Just 10 months after installing solar panels, one homeowner is reconsidering their decision to pass up adding six more.
With an electric vehicle purchase on the horizon, the household's electricity needs could soon outgrow the system's production, leading them to ask Reddit's r/Solar community for advice.
Here's what to know
In the Reddit thread, the original poster described their setup as 18 panels with Enphase microinverters.
After 10 months of running the array, the system appeared on track to cover about 100% of household electricity consumption, though below the roughly 115% projected before installation.
OP then asked the forum, "how much of a PITA would it be to add six more?"
Other commenters largely supported the potential move to expand the array. One of the top comments read, "I added 12 panels all by myself. It was pretty simple and made me regret not doing the whole thing DIY."
Another user wrote, "Absolutely you should do it if you have the roof space. No one ever wished they had fewer panels." A third commenter shared their own experience, writing, "I added 8 used panels. Cheap. Easy. Totally worth it."
Not all commenters were on board, though. One user contextualized the hypothetical addition by saying, "It might change your 1:1 net metering deal. Not sure where you are, but in CA, we have limits on how much we can add without losing NEM 1 or NEM 2."
Crushed by your bills? See instant solar savings from vetted installers in just a few clicks With energy prices through the roof, there's never been a better time to go solar — and EasyHome can help you find the best prices from the best installers in your area. EasyHome takes the guesswork and headaches out of energy upgrades by showing you estimated savings from a network of vetted local partners. To get started, just enter your ZIP and share a few details about your home — seeing your estimate is really that easy. |
For households weighing their own installation, residential solar can lower electricity bills, and $0-upfront solar leases may save hundreds of dollars per month, depending on the home and agreement. EasyHome has a free explorer tool to estimate possible savings and find vetted installers in your area.
What can be done?
For homeowners comparing an initial installation with a larger configuration, EasyHome can help them curate competitive bids from local installers. That comparison can put prices alongside different proposed system sizes.
The owner's inability to cash out surplus credits also makes it important to consider how the household uses the electricity it generates. EasyHome also offers battery-storage options for households considering how to manage their solar electricity. Combining panels with batteries can help manage electricity costs and provide backup power during outages, depending on the equipment and configuration.
Where can I learn more?
Other homeowners have wrestled with how many solar panels they'll need for an EV and future electricity use.
• A New York homeowner's $46,000 solar installation proved undersized for EV charging.
• A UK barn-conversion owner received a 12-panel quote despite having space for 35 panels.
• A homeowner who paid $41,000 learned that adding 13 more panels could require extra rework.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
