Solar Battery Install Underwood, Logan: Upgrade & Repair

Breathing New Life into Old Solar: Battery Install in Underwood

Is there anything more frustrating than having solar panels on your roof but still receiving a hefty electricity bill every quarter? It’s a common complaint among homeowners who installed solar a decade ago. While the system works during the day, the moment the sun sets, you are back to paying full price for power from the grid.

Solar technology has evolved rapidly. A system installed in 2014 is vastly different from the high-efficiency setups available today. Recently, Fallon Solutions visited a property in Underwood where the homeowner wanted to bridge this gap. They had a 10-year-old 4kW system and wanted to add a battery to store their free daytime energy.

However, adding a modern battery to an aging system isn’t always as simple as plugging it in. Here is how we managed this complex upgrade and expansion.

The Problem: An Aging System in Need of a Boost

The homeowner’s request was multi-layered: “Install battery to existing 4kW solar system that’s 10 years old.”

While the ambition to add a home solar battery is great, a 10-year-old 4kW system presents several challenges:

• Low Generation: A 4kW system is relatively small by modern standards. It may not generate enough surplus energy to charge a battery and run the household appliances during the day.
• Wear and Tear: After a decade in the Queensland sun, cabling insulation can become brittle, isolators can degrade, and panels can lose efficiency.
• Inverter Compatibility: Older inverters are often not “battery ready,” meaning they cannot communicate with modern storage units without an upgrade or additional hardware.

Simply bolting a battery onto a system this old without a thorough solar inspection is a recipe for disaster. The customer needed a comprehensive health check to ensure their investment was safe and viable.

The Solution: Inspection, Repair, and Expansion

Upon arrival, our Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited electrician took a systematic approach to revitalizing the Underwood home’s energy setup.

Here is the step-by-step process we followed:

1. Solar Fault Finding and Inspection: Before adding any new tech, we had to ensure the “engine” was running smoothly. We inspected the existing 10-year-old panels and cabling.

1. Evaluating for Expansion: The customer wanted to “add more panels if inverter and roof space allow.” We measured the available roof area and checked the capacity of the existing inverter. Since a 4kW system struggles to fill a battery, expanding the generation capacity was crucial. We identified space for additional panels and confirmed the system could handle the extra load.
2. Solar Panel Install: We installed new, high-efficiency panels to boost the system’s output. This ensures there is plenty of excess power generated during the day to fully charge the battery before nightfall.
3. Solar Battery Install: With the system repaired and expanded, we installed the new battery unit. We integrated it with the existing setup, allowing the home to store the cheap solar energy generated at noon and use it to run lights, TVs, and air conditioning in the evening.

By treating this as a whole-system upgrade rather than just a battery install, we ensured the 10-year-old system was safe, compliant, and powerful enough to deliver real savings.

The Benefits for the Homeowner

Revamping an older solar system with a solar battery install and panel expansion offers massive benefits:

• 24/7 Free Power: The home can now run on solar energy day and night, drastically reducing reliance on the grid during peak pricing periods.
• System Longevity: By performing solar system repair and maintenance on the aging components, we have extended the life of the entire setup, protecting the homeowner’s original investment.
• Increased Property Value: A home with a modern, battery-ready solar system is a highly attractive asset for future buyers.
• Safety Assurance: Replacing old, weathered electrical components reduces the risk of arc faults and fires.

Why Choose Fallon Solutions?

Retrofitting batteries to older solar systems requires a high level of technical expertise. Many companies only want to install brand-new systems and will shy away from touching 10-year-old equipment.

At Fallon Solutions, we are experts in solar fault finding and retrofits. We understand that you don’t always want to rip everything off the roof and start again. We work with what you have, ensuring it is safe and compatible before upgrading. Whether you need more panels, a new battery, or just a safety check, our team in Underwood is ready to help you take control of your energy bills. Want to learn more about our solar services, visit our solar trade area.

Save on Power Today

Don’t let an old solar system hold you back from modern energy savings. With the right inspection and upgrades, even a decade-old system can be transformed into a powerhouse.

If you are considering a solar battery install or need a health check on your aging panels in Underwood, don’t guess—get it tested. Contact the experts at Fallon Solutions today for a comprehensive solar assessment! Call us on 1300 054 488 or send us an enquiry here.