Repowering photovoltaic systems: getting more out of the solar system
In this guide, you can find out exactly what repowering means, what advantages it offers, when it is worthwhile and what you should bear in mind.
What is repowering for photovoltaics?
What is repowering for photovoltaics?
Repowering of photovoltaics describes the modernization of existing PV plants by replacing outdated components such as solar panels or inverters.
The aim is to improve the yield and efficiency of the system. Older systems in particular lose output over time, whether due to wear and tear, ageing modules or technical defects.
By using modern modules and inverters, electricity production can be significantly increased on the same area. With our in-depth expertise in the field of solar panels, we can offer you the best components for your system.
Advantages of repowering photovoltaic systems
Repowering offers numerous advantages in terms of both ecological and economic aspects:
- Increasing energy generation: New, more efficient modules and inverters maximize the electricity yield of your system.
- Sustainability: Increased energy efficiency and the reduction of CO₂ emissions per kilowatt hour of electricity generated contribute to climate protection. At Solarwatt, we focus on sustainability in every step of our process. Our products are manufactured in an environmentally friendly way and we use resource-saving materials to ensure a future-proof and efficient energy supply.
- Cost savings: New inverters generally require less maintenance, which reduces operating costs in the long term.
- Increase in property value: A more efficient system increases the value of your property and can have a positive effect on its marketing.
- Heat pump or EV Charger as a supplement: By modernizing the photovoltaic system, more electricity is generated, which can be used efficiently to operate heat pumps or EV Chargers. This increases self-consumption and reduces both heating costs and the cost of charging EVs. At Solarwatt, we offer you solutions for overall analysis and sector coupling to ensure maximum self-consumption and savings.
Disadvantages of repowering
While repowering a photovoltaic system offers many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Investment costs: replacing old components involves additional costs. However, this investment can often be amortized by the increased output and the associated higher yields. It is important to carefully weigh up the costs and potential benefits.
- Planning effort: Repowering requires thorough planning and preparation. It must be ensured that the new components are an optimal fit for your existing system and that the right time for repowering is chosen. This planning effort can take additional time and effort.
These points should be taken into account when deciding for or against PV repowering in order to make an informed and sustainable decision.
When is repowering photovoltaic systems worthwhile?
Repowering photovoltaics is particularly worthwhile if the system has already reached a certain age and is losing efficiency.
The decisive factor here is whether the additional performance provided by new components justifies the investment costs. The following factors play a role:
- Age of the system: solar panels lose power over the years. Repowering often makes economic sense from an age of 20 to 25 years.
- Technical condition of the components: Inverters usually last around 15 years. If they are due for replacement, it is also worth checking the modules.
- Remuneration rates: Thanks to the changes in Solar Package I, the old feed-in tariff for the existing part of the PV plants remains in place even after a PV repowering. An expansion of the output is subsidized for 20 years according to the current remuneration rates.
Monitoring and increasing efficiency with the SOLARWATT Manager
Another important aspect of repowering is monitoring your PV plants. The SOLARWATT Manager enables detailed monitoring of the performance of your photovoltaic system.
With this tool, you can see in real time how much energy your system is producing and whether all components are functioning optimally.
Monitoring is available both via the SOLARWATT Home app and in the SOLARWATT Manager portal, so that you have access to the most important performance data anytime and anywhere.
Regular monitoring allows you to identify potential problems at an early stage and take targeted measures to further increase the efficiency of your system. This not only maximizes the yield, but also the service life of your investment.
Requirements for repowering
Certain conditions must be met for repowering to be worthwhile:
- Long remaining term: the longer the remaining term of the feed-in tariff, the more likely it is that PV repowering will be worthwhile.
- Compatibility of the new components: New modules or inverters must harmonize with the existing technology to ensure trouble-free installation. Benefit from our experience and expertise in selecting suitable products.
- Cost-benefit calculation: The investment costs should be amortized within a reasonable period of time. A professional assessment by a specialist company can help here.
Differentiation from maintenance and cleaning of PV plants
Differentiation from maintenance and cleaning of PV plants
Before repowering, turbine operators should check whether simple maintenance or cleaning measures will have the desired effect.
Dirt or defective cables are often responsible for significant performance losses.
in contrast to maintenance or cleaning, repowering aims to increase performance in the long term by replacing outdated system components. We therefore recommend having a comprehensive Analytics carried out by Solarwatt before investing in repowering.
Conclusion: Repowering a photovoltaic system is a worthwhile investment
Repowering photovoltaic systems is a sensible measure to maximize the yield of older systems. Thanks to the reforms introduced by the Solar Package I and the EEG 2024, system operators can modernize without losing feed-in tariffs and benefit from new subsidy conditions.
As a one-stop solution provider, Solarwatt offers you a range of PV module sizes, inverters and substructures, because every roof and every installation is unique. You also benefit from our exclusive guarantees:
- Glass-glass modules with a 30-year product and performance guarantee
- 100% peace of mind thanks to the guarantee and FullCoverage insurance for Solarwatt modules
If you are unsure whether repowering is worthwhile, you should seek individual advice from a specialist company. They can explain the specific requirements and determine the options for repowering your own PV plants.