters, converting the direct current electricity generated by solar panels into useable alternate current electricity, but with one major difference. 

Usually, a solar panel system will have only one centralized inverter, and the overall efficiency rate of the solar system will be equal to the lowest-performing solar panel. Microinverters, however, can be attached to each solar panel, allowing for each to produce energy at its highest possible efficiency rate. This increases the energy production of your solar system, especially if some of your panels are shaded by irremovable obstacles.

Add to your Solar System with IE Construction
With the right expertise, it is possible to add more solar panels to an existing solar system cost-effectively. IE Construction has provided businesses with high-quality solar installations for many years, harnessing turn-key solutions that make an investment in commercial solar easy. We take pride in going the extra mile for our clients and are well-positioned to systematically and logically maximize the output of complex commercial solar systems. Contact us today to learn how we can help you add to your existing solar system and meet your solar energy goals.

• Category: Blog