Adding Solar Panels to Existing Systems: What You Need to Know

If you already have a solar panel system and are considering adding more panels, you’re not alone. Many homeowners and businesses choose to expand their solar installations for various reasons. Some want to keep up with increased energy consumption, others need to accommodate new appliances or support electric vehicle (EV) charging, and many aim to maximize savings on electricity bills.

Adding solar panels to an existing system can be a smart investment, but the process isn’t always straightforward. Factors such as permitting, inverter capacity, roof space, system compatibility, and overall cost all play a role in determining the feasibility of your expansion.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about adding solar panels to an existing system, including:

Can I Add Solar Panels to My Solar System?

Yes, you can add solar panels to your already existing solar system. There are several reasons why people choose to expand their solar installation by adding new panels, and there are multiple ways to do so. You may want to account for new appliances that are increasing your monthly energy usage, accommodate electric vehicle charging, or have another reason entirely.

Is It Easy To Add Additional Solar Panels to an Existing System?

Yes, adding additional solar panels to an existing system can be easy, but there are key considerations to keep in mind when deciding to expand your setup. In each of these scenarios, your trusted solar installer should be equipped and ready to walk you through these scenarios and handle the execution of these things but they are good to be aware of going into conversations about increasing the size of your solar system with new panels. 

Getting New Permits For Your Additional Panels

The somewhat unfortunate news is that if you want to add solar panels to your existing system, you will most likely need new permits for the expansion—there’s no way around this in most cases. The good news is that reputable solar companies typically handle this process for you, saving you the headache of dealing with local government regulations, which can often be complex and time-consuming.

Roof Space

For the expansion process to be easy, you need enough roof space to accommodate additional panels. However, even if you have available space, it may not be ideal for adding solar panels. If the area is shaded or doesn’t face the right direction, installing more panels there may not be a worthwhile investment. An experienced solar installer can assess your remaining roof space and help determine whether adding more panels makes financial and practical sense.

Depending on your current solar array, you may also need to reposition some existing panels into a new configuration to accommodate an expansion. As long as you work with a qualified and experienced solar installer, this should not be a significant issue.

The Quality & Characteristics of Your Original System

Solar technologies are rapidly advancing, which can make integrating new panels into an existing system challenging—especially if your current system is older. One key factor to consider is your solar inverter’s capacity. Depending on how many panels you currently have and the size of the expansion you plan, you may need to upgrade to a larger inverter.

While this isn’t always the case, it is a fairly common occurrence. If your expanded solar array increases energy production beyond your inverter’s capacity, you will need either a larger inverter or, in some cases, a secondary inverter of the same size to handle the additional power.

Cost 

Adding additional panels can increase your energy savings, but depending on the size of the expansion, it may not always be practical. Smaller expansions are generally not cost-effective unless you live in an area with high electricity rates or want to maximize your reliance on renewable energy.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the costs of adding panels to existing systems.

How Much Does it Cost to Add Panels to an Existing System?

Expanding a solar system can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 per kilowatt (kW) added, but providing an exact estimate is difficult since costs vary depending on the installation project. Factors such as permitting fees, inverter upgrades, the number of panels, battery storage, labor and installation costs, and available space can all impact the total price.

For a precise estimate, you can use our solar cost calculator or request a free quote to find out how much adding solar panels to your existing system may cost.

Why Add New Solar Panels To Your Existing System?

There are several reasons why people choose to add more solar panels to their existing systems. We’ll explore some of the most common reasons for expanding a solar installation, which may include adding new panels, upgrading to a larger inverter, or incorporating solar batteries.

You Built An Addition To Your Home 

One great reason to add solar panels to your existing installation is having additional roof space available. If you build an addition to your home, you can install solar panels on the new roof and connect them to your existing system.

However, depending on the number of panels already installed and your inverter’s capacity, you may need to upgrade to a larger inverter. In most cases, this is a manageable adjustment.

You Have New Appliances And Your Electricity Usage Has Increased 

Maybe you’ve been enjoying solar panels for several years, but now you find yourself using more electricity than your system generates—perhaps due to new appliances or a home addition. This is a common reason people choose to expand their solar system by adding more panels.

If your energy consumption has outgrown your solar production, adding new panels to your array can be a great solution.

You Want To Produce More Power To Accommodate EV Charging 

Another compelling reason people choose to add new solar panels to their systems is the desire to charge electric vehicles (EVs) at home. That’s right—you can install a solar-powered EV charging station for your home or business and power it with solar energy.

This upgrade makes perfect sense, especially as electric vehicles have grown in popularity over the past several years. Fortunately, adding solar panels for EV charging, along with a charging station, is entirely possible—even for systems that have been in place for many years.

You Want To Generate Greater Amounts Of Power Resulting In More SRECs

Let’s imagine your solar panel system is fully paid off, and now you’re considering investing in additional panels. You know you have extra roof space available for solar energy, and you recognize that adding more panels could increase your Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) generation.

This is another great reason to expand your solar panel installation—to generate more SREC revenue by producing additional credits throughout the year.

Can You Get A Tax Credit For Adding Panels to An Existing Solar System?

Yes, you can qualify for the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) when adding solar panels to an existing system. The main eligibility requirements are:

• Ownership – You must own the panels, not lease them.
• Installation Year – The panels must be installed during the tax year you’re claiming the credit.
• Residential or Commercial Use – The panels must be added to your primary or secondary residence or a business (for the commercial ITC)—not any other type of property.

As of now, the federal solar tax credit covers 30% of the total cost of your solar expansion. This percentage will remain in place until 2032. If you’re planning to add new panels to your home, you can take advantage of the 30% tax credit as long as you meet the eligibility requirements above.

Want To Expand Your Solar Installation With New Panels?

Are you interested in expanding your solar installation with new panels—and possibly a solar battery? Contact us today to start a conversation about adding solar panels to your existing system.

We’ll guide you through every step to determine how many panels you can add, whether you need a new inverter, or if battery backup is right for you, and the potential benefits of a solar battery.

Click below to get started on expanding your solar panel system in PA—we’re ready to assist you!