Got Solar with FIT Payments? Here’s How to Upgrade Without Losing a Penny!

If you’re lucky enough to have had Solar Panel installed before 2019 under the Feed In Tariff (FIT) scheme, you’ve got something special. The FIT is no longer available to new customers, and those fixed, index linked payments are a solid long term win.

But what if you want to boost your system and add more panels?

Quick Tip:

Don’t change your existing system, add a second one instead.

Here’s how to do it the right way…

Why You Should Keep Your Existing Inverter & Array

The Feed-in Tariff has two parts:

Generation Tariff: Pays you for all the energy your original solar system produces.
Export Tariff: Assumes 50% of your generation is exported (unless you switch to metered export).

If you change your inverter or increase your system size, even by a single panel or upgrading the inverter to a higher rated one, you risk forfeiting those payments entirely.

That’s why we always recommend this:

✅ Keep your original inverter and array exactly as it is, or if parts need replacing, ensure they’re like for like and match the original power specification.

That preserves your FIT income.

Want More Solar? Install a Second, Standalone System

The smart move is to install a completely new system alongside the old one. That means:

New panels
New inverter
New DNO registration
New SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) registration

You get all the benefits of modern tech without disturbing your FIT deal. And for this second system, we always recommend…

Tesla Powerwall 3 The Green Way Solar (1)

Tesla Powerwall 3 – The Ultimate Upgrade Partner

The Tesla Powerwall 3 is a game-changer:

✅ It has a built in hybrid inverter — no need for a separate one

✅ It stores excess solar from your new system

✅ It can also harvest excess energy from your original FIT system, storing power instead of letting it go to the grid for free

✅ It works beautifully with metered export, so you can get paid for every spare unit of energy

That’s right, the Tesla Powerwall 3 can be configured to capture surplus from both systems, making your home more energy independent and more financially efficient.

Tip: Ditch the Deemed Export & Go Metered

If you’re still on the old-school “50% deemed export” from the FIT scheme, it might be time to switch.

With a smart export meter, you can get paid for everything you send to the grid — not just an estimate. Suppliers like Octopus and E.ON Next offer strong SEG rates that often beat the assumed FIT export value.

And if you’ve got Powerwall storing your surplus? Even better. You’ll send out more power at the best times — and get paid properly for it.

Summary: How to Upgrade Without Losing Out

✅ Keep your original inverter and array, or replace with like for like to preserve FIT eligibility

✅ Add a second system with its own inverter (Tesla Powerwall 3 is ideal)

✅ Let the Tesla Powerwall 3 store energy from both systems

✅ Switch to metered export to get paid fairly for every kWh you send to the grid

✅ Keep collecting your FIT payments, while boosting your home’s energy potential

At The Green Way Solar, we know how to make complex systems work in harmony. We’ll make sure you get maximum value, without losing what you’ve already earned.