Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as more people look for sustainable energy solutions. However, the journey to solar power can be filled with challenges if you’re not careful. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, avoiding common solar mistakes is key to ensuring you get a reliable solar system.
To make things easier for you, in this guide, you will find a list of five common mistakes that people make when going solar and how you can avoid them. Keep reading to find the best ways to go solar.
1- Installing on an Old Roof
While people spend so much time trying to find the best solar panels, they give little to no attention to the roofs of their property. It is always recommended to first get a professional roof inspection before installing solar panels. This step is recommended to ensure that your property’s roof will be able to withstand the weight of solar panels and will stay structurally safe till the solar panels remain on the roof.
Source: GettyIn case, after the inspection, you are told that your property might not be able to withstand solar panels in a few years, then it is necessary to first replace your old roof. Otherwise, the money you will spend once on getting your solar panels installed will be doubled. Replacing your roof before getting solar panels means you won’t have to spend on reinstallation costs of solar panels after a few years.
2- Choosing Based Solely on Price
Another common mistake people make when going solar is investing in solar panels based on price. Just because you are getting a lower price from one place, it’s not your sign to get those solar panels. Rather, you need to do proper research and ensure that the product you are buying is of the highest quality, comes with the latest technology like TOPCon, and also that the seller is a reliable company.
Source: CNETAnother important point to note here is not to give your solar installation project to inexperienced installers just to save some money. If you have invested in a solar system, you must also get experienced professionals to get those installed; otherwise, poor installation can lead to quality and product degradation as well.
3- Underestimating Your Property’s Energy Needs
When installing solar panels, some people avoid getting their property’s energy audit. This information is important to understand how many solar panels will be enough. What happens after this is that even after you get solar panels, if your whole house’s energy needs are not dependent on the solar system, you might end up paying more electricity bills. So, the purpose of getting solar panels installed will not be fulfilled.
Source: Department of EnergySimilarly, what happens sometimes is that people don’t consider their long-term plans, for instance, whether they will be getting an additional AC or maybe some other device to run on their solar systems. It’s better to keep at least your next 2-3 years of plan in mind when getting solar systems to have enough solar energy capacity to run your household appliances.
4- Avoiding the Warranty of Your Solar System
If you notice in the solar market, there is very little stress on the warranty you get on your solar panels. But in the case of your financial investment in the solar system, warranty plays a major role. Just because you got high-quality solar panels or your installer was the most experienced doesn’t ensure that you won’t face any problems in your solar system. There can be several factors that can cause the breakage of some parts of the solar system or some other technical issues. Therefore, it is better to always buy solar panels that come with valid warranties of 25–30 years.
Source: MercomIt will save you from constant repair and replacement costs, as your seller will replace the panels in case of any issues. For instance, Doart Energy offers 24/7 free on-call consultation to all their customers, where they can speak to the technical team to discuss their issues. They also offer a 48-hour replacement service, so your panels will be replaced immediately in case of any issues. Always go for solar panels with comprehensive warranties to save yourself from constant stress and expenses.
5- Not Verifying the Quality of Solar Panels
Do you guys know when you go to buy solar panels, you might get scammed? Unfortunately, in the solar market, people are selling lower-quality panels like Grade B and C panels as Grade A panels. You must be aware that Grade A solar panels are the highest-quality solar panels that will offer maximum efficiency, and Grade B and C panels are lower-quality panels that don’t offer good efficiency.
Source: DawniceWhenever you decide to go solar, remember to verify that you are not paying Grade A panel prices for lower-quality panels. Otherwise, after some time, your panels won’t work properly, and your investment will be wasted. Here is a comprehensive guide that will help you differentiate a Grade A panel from low-quality panels so you don’t fall for any scam.
Final Words!
So, here you have it: the five common mistakes that most people make when going solar. We have not only mentioned the issues but also explained the ways you can avoid making these same mistakes and get the most profit out of your solar system. Next time you go to buy solar panels, keep these points in mind and make the best purchase so you can enjoy clean, green energy at affordable prices. With careful consideration and attention to detail, your solar journey can be a successful and long-lasting step toward sustainable living.