Making the change to solar energy is a smart choice that may reduce your energy costs significantly in terms of a great way to save money on your energy bill. Solar panel installation may seem like a simple task, but there are a lot of hidden mistakes that can end up costing you in the long run. From overlooking the condition of your roof to not thinking about future energy needs, this blog post will cover 22 unique mistakes that homeowners make during solar panel installation and how to avoid them.

1. Forgetting about the pre-installation process
2. Lack of proper planning and research
3. Off-grid is not necessary 
4. Not getting multiple quotes
5. Thinking you can do it yourself
6. Faulty design
7. Building an unsystematical system
8. Solar power does not prevent outages
9. Going solar is a bad investment  
10. Avoid leasing solar system 
11. Delaying to purchase solar panels
12. Buying cheap solar panels
13. Avoiding rebates and incentives
14. Ignoring the level of after-sales support
15. Having unreasonable expectations
16. Overpaying for installation
17. Neglecting the electrical prep work
18. Ignoring safety concerns with DIY solar panels
19. Leaving the junction box exposed
20. Overtightening nuts, bolts and clamps
21. Not performing regular maintenance 
22. Install your solar energy system worry-free

1. Forgetting about the pre-installation process

It’s not as easy as going to your neighborhood Home Depot, purchasing the solar equipment, and sticking panels on your roof to install solar panels on your own. A set of engineering blueprints must be made, and permits must be obtained. You may require an electrical permit, a building permit, or both from your city or county, depending on the extent of the work. In order to connect your solar panel system to the electrical grid, you must also cooperate with your utility provider. The reason for this is that all solar system installers are dependent on the electrical grid.

Applications for utility connection and building permissions are frequently quite expensive. Most do-it-yourself solar installers are unaware of this hidden expense. This may cost money and take a lot of time. In order to maximise the efficiency of your solar system, it is also crucial to take into account elements like roof location and shadowing. A seasoned solar installation firm can manage the permitting procedure with speed and accuracy since they have the knowledge and experience necessary to traverse these rules and restrictions. They will make an effort to simplify and streamline the installation procedure for you. 

2. Lack of proper planning and research

It is crucial to take into account both your present and potential future energy demands when deciding to establish a solar power system. If you don’t know the elements influencing these components at the time of planning, you won’t be able to expand your system in the future.

Some things to think about

• Can the installation be expanded if necessary in the available space? Consider the scenario where your system occupies your whole roof. What happens if you decide to add panels later but don’t have a place for them to go?
• Is it possible to enlarge your system? Hey, I’ll just add more panels, people think. Without comprehending that the system’s other components, such the inverter, must be designed appropriately. There is a maximum number of panels that central inverters can handle, so “simply adding panels” isn’t always an option.

Make sure there is space available to expand your current setup. If the panels now cover the whole roof, where will you add more in the future? The system’s ability to develop is another thing to take into account. It’s more difficult to expand the system than just adding more panels. The inverter, for example, must be sized to match other components.

Future problems may arise if future expansion is not planned for. This involves measuring the inverter and battery bank correctly, making sure there is adequate room to install more panels, and designing the system to be expandable. The type of battery being used is also crucial to take into account because some varieties may restrict the system’s potential to grow. It is possible to make sure that your system is appropriately constructed to satisfy both present and future requirements by consulting an experienced solar installation company.

Another crucial factor for an off-grid option is battery size. Your existing battery bank might not be expandable. Lead-acid batteries have few options, but lithium battery banks may be expanded. This is so that they don’t absorb the characteristics of older lead-acid batteries. As a result, the brand-new batteries can start ageing too soon.

The reason? When you add new lead-acid batteries to an old bank, the new batteries absorb the characteristics of the old ones. The new batteries are essentially being aged prematurely.

Lithium batteries are the exception. They have an integrated circuit controlling the charge parameters. The old batteries charge independently from the new ones, so you don’t run into the same issue.

Micro-inverters are a great option to facilitate expansion for grid-tied systems. They work on a one-to-one basis: each panel is paired with its own micro-inverter. When you want to add on, just pair another inverter / panel pairing and mount them onto your array.

3. Off-grid is not necessary 

It’s a popular misperception that setting up a solar power system will cut someone off from their city’s electricity grid. This is not the case, though. Solar panels make it possible to generate power, which lessens or eliminates the need to buy it from the grid. Through connection to power lines, a grid-tied solar system facilitates the integration of solar-generated electricity into the electrical utility system. In addition to meeting individual power demands, this technology enables the selling of extra electricity to the state government.

