Adding panels to an existing solar panel system is a smart way for solar customers to maximize energy production and reduce utility costs. If you’re looking to add additional solar panels to your system, it’s essential for understand the benefits of adding panels and the process involved.
If you’re needing more electricity from your PV system, now is the perfect time to consult with a trusted solar company in Alexandria, LA, like Lombardi Electric. Whether you’re needing extra panels for extra energy or aiming for greater sustainability for your old system, adding more panels to your current solar energy system can help you meet your goals.
If you’re considering purchasing a new system or upgrading your existing solar panel system, getting a solar panel quote in Alexandria is a crucial first step for solar customers. As one of Louisiana’s most trusted solar companies, our solar installation team can provide a professional evaluation of your existing system. We can let you know exactly how many solar panels you’ll need for your goals, ensure you have enough space and that your existing solar energy system is compatible.
Whether we were the original installer or if your original installation wasn’t what you expected and are looking for a different solar company in Alexandria to add panels to your old system, a professional solar installer from Lombardi Electric can help.
Can You Add Solar Panels to an Existing System?
Most solar energy systems can handle additional panels, making it a highly effective solution when your electricity usage has gone up or your existing solar energy system isn’t producing enough solar energy. Most homeowners who have installed solar panels want to add panels after the initial installation when they’ve added an electric vehicle, want an extra battery bank, or their general energy consumption has grown.
Adding solar panels to your system involves calculating how much more energy you require, ensuring enough space for the new panels, and confirming that your string inverter and other components can support the increased load.
While it’s not necessary to use the original solar installer, or who initially installed the existing panels, using the original installer can help with consistency. If you weren’t happy with the original installation, and you’d like to speak with other solar companies in Louisiana, a solar installer from Lombardi Electric can assess and expand your existing solar panel system even if we weren’t the original solar installer.
Can You Add Batteries to an Existing Solar System?
Upgrading an existing solar system with battery storage allows you to store excess solar energy when the solar energy system isn’t generating power, such as at night or during power outages. Adding solar battery storage can increase energy independence and reduce electricity usage reliance on the grid, offering long-term savings and reliability.
Before you install a solar battery to your old system, it’s important for a professional to ensure your existing solar panels are compatible with battery storage, which may require adjustments or upgrades to your solar system.
Whether you want to add a solar battery or more panels to an existing system, a professional from Lombardi Electric can assess your needs and recommend the best solution for integrating solar battery storage into your existing system.
How to Add Solar Panels to Existing System
Adding solar panels to an existing system requires careful planning and consideration to ensure it aligns with both your current and future potential electricity usage. This involves assessing your energy consumption, determining how much extra power is required, determining whether you’ll need more roof space, and confirming that your existing system can handle the additional load.
Whether adding panels to your system is necessary because of new electric vehicles or you’re simply wanting to move away from utility companies, expanding your existing solar energy system is a smart investment.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?
The first step in adding solar panels to an existing solar power system is answering, “How many solar panels do I need in Louisiana?”
This means determining how many additional panels you’ll need to meet your expanded energy demands. This involves calculating your current and projected energy consumption, considering recent changes like adding an electric vehicle and evaluating how much space is available for the new panels. The efficiency of your existing system also plays a key role in this calculation, as it affects how much more power you can generate without overloading your solar energy system.
If you’re ready to buy solar panels in Alexandria, LA, Lombardi Electric can perform a comprehensive assessment of your current system, considering all of these factors. We’ll provide expert guidance on the optimal number of solar panels required to meet your energy goals and ensure your expanded solar energy system operates smoothly and efficiently.
Roof Space for Solar Panels
Before adding more panels, you must ensure you’re not going to need more roof space for additional panels.
Factors such as the size, orientation, and shading of nearby trees or buildings all influence how much energy your new panels can produce. A roof with optimal sun exposure will yield higher energy output, while limited or obstructed space could reduce the effectiveness of additional panels.
For homeowners who have limited space on their roof, alternative options exist. Our solar installation team can install ground-mounted solar panels or install more panels on other structures like carports, which is a great option for those with an electric vehicle.
These creative solutions allow you to expand your solar array without compromising efficiency.
Solar Inverter Upgrade
When adding solar panels to an existing system, one key component to evaluate is the string inverter. String inverters are responsible for converting the energy generated by your solar panels into more electricity for your home or business. Many string inverters have specific capacity limits, and adding more panels to an existing system without accounting for this can lead to inefficiencies or even solar system failures.
If your current string inverter is already operating near its maximum capacity, it won’t be able to support the extra energy generated by the new solar panels. In this case, upgrading to a larger or more advanced inverter is essential to ensure the new panels can function effectively.
