This has all changed now thanks to microinverter technology that allows us to add any new panels to your existing array.
Adding solar panels to existing system uk.
If your existing solar panel is 100 watts and you want to add a 50 watt solar panel you will need a charge controller that can handle 150 watts plus 10.
I ll investigate further adding some panels to our current system especially if i can get seondhand panels from someone upgrading their system.
The level of difficulty associated with adding a battery depends on whether your solar panel system was designed with the intention of adding energy storage later on.
If you have a storage ready solar system you already have an inverter that can easily integrate a battery into your solar panel system.
Add a brand new solar system alongside the existing one this may be the easiest most affordable option especially if your existing system s inverter is still under 5 years old.
5 minutes if you ve gone solar you ve already decreased or possibly eliminated your electricity bill.
Up until this revolution that has been lead by enphase adding solar panels to an existing system was next to impossible because of a lack of old stock in australia.
A string inverter can only take up to around 130 of its.
Remember in a solar array each panel if they system has one central inverter will be operating at the efficiency of the worst performing panel.
If your solar installation stays below 3 68kw or 16 amps generation with the added panels there shouldn t be any problem.
We ll discuss why expanding your array is a great option and we ll address the best ways to do so.
Likewise if you existing panels are 200w and you are going to add panels and still run them through the same inverter then you should buy 200w panels ideally the same make and model.
Whilst it might be a good option to get rid of our current system for a whole new one i can t bring myself to dispose of 16 panels and an inverter in good working order.
Add together the wattage of the two solar panels.
So a charge controller of at least 165 watts capacity will do.
Having said that adding just one or two more panels might be more trouble than it s worth.
If you want to increase your energy savings or if your energy needs have increased upgrading your existing solar system by adding new panels is a great option.
Swap out the existing inverter for a larger one and add more panels solar panels have a standard life expectancy of 25 years while inverters generally.
Your solar panel system could be undersized to begin with or you might have increased your electricity usage since installation due to new additions to your house new appliances or adding an electric.
Current size of solar system.
Your charge controller has to be able to handle at least 10 more than this.
The size of your current system may influence how many more solar panels you plan to add.