This has the advantages of a five-year payback time that is quite quick and 20 years of free power. Off-grid solar power systems, on the other hand, must rely on alternate methods of energy storage, including battery banks, as they do not have access to power lines. These systems provide independence, but they can also be more expensive since they require battery storage, which can significantly reduce the return on investment from the solar panels. Before choosing a solar power system, it’s crucial to weigh all of your alternatives and their associated expenses.

As a result, being connected to the grid will help you avoid making an expensive mistake.

Confusing off-grid and grid-tie solar:  solar power allows you to generate your own energy, which means you won’t pay for power from the utility grid. People assume this means they will be “going off the grid,” but that’s not accurate.

In reality, most people are looking for a grid-tied solar system.

The difference is that although solar panels produce energy, you still need a mechanism to store it so that you may utilise it later. You may store the energy you create in the utility system if you have access to power wires. When you create excess energy, the utility provider will give you credit and let you draw from the grid as needed. Off-grid homes lack access to electricity lines, thus they require additional means of energy storage. Therefore, a battery bank is necessary for off-grid systems to operate. Although pricey, batteries are necessary for off-grid devices since there is no way to store energy on the grid. The basic line is that being grid-independent and conserving money are incompatible goals. Batteries eat into your ROI(return on investment), and grid-tied properties don’t need them. You don’t need to go “off the grid” to get the benefits of solar power. If your property has access to power lines, grid-tied solar is the smartest option. Why pay for batteries when the utility grid will take care of storage for you?

4. Not getting multiple quotes

This isn’t a sleazy advertisement for the free service offered by my website, I promise. Whenever feasible, it’s important to compare numerous quotations (not only for solar! ), since some dishonest installers are still known to bill customers Rs. 50,000 for a Rs. 30,000 installation. You can determine whether solar is the correct choice for your budget and whether you’re being overcharged by asking several firms to break down their solar costs for you (in either price or quality).

It’s the reason you shouldn’t choose the solar installation company you speak with at first. Obtain at least three quotations by shopping around. Examine the services each of these companies offers and see if they take into account things like the kind and orientation of your roof, the size of solar panels you should use, installation expenses, etc.

Don’t put the panels in a shaded area:

Not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing roof elements are solar panels. It would be better for many homeowners to keep this hardware hidden. Your solar panel system may be placed out of sight as long as it is in a location where it receives adequate sunshine.

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.

5. Thinking you can do it yourself (DIY)

You can be convinced to install the solar energy system yourself if you think you can do it yourself, especially if you consider it a way to save money. You should leave the installation to the experts if you are unsure of the solar panel’s size, the amount of roof support required to sustain it, or other electrical wiring requirements.

If you are unaware of these factors, you run the risk of damaging your house or using energy improperly. In order to select a reputable person to finish the project, make sure you get numerous quotations.

You’ve decided to install your own solar panel system since you love doing it yourself. That’s excellent, but unless you have the necessary skills to pull it done, you shouldn’t attempt solar installation on your own.

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. 

Ignoring the structural makeup of your home’s roof:

A solar installation may increase the weight of a roof by up to 25 kilos per square metre. Because of this, you must confirm that the roof’s structure can hold that amount of weight without discomfort. Placing solar panel system accessories close to the main unit may not be viable if your roof includes swamp coolers, chimneys, or air vents.

It’s also crucial to consider the sort of roof. For instance, a roof made of fiber-cement is prone to breaking. If your home has a roof like that, you should choose solar panel racking that won’t fracture the roof when it is being installed.

Improper sizing of the solar panel system:

Calculating your power demand and constructing a panel system that offers that coverage seems to be the simplest approach to determine the right amount of panels. This strategy has a flaw in that it ignores other elements that could affect how much electricity a solar panel system can generate, such as:

• Panel orientation
• The voltage settings of the system’s inverter
• Natural efficiency declines

If you don’t take these things into consideration when determining the amount of solar panel system you require, you probably won’t get it right. The repercussions of doing so may be severe. For instance, the entire system might damage pricey electronics if your battery bank or solar panel don’t have the proper voltage.

So how do you choose the best size of solar panel system for you? Working with a seasoned solar panel installation services supplier right away is your best option.

Sizing a solar system is trickier than it first looks.

When you first start doing research, you might assume that all it takes is to look at your most recent energy bill and then purchase enough solar panels to cover that consumption.

But that would ignore factors like climate, panel orientation, shading, natural efficiency drop, and other things that impact the “true” output of your system.

