4 Solar System Installation Errors and How to Avoid Them

By now, solar technology has advanced to the point where it’s more accessible than ever. If you want to go solar, there are many ways to do it.

Now, there’s one downside to this overwhelming popularity of solar systems. With so many options around, you also have many solar providers that can do the job. Unfortunately, some of these companies tend to do a worse job than others.

Want to ensure a positive solar experience? Make sure to avoid these four common solar system installation errors.

1.Wrong System Size

Installing an oversized solar system may be the most common mistake installers make. Sometimes, they just want to get the best deal for them. Other times, they want to make sure the customer will always have the energy they need.

Here’s the issue: if your panels generate too much energy, some of it will go to waste. You could store some of this energy in a battery, but this isn’t as efficient as using it right away.

No matter how you look at it, oversized panels will lose you money.

2.No Roof Assessment

Any good solar installation service should involve assessing your roof. Existing roof issues can sabotage the whole installation process. For starters, many roofs can’t handle heavy loads, so placing a solar array on them is a recipe for disaster.

If your roof is older, the number of potential issues increases. For instance, it could sustain damage from the increased foot traffic. If you have damaged roof sheathing, the weight of shingles and panels may bring it down.

The good news: you can address most of these challenges by modifying your roofing infrastructure. Of course, this is only true if you do it in advance of the installation.

3.Rushed Installation

Good solar panel installers are intimately familiar with the best installation practices. They will adjust this process to avoid damage and ensure a smooth installation. They’ll pay particular attention to wire management, which is a key aspect of a solar system.

If your solar installer isn’t as experienced, wire management could be an issue. They may damage the wires by bending them, creating sharp corners, or exposing them to sunlight.

These can all lead to major repairs down the line.

4.Cost-Cutting

When it comes to solar, cutting costs usually means cutting corners. Before installing solar panels, ask about their history and failure rate. Ensure that you only get high-quality panels that have gone through reliability testing.

Your solar inverter is another key part of the system. In an attempt to cut costs, many buyers get an inverter that can’t support their panel capacity. If you’re on a tight solar installation budget, it’s better to get fewer panels than skimp on quality.

Other Solar System Installation Errors

One of the main benefits of solar energy is that it pays for itself. If the system isn’t installed properly, though, this may no longer apply. Like any other long-term investment, it’s much easier to get it right the first time.

Want to know more about other solar system installation errors you need to watch out for? Keep reading our solar-related content!

Maria Colombo
Maria Colombo
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