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Thinking of expanding your existing residential solar energy system? Adding solar panels to your existing system can add benefits, both in production and in annual energy cost savings. And, like any significant investment, it requires careful consideration and planning.
The complexity of navigating residual energy usage needs, compatibility with existing systems, and understanding incentives and tax credits can feel overwhelming. With the right guidance and expertise on adding solar panels, you'll be able to determine if the time and price are right to expand your solar system.
Why You Might Need to Expand Your Solar System
The solar system you installed was a perfect fit for your energy needs and budget at the time. But life changes and so does your electricity usage. This is where adding solar panels comes into play.
Perhaps you've transitioned to working from home, or maybe there's an electric vehicle parked in your driveway now. These are two scenarios that significantly increase your annual electric consumption and the demand on your existing solar system.
Aging parents moving in and/or a recent home addition also means more power consumption - all leading back to additional solar panels being necessary for maintaining optimal energy production.
This need isn't just confined to those making lifestyle upgrades either. New homes now come equipped with pre-installed minimum-sized arrays dictated by Title 24 environmental standards, which provide about 50% of expected annual energy consumption. It's worth investigating installing supplemental solar arrays to meet all of your annual electric needs.
Schedule a Consultation with Planet Solar to Expand Solar
A consultation with experts is the initial step. The team at Planet Solar can help assess if it's time for expansion by reviewing historical data from your solar panel system along with past electricity bills. This detailed analysis will reveal any changes in annual energy consumption.
Compatibility Between New Panels, Battery Storage, and Existing Systems
Merging new solar panels or battery storage with your existing system can seem daunting. However, this integration is vital to maximize the efficiency of your expanded solar panel system.
Planet Solar excels in ensuring compatibility between old and new components by creating custom designs that integrate both seamlessly.
Bear in mind, though, that older systems may need component upgrades to accommodate expansions effectively. This could necessitate revamping a pre-existing inverter, transforming DC generated by photovoltaic panels to the AC usually employed for home devices.
Choosing Your Solar Installer for Expansion
The decision to expand your solar panel system is significant, and it's vital that you select the right solar installer. Remaining with your original solar installer can offer benefits such as consistent customer service and aesthetic continuity.
But if your first experience was not up to par or the prior firm is no longer running, there are other choices.
You might consider partnering with a reputable installer like Planet Solar. Known for our exceptional installations and top-notch customer service, we have extensive expertise in integrating additional solar panels into existing systems smoothly.
Understanding NEM Benefits in California
If you're a homeowner contemplating adding solar panels to your existing system, it's essential to grasp the concept of Net Energy Metering (NEM) benefits. In sunny California, residents have the opportunity to expand their solar array by 10% while still enjoying all the advantages linked with either NEM 1.0 or NEM 2.0.
This is because current customers are safeguarded under these programs for an impressive twenty years from the Permission to Operate date of their original solar installation. So if you initially installed your system under NEM rules and now want additional solar panels added, rest assured that those same conditions will remain intact even after an expansion of up to 10%.
Conclusion
Adding solar panels is a step into the future, a wise move that can power up your home and increase your savings. But it's not just about slapping on some extra panels. It requires careful planning, understanding of energy needs, and professional guidance.
If you have any questions about these benefits, call one of our solar experts. We are ready to help you analyze your home, consumption, and situation. We are happy to provide all the information you will need to make an informed decision on whether or not solar expansion is right for you. We have two locations ready to serve you. If you are in the Greater Coachella Valley area from Palm Springs to Blythe, call us at (760) 341-1413. Our second location is in the Central Valley: in the Greater Fresno Area, call us at (559) 228-9245. Since 2007, Planet Solar has been a pioneer in the solar panel and home battery installation industry. Our team comprises seasoned solar professionals with 30+ years in the home improvement, energy conservation and technical fields. Our company prides itself on our knowledgeable, friendly, and professional solar consultants, who will help you with all your solar needs. In Planet Solar, you have found a solar installer you can trust.