That’s why we won’t sell complete systems to anyone until they’ve consulted with one of our in-house solar design techs.

6. Faulty design

It can be challenging and skillful to design a solar power system that fits your demands for energy while being efficient. To make sure that all crucial elements, like climate, panel orientation, shading, and more, are taken into account, it is crucial to contact with experienced manufacturers and installers. It is not sufficient to purchase only enough solar panels to meet your energy needs; a number of factors must be taken into account to guarantee the system’s optimum performance.

 A solar technician can advise you on the following topics:

 Efficiency: Solar panels have an efficiency rating, and they lose 0.5–1% of their efficiency annually. It implies that 20 years after installation, they will be 10–20% less effective. You must give your system a little more headroom in order to compensate for this efficiency loss. This might be achieved by adding a few extra panels.

Location: Manufacturers test solar panels at ideal temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. However, in the real world, your system is exposed to even worse weather conditions. Your ability to create energy may be negatively impacted by high temperatures.

The amount of solar energy you can generate depends on your location and the number of “sun hours,” or the amount of time the sun is in its optimal position for energy generation. This might vary by region, with India typically receiving 5-8 hours of sunlight each day. When building a solar power system, it’s critical to consider the direction of your roof because solar panels perform best when facing north. It’s also critical to ensure that your roof is capable of supporting the weight of the panels. Before installing solar panels, you should check with a qualified installer to verify if your roof is suitable for the task. Solar energy is a good investment even if the roof is not facing in the best direction because the production loss is typically minimal—between 10% and 15%.

Voltage rating: When developing the system, it is important to consider the voltage requirements of the various solar power system components, including the panels, batteries, inverters, and charge controllers. The voltage input windows for these sections determine the system’s design. Temperature has an impact on both voltage and system performance. Insufficient power generation from solar panels or battery banks may lead to poor system performance and hardware damage. It is essential to obtain professional guidance to ensure that the system design complies with the voltage requirements and can withstand temperature variations.

Battery bank sizing: If you’re employing an off-grid option, you’ll want a battery bank. A common mistake with battery banks is mismatching the battery bank and the charging source. Your battery needs to get just enough power to recharge, but not too much that it overloads.

Undercharging can be far worse than overcharging in terms of potential battery damage. To prevent early failure, certain batteries require routine full charges. 

7. Building an unsystematical system

Reusing and recycling are both excellent concepts, but when it comes to installing solar systems, they’re not so great. If you’ve gathered the components of the solar system over time from numerous sources, you can’t just throw them all together and call it a day. It’s important to use compatible components when designing a solar power system since incompatible ones might lead to issues including undersized inverters, mismatched panel sizes, different types of connections, and missing components in the power centre. To guarantee proper operation and performance, it is essential to get professional guidance to confirm that all components are compatible and correctly sized for the system. 

8. Solar power does not prevent outages

If there is a power outage, your electrical appliances will still run even if you generate your own energy. This primarily pertains to solar energy systems that are connected to the grid. The power that the panel generates is stored by the electric utility system. As a result, you will lose power if the grid does. The only solution to this problem is to install a grid-connected battery backup system. The basic grid-tied system operates once the electricity is turned on. The backup battery bank takes over in the event of a power loss. Having a backup gives you peace of mind, even though it is a little more expensive, especially if you live somewhere with severe weather. 

9. Going solar is a bad investment  

Solar energy is definitely not cheap. It needs a sizable upfront cash commitment, and installation is pricey. On the other hand, electricity from power companies isn’t cheap and will only rise in price as non-renewable resources become more scarce.

Installing a solar power system has much more long-term advantages. Over the life of the warranty, the majority of grid-tied systems pay for themselves and generate income for you.

Indian homes generally have a domestic solar system installed, which includes a battery backup. Each kilowatt costs almost Rs. 100,000. By installing a solar system, such a home might save as much as Rs. 8,400 every year.

In 10–11 years, the investment is anticipated to generate a ROI of roughly 8%.

Commercial solar systems with grid connections, such as those found in workplaces, vacation spots, hospitals, and other commercial structures, must have a 25kw capacity. The user saves roughly Rs. 14,000 a year because the cost per kilowatt is close to Rs. 50,000. After three to four years, the investment is projected to yield a return of roughly 28%.

10. Avoid leasing solar system 

Leasing a solar system from a third-party provider may not be as advantageous. If the solar system is leased, the lender, not the homeowner, will be eligible for any government benefits or subsidies. Leasing a solar system may also cost more than outright purchasing one because of interest and higher lease rates. If you decide to sell your property after leasing a solar system, it can be harder because there may be fewer buyers who are interested.

