Over the past decade, solar energy has become one of the most reliable and cost-effective sources of power for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers across Thailand and Southeast Asia. From rooftop solar projects on factory buildings to multi-megawatt solar farms, thousands of businesses have invested in solar to reduce electricity costs and support sustainability goals.
But just like any technology, solar systems age. And once your system reaches 10 to 15 years of operation, its performance, safety, and long-term value may start to decline. This is the point where many businesses start asking:
- Should we upgrade our solar system?
- Do we need to replace the inverter?
- Is it worth adding an energy storage system (ESS)?
- Can we recycle or reuse existing panels?
At Energreen, we support clients with answers to these questions through a structured system upgrade and repowering service, including O&M, inverter replacement, solar panel recycling, and battery storage integration, tailored for both rooftop and ground-mounted solar assets
We proudly deliver this complete solution in collaboration with our strategic partner Recyglo Thailand, ensuring that every stage of your solar lifecycle from installation to end-of-life recycling — is managed responsibly and sustainably.
Read about our partnership with Recyglo here.
Why Upgrading or Refurbishing an Aging Solar System Makes Sense
Here are the key reasons why evaluating your solar system after 10 years is not just recommended — it’s essential.
1. Inverter Lifespan
Inverters, often considered the “heart” of your solar system, typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. As they age, efficiency drops and the risk of failure increases. A faulty inverter can severely reduce your energy yield or cause complete system downtime.
2. Panel Degradation
Even Tier 1 solar panels degrade over time. On average, performance declines by 0.5% to 1% annually, which means after a decade, your panels may be operating at only 90% or less of their original capacity. Replacing or supplementing underperforming panels can quickly improve energy output.
3. Outdated Technology
Modern solar equipment -including hybrid inverters and smart monitoring systems- offers better efficiency, more intelligent performance tracking, and full compatibility with Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Older systems often lack these benefits.
4. O&M Gaps
Many first-generation solar systems were installed without a long-term Operations & Maintenance (O&M) strategy. Without proper O&M, system degradation accelerates. This is where Energreen’s comprehensive O&M service plays a critical role.
What Does a Solar System Upgrade Involve?
At Energreen, we take a practical, data-driven approach to system refurbishment or repowering. Based on a site audit, we may recommend:
- Inverter replacement (string or central)
- Replacement of aged or damaged solar panels
- Upgrade to hybrid inverters compatible with ESS
- Installation of lithium-ion battery storage systems
- Panel cleaning, rewiring, and recommissioning
- Recycling and safe disposal of decommissioned panels
- Performance tuning and smart monitoring setup
This process is often referred to as solar repowering bringing new life to an existing system to align it with current energy demands and technological standards.
Financial and Environmental Benefits
Is it worth the investment? In almost every case, yes — especially for commercial customers whose energy consumption is high and consistent.
- Improved ROI: A repowered system with modern inverters and high-efficiency modules can generate 10% to 25% more energy.
- Lower OPEX: Reduced maintenance costs and fewer system failures save time and money.
- ESS Compatibility: Adding battery storage allows for peak shaving, load shifting, and backup power, creating resilience and maximizing self-consumption.
- Circular Sustainability: Recycling old solar panels and responsibly upgrading system components supports your ESG goals and avoids unnecessary landfill waste.
Compared to full system replacement, repowering is often more cost-effective, faster to deploy, and delivers a strong second ROI phase.
When Should You Consider Upgrading?
You don’t need to wait for system failure. It may be time to act if:
- Your system is older than 10 years
- You’ve experienced inverter failure or drops in performance
- You want to add an Energy Storage System
- Your solar system hasn’t been maintained regularly
- You’re expanding your facility or upgrading your electrical infrastructure
The Importance of O&M: Protecting Your Investment
At Energreen, we emphasize the role of Operations & Maintenance as a foundation for long-term solar success. Our team supports clients with:
- Solar panel cleaning (minimum 4 times per year)
- Pre-site inspection and mechanical checks
- Annual electrical system testing
- 24/7 system monitoring and remote diagnostics
- Monthly performance reports and efficiency analysis
- On-site support and thermographic inspections
A well-maintained solar system can perform up to 30% better than one that’s neglected. Our O&M contracts are tailored for commercial, industrial, and utility-scale systems.
In 2024, the customer upgraded their solar panel cleaning schedule from quarterly to monthly. As a result, the solar output increased by 13.4% compared to 2023, and the overall system performance exceeded initial estimates by 19.2%.
Energreen: Your One-Stop Solar Energy Partner
Energreen offers turnkey energy solutions for every stage of your solar journey, including:
- EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) for solar rooftop and ground-mounted projects
- PPA (Power Purchase Agreements) for zero-CapEx projects
- O&M (Operations and Maintenance) contracts for long-term performance
- System Repowering and ESS Integration for 10+ year solar systems
We work with Tier 1 solar brands and trusted inverter and battery manufacturers to ensure your project meets international quality standards.
Whether you operate a factory, warehouse, shopping center, industrial park, or solar farm, Energreen is here to optimize your energy system and reduce your costs.
Ready to Extend the Life of Your Solar Investment?
Contact our team today for a free system assessment and let’s explore how upgrading your solar system can unlock more energy savings, reduce downtime, and prepare your facility for the future of energy.
Energreen. Powering Sustainable Progress.
