Home solar energy systems have been providing dependable clean, renewable electricity to households across the nation for a while now.If you were one of the early adopters, your system is probably getting on in years.
A Guide On Upgrading Your Solar Panels
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Even though solar panels typically survive for 25 to 30 years, an older system may have certain flaws, general deterioration, or a decline in electricity generation due to aging. Regardless of the cause, there are several possible solutions if your photovoltaic array is no longer generating the energy you require.
Most likely, you won’t need a completely new system if your system is under ten years old, unless there is significant damage to one or more of the components. Be advised that projects like roof replacement may make a new system a priority, as some parts of the solar energy system can be damaged during home upgrade projects.
Find an Upgrade Specialist
Your best option may be to replace any specific components if your system has any frequent solar panel flaws. It is best to reach out to sustainable energy experts if you plan to install solar panels, as there are advantages and disadvantages. In Adelaide, amongst your many options are MDB Solar Panels, which come in different types and each have their own pros and cons.
It’s important to remember that some systems may need to be retrofitted with replacement parts once the model or style is no longer available on the market.
A skilled solar energy technician can help you through this transition period. Before attempting to replace individual components in this way, you should be conscious of some possible problems.
Solar cells
If imperfections like microcracks as well as snail trails have reduced a panel’s output, you might choose to replace that particular panel. The first potential problem with replacing panels is a lack of suitable alternatives. Older panels may not still be available from the manufacturer, or the company may no longer exist.
Although you can sometimes combine different panels, it can be challenging to match a variety of electrical parameters, including wattage, cell count, and physical dimensions needed to integrate the additional panels into the array.
Additionally, although you can still utilize the equipment in its initial form, updates may cause issues due to changes in standards and specifications surrounding panel specs, such as fire ratings, groundings, and cable housings.
In some situations like these, it may be best to replace the system. Try working the numbers to see what replacing individual panels would cost versus just replacing the whole system. Sometimes you might be surprised at what works out to be the better deal.
Inverters
You might also think about replacing your inverters if you see performance problems with your solar energy system.
If your system is older, your inverters could possibly be nearing the end of their useful life because the string inverters are required to be changed after 10 to 15 years and microinverters must be substituted after roughly 25 years. Click here to read more on string inverters.
In this case, warranty is the first possible problem. The manufacturer should repair your inverter if it breaks down while still covered by the warranty; however, if the warranty has expired, you will have to pay for its replacement yourself, which could be pricey.
Another issue that could arise is availability. Similar to panels, it is possible that the original manufacturer is no longer in operation. Comparable to panels, you could possibly be able to avoid this by purchasing a different inverter of the same specifications, but make sure to talk about this with your installation representative first.
Finally, keep in mind that the technician must remove all of your panels in order to put micro inverters onto every one if you are replacing outdated string inverters with microinverters. This should not be a deal breaker because microinverters do have a lot of significant advantages to string inverters, but you need to be mindful of this stage of the process.
Replace the entire system
Your best course of action may be to replace the system if it is actually nearing the conclusion of its useful life and there are no specific problems with any individual components other than the system’s general deterioration.
The advantages of that? It is likely that your power output will increase significantly. Since new panels generate more power more effectively than older ones, your fresh system will generate greater vitality than your old system was able to even though it was brand-new.
Over the past ten years, panel costs have decreased dramatically while the output of power has increased significantly; today, average power outputs range from 250 to 400 watts.
What is the drawback? Since your installer must remove your old system and install the new one, changing your entire system is typically costlier than replacing individual components.
Do you need a new roof?
You must have the installation team remove all of the solar array before your roof is replaced if you are looking to replace it.
In order to decrease the number of installations, you can think about replacing your entire solar system if it is towards the end of its useful life. It would be great if you could replace both your roof and system at the same time, assuming the timing put them both at the end of their useful lives when you’re ready to start replacement.
Adding to your solar energy system
If your electrical system is operating reasonably well and you simply want to increase your power output you should think about increasing your solar array (https://brighte.com.au/blog/what-you-need-to-consider-when-expanding-your-solar-system). This usually works by having your installer add a second, newer, smaller system to your present one in order to supplement its power output.
With the new, smaller one, you will probably receive more bang for your investment thanks to the higher power output of contemporary panels.
You should first make sure that there is enough room on your roofing system or in your garage to accommodate such a system. Many installers will choose this approach over replacing panels if they have the choice since they avoid the headache of attempting to match the system that was originally installed.
