8 Reasons To Upgrade Your Current Solar System
Looking to upgrade an existing solar panel system? Find out how you should how to upgrade, and avoid common mistakes.
Looking to upgrade an existing solar panel system? Find out how you should how to upgrade, and avoid common mistakes.
Upgrading your solar system can be a smart move, especially if your current setup is struggling to meet your energy needs or if newer, more efficient technology is available. Whether you're noticing higher electricity bills, outdated components, or an expanding household demand, making the right upgrade can significantly boost your energy savings. In this guide, we’ll explore when and why you should upgrade your solar system, common pitfalls to avoid, and what to expect from the process.
If your solar system is no longer keeping up with your energy needs or not performing optimally, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Here are the key reasons to upgrade:
As homes evolve, so do energy needs. If you've recently purchased an electric vehicle, started working from home more often, or expanded your household, your energy consumption may have outgrown your solar system's capacity.
Check Your Energy Usage Trends: The app will let you compare your energy usage with solar production. If you find yourself drawing more from the grid during daylight hours, this is a clear sign your system isn't meeting your needs.
Look for Energy Consumption Shifts: Big lifestyle changes, such as acquiring energy-hungry appliances or shifting towards a more tech-dependent home, can push you to require more energy. Adding more solar panels may offset these changes.
Older solar systems may not meet the current efficiency standards set by your state. Over the past few years, Australia has updated its guidelines for solar system performance, and older systems might be falling behind. Modern systems are more efficient, producing more energy per panel. Upgrading can bring your system in line with new guidelines and help you take full advantage of government rebates.
Your solar monitoring app is a critical tool. If you see a consistent drop in performance (less energy generation during peak hours, error messages, or even performance compared to similar systems in your area), it's a strong indicator that your system is struggling to keep up.
Here’s what the interface of one solar monitoring app looks like. It’s filled with plenty of up-to-date and easy-to-interpret information to help you assess your solar system’s performance.
If your electricity bills are going up, despite sunny weather and your solar system’s continued operation, this suggests the system is underperforming. Check your solar system’s energy production through your monitoring app to see if there's a decline. Sometimes, the inverter can silently stop functioning properly, or panels can degrade, leading to lower energy production.
Check out all the highlighted areas in this sample bill from EnergyAustralia:
Inverter errors are common signs that something is wrong with your system. If the inverter is regularly showing error codes, it’s possible that either the inverter is failing or there is a mismatch in your panel system. These issues can significantly reduce the efficiency of your solar system, making an upgrade essential.
Here’s how one inverter model shows it:
If you currently have panels with lower wattage ratings and your inverter has a larger capacity, upgrading to more powerful, high-efficiency panels could allow you to produce more energy using the same roof space. New panels can be up to 30% more efficient than those installed even a few years ago.
If you notice flickering lights in your home, your solar system could be causing voltage fluctuations. This could be due to an ageing inverter or mismatched components in your system. Addressing this through an upgrade is crucial for both performance and safety.
As Australia’s solar industry has grown, so have the regulations. If your system no longer complies with updated safety or performance standards, upgrading is not only a good idea but may also be legally required.
Upgrading isn’t always the best solution. Here’s when it might make more sense to start fresh with a new system:
Solar panel technology has made tremendous strides in the last two decades. Systems that are over 20 years old are likely outdated in terms of efficiency, durability, and performance. Rather than upgrading, it may be more economical to replace the entire system with modern panels and inverters, which are far more efficient. Read about solar panel efficiency.
If your panels or inverter are out of warranty, it may be difficult or expensive to find replacement parts. In this case, upgrading or replacing key components could void warranties or become prohibitively costly. In such cases, it’s better to install a brand-new system to avoid recurring repair costs.
Mixing and matching panels from different manufacturers or of varying sizes can create compatibility issues. It could lead to inefficiencies where the less powerful panels drag down the overall output of the system.
System Compatibility Issues: It’s best to keep your panel models consistent to prevent imbalances that affect your energy generation.
