More Solar Power for Homeowners to Avoid
If you read the first part of this article, then you already know that the process of buying and installing solar panels can be a challenging experience for some. As with all new technologies, whether we’re talking about buying a new smartphone or changing your home’s energy system over to solar, having a decent understanding about the technology will help ensure your expectations aren’t higher than what the technology can deliver.
It will also help you hopefully avoid certain mistakes that could ultimately undermine the entire experience. Below, we discuss more mistakes homeowners should try to avoid when buying residential solar panels.
#4. Underestimating the Importance of Proper Installation
The quality of your solar installation is as important as the quality of the panels themselves. Common mistakes to avoid in this regard include:
- DIY Installation: Unless you have professional roofing, electrical, and/or solar experience, installing solar panels yourself is risky if not downright dangerous. Poor installation can lead to inefficiencies, damage, and safety hazards.
- Hiring Unqualified Installers: Always choose a certified and experienced solar installer. Check for certifications such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) as well as online reviews, and compare at least three contractors before making your selection.
- Not Considering Aesthetic and Structural Impacts: Poorly installed panels can affect your home’s appearance and structural integrity. Ensure that the installation does not compromise the roof’s waterproofing or structural strength.
#5. Overlooking Maintenance and Monitoring
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, but that doesn’t mean they are entirely maintenance-free. Common oversights in this area can include:
- Ignoring Maintenance Needs: Regularly cleaning the panels and checking for debris or shading issues is necessary to maintain the efficiency of your solar system. Depending on your location, you may need to clean your panels more frequently.
- Not Installing a Monitoring System: A solar monitoring system helps track the performance of your solar panels. It can alert you to any issues, ensuring that your system is always operating at peak efficiency. Many homeowners choose to not have monitoring systems installed to help save money, but it can be costly in the long run if a preventable issue turns into an expensive repair.
#6. Not Understanding Solar’s Return on Investment
Many homeowners jump into solar panel purchases expecting immediate and significant savings, but the reality is more complex. For those caught unaware, buyer’s regret could be a reality, so it is important to know what to expect from your system in terms of savings. The most common misconceptions about solar’s return on investment include:
- Unrealistic Savings Expectations: While solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills, the exact savings depend on various factors such as your energy consumption, local electricity rates, and the amount of sunlight your panels receive.
- Ignoring Payback Period: The payback period is the time it takes for the savings on your electricity bills to cover the cost of the solar panels. Understanding this period helps in setting realistic financial expectations. For the average solar system, this can take roughly eight to nine years.
Proper assessment, thorough research, understanding financing, ensuring quality installation, regular maintenance, and realistic expectations will help you navigate the process more effectively.
With careful planning and informed decisions, your solar panel investment can provide substantial long-term benefits for decades to come.