11. Delaying to purchase solar panels 

Installing a solar panel system is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of numerous factors, including cost. Although the initial cost of solar panels may deter some buyers, it’s important to remember that the longer you put off installing a system, the more money you lose out on in the long run. Additionally, it is projected that as the demand for solar panels increases, the current solar tax credits and subsidies will become less available. This suggests that delaying the installation of solar panels may prevent you from taking advantage of these financial advantages. Therefore, before making a choice, it is essential to balance the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy and take into account potential future savings.

The decision to switch to solar energy is a large one that will have a big financial impact. It is easy to delay completing the transition due to the cost of installation. But the more you put off making a decision, the more money you lose.

Keep in mind that the price of solar panels could increase as the use of solar energy increases. Additionally, the current tax advantages and breaks may soon come to an end. By putting in solar energy now, before it’s too late, you may take advantage of the financial advantages already in place.

12. Buying cheap solar panels

While making the switch, purchasing the least expensive solar panels may seem like a cost-effective choice, but it could end up costing more in the long term due to broken or malfunctioning system components. To select the greatest solar batteries for your project, the ideal size and kind of solar panels, and any required roof support, you should speak with a professional installation. Saving money is crucial, but you also need to invest in a sturdy solar system.

13. Avoiding rebates and incentives 

There are numerous incentives and rebates that may help offset the high cost of installing a solar panel system for a home. The federal government offers tax credits and refunds through the department of energy, and certain states and regional energy suppliers additionally give additional incentives. These incentives may result in a 30% overall cost reduction for a solar panel installation. It is also a good idea to get in touch with your local power company because, depending on the efficiency and longevity of your solar panels, they might offer rebates for decreased monthly costs. 

14. Ignoring the level of after-sales support

The current customer support is crucial for identifying and operating your solar panels at their maximum efficiency. Even though it is crucial for many significant purchases because you are investing in a product that should last for decades and was frequently chosen based on the years of energy savings it can deliver, solar energy solutions require it.

The after-sales and customer service divisions are among the most frequent locations where less costly suppliers achieve cost reductions. You might think you’ve found a contract team that will install your equipment for a fair price, but you could end up spending thousands of more rupees on additional repairs, system maintenance, and inefficient performance. 

15. Having unreasonable expectations

If you are considering whether solar energy is worthwhile, you face the risk of expecting to start saving money as soon as the system is installed and operational. However, you must keep in mind that it could take many years before you start to reap the financial benefits of switching to solar energy, depending on the sort of solar panel system you have and your typical energy usage.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the sun is erratic and unexpected. The output of your solar energy system may change from day to day and from season to season based on the length of the day and the quantity of cloud cover in your region.

So, before your investment starts to pay for itself, you must have a realistic forecast of how long the payback period would last. Variations in energy use and savings from day to day are common. Consider your investment in a solar energy installation to be similar to a stock market investment; it will perform better on some days than others. Because of this, you should do your research and make sure you know what you can really expect in terms of a return on your investment.

Both the environment and your wallet will benefit from your decision to switch to solar energy. You must, however, enter the switching process with an open mind. Remember these seven typical errors as you prepare to implement this modification and steer clear of them.

16. Overpaying for installation

A turnkey installation from a major supplier is the first choice that springs to mind when you initially consider going solar. They provide a turnkey service that includes system design, parts sourcing, and installation. Although the convenience is unbeatable, the catered experience comes at a price. Turnkey installers will bill you between 100 and 200 percent of the equipment cost to install your system. They can charge an additional Rs. 100,000 to install a system that costs Rs. 80,000 in equipment.

To pay for advertising, office rent, insurance, labour, and other costs associated with operating their business on a national scale, large solar installers must charge this extra.

Many people are unaware that you may purchase packaged solar systems from a wholesale distributor and either DIY the installation or hire a local contractor to help with some of it.

If you’re ready to plan the project and take on some of the simple duties, hiring a local contractor can save you a lot of money. to assist you in locating a nearby contractor who can help you with your project.

We also advise getting quotations from other installers if you decide to handle the project yourself before selecting the one you feel most comfortable with. According on their area of expertise and the complexity of the project, contractors charge a wide range of prices.

Even a small adjustment in the rate per watt can alter the bid by several thousand dollars. Use a tool like solar power rocks to compare prices from nearby installers and ensure you’re receiving a reasonable offer.

