SOLAR POWER INSTALLATION MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Solar panels are an excellent way to save money on your energy bills and do your part for the environment, but there are many mistakes that can be made before and during installation. Remember, a solar installation is only as tough as its weakest link and these mistakes can be both costly and, at times, downright dangerous.

For those considering switching to solar, there are certain panel installation mistakes that you need to avoid to get the most out of your investment. In this post, we point out some of those mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. DELAYING THE DECISION TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS

Making the switch to solar energy is a huge decision that has considerable financial implications. It’s easy to waver when making the move because of the cost of installation. However, the longer you put off the decision, the more savings you miss out on.

Keep in mind that as the adoption of solar energy soars, the price of solar panels may increase.

2. IGNORING THE STRUCTURAL MAKEUP OF YOUR HOME’S ROOF

Solar installation can add as much as 25 kilograms of weight per square meter to a roof. That’s why you need to be sure that the structure of your roof can comfortably support that much weight. If your roof has swamp coolers, chimneys, and air vents, it may be impractical to place accessories of the solar panel system near the main unit.

It’s also essential to think of the roof type. A fiber-cement roof, for instance, tends to be brittle. If your home has such a roof, you’ll need to go for racking that doesn’t cause cracks when installing the solar panels.

3. IMPROPER SIZING OF THE SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM

The easiest way to calculate the appropriate size of panels seems like calculating your power usage and installing a panel system that provides that coverage. The problem with this approach is that it neglects other factors that could impact the amount of power a solar panel system can produce, including:

• Panel orientation

• The voltage settings of the system’s inverter

• Natural efficiency declines

Unless you account for these factors, chances are you’ll get it wrong when choosing the size of solar panel system you need. The consequences of doing so can be serious. For instance, if your solar panel or battery bank doesn’t have the right voltage, the entire system could harm expensive hardware.

So how do you determine which solar panel system size is ideal for you? Your best bet is to work with an experienced solar panel installation services provider from the very start.

4. GOING FOR THE CHEAPEST SOLAR PANELS IN THE MARKET

While you may be considering switching to solar to save on utility bills, you don’t want to cut corners when it comes to the type of panels you purchase. Low-cost solar panels may seem like a great idea right now, but they will cost you more a few years down the line when you have to replace the system all over again because it became faulty or broke down.

Of course, you don’t have to go for the priciest system in the market. A professional solar panel contractor should be able to point you to ideal solar panel designs that are reasonably priced.

5. NOT GETTING SEVERAL QUOTES

Regardless of the solar panel design you choose, it’s always a good idea to look for multiple quotes before deciding which contractor to buy from. The same goes for installation services.

While most solar panel installation companies in the country are trustworthy, there are still some bad apples you need to beware of. Some unscrupulous contractors can charge you several times what the solar panels and installation costs should be. In the end, you lose money in your quest to save on energy.

It’s the reason you should never work with the first solar installation service you talk to. Shop around and get at least three quotes. Evaluate what each of these service providers is offering and whether they take into consideration such aspects as the type and orientation of your roof, the appropriate solar panel size you need, installation costs, and so on.

6. PLACING THE PANELS AWAY FROM THE SUN

Solar panels are hardly the most esthetic features to have on your roof. For many homeowners, keeping such hardware out of sight would be best. There’s absolutely no problem with placing your solar panel system out of view as long as it’s in a place they can get enough sunlight.

Also, make sure that your solar panels are not in places that create shadows. Your solar panel system installer should help you identify the proper location for the unit.

7. OPTING FOR DIY SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM INSTALLATION

So, you are the type of homeowner who loves DIY projects. That’s great, except solar installation is not something you want to attempt on your own unless you have the appropriate expertise to pull it off.

Before you proceed with DIY installation, ask yourself these questions:

• What size of solar panel will suit the required energy?

• How much roof support will the ideal solar panel need?

• How will the solar panel wiring be completed?

• What is the perfect place to locate the solar panel?

If you cannot answer these questions with certainty, it’s best to leave the installation job to the professionals. A single mistake in the installation process could cause endless headaches in the future.

AVOID SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION MISTAKES AT ALL COSTS

Converting to solar energy is beneficial not only for your wallet but also for the environment. As you go about the process, however, you need to steer clear of common solar panel installation mistakes that may undermine your investment.

Are you interested in reliable solar panel installation services? Please contact us today.

Video credit: WHOLESALE SOLAR