Introduction
Installing solar panels can be a great way to reduce your electricity bills and increase your home's value. However, sometimes your solar needs change after installation. I found myself with an oversized solar system that was producing more energy than I could use. Downsizing my system ended up saving me thousands of dollars! In this article, I will walk through the entire process of right-sizing your solar panel system to maximize savings.
Assessing Your Current Solar System
The first step is to thoroughly analyze your current solar setup to identify areas of potential optimization.
Review Your Electricity Usage
- Carefully examine your monthly electricity bills over the past year. Look for trends and fluctuations.
- Calculate your average daily electricity usage in kilowatt-hours.
- Identify times of peak energy usage when you use the most electricity. This often occurs in the evenings.
- Consider how your usage may change in the future. For example, buying an electric vehicle would increase consumption.
Evaluate Your Solar System Size
- Find the total solar capacity (watts) of your current system using your documentation.
- Check the number and wattage of your solar panels. Also note the age of your panels.
- Determine the size and specifications of your inverter(s). The inverter converts the DC solar power into usable AC electricity.
Monitor Solar Production
- Use your solar monitoring system to review hourly, daily, monthly, and annual solar production.
- Calculate your average daily solar energy generation in kilowatt-hours.
- Compare your solar output to your electricity usage to identify any overproduction.
Determining How Much to Downsize
Once you've thoroughly reviewed your current solar system, you can determine the optimal system size to meet your needs:
Calculate Your Energy Needs
- Use your average daily electricity consumption from your usage analysis.
- Add a buffer of around 20% to account for future increases in usage.
- Convert this to a new optimal solar system size (watts).
Consider Roof Space and Orientation
- Carefully measure usable roof space for solar panels.
- Note the roof's compass direction and degree of tilt. South-facing is ideal in the northern hemisphere.
- Adjust the system size if your roof cannot accommodate the ideal solar capacity.
Review Local Net Metering Rules
- Contact your utility to learn about the net metering policy for excess solar energy.
- Some policies are more favorable than others when it comes to overproduction credits.
- You may need to further reduce capacity to maximize savings under the policy.
Model Financial Returns
- Use a solar calculator to estimate costs and savings from different system sizes.
- Determine the ideal capacity for the quickest financial payback. Oversizing can increase payback period.
- Factor in both utility bill savings and potential incentives and credits.
Removing Solar Panels
Once I determined my ideal downsized solar capacity, it was time to remove panels. There are a few options for doing this:
Sell Unneeded Panels
- Solar panels hold their value well and can be resold to wholesalers or installers.
- Research current market rates per watt of solar capacity. Consider panel age and condition.
- Calculate potential earnings from selling your excess panels.
Donate Panels
- Donating panels to nonprofits like schools or churches can provide a tax deduction.
- Make sure to handle removal and reinstallation safely and legally.
- Obtain documentation from the recipient organization for tax reporting.
Recycle Panels
- Most solar systems contain silicon and aluminum that can be recycled.
- Contact reputable solar recycling companies to discuss rates and process.
- Recycling is better for the environment than landfilling panels.
No matter the method chosen, be sure to use qualified solar professionals and get all necessary permits when altering your solar system.
Resizing the Remaining System
To complete my solar downsize, I had to properly configure the remaining components:
Update Inverters
- Swap out oversized inverters for smaller models suited to the new system.
- Proper inverter-to-panel sizing ratios are key for optimal efficiency.
- Consider microinverters if your system will have different panel sizes or orientations.
Adjust Racking
- Racking may need to be moved or added to properly mount the smaller number of panels.
- Use grounded metal racking meeting electrical and structural codes.
- Engage a professional installer for safe racking adjustments.
Rewire Panels
- Carefully reroute wiring to connect and ground the new panel setup.
- Verify proper voltage and amperage based on system size and inverters.
- Inspect all electrical connections thoroughly to avoid fire hazards.
Update Monitoring
- Adjust settings on monitoring software and apps to reflect new system size.
- Reprogram automated alerts and notifications for optimal monitoring.
- Provide access credentials to new users if needed.
Finalizing the Downsize
The last steps involved finalizing my solar documents and savings:
Update Paperwork
- Inform your utility of the changes and modify net metering paperwork.
- Revise permits and submit required municipal paperwork if needed.
- Adjust your homeowner's insurance to reflect the new smaller system.
Maximize Savings Opportunities
- Research current solar incentives and rebates to help offset downsizing costs.
- File for tax credits on new equipment like inverters.
- Save on electricity for years to come with your right-sized solar system!
Conclusion
Downsizing my solar array ended up being a great decision. By right-sizing my system, I was able to maximize savings while still meeting my electricity needs sustainably. Carefully analyzing your energy use, modeling financials, and hiring qualified installers are key to successfully downsizing solar panels. With strategic planning, you can optimize your solar system and pocket more savings for years to come.