As solar energy becomes an increasingly popular option for homeowners and businesses alike, many people are eager to make the switch to cleaner, more sustainable power. An often overlooked component of solar installations is the condition of your home’s electrical system, especially the main electrical panel. If your existing electrical panel can’t handle the additional load generated by a solar system, you may need a main panel upgrade (MPU) before proceeding with installation. 

At Solar Topps, we ensure your home’s electrical system is ready for a new solar installation. In this article, we’ll explore why a main panel upgrade might be needed and how Solar Topps can guide you.

What is a Main Electrical Panel and Why Does It Matter? 

Your home’s main electrical panel, also known as a breaker box or load center, acts as the distribution hub for all the electricity in your home. It directs electrical current from either the utility grid or your solar system to your appliances, lighting, and other devices. Upgrade the panel if it is outdated or too small for your solar installation to ensure safety and functionality.

Individual circuits divide the electrical panel, and breakers protect each one, rated to handle a specific number of amps. If a circuit becomes overloaded, its breaker will trip, shutting off power to prevent fire or electrical hazards. 

When Is a Main Panel Upgrade Necessary for Solar? 

A main panel upgrade is often required when your existing panel is outdated, lacks sufficient capacity, or is not compliant with modern electrical codes. During the initial site assessment, a Solar Topps technician will inspect your electrical panel and determine if an MPU is needed. Here are some common reasons why you might need an upgrade:

• Insufficient Amps: If your electrical panel is below 200 amps, it might not handle the load from your solar system. Homes with 100 or 125 amp panels may need an upgrade, especially if the system exceeds 7.5 kW.

• Space Constraints: Sometimes, the existing electrical panel doesn’t have enough room to accommodate the additional breaker for the solar system. If no space is available, an MPU is required to make room for the new system. 

• Outdated Panels: Sometimes, the existing panel might be an outdated model no longer approved by local utilities or building codes. This is especially common in homes built decades ago . 

The 120% Rule and Solar Panel Sizing 

The size of your electrical panel also restricts the size of your solar system. According to the 120% Rule, the combined load from your utility grid and solar system cannot exceed 120% of the panel’s rated capacity. For instance, if your home has a 200-amp panel, the solar system’s total load shouldn’t exceed 240 amps.

This rule helps prevent overloading your electrical system, which could lead to serious safety issues. An electrical panel upgrade allows you to install a larger solar system without compromising the integrity of your home’s wiring. 

Main Panel Upgrades: Cost and Time Considerations 

If an MPU is needed, it’s important to consider the added cost and time involved. On average, an MPU can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on the complexity of the installation. Though this may seem costly, it’s a crucial investment to ensure your solar system runs safely and efficiently. The good news is that MPU costs often qualify for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), helping reduce the expense.

In addition to cost, a main panel upgrade can add time to your solar installation. Permits may take longer to secure, and additional components may need to be ordered. Supply chain disruptions have also affected the availability of electrical panels, which can further delay installation . However, at Solar Topps, we plan ahead to minimize delays and keep your project on track. 

Benefits of a Main Panel Upgrade 

While an MPU might seem like an inconvenience, it offers several long-term benefits, especially for homeowners looking to future-proof their energy systems: 

• Increased Capacity for Future Upgrades: A larger main panel is essential for handling higher electrical loads from solar panels, EV chargers, or additional circuits.

• Enhanced Safety: Upgrading your panel ensures your electrical system meets modern safety standards, reducing fire or system failure risks.

• Optimized Energy Independence: A correctly sized electrical panel boosts your solar system’s efficiency, enhancing energy independence.

Steps to Determine If You Need an MPU 

Before committing to a solar installation, it’s essential to assess whether your home will need an MPU. Solar Topps follows a thorough process to evaluate your home’s electrical infrastructure: 

1. Virtual or On-Site Assessment: Solar Topps provides virtual and in-person assessments to evaluate your main panel’s capacity. By reviewing the panel’s amp rating and available space, we can quickly identify if an upgrade is necessary. 

2. Compliance Check: Our technicians ensure that your electrical panel meets all local building codes and utility requirements. 

3. Upgrade Planning: Solar Topps provides a clear estimate and timeline for MPU needs, ensuring transparency and minimal project disruption.

Trust Solar Topps for Seamless Solar Installations 

At Solar Topps, we believe in delivering high-quality solar solutions that are built to last. We know every home is unique, and our experts are here to guide you through the installation process, including any necessary electrical panel upgrades. 

If you’re considering going solar, contact Solar Topps today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help make your home solar-ready.