Do I need to upgrade the electrical panel for solar power?

Electrical panel upgrade means replacing the old electrical panel with a new one with new circuit breakers. This service is called Main Panel Update (MPU). As a professional electrician, I will explain if the MPU is viable. Understanding sustainability is the key to creating a safe electrical environment and making optimal use of energy.

Generally, you may need to update the main dashboard if:

• Old design of the electrical panel, not certified by the competent authority (AHJ).
• There is not enough space to install another electrical switch.
• If the switches in your electrical box cannot handle the extra power demand generated by the solar power system, an MPU may be required.
• Will not be able to handle the large DC input voltage required for the size of the solar system.

Check out my in-depth analysis below.

Do I need to update my main dashboard?

Yes, if they are old or unable to drive.

For all the electricity in a house or building, the electrical panel functions as a switchboard. It collects energy from your utility provider or solar power system and distributes it to the circuits that power your internet, lights, and appliances.

It is the most important electrical component in your home or building.

If the switches in your junction box are unable to meet the additional power demand generated by the solar power system, an MPU may be needed. If the electrical switches in your home are old, this is another sign that you may need an MPU. To reduce the risk of an electrical fire in your home, you should replace some old switch boxes.

How can I know if I need to update the Main Panel (MPU)?

You may need to update the main panel if:

• Old design of the electrical panel, not certified by the competent authority (AHJ).
• There is not enough space to install another electrical switch.
• If the switches in your electrical box cannot handle the extra power demand generated by the solar power system, an MPU may be needed.
• Will not be able to handle the large DC input voltage required for the size of the solar system.

There is no better time to update your main dashboard

The main panel upgrade may be required if you want to purchase an electric vehicle or add circuit breakers to your electrical panel.

If you live in California or are considering buying an electric vehicle soon, you may need to change the main electrical panel. Another benefit of completing an MPU prior to installing a solar installation is that it may qualify for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

What makes your electric solar panel ready?

In addition to a switch for each circuit, the electrical panel as a whole also has a master switch rated for the total amperage of your home.

Your main breaker will usually need to be rated at least 200 amps in order for your system to be solar ready.

The power draw from solar panels is likely to be too high for electrical panels rated less than 200 amps, which could lead to fire or other problems.

Should you upgrade your home electrical panel for solar power?

Yes, below are some plausible reasons why you should:

• Code requirementA: The total electricity consumption of your home must not exceed the capacity of the panel. Therefore, it is very important to upgrade your electrical panel to one that can adequately meet the electricity demand in your home.
• Peace of mind: You'll feel more comfortable knowing that the new panel can handle the force you put on it if you upgrade it.

(Link to national electrical code document, warns that this is dry reading)

How many solar panels do you need for a 200 amp service?

It takes about 12 watts of solar panels to charge a 200V 100Ah lithium battery from 610% depth of discharge during sundial using an MPPT charge controller.

You want to understand not the amperage, as in the previous part, but the normal power consumption of your home.

You need to determine how many kWh you use per month by looking at your latest electricity bill. Depending on the size of your home and the availability of air conditioning, this figure may vary.

What storage capacity do I need?

Ampere-hours, or the number of hours a battery can operate at a given amperage, are used to rate batteries. Thus, a 400 amp-hour battery can operate at 4 amps for 100 hours.

By dividing by 1,000 and multiplying by voltage, you can convert this to kWh.

So a 400 Ah battery running on 6 volts will produce 2.4 kWh of energy (400 x 6 1,000). Thirteen batteries will be required if your home will consume 30 kWh per day.

I want to become sunny; What size electrical panel do I need?

Depending on the homeowner, the exact size will vary, but I suggest sticking with electrical panels of 200 amps or more. For most domestic solar installations, this is more than enough. Plus, 200 amps provide plenty of room for future additions.

Can I upgrade my own electrical panel?

The National Fire Protection Association states:

Municipal fire departments in the United States responded to an average of 45,210 residential fires between 2010 and 2014 that were related to electrical failure or malfunction.

On average, these fires caused 420 civilian deaths, 1,370 civilian injuries and $1.4 billion in direct property damage each year.

A licensed electrician is recommended for this type of work.

Take a look at some of our articles below.

• What is smart power supply
• How to hide the electrical panel in the yard
• How to test solar panels with a multimeter

Video link

Main Panel Upgrade MPU by EL Electrician