Balancing the Output: If mismatched panels are unavoidable, technologies like optimizers or microinverters can help balance the energy output, ensuring the system runs more efficiently.
Here’s a look at some of the variations out there:
This graphic shows how your inverter functions in your solar panel system. As you can see, your inverter is the heart of your solar system, converting DC power from the panels into usable AC power. When you upgrade your solar panels, you may also need to upgrade your inverter to handle the increased power output.
Inverters typically last around 10 years, so if yours is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be time for a replacement. Also, if your solar upgrade increases the overall wattage of your system, your old inverter may not be able to handle the load.
Newer inverters offer increased efficiency and additional features, such as energy monitoring, to help you track and optimize your system's performance. Hybrid inverters are especially useful if you plan to install battery storage in the future.
Look at how the efficiency of these different brands of inverters is influenced by the DC power load from a solar system:
String Inverters: The most common and cost-effective option, but less efficient when panels are shaded or when adding new panels of different specifications.
Microinverters: Great for maximising output in systems with different panel orientations or shading issues. Microinverters also allow for easier expansion.
Hybrid Inverters: If you’re considering adding a battery, upgrading to a hybrid inverter now can save you costs down the line, as they’re designed to manage both solar production and energy storage.
Evergreen stocks several brands and models of inverters for solar power systems of all sizes. Check out a couple of them.
Upgrading your system could affect your eligibility for legacy feed-in tariffs. Check with your provider before making any changes, as losing these tariffs could impact your overall savings. Read more about feed-in-tariffs.
Solar upgrades can be profitable for installers, which is why sales teams may push upgrades that aren’t necessary. Make sure the upgrade will genuinely improve your system’s efficiency and meet your energy needs.
Always assess your current and future energy needs before deciding to upgrade. Expanding your system without careful planning can lead to unnecessary costs and inefficiencies.
Local regulations, especially in Australia, limit the size of solar systems that can be installed on residential properties. Be sure your upgrade complies with local rules, especially those related to grid-export limits.
When upgrading to a new solar system, you might wonder what happens to your old panels. While some panels may still be functional, it’s important to explore environmentally friendly options for disposing of or repurposing them, ensuring they don't end up as waste in landfills.
Australia has several solar panel recycling programs that can properly handle your old panels. Recycling helps recover valuable materials like silicon and metals while minimizing landfill waste.
If your panels are still functional but not suitable for your current needs, consider donating them. There are organisations and off-grid communities that can make good use of older panels.
DIY upgrades might save money upfront but they may pose risks in terms of voiding warranties, non-compliance with electrical standards, or reduced system efficiency. So, while it might be tempting to make DIY adjustments to save on costs - unless you’re a qualified solar installer, it’s best to leave upgrades to the professionals.
Solar panels usually have a lifespan of 20-25 years, but their efficiency may decline after about 10-15 years.
Upgrading can be worth it if your system’s efficiency has significantly declined or if newer, more efficient technology is available.
Mixing panels is possible but can lead to inefficiencies. It's best to consult a professional to ensure compatibility and balanced output.
Costs vary depending on the size of your system, the number of panels, and whether you need a new inverter. Getting a quote from a professional installer is recommended.
Most systems come with a solar monitoring app that tracks energy production, system health, and any issues. Monitoring ensures your system is running efficiently.
A newer, more efficient solar system can potentially increase your home’s value by reducing energy costs and appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
The time frame depends on the complexity of the upgrade, but most upgrades, including panel and inverter replacements, can be completed within a day or two.
In most cases, no. However, if the upgrade changes the system's size significantly, affects your roof's structure, or will cause panels to face the street, it's best to check with your local council.
Upgrading your solar system can significantly boost your energy production and efficiency, especially with the rapid technological advances in the field. However, it’s essential to assess your specific energy needs, stay informed about local regulations, and avoid common pitfalls during the upgrade process. If you're unsure, consult with a licensed installer to explore your options.
This article was written and last updated by Troy Fox, Co-Founder of Evergreen Electrical, on 01/10/24.
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