Solar Permitting
Whenever you modify your solar system, such as by adding solar panels, you must go through a new round of permitting. This process ensures that updates to your existing system comply with local regulations, safety standards, and building codes. Part of this includes scheduling a solar inspection in Alexandria, where professionals will verify that your new panels are properly installed and meet all necessary safety requirements.
Net Metering and Utility Company Agreements
When adding new solar panels to your existing system, it’s important to consider how the additional panels may impact your agreement with the utility company, especially if you participate in net metering. Net metering allows you to send excess energy generated by your solar panels back to the grid in exchange for credits on your electricity bill. However, as your solar output increases with the addition of more panels, the terms of your agreement may change, potentially altering how much credit you can receive.
To maximize the benefits of net metering, it’s essential to review the utility company’s policies before adding panels to an existing system. By understanding any changes that could affect your credits or energy billing, you can ensure your upgraded solar system takes full advantage of these agreements and continues to deliver significant energy savings.
Future Electricity Bills
One primary motivation for expanding your solar power system is to further reduce your energy costs. By boosting your solar energy production, you can offset a larger portion of your energy consumption, which directly translates to lower utility bills.
However, before adding new solar panels, it’s critical to accurately calculate how much energy your home or business will need in the future. This ensures you avoid the pitfalls of oversizing, which could lead to unnecessary expenses, or under-sizing, which might not provide the savings you’re aiming for. A properly sized solar system will deliver the most efficient and cost-effective results, maximizing your long-term energy savings.
Age and Quality of Existing Solar System
The age and condition of your existing solar system significantly influence how easily new solar panels can be added. Older solar energy systems, especially those in place for several years, may have outdated components or reduced energy efficiency, which could require upgrades or replacements before integrating additional panels.
Issues such as wear-on wiring, inverter capacity, or even the degradation of the original solar panels themselves can impact the system’s ability to handle the extra load. It’s important to inspect the health and efficiency of your existing panels before making any additions to avoid unexpected costs or issues later on.
How Much Does it Cost to Add Solar Panels to Existing System
Adding solar panels to an existing solar panel system involves various cost factors that need careful consideration. Beyond the upfront expense of purchasing the new solar panels, you must also account for solar panel installation fees, potential upgrades to your inverter or wiring, and any additional equipment required to support the expanded solar system. In some cases, older solar energy systems might require more substantial updates, which can increase costs.
Understanding the financial commitment involved in adding solar panels to your existing system can help you make an informed decision.
How Much Does it Cost to Add Solar Panels to Your House
The cost of adding solar panels to your house depends on factors such as the number of panels, the complexity of the installation, and whether upgrades to your existing system are needed.
Typically, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on their energy needs and the size of the new solar system. Additionally, labor and permitting fees should be factored into the overall cost of solar panel installation.
Adding Solar Panels to Existing System Tax Credit
One of the major financial benefits of adding more solar panels is the potential for tax credits. In Louisiana, homeowners can take advantage of the Louisiana solar tax credit, which may reduce the overall cost of installation. These incentives can significantly lower your upfront costs, making adding more solar panels more affordable and increasing your long-term energy savings.
How to Add More Solar Panels to Existing RV System
Adding more solar panels to your RV is a great way to increase your off-grid power, but it requires careful planning to ensure everything works smoothly. If you’re unsure how many solar panels you need or whether your current system can handle the extra load, Lombardi Electric is here to help. Our team can assess your energy needs, evaluate your roof space, and check your charge controller and inverter to ensure they’re compatible with the new panels.
Instead of tackling this project alone, contact Lombardi Electric to make sure your RV solar panel upgrade is done right, giving you reliable power wherever you go.
How Much Does it Cost to Add Solar Panels to RV
The cost of adding solar panels to your RV depends on several factors, including the number and type of solar panels and whether you need to upgrade your charge controller, inverter, or solar battery system.
On average, you can expect to spend between $500 and $2,500 for the additional solar panels and installation, depending on the size of your setup and your energy needs. The price may increase if your RV’s electrical components require upgrades to handle the additional solar panels.
How Lombardi Electric’s Alexandria Solar Panel Installers Can Help
At Lombardi Electric, we understand the importance of maximizing your solar energy potential. Whether you’re adding new panels to your home, business, or RV, our team of experienced solar power professionals is here to guide you every step of the way. As one of the best commercial solar companies in Louisiana, we’re prepared for it all!
With our expertise in solar panel installation in Alexandria, we ensure that your expanded solar panel system will be efficient, reliable, and tailored to your energy needs. Ready to take the next step? Contact Lombardi Electric today to discuss your solar panel expansion and get started on boosting your energy savings.
