Over time, home energy requirements change. Although your solar system may have been sized for your energy needs when installed, many homeowners discover that expanding their system can help them further reduce their utility bills. Keep in mind these frequently asked questions when you are considering expanding your home solar system.
When should I add solar cells to my existing solar system
You may need more solar power to meet your needs if you have significantly changed your lifestyle since installing solar panels. You may need more energy if you work from home, buy an electric car (EV), add a pool, home addition, or purchase a new home.
It may be necessary to upgrade a solar system already installed in a newly constructed home. New homes are often equipped with a system that meets minimum solar requirements rather than based on each homeowner’s needs. After you settle into your new home and better understand the energy you use and how much solar energy you produce, you should increase your coverage.
Around a year after solar energy installation, homeowners can often determine if they need to upgrade their system. It gives you time to evaluate the performance of your solar panels and utility grid usage over different seasons. You may need to upgrade your system if you discover that your energy consumption exceeds your solar energy production.
Can I know the number of solar panels that I need to install?
SunPower’s energy consultant will examine your past solar monitoring data and electricity bills to determine how much energy you use. SunPower will consider your plans, such as purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle. You can then select the number of additional solar panels that are recommended. Like many other providers, SunPower has a minimum requirement for adding solar panels.
It is also possible that you are concerned about how the expansion will affect the look of your system. SunPower will design a custom system to integrate existing and new solar panels, taking into account available space.
Are new batteries or panels compatible with the system I already have?
Your provider will examine your current setup when you begin adding solar panels. SunPower solar systems have been designed to last for decades. It is rare to replace an entire system to add more solar panels. You can upgrade specific components depending on the age and condition of your solar system.
SunPower solar panels are ideal for modular designs because they have microinverters. Additional solar panels are easily integrated into an existing solar system. If your solar system is old and incompatible with the expansions you want, replacing it or using a separate system along with your solar panels may be best.
Should I stick with the original solar installer if I want to expand?
There are many benefits to using the same solar installer that did your initial installation. Keeping track of multiple companies is challenging regarding customer service and warranties. A single company may also be more aesthetically pleasing to homeowners, as they can maintain the same overall look when adding new solar panels.
You know that your initial installation experience did not meet expectations or that you worked with a company that has gone out of business. SunPower will ensure that your unique needs with your solar system expansion are met and that you feel confident in your experience.
I am a California solar customer and enjoy the benefits of NEM 2.0 or 1.0. Can I upgrade my system without switching to NEM 3.0?
California homeowners can increase their solar system by up to 10% without affecting the NEM 1.0 and NEM 2.0 benefits. These programs are grandfathered for existing customers, which allows you to continue enjoying the benefits of NEM 1.0 and NEM 2.0 from your solar installation. You should note that the grandfathering period for 20 years begins with the date you received Permission to Operate from your initial solar installation. This is different from the date your solar system was expanded.
Most homeowners have not learned their energy requirements in 10 years. You can have peace of mind knowing that you can upgrade your solar system by adding more solar panels or batteries.