Photovoltaic Revamping represents an innovative and advantageous solution to optimize existing Photovoltaic Systems which, due to the passage of time, have lost efficiency or present malfunctions.Â
Through targeted interventions, technological updates, and the adoption of cutting-edge components, this process aims to increase efficiency, improve performance, and extend the useful life of Photovoltaic Systems. This article explores the main revamping interventions, How they work, and the main benefits and costs associated with them.
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Photovoltaic Revamping: What Is It
The revamping of a Photovoltaic System is a process of updating, improving, or restructuring an existing photovoltaic system. This term is used to describe modernization and optimization interventions on systems already installed, in order to improve their performance, efficiency, and durability over time. In fact, even if the normal lifespan of Photovoltaic Systems can reach up to 25-30 years, it can happen that they suffer drops in efficiency or failures for which it is necessary (or convenient) to intervene.
The Revamping of Photovoltaic Systems can Include Various Actions, Including:
Replacement of Solar Panels:
If the performance of photovoltaic panels suffers a sharp decline, newer, higher-performance photovoltaic panels can be installed to increase and improve electricity generation.
Inverter Upgrade:
The inverter is the component that transforms the direct current produced by solar panels into an alternating current that can be used in the home. A modern, functioning, and efficient inverter is essential for the correct performance of the system’s functions;
Improvement of Support Structures:
In some cases, it may be necessary to reinforce or replace the support structures of solar panels to ensure greater stability and durability of the system.
optimization of the monitoring system: updating the monitoring system can allow for a more detailed analysis of the system’s performance and help identify any malfunctions or losses in efficiency.
Technological Integrations:
In some cases, it is important to integrate innovative technologies to maximize the use of the energy produced. Examples are solar tracking systems or storage systems.
Photovoltaic Revamping is an interesting solution for systems that have reached a certain age or that show signs of degradation or inefficiency. Through the updating or replacement of components and the adoption of more advanced technologies, the aim is to extend the useful life of the system, increase energy production, and reduce operating costs.
Photovoltaic Revamping: How it Works
Once you understand what Photovoltaic Revamping is, it is important to know how it works and what the GSE (Energy Services Manager) foresees in this regard. The Photovoltaic Revamping process, before the actual modernization interventions of the system, involves an initial phase of evaluation of the existing system, which includes the analysis of performance, efficiency, the state of the components, and any problems encountered.
Based on the initial assessment, the revamping objectives are defined and possible solutions are designed. Finally, you can proceed with the resolution of the problems encountered.
As regards Photovoltaic Systems installed with the help of GSE incentives, there are some rules to follow to maintain the advantages given by the Energy Bill. Regarding Photovoltaic Revamping, the GSE distinguishes two types of interventions, for which different procedures are envisaged:
Significant Interventions:
These are rather important interventions, which involve the replacement, removal, and new installation of basic system components, such as photovoltaic panels or the inverter. In this case, for Systems Exceeding 3kW, it is mandatory to communicate the changes to the GSE and there are limits regarding the increase in power.
Non-Significant Interventions:
These are minor interventions, for which there are no obligations to communicate to the GSE. Some examples are found in moving the inverter, replacing minor electrical components, or working on support structures.
In summary, for systems up to 3kW, it is not necessary to communicate revamping interventions to the manager unless they involve the addition of storage systems or the permanent replacement or removal of photovoltaic panels. In other cases, significant interventions must be communicated, while non-significant ones can be carried out without any type of communication constraints.
Photovoltaic Revamping: Advantages
Photovoltaic Revamping offers numerous advantages for both system owners and the environment. Here are some of the main benefits that derive from updating a Photovoltaic System:
- Greater Efficiency: By updating the key components of the system, such as the inverter or photovoltaic panels, revamping allows for greater efficiency in the conversion of solar energy into electricity.
- Increase in Energy Production: Thanks to the higher level of efficiency, the photovoltaic system is able to generate more electricity for the same amount of sunlight, helping to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources;
- Greater Savings: The increase in energy production can translate into greater savings on bills and greater energy independence;
- Extension of the Life of The System: Photovoltaic Revamping can improve the life and robustness of the system, reducing the risk of breakdowns and technical problems. This allows the useful life of the system to be extended.
Finally, by increasing the efficiency of the System, we contribute to the fight against climate change.
Photovoltaic Revamping: Cost
The Cost of Photovoltaic Revamping can vary considerably based on several factors, including the size of the Photovoltaic System, the current state of the components, the type of intervention needed, and the technologies used. Since each system is unique and revamping needs may differ, it is difficult to provide a specific cost that applies to all cases.
A further factor that can affect the Cost of Revamping is the presence or absence of incentives which, in some cases, can amortize the costs of restructuring the systems. At the moment, unfortunately, for Photovoltaic Revamping Interventions, a 50% deduction is only foreseen for condominiums, and not for single-family homes.
However, if revamping is carried out on a Photovoltaic System incentivized by the GSE (Energy Account), the advantages offered by the agreement multiply (Thanks to the Greater Efficiency of the System) and make the investment very convenient.
Investing in a Photovoltaic System allows you to use solar energy for the production of electricity and represents not only a convenient but also a sustainable choice. If you don’t yet have a Photovoltaic System, rely on Sorgenia. Thanks to an experienced and trained team, it is possible to create tailor-made systems to save on bills and contribute to reducing emissions.