Installing more panels than you need

To maximize your electric bill savings, you’ll want to install enough panels to cover as close to 100% of your electricity needs as possible. But are there any good reasons to install more panels than you need?

There are a few circumstances where we recommend adding more panels onto your system from the get-go. For example:

Preparing for an electric vehicle purchase in the near future
Transitioning to more electric appliances (e.g. air source heat pumps)
Adding new people or living space to your home

If you plan on using more electricity in the future due to any of the reasons above or some other change in your day-to-day life, adding on more panels now instead later can help you save both time and money.

Common questions

Can I sell extra electricity I generate back to the utility for a profit?

In most cases, no – utilities don’t write checks for extra electricity you send their way. More often, utility companies will apply credits to your electric bill for excess solar electricity you export to the grid thanks to net metering. That said, those bill credits aren’t worth spending more on a larger solar panel system if you don’t end up using them!

Will my utility company let me oversize my system?

To a certain extent – many utility companies will only grant permission-to-operate (PTO) to solar panel systems that meet certain size requirements (either max 100% of annual electricity usage, or slightly higher). These restrictions can vary based on state and associated net metering laws, so it’s best to confirm your local policy with either your installer or utility company.

Can I claim the solar investment tax credit (ITC) if I add on panels in the future?

As far as we know, the IRS hasn’t taken a clear stance on this – we recommend consulting with a tax advisor.

How do I know how many panels I should add for the future?

Estimating how much to oversize your system for future additions isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t know the exact electrical appliances you’ll be running or how often you’ll be using them. The Department of Energy also has an energy load calculator you can use to generate an electricity usage estimate by appliance. Solar installers are also experts on system sizing and electrification, so we recommend asking for their advice as well.

I’ve already installed a solar panel system, but need more panels – can I get quotes on EnergySage for that add-on system?

If you’d like to install more panels onto your existing solar panel system, we recommend reaching out to your original installer – they know your system best and are most equipped to provide this service. If your installer cannot provide a quote for additional panels, you’re welcome to register on our Marketplace, but fair warning: you’ll likely experience lower installer activity on your account. Some companies shy away from add-on projects because they're usually smaller jobs than they like to install and they don't want to mess with conflicting workmanship warranties of another company.