Do I Need Electric Panel Upgrades Before Installing Solar?

As the demand for renewable energy and home electrification surges, many Monterey Bay homeowners and businesses are considering the switch to solar power. However, one common concern that arises is whether electric panel upgrades are necessary before installing solar panels. 

Premo Solar is an industry leader in California solar, offering high-performance residential and commercial solar installations throughout the Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and Carmel areas. In our decades of experience, most homes and businesses don’t need electric panel upgrades before converting to solar energy, but there are special circumstances where it’s beneficial. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Are Electric Panel Upgrades?

Electrical panels regulate the distribution of electricity to various circuits and appliances, acting as the nerve center of a property’s electrical system. Over time, as energy demands increase and electrical codes evolve, older panels may struggle to meet the demands of modern electronics and appliances, leading to safety concerns and inefficiencies. This is why electric panel upgrades are sometimes essential improvements for homes and businesses looking to go solar or all-electric. Upgrading an electrical panel often involves installing larger capacity panels, updating wiring, and implementing advanced safety features to meet current building codes and accommodate energy needs. 

Most Solar Installations Won’t Need a New Electric Panel

Contrary to what many home and business owners initially think, most solar installations will seamlessly integrate with your existing electrical panels without the need for upgrades. Modern, high-quality solar systems, like Enphase Energy Systems, are designed to work efficiently with a wide range of electrical panels, including older models. 

When Are Electric Panel Upgrades Necessary for Solar?

• Insufficient Capacity – If your existing panel is nearing its maximum capacity or can’t support additional electrical loads, an upgrade may be necessary to accommodate the power generated by solar panels.
• Older Panels – Panels with outdated technology that don’t meet current building codes, may need to be replaced before installing solar panels to ensure compatibility and compliance with today’s standards.
• Safety Concerns – Electrical panels that show signs of extensive wear and tear, corrosion, or damage pose safety risks. In these cases, upgrading to a new panel is a must before installing solar to ensure the safety of your property and its occupants.
• Future Expansion – If you plan to add electrical appliances or more solar panels in the future, like with home electrification, we recommend upgrading your electrical panel to accommodate the coinciding increase in demand.

SPAN Panels: The Smarter Electric Panel for Modern Homes

For homeowners that end up needing an electrical panel replacement before going solar, Premo Solar is a SPAN Authorized Installer. SPAN electrical panels are designed to turn any home into a smart home and can seamlessly integrate with solar energy systems, ensuring continuous and reliable electricity. As one of the best electrical panels for solar, SPAN offers numerous benefits, including:

• Real-time energy usage monitoring
• Individual controls for every circuit
• Easy-to-use app 
• Battery storage integration
• EV charging with SPAN Drive
• And more!

Premo Solar: Monterey Bay’s Go-To Solar Installer

Our team of solar energy experts can assess your current electrical system and help you determine if panel upgrades are needed for your home or business. Most residential panel upgrades are also eligible for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit, which can be combined with solar incentives, to help you maximize your savings. Premo Solar starts every solar installation with an on-site consultation and will walk you through the entire process to help make your switch to renewable energy as stress-free as possible.

Find out if your home or business is ready for solar installation today. Call 831-901-3352 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.