5 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Solar Panels for Your Home

Table of Contents

1. Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Solar Panels[+]
   1. Not researching your options
   2. Not getting a professional to do the installation
   3. Not considering your home’s orientation and shading
   4. Not planning for future expansion
   5. Forgetting about maintenance and repairs
2. FAQ’s[+]
   1. What is the average number of solar panels needed to run a house?
   2. At what angle should solar panels be installed?
   3. How Long Does a Solar Panel Last?

Installing solar panels for your home can be a great way to reduce your energy costs and help the environment.

However, if you are not careful, you can make some costly mistakes.

In this blog post, we will discuss five of the most common mistakes people make when installing solar panels.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your solar installation goes smoothly and saves you money in the long run!

Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Solar Panels

1. Not researching your options

Installing solar panels for your home is a major investment, one that should not be taken lightly.

Before deciding to make the switch to solar energy, it is important to do your research and gather information on all of your options. Without doing adequate research beforehand, you run the risk of making an uninformed decision that does not meet your needs or expectations.

Furthermore, failing to explore all of your options can leave you feeling frustrated and dissatisfied with the outcome.

So if you are considering installing solar panels for your home, make sure to take the time to gather information on solar panel installation and carefully consider all of your options before taking any steps toward making a final decision.

2. Not getting a professional to do the installation

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when installing solar panels is whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. While there are benefits to both, there are also some risks associated with DIY installation.

One of the biggest dangers of not hiring a professional is that you may not install the panels correctly. This can lead to decreased efficiency and even damage to your property.

Solar panel installation is a complex process that requires knowledge of electrical circuits and wattage requirements. Without this knowledge, you could unintentionally create a fire hazard.

In addition, professional installers have the tools and experience necessary to properly secure the panels to your roof. This is important as wind and other weather conditions can cause poorly secured panels to become damaged or dislodged.

Finally, hiring a professional ensures that your warranty will remain valid. Most manufacturers require professional installation in order to keep the warranty valid, so if something goes wrong, you’ll be covered.

For all these reasons, it’s generally best to hire a professional when installing solar panels in your home.

3. Not considering your home’s orientation and shading

When installing solar panels for your home, it is important to consider the orientation and shading on your property. While many homeowners may mistakenly assume that any position will work for solar installation.

In fact, there are certain factors that need to be taken into account.

First, it is crucial to consider which direction your home or building faces and whether there are any obstacles that might cast shadows on your panels at certain points of the day.

Additionally, you will want to think about how much direct sunlight you receive throughout the year, as this will affect how efficiently your panels can generate power.

4. Not planning for future expansion

Another mistake that many people make is failing to plan for future expansion.

Solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, and during that time, your energy needs are likely to change. If you don’t plan for future expansion, you may find yourself stuck with an inadequate system down the road.

Additionally, solar panels can lose up to 20% of their efficiency over time, so it’s important to account for this when choosing a system size.

By planning for future expansion, you can ensure that your solar panel system will meet your needs for years to come.

5. Forgetting about maintenance and repairs

While solar panels are a great way to harness energy from the sun and reduce your carbon footprint, they will only function properly if they are working properly.

This means that it is essential to take care of any necessary repairs as they come up and to regularly clean them in order to maximize their efficiency.

Whether it’s checking all of the wires and connections or cleaning debris off of the surface of your panels, this simple maintenance routine can go a long way in ensuring that your solar system runs smoothly