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Is It Time To Repair, Upgrade Or Replace Your Solar System?

Is It Time To Repair, Upgrade Or Replace Your Solar System?

When it comes to solar energy, the installation of solar panels is not an end in itself. There always comes a time when part of or the entire system may become malfunctioned, inefficient or completely broken down. And that is when you should consider some repair, upgrade or replacement of your solar system in order to continue enjoying the energy saving benefits of solar panels. Below are some of the things you need to look out for to know whether your system needs to be repaired, replaced or upgraded:

An Underperforming System

If your system is not functioning optimally, it may be time for you to contact your installer. They may opt to repair, replace or upgrade your system depending on its exact condition. The best part is that if the equipment or system is still under the warranty that it came with and the issues it is facing are covered under the warranty, you will not even need to pay for the repair or replacement of the same. You could also opt for an upgrade so as to increase your system’s output.

When You Want to Increase the Size of Your System

If your system’s inverter can accommodate more panels and the roof has room for additional panels, then this would be the best chance for you to increase the generated energy. In fact, this is more effective than upgrading your inverter or installing an additional solar system. However, if the current inverter is at full capacity and cannot accommodate extra panels, then the best options would be to install an extra solar power system or upgrade your inverter and then add more panels.

When You Want to Add More Battery Storage

If your system is performing well and producing excess energy, you may want to add more battery storage in order to store the excess energy that is generated. Such energy will be quite helpful when the system is not generating enough or any energy especially when the sun is not out. However, while this may provide more energy independent of the grid, battery storage might not benefit your current financial situation as a solar system would.

Damaged Solar PV Panels

A damaged solar PV panel is capable of significantly lowering the performance of your solar power system. The best part is that you can actually recognize defective solar modules through visual inspection. And even if that were not possible, defects like hotspots that may have developed through shadowing or contamination can easily be localized by the images that are taken using a thermal imaging camera. Besides, you can also measure solar PV panels individually. However, if you want to get more accurate results then you need to enlist the services of a professional.

The best part is that in case you need to upgrade, repair or replace your solar power system, there are contractors that have purely specialized in providing solar panel installation, repair, upgrade and replacement. These have some of the most advanced tools and equipment that enable them to deliver the best services. If your solar panels or the system is faulty, these experts can accurately diagnose and fix the problem in the quickest and most efficient way.

Tips On Adding Solar Panels To Your Home

Tips On Adding Solar Panels To Your Home

Solar powered homes are becoming more popular by the day. This is largely thanks to tax incentives on solar panels and equipment along with increasing worries about climate change. Installing solar panels to your home can significantly decrease your carbon footprint. However, the recent influx of financial plans and solar installers can make it difficult to figure out where to get started. Here are a few tips to bear in mind.

In simple terms, solar panels are photovoltaic cells (special batteries designed to harness sunlight). These cells transform sunlight into energy before sending the energy into an inverter, which converts it into electricity. Installing a solar panel involves more than just hanging cells on a rooftop. The panels need to be well placed for efficiency and you’ll also need to install additional wiring.

When hiring an installer, be sure to hire a professional who:

  • Offers a strong warranty on both the solar inverter and the panels.
  • Doesn’t outsource installation. This ensures more accountability if anything goes wrong.
  • Is licensed and bonded
  • Can provide at least two recent references

The price of solar panels has dropped significantly over the last five years or so, primarily due to tax credits and subsidies. Local tax incentives vary from one area to another, so it helps to do your due diligence and make sure you’re maximising on the financial help available to you.

Lease, Buy or Finance?

Getting a solar lease has become an increasingly popular way to bear the up-front costs. You can also expect leasing companies to pay for repairs and maintenance. Nonetheless, a permanent installation will not only come with tax benefits but also increase the value of your home.

If you have good credit, you can benefit from low interest rates and get a good deal on loan. The trick with going this route is to ensure your loan repayment is lower than your average electricity bill, so you’re sure you’re still saving money. However, you should note that going solar will usually raise your homeowner’s insurance premium.

Typical Length of Installation

MDB solar installation will usually take a few days. However, the entire process from the time you sign the contract to the installation may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. One of the main reasons for a time lag is because you need a permit to install solar panels. Your installer will usually obtain necessary permits, but the type and costs of permits vary hence the lead time between signing the contract and installation.

Considerations

Tall buildings, trees, chimneys and other obstacles can affect your panels exposure to the sun. Also, different panels react differently to shadow; some will reduce their output while others will shut down altogether. Panels generate power more efficiently the more they’re exposed to full sun.

The amount of solar radiation that reaches the ground also differs according to the season and region you live in. This is called insolation, and that’s why a solar-powered home in one area will be more efficient than another house in a different region despite similar panels and equipment.