Expansion of a Photovoltaic Installation – Can You Add Solar Panels from Another Company?

The expansion of a photovoltaic installation is a topic that has been increasingly discussed among prosumers lately. The reason for this is the rise in electricity prices and changes in the way energy is settled. In this article, you will learn what to do to increase your ability to harness solar energy.

Expansion of Photovoltaics – When Will It Be Necessary?

The expansion of a photovoltaic installation is a process that involves adding additional solar panels to an existing installation. It is necessary when the current system no longer meets your energy needs. This can result from several reasons.

• Increased electricity consumption. If you start using more electrical devices in your home or business, for example, by installing air conditioning, infrared heating, or new household appliances, your energy demand may significantly increase. In such a situation, expanding the photovoltaic installation may be necessary to meet your energy needs.
• Changes in external conditions. Changes in external conditions, such as increased shading of the solar panels, can also affect the performance of the installation. In this case, expanding the photovoltaics may be necessary to increase the system's capacity and ensure an adequate supply of electricity.
• Increased energy self-sufficiency. If your goal is to increase self-sufficiency, meaning reducing dependence on the power grid, expanding the photovoltaic installation is an essential step. By adding solar panels, you can increase the system's capacity and produce more electricity.
• Investments in energy storage. If you plan to invest in energy storage, then expanding the photovoltaics is also necessary to ensure an adequate supply of electricity for charging them.

Can You Add Solar Panels from Another Company?

The answer to the question of whether you can add solar panels from another company is: yes, it is possible, but it requires considering several important aspects.

How to connect solar panels from different manufacturers? First, ensure that the newly added panels have similar electrical characteristics, such as voltage. Differences in parameters can affect the performance of the entire system and even cause damage to the inverter. Second, adding solar panels not only increases the system's capacity but also that of the mentioned inverter. Therefore, in many cases, it will involve the need to add a second device. Two inverters in one installation guarantee that the entire system will be efficient.

Can I Expand the PV Installation Myself?

Self-expansion of the photovoltaic system is, of course, possible. However, it must be clearly stated that this process requires the necessary knowledge. Otherwise, you risk not only damaging individual components of the system but even the internal installation. You also expose yourself to serious health risks. You must remember that during installation, all safety standards must be observed, as otherwise, there is a risk of electric shock.

Due to the risks, we recommend hiring a professional installation team. This way, you can be sure that the additional panels and inverter have been installed correctly. Using the services of installers is also a cost-saving measure. Repairing potential damage to the installation will definitely cost more than the installation cost.

How to Connect Solar Panels?

Every photovoltaic system contains at least one set of modules connected in strings. The way the modules are connected has a significant impact on the voltage and current delivered to the inverter. Atmospheric factors, such as sunlight exposure, as well as the regularity of cleaning the panels, also affect the efficiency of the photovoltaic system, impacting the voltage and current reaching the inverter.

Solar modules can be connected in two ways:

• parallel connection, which keeps the voltage constant while summing the current from each panel;
• series connection, which increases the total voltage of the system while maintaining the current at the same level.

Both methods of connecting panels offer benefits that contribute to the effective operation of the system. The choice of method is the task of installation specialists, who consider the type of inverter and potential future expansions of the photovoltaic system.

Expansion of the Photovoltaic Installation and New Regulations

As you already know, choosing the right panels and components is a process that requires attention to several important factors to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the existing system. For safety and certainty, it is most reasonable to use panels from the same company, if available.

When adding solar panels to an existing installation, it is important to check the technical parameters of the new ones, such as nominal voltage, maximum operating current, and power. They should be as close as possible to the already installed panels to ensure their effective cooperation and avoid performance issues.

Individuals interested in financing the expansion of their photovoltaic installation cannot count on support from programs such as "Clean Air" or "My Electricity". Nevertheless, loans for photovoltaics are available on attractive terms.

For owners of photovoltaic installations settling with the grid on a net metering basis, expanding the system will not affect the loss of existing rights. In this case, investing in the expansion of the installation may prove particularly beneficial.

Can You Add Solar Panels Without Notification?

In the case of expanding a PV installation that does not exceed 150 kW of power, it is not necessary to obtain a permit for expansion. However, it is necessary to inform the network operator about the increase in capacity, especially if you have grid or hybrid installations.

Expansion of the Photovoltaic Installation – Why Is It Worth It?

The expansion of a photovoltaic installation is a solution increasingly chosen by homeowners and businesses looking to increase their energy independence and reduce electricity bills. Adding solar panels to an existing installation can significantly increase electricity yield, thereby reducing consumption from the grid.

It is worth emphasizing that the expansion of a photovoltaic installation can be carried out both in the case of grid-connected installations and off-grid installations, meaning those that are not connected to the Polish power grid.

In the case of grid-connected installations, adding solar panels allows for an increase in the amount of electricity that can be fed into the grid and for which appropriate compensation can be received. Conversely, expanding off-grid photovoltaics increases the amount of electricity that can be stored in batteries and used when there is no access to external power.

Adding Solar Panels with TERMOFOL

Expanding your photovoltaic installation, considering the possibility of adding solar panels from another company, is an excellent opportunity to increase energy production and maximize savings. It is important to remember the appropriate technological and regulatory adjustments so that the new components harmoniously cooperate with the existing system. When considering the expansion of photovoltaics, do not forget about the potential need to install two inverters in one installation and to check how the expansion of the photovoltaic installation and new regulations in this area will affect your plans.

Are you considering adding solar panels without notification? Do you need support in carrying out the necessary formalities? The experience and wide range of TERMOFOL products offer solutions tailored to the individual needs of each client. Contact our experts to learn more about the possibilities of expanding your photovoltaic installation. Together, we can find the most effective and economically viable solution that will allow you to make even better use of solar energy potential.