If you’ve already installed solar, you’re likely already reaping the benefits, but what happens when your current system doesn’t support your usage anymore? Are you able to upgrade your system?
You may have bought an electric vehicle (EV) or installed a heat pump, or it may be just as simple as your family has grown and your usage has increased. The good news is that you can upgrade your system at any time, but it is important to understand regulations, financial implications and technical restrictions that you may come across.
What Actually Changes When you Add More Panels?
- System Design and Configuration
Your system may need to be reconfigured depending on the type of inverter you have:
- String inverter systems: you may need to replace the inverter or install a second inverter to expand the capacity of your system.
- Microinverter or optimiser systems: these are easier to expand as each panel operates independently. With an optimised system such as SolarEdge your inverter will still need to be large enough to support the upgrade.
At SolarTherm UK, we’ll assess your existing setup and design an expansion that’s compatible and efficient.
- Inverter Capacity
If your current solar inverter is maxed out it may need to be upgraded or replaced. Installing panels without considering your inverter’s limits could lead to energy clipping where excess energy is wasted. We’ll run the calculations and ensure your system will allow the additional generation – if not we can install a new larger solar inverter or run two separate systems.
- DNO Approval
In the UK, any system over 3.68kW requires approval from your DNO (Distribution Network Operator). Even if your system was above this initially, expanding your system will require reapplying and updating your permissions. At SolarTherm UK we handle your DNO application on your behalf, so you don’t need to worry about the paperwork. We will install your expanded system taking into consideration any export limits or reduced system size requirements after discussion with you. Occasionally, the DNO may only approve the installation after local infrastructure is upgraded.
- Mounting and Roof Layout
Before installation we’ll need to carry out an on-site survey to assess the suitability of your roof to support more panels, the availability of roof space, any shading that may affect the efficiency of your new panels and the direction and pitch of additional panels. When required, we will install your new panels on a new system with it’s own solar inverter. This is usually used when your new panels are more powerful than your existing panels or when they are installed in a different direction or pitch than your existing array.
- Export Tariffs
If you are on the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), installing additional capacity will not affect your export tariff. If you are on a Feed-in Tariff (FiT), you will need to have any additional capacity installed to run independently from your old system if you wish to keep your FiT payments and forfeit SEG payments for your new system. FiT compromises of two payments – a generation payment and an export payment as there was no way to reliably measure export on domestic installations. With the development of SMETS2 smart meters it is now possible to receive payments for your generation on your existing system and receive export payments through SEG for both your existing system and the expanded system – you just forfeit the FiT payment for export.
- System Monitoring
If your original system came with monitoring software, upgrading your system may require updating or reconfiguring your monitoring tools so you can track the performance of the entire system live.
Is it Cost Effective to Expand Your System?
It is certainly more cost-effective to add additional capacity rather than starting from scratch. You already have the infrastructure in place, your reliance on the grid will drop further and your long-term savings will increase. However, your return on investment will depend on the cost of the upgrades, whether your usage justifies the additional costs and the complexity of the installation. At SolarTherm UK we’ll provide you with a clear and concise quote with estimates on performance, savings and payback periods that are verified by EPVS. We will never recommend a system that doesn’t pay you back and have a long-term return.
Can you DIY Your Solar Expansion?
In short no – well, you can, but we wouldn’t recommend it at SolarTherm UK. Working with an experienced installer like SolarTherm UK you are ensuring your system upgrade is compliant with UK building and electrical regulations, is integrated effectively and safely with your new system, is MCS certified allowing you to receive SEG payments and that manufacturer warranties remain valid. We also handle your DNO application which can be a minefield in itself.
Ready to Power Up Your Solar System?
If you’re ready to expand your solar PV system, our team is here to help. With over 15 years experience in the solar industry and MCS-certified and EPVS-accredited, SolarTherm UK is your perfect partner for your future solar needs.
Contact us today for a free bespoke quote and design – no hard sell, just honest, expert advice. We’ll help you decide if your expansion plans are viable or if other options may be more beneficial.
Your home. Your power. Your future.
