What to consider when you upgrade your solar system

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If you’ve had solar for a while, it might be time to upgrade your solar system. But what does that entail? And how do you know when a solar upgrade might be needed? Canstar Blue discusses below.

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Can I upgrade my solar system?

Yes, it is possible to upgrade solar systems. However, there are some constraints. The upgrades must meet the standards outlined by the policies of the state you live in and your distribution network. It must also work seamlessly with the existing system, including panels, solar inverters and (if applicable) any solar battery systems.

Why would I upgrade my solar system?

Stephanie Bond Hutkin, group head of marketing for Qcells Australia, said the biggest tell-tale sign that your solar system needs an upgrade is regularly getting higher energy bills than expected, even with your system running daily.

“It may be undersized or underperforming, so you should contact your installer to have a look if the system has been underperforming,” she said.

According to Ms Bond Hutkin, some of the main reasons why households may choose to upgrade their solar system include the following

Efficiency loss in existing solar system

Generally, solar panels begin to lose their efficiency by 12 – 15% in their 20 – 25-year lifespan. As they degrade over time, it may be necessary to upgrade your ageing solar system.

Rising electricity rates

Providers frequently adjust their electricity rates. If electricity rates increase, your solar system may not cover enough usage to compensate for the rise in costs. 

Increase in energy consumption

Your daily energy consumption may have increased. Reading your energy bill can provide key insights into your electricity consumption per month, as well as your daily average usage compared to the same day and month last year. 

Your energy consumption may have risen due to switching from gas to electric appliances, getting an EV, putting in a pool pump or a similarly energy-hungry appliance.

Changing usage requirements

Usage needs and wants change. You might be consuming more electricity during peak periods (e.g. night), or you prefer to reduce your reliance on the grid.  

In this situation, you may consider adding a solar battery, which also offers the bonus of backup capabilities in the case of a power outage.  

Ease-of-upgrading your solar system during renovation works

If you’re renovating your roof, this can be a golden opportunity to prepare for future electricity needs by upgrading your solar system at the same time.

Benefits of upgrading your solar system

Improved energy efficiency and savings

Modern rooftop solar panels (e.g. monocrystalline) and systems tend to be more energy-efficient, allowing for more solar energy savings.  

Energy independence

Integrating a solar battery allows you to store excess energy instead of immediately exporting it back to the grid, allowing you to potentially go off-grid or avoid the upcoming sun tax. 

Reduced carbon footprint

Being the most popular source of renewable energy, an upgraded solar system reduces your overall carbon footprint.

Increasing your property’s value

Generally, adding a solar system to your property increases its perceived value. This is a strong incentive to upgrade, especially if you intend to sell your home down the line.

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How to upgrade solar systems

Upgrading an existing solar system generally includes one of two options: repairs or alterations. These things can be done separately or simultaneously, depending on the condition of your current system and your energy goals.

Repairs aim to restore the solar system to its original glory, amending or replacing parts of the system that may be broken, worn out or impacting the overall solar power generation and output. For example, if you have a string inverter and there is an issue with a panel, the whole system would be impacted by the faulty panel. 

Repairing or replacing the faulty panel would allow the inverter to function at its highest capacity again. If it falls within the panel manufacturer’s warranty period, you may be eligible for a free replacement depending on its terms and conditions. In some cases, your solar panels might just require a cleaning or a maintenance service instead of an upgrade.  

Alterations you may wish to carry out could include adding panels (if there is the space), another inverter or batteries.

Ms Bond Hutkin recommended reaching out to your solar installer or retailer in the area for assistance if you are looking to upgrade your solar system.

“They can suggest a second system and appropriate inverter or battery/inverter combo to suit your needs,” she said.

How much does it cost for a solar system upgrade?

This entirely depends on the work needed to upgrade the solar system. Upgrading is likely going to be cheaper than buying and installing a whole new system. General upgrade costs include: 

• Adding a solar battery: around $16,000
• Adding a solar inverter: around $1,000 – $1,500
• Adding a solar monitoring system: around $1,000
• Adding a solar hot water system: around $3,000 – $6,000

Depending on your state or territory, you can possibly reduce the upfront cost of upgrading immediately or over time from: 

• Choosing a competitive solar feed-in tariff
• Signing up for a controlled load tariff (if you have high energy-usage appliances such as a hot-water system) 
• Solar rebates such as small-scale technology certificates (STCs)
• Net metering.

If you’re looking for the best or cheapest upgrades, visit our guides below to find the cheapest options that best suit you: 

• Cheapest solar batteries in Australia.
• Best solar batteries in Australia.
• Best solar inverters in Australia.

Mistakes to avoid when upgrading your solar system

According to Ms Bond Hutkin, there are two major mistakes to avoid when upgrading your solar system: 

Choosing a quote based on the cheapest price

Price is one of many considerations such as customer service and warranty,  product reliability, customer service and the preferred size of your solar system which are equally important.

Thinking about any future energy demands 

It’s extremely important to assess your future energy needs. For example, consider if you’re adding new features such as installing ducted air conditioning in your home. 

Always keep room for any future increase in energy demands and upgrade the existing system with those demands in mind to minimise future spending. 

Should I upgrade my solar system?

If you’ve had your solar system for a while and it is not meeting your electricity needs, it may be worth looking into a solar upgrade. This could be the addition of a battery with backup capabilities, additional solar panels to generate the extra energy needed or simply inspecting and repairing any potential faults that could be impacting your energy output.

However, there are going to be scenarios when an upgrade may be futile and it would be better to just buy an entirely new system. A mix-and-match system is not always going to be better and it may even cause the system to produce power under its potential.

The best way to know what would be best for your home and energy needs is, as Ms Bond Hutkin suggested, by consulting a professional.

If you’re looking for a quality solar installer, make sure to check out our solar installers comparison where consumers have rated installers on their customer service, solar system performance, installation process, durability and set-up cost.

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Original reporting by Abi Buckland
Image Source: bombermoon/Shutterstock.com