Solar+Storage

ADDING ENERGY STORAGE TO YOUR EXISTING SOLAR POWER SYSTEM

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Adding a battery to your existing solar power system is not always an easy task. If your solar power system was installed storage-ready, adding the battery could be easy but with the rapid advancements of solar-plus-storage in the last few years, it is unlikely many old solar systems can easily accommodate battery connection. But that does not mean it is impossible; there are just a few important questions you must answer before starting a retrofit solar-plus-storage installation project.

What is your inverters make and model?

The inverter used on an existing solar panel system will dictate how a battery can be added to an existing solar power system. Solar-plus-storage systems are either AC-coupled or DC-coupled. AC-coupled systems require an additional, separate inverter to charge the batteries. DC-coupled systems use a charge controller to feed the power from the solar array to the batteries and then through an inverter for grid-tied use. For example, existing systems with microinverters which make the DC-AC conversion at the panel-level will need an AC-coupled system for storage, since the battery cannot be incorporated into the DC lines before AC-conversion.

To accommodate energy storage in an AC coupled system, existing grid-tie inverters must have frequency control capability. If the existing older inverters cannot frequency shift, they should be replaced to add batteries. Adding new inverter that can regulate charges is the only way to include storage on this type of existing solar PV system. Inverters are usually warrantied to 5 /10 years. If the inverter is approaching its warrantied lifespan, it’s a good idea to upgrade. It may be advantageous to replace the inverter with an inverter designed to accommodate storage to enable options to integrate storage immediately or in the future.

Why do you want to add storage?

Another question to answer – is your storage solution for emergency power? Or to store excess energy produced by solar during the day, so that it can be used in the evening when the sun goes down? Or in places with a TOU tariff, charge the batteries with solar or grid power when rates are cheap and discharge the batteries when power is most expensive. Depending on your objective, it is important to have an inverter that allows for your specific storage need and an appropriately sized battery bank to support your power needs.

Who owns the solar system?

Another question to answer – is your existing solar PV system owned by you or leased?  If you have full ownership adding storage is easy. If your existing solar panel system leased it may have restrictions on adding certain equipment. Typically leased solar power systems have a wide range of restrictions as to what changes can be made to the home or business and its electrical loads. Adding energy storage may be prohibited by lease terms.

If you are thinking of adding energy storage to your existing solar PV system and much it would cost to have peace of mind with a solar plus battery power system complete the Free solar Assessment request at our website or give us a call at 416-855-9377.

We are one of the top solar energy companies providing solutions that are second to none. We provide solar plus storage hybrid energy solutions across Ontario including Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, Brampton, Vaughan, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Caledon, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Milton, Georgetown, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Convincing Reasons That Suggest You Should Go Solar

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Switching to solar energy usage isn’t an easy option to take. It will require investment and effort to make this big change. This one change will alter your lifestyle for the entire period that you are going to be alive. If you find it to be a regular change that is taking additional money out of your pocket, then you need to read the convincing reasons below to support the decision of inviting new changes:

Save Money on Energy Use

It might seem to contradict at first because getting a Solar Panel Installation in Ontario will demand a good money investment. However, once it is done, solar power will save you huge bucks. This is because it is unusually cheap to use. In fact, you do not even have to pay the electricity bills anymore. Additionally, there’s more value added to your property and it will serve you good if you plan to sell your home.

No More Dependence on Electricity

As mentioned already, once you switch to using solar panels, your dependency on electricity offered by the utility providers becomes zero. When rest of the society is facing a blackout, you can still light up your house using the energy from the solar panels. As long as the sun rises, you have your source of energy available. The stored amount of solar power keeps you good even on the cloudy days.

It is a Contribution to the Environment

Going solar is one of the steps that you can take to help Mother Nature preserve itself. When most of the advancements made are deteriorating the environment, switching to solar energy is one change made in environment-favor.

These compelling reasons support the decision of every resident who wants to switch to solar energy for homes in Ontario and around the world. We at New Dawn Energy Solutions can help you take the right foot in the proceeding.

Phone: 416-855-9377