The increasingly high prices of electricity and heating mean that users of photovoltaic installations are starting to decide to expand them. This solution is gaining popularity, especially because those who connected to the network before the change in regulations can, in some cases, settle on the old terms even after the expansion. What is worth remembering when planning such an investment? We advise!
In this article you will learn:
- when is it worth expanding your photovoltaic installation and what to remember when doing so,
- how to prepare for expansion,
- what does the expansion process look like,
- what tools and products are worth stocking up on.
Can photovoltaic installations be expanded?
In short: yes, there are no contraindications to this. For this reason, more and more users of PV installations want to invest in additional photovoltaic panels . Many people initially decided only on a small number of panels, treating them as an additional source of energy or underestimating the demand for electricity. However, the changing situation on the raw material market and inflation mean that decisions to expand the installation are being made more and more often today.
The only limitation may be the roof area, although ground-mounted installations come in handy here. This solution allows for the expansion and installation of photovoltaics even in places where the roof is unfavorably located in terms of exposure to sunlight.
What to remember when expanding a photovoltaic installation?
It is important to remember that the expansion of the photovoltaic installation may affect the billing system , because the discount system depends on the size of the installation. Each PV installation connected to the grid by April 1, 2022 is billed on the net-metering principle . This means that photovoltaic installations up to 10 kWp can later receive 0.8 kWh for each kWh delivered to the electricity grid. However, for installations whose size exceeds 10 kWp, this ratio is 1: 0.7.
An enlarged photovoltaic installation in most cases will not result in the loss of the right to use the discount system, but only changes the value of the coefficient . Only PV installations expanded to a size above 50 kWp will require a transition to a settlement system based on the sale of produced electricity.
Check out the photovoltaic offer at the Onninen wholesaler
How to prepare for the expansion of a photovoltaic installation?
Most of the work involved in expanding a photovoltaic installation is the same as that involved in building a new installation. Almost any specialist involved in installing panels should therefore be able to perform the expansion.
The most important thing is to check the efficiency of the inverter . No photovoltaic installation can do without this device, which converts direct current generated from solar energy into alternating current used in the network. Its size is selected based on the number of modules producing energy, so when expanding the installation, it may turn out that a new, more efficient inverter will be necessary . When deciding to use a previously installed inverter, make sure that it has obtained the Nc RfG certificate and is on the list of certified devices, published by the Polish Society for Transmission and Distribution of Electricity (PTPiREE). If, during the expansion, such a document is found to be missing, it will be necessary to replace the inverter, even despite the rated power allowing it to continue to work with the expanded installation.
The second issue worth considering is the selection of the number, type and size of panels to the increased needs, including the forecasted ones . Based on the current energy balance, the specialist should be able to help in selecting solutions that will be the most profitable for the investor.
What does the expansion process look like?
The expansion and installation of a photovoltaic installation are very similar procedures. First, a support structure must be placed on the roof, which will allow the installation of additional photovoltaic panels. It is also necessary to connect the cabling, which will discharge the produced electricity to the heart of the entire system, which is the inverter. In this case, it will be possible to use the previously installed electrical installation. The size of the installation must be adjusted to the installed inverter, and if it has too low efficiency, it will be necessary to replace it. The power plant must also be notified of the expansion carried out.
What tools are necessary to expand a PV installation?
Experienced professionals know how important good tools are, thanks to which assembly work can be done much faster. This applies to both hand tools and power tools. When choosing flat, ring or socket wrenches, it is worth choosing a renowned manufacturer, such as Ironside , whose products are available in the offer of the Onninen installation wholesaler . Battery-powered power tools will prove useful in work at heights. The lack of a cable makes work easier and additionally reduces the risk of getting tangled in the power cable. If you need proven tools, you can stock up on Scheppach brand power tools in the Onninen wholesaler.
Check out the offer of power tools at the Onninen wholesaler
Photovoltaic panels, which cannot be missed when expanding
Each photovoltaic installation consists primarily of PV panels. The efficiency of the entire system will depend on their quality. Of course, the inverter and its parameters also play a significant role, but when expanding, the most important thing is to increase the number of panels . It is worth investing in panels with a long service life. The existing string configuration is also important. When deciding to buy new photovoltaic modules (probably different from those already installed), you should make sure that it will be possible to connect them to a separate MPPT inverter , otherwise their efficiency may be limited to the value of the modules already installed when we decide to install them in a common string. If it is necessary to install individual modules to existing strings, it will be helpful to install power optimizers.
JA Solar modules available from Onninen vary in terms of dimensions and power, allowing you to tailor them to your needs.
- The JA Solar JAM54S31-395/MR_FB photovoltaic module is a full black consisting of monocrystalline photovoltaic cells placed on a black substrate. They are characterized by the highest efficiency of all cell types. The module has dimensions of 1.722 x 1.134 x 0.03 m, weighs 21.5 kg and a power of 395 Wp.
- The JA Solar JAM72S20-460/MR_BF Photovoltaic Module is distinguished by its high power at an intermediate size. It was made using half-cell technology, which is characterized by lower internal resistance compared to panels based on a classic design. The module has dimensions of 2.112 x 1.052 x 0.035 m, weighs 24.5 kg and a power of 460 Wp.
- Photovoltaic panels for ground installations require high power. The JA Solar JAM72S30 545 photovoltaic panel is the best option for this type of installation. Of all the proposed products, it has the largest dimensions of 2.279 x 1.134 x 0.035 m and a power of 545 Wp. It weighs 28.6 kg.
Expanding an existing photovoltaic installation is a good defensive strategy in times of growing uncertainty about energy prices. Opt for panels with good parameters and high quality, ensure sufficient efficiency of other components and hire a good specialist, and you will not be afraid of electricity bills .
Check out the JA Solar panel offer at the Onninen wholesaler