Should You Upgrade Your HVAC System Before Installing Solar Panels

While it might seem odd to upgrade your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system before installing a solar panel system, there’s an important reason why this is a smart step. In a typical home, the HVAC system is one of the largest consumers of energy. If you plan on switching to a new HVAC system, it will affect the amount of solar power you need. Because of this, it’s generally a good idea to invest in a new HVAC system if your current unit is old, inefficient, or unreliable.

Why Your HVAC System Matters Before Going Solar

A solar contractor determines your ideal system size based on your electricity usage. If your current air conditioner or furnace is inefficient, it will seem as though you need far more energy than you really do. Rather than pay for extra panels and wasted energy, you should update your HVAC system first.

The Short Answer: HVAC First, If the System Is Near the End of Its Life

In general, we recommend evaluating your existing unit and replacing it if it is near the end of its life. This is especially important if your unit is already 10 to 15 years old. A replacement is more likely to be necessary if you notice any of the following symptoms.

• Frequent repairs
• Weak airflow
• Increased summer energy bills
• Short cycling
• Uneven temperatures
• Declining energy efficiency
• Leaky or undersized ductwork

Getting a planned HVAC upgrade before you invest in solar panels is usually better than scrambling for an emergency replacement after your solar setup is installed.

When You Should Upgrade HVAC Before Solar

In the following situations, it makes more sense to upgrade your HVAC system before you install a solar system.

Your System Is Old or Inefficient

An older system uses more electricity than a modern unit, necessitating a larger solar array. By upgrading to a high-efficiency AC or heat pump, you can lower your cooling and heating demand. In turn, this allows you to spend less on a smaller solar installation.

Your Ductwork Is Leaky or Poorly Designed

A duct leak can lower your energy efficiency by as much as 20%. Before you decide on your solar sizing, it’s essential to complete your duct sealing, insulation upgrades, and airflow balancing.

Your Home Has Comfort Problems

When your home has uneven temperatures, humidity problems, or nonstop runtimes, you may be dealing with a duct issue or HVAC sizing problem. To find the source of the problem, you need a full HVAC assessment.

You Plan To Electrify More of the Home

Your solar panel installation is designed based on your current electricity usage. Installing an EV charger, a heat pump water heater, or an additional room increases the amount of electricity needed. Similarly, switching from a gas heating system to a heat pump increases your energy consumption, so you’ll need a solar setup sized for your future usage.

When Installing Solar First Can Still Make Sense

While an HVAC upgrade makes sense in many cases, there are scenarios where it is better to install solar panels first.

• The HVAC is fairly new and already efficient.
• The system performs well and is less than 10 years old.
• You need to time your solar upgrade for a utility deadline, solar incentive, or net-metering rule.
• Your roof is being replaced, and you want to coordinate a solar upgrade for the same time.
• You already plan on sizing solar for a higher electrical load in the future.

Do These Efficiency Upgrades Before Either Project

Before you upgrade your system, there are a few things you can do to optimize your home’s energy efficiency. 

• Schedule an energy audit or HVAC assessment.
• Seal any air leaks in your home.
• Replace the air filter.
• Clean the condenser coils.
• Seal and insulate your ductwork.
• Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat.

During the assessment and your routine maintenance appointment, our team can check your refrigerant charge and test your airflow. We’ll also review your existing electrical panel capacity to see if you need an upgrade.

The Best Project Sequence for Many Homeowners

For the best results, we recommend using the following to-do list to determine your ideal capacity and install your solar panels.

• First, review 12 months of your utility bills to get a better understanding of your home’s energy consumption.
• Schedule an HVAC and home efficiency assessment to find out which updates are necessary.
• Maximize your energy efficiency by fixing your insulation, sealing air leaks, and addressing duct issues.
• Repair or replace your HVAC system if it is old or inefficient.
• Get a solar quote based on your new, updated energy profile.
• Coordinate any solar, battery, or electricity updates required.

How HVAC Replacement Can Affect Solar System Size

When you receive a solar proposal, it will be based on your annual kWh usage. If you have an energy-efficient HVAC system that uses less energy, you will need fewer panels. For example, an old HVAC system may use excessive electricity in the summer, requiring more solar panels. By switching to an energy-efficient system, the homeowner can cover all their needs with a smaller array.

Don’t Forget Incentives, Rebates, and Timing

Before you get a solar array or new HVAC system, check out federal, state, utility, and manufacturer incentives. You should also confirm your eligibility for federal home energy credits because these changed after 2025. Depending on which rebates and incentives are available, your decision to get HVAC or solar first may vary.

Questions To Ask Before Deciding

Before you upgrade your HVAC system and install solar, consider the following questions

• How old is my HVAC system?
• What is my SEER2 rating?
• How much did I spend on HVAC repairs over the last two years?
• Do I have leaky or badly insulated ducts?
• Will I need to replace my roof in the near future?
• How much will my utility provider pay for extra solar energy produced?
• Do I plan on adding an EV charger, battery, heat pump, or electric water heater?
• Does my current electrical panel support HVAC and solar upgrades?

Common Mistakes To Avoid

To optimize your home’s energy consumption, remember to avoid the following frequent mistakes.

• Sizing your solar array based on an old, inefficient HVAC system.
• Replacing your HVAC after you update your solar without changing your energy usage assumptions.
• Ignoring leaky or damaged ducts.
• Assuming that larger HVAC equipment is more effective.
• Forgetting about future changes that will affect your energy load.
• Choosing a solar company and HVAC contractor that don’t communicate and coordinate with each other.
• Relying on outdated tax credit information.

FAQs

Should I replace my air conditioner before installing solar panels?

Yes, it’s generally better to replace old and inefficient systems before you install solar panels. Afterward, you can calculate the exact solar capacity you need based on the new installation.

Will a new HVAC system lower the cost of solar?

A new HVAC system may lower the cost of your solar installation. If it uses less electricity, you may be able to set up a smaller solar array and spend less.

Should I get a heat pump before solar?

In general, it’s better to get a heat pump before installing solar. This allows you to size the solar installation accurately so that it matches your heat pump’s energy demands.

Can solar panels run my HVAC system?

Yes, solar panels can offset the electricity your HVAC system uses. However, the solar installation must be sized appropriately so that it can supply the total amount of energy needed.

Should I upgrade my electrical panel, too?

It might be necessary. If you’re installing solar panels, a new HVAC system, an EV charger, or a heat pump, the panel capacity you need will be affected.

Learn More About HVAC Upgrade Options for Your Home

Before you install solar panels, it’s important to plan out your future HVAC needs as well. If you wait to upgrade your HVAC system, you could end up overspending on your solar capacity. Instead, plan out your HVAC system and then calculate the solar capacity you need.

Planning solar for your home? Schedule an HVAC efficiency assessment first so that your solar system is sized appropriately for your home’s actual electrical needs.