17. Neglecting the electrical prep work

Many seasoned electricians struggle to keep their solar installations in good condition and safe. A solar energy system installation involves several subtleties to be carried out effectively. Even with skilled solar installers, some audits have revealed that up to 50% of solar installations contain improper wiring. And when an electrical problem arises on the top of your home, it can be rather dangerous. In comparison to an AC wiring system, dc wiring is more difficult. You are transforming dc into ac electricity using solar energy.

The “grounding” or “electrical bonding” of a system on the roof frequently causes some problems. To avoid building a hazardous solar PV system, you must guarantee that you fully comprehend the system.

When you start incorporating solar energy into your home, you don’t need to turn off the electricity. However, we advise turning off your service panel before you begin working on connecting your system to your electrical panel for any DIY project that involves electricity.

not measuring your roof’s lines

Cut once, measure twice. The approach you should take when mounting solar panels on your roof is exactly the same. Many DIYers who build solar panels wind up throwing their money and work away after buying a set of parts. Make sure you are well aware of the type of solar equipment you require and the available space before you begin to purchase it.

Every house has a different layout, every roof is different, and the tools you’ll need can change greatly. To guarantee that you can place the appropriate amount of solar panels on the top of your home, it is crucial to label and measure your roof. Make sure to collect measurements before you start purchasing important components like your solar panels, racking, conduit, and wiring. To guarantee that you get the appropriate kind of equipment and have a seamless procedure during your permit process, it is crucial to accurately measure your rooflines.

18. Ignoring safety concerns with DIY solar panels

Solar panels are typically mounted on the roof of a house. Consequently, there is a chance that someone could fall from your roof or a ladder when installing solar panels. You will need to transport a lot of equipment to your home’s roof in order to perform a DIY solar installation. Some of this gear is either large or hefty. Long strips of solar rackings must also be carried up a ladder. Ladder straps to secure their ladder and body harnesses are just a couple of the concrete safety equipment and regulations available to solar workers. It costs a lot of money to purchase safety equipment like harnesses, especially if you only use them once.

Additionally, electrical safety is a major worry. You must make sure that all wiring is handled carefully while connecting your solar energy system or to the grid. The majority of homeowners might feel at ease moving large, hefty pieces of equipment, but not with electricity. If done incorrectly, working on the electrical system in your home can result in costly repairs as well as serious physical danger.

Working with electrical wiring and working on your roof are two activities that present a high risk of injury. You are ultimately responsible for fixing any issues that may arise with your solar energy system.

19. Leaving the junction boxes exposed

Although it may seem foolish, you should heed this caution. One of the most frequently disregarded components of your home’s solar energy system is the junction box. The majority of do-it-yourselfers concentrate largely on installing the panels and neglect to give much thought to the electrical components that connect the panels. The solar junction box serves a simple but crucial purpose. It must be weatherproof because it stores the electrical wiring for your solar energy system.

Additionally, junction boxes aid in reducing the excessive heat produced by greater module outputs. Future problems will result from uneven gaps or bad installation. These mishaps typically result in burnt junction boxes and short circuits. A solar energy system will be wired by qualified installers to last 20 years, but badly placed junction boxes might shorten the lifespan of your solar energy system. As a result, they might barely endure three to eight years.

20. Overtightening nuts, bolts and clamps

The failure to correctly tighten the bolts that link your solar energy system is one of the most frequent errors we encounter. The majority of connections employ nuts and bolts since plastic attachments and adhesives can degrade over time and your system is made to survive for 25 years. You don’t need to overtighten the screws and bolts holding your solar panels to the installation. While it is crucial to tighten the nuts and connectors, doing so too close to the surface of your solar panels runs the risk of denting or breaking the solar panels’ frame. This also holds true for your junction box. Because your junction box holds all of your electrical wirings, it is vital to ensure that the seals are tight but not overtightened. 

21. Not performing regular maintenance

 To keep them operating at their best, solar panels need to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Energy production may decline if the panels are not properly maintained.

22. Install your solar energy system worry-free 

Select a firm that is dedicated to offering consumers quick, secure solar installations. Due to their experience in solar repair, they have seen a variety of errors that can occur, from submitting the proper documentation to the city to properly installing solar panels so that they endure for years. By relying on the proper installers to arrive and do the job correctly the first time, you may reduce your long-term costs. Contact a qualified electrician who can install your solar panels swiftly and affordably. To evaluate your home and decide whether it is suitable for solar, they send out a field energy specialist.