Not planning ahead
Many homeowners only consider their current needs and desired savings when installing a solar system. But solar systems can generate electricity for decades, so it’s important to plan ahead before going solar and deciding on the size of your system.
For example, let’s say you’re a young couple who just moved in together, and it might seem like a good idea to install a small photovoltaic system to reduce your electricity bill.
But what if 10 years from now you have two kids, and your electric bills are much higher than they are today, and by then you wish you had installed a larger system that would have saved even more from the increased electric bill?
Since a solar system is not just solar panels, but also an inverter (and batteries for off-grid systems), a change in the number of panels will result in a change in the inverter and additional batteries. Therefore, it is best to plan ahead and avoid making additional changes in the future to avoid unnecessary additional costs due to the replacement of basic components.
Bought the wrong system size
Many homeowners think that installing PV modules is like buying a TV or other appliance—you just choose the size of the system you like and go from there. But that’s not always the case; some systems will be more efficient than others, which means they will generate more electricity.
You should also consider how much space you have for your system and how much sunlight is coming into your area. All of these factors are critical when buying solar panels for your home.
Try to do everything by yourself
This first mistake is the root cause of many mistakes homeowners make when deciding to go solar. Many homeowners, especially those who like to work on a variety of jobs, think that buying and installing a solar system on their home is an easy process. Well, unless you are a certified solar installer and an experienced electrician, there are a lot of factors you should consider before diving into DIY in this field.
First, designing a solar system is not an easy process. In order to make a system that fits your budget, needs, roof and many other parameters, you need to consult a professional solar installer who will not only guide you in choosing between grid-tied or off-grid systems, but also help you Billing Select the correct size, select components and estimate savings.
Second, don’t forget that a solar system is an electrical system whose electrical components and circuits have voltage levels that could seriously endanger your life during installation.
Apart from that, installing installation structures and photovoltaic panels on pitched roofs is a very dangerous process and the professionals who do it take strict safety measures to avoid any accidents while installing the panels.
Unaware of local regulations
It is critical to contact your local office to determine if you need to obtain permits and other documents before starting a project. If you start the installation before you get approval, you may have to stop halfway through the project, remove the system, and start over after the authorities give you the signal to go.
For example, some regulations state that homeowners must hire a state-licensed contractor or electrician to install the system, while some allow self-installation. These considerations are a must to keep in mind so that you don’t have to waste time and money installing your solar panels.
In addition to general permits and regulations, some states may have specific rules for maintaining residential solar panels, so be aware of local laws to make sure you’re not unknowingly breaking any laws.
Not paying attention to warranty
Since you’re installing a system that will last at least 20 years in top condition, you should really pay attention to the product and the installing company’s warranty. Typically solar panels have a product warranty of 5 to 25 years, while inverters have a warranty of 5 to 10 years in most cases.
Beyond that, the installation company must provide you with an installation warranty, which usually covers the defect-free operation of your system. Most companies provide a 2-year or longer warranty for the smooth operation of the PV system.
All of the above are warranties that you need to consider carefully before choosing a solar panel and inverter, as well as an installer, because you don’t want to be in a position where you need to replace one or more of your panels or inverters, paying extra for years to come the money
From this point of view, the degradation rate of photovoltaic modules is about 0.5%, which means that the annual energy output is reduced by 0.5%. This means that, barring a bad solar installation, your unit should be operating at around 90% of its original power generation after 20 years
