solar array system for your home or business, you have definitely thought about what size system you’ll need. But have you thought of ‘upsizing’? solar array system that is larger than what you originally thought you needed can actually save you money in the long run. The initial cost of a larger solar array may be higher. However, it will generate more electricity, offsetting the higher cost. In addition, a larger solar array will last longer. As a result, upsizing your solar array can be a wise investment that pays off in the long run.
What exactly is oversizing a solar array system?
Your solar array system is designed to meet the energy demands of your home, no more and no less. However, you may find it beneficial to install more solar panels than your inverter can handle. This is known as oversizing your solar system. Oversizing your solar system can provide several benefits. For example, it can help you to offset the effects of shading. Moreover, it can ensure that you have enough solar panels to meet your energy needs on overcast days.
What other benefits can you gain by oversizing your solar panel system?
As the cost of solar batteries decreases and their storage capacity increases. More and more property owners are choosing to install solar PV systems with battery backup. However, if you did not size your original solar array large enough, you may not have enough solar power to meet your needs and charge the battery during extended periods of cloudy weather.
Fortunately, by oversizing your solar PV system, you can create a buffer that will allow you to upgrade to a battery-ready system in the future. So, if you add a solar battery later, you will be able to create more solar energy than you’ll consume, and the system stored the surplus in the battery for use when the sun isn’t shining.
It is common practice to size solar components so that the solar array provides 10-20% more watts than the inverter’s rating. This is because, as solar panel ages, their output declines and they become less efficient. By sizing the solar array to be slightly larger than the inverter’s rating, you can ensure that your system will continue to produce enough power even as the solar panels age. Additionally, oversizing the solar array will allow you to produce more power on cloudy days or during winter when the sun is lower in the sky. As a result, oversizing your solar array may improve the overall efficiency of your system. This will make sure that your home always has access to clean, renewable energy.
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Oversizing Inverter Recommendations
A reasonable rule of thumb is that your solar panels should be 10-20% bigger than your inverter. In warmer climates where there are higher efficiency losses due to heat, this number can be increased up to 30%. This will ensure that your solar array will be able to produce enough power even on the hottest days. For more solar panel tips, consult a professional solar installer.
Oversizing a solar array system may seem like an unnecessary expense now, but it can actually save you money in the long run. By choosing a larger system, you’ll generate more electricity and reduce your energy costs over time. Plus, with the current incentives available for solar energy systems, it’s a great investment that will pay off in the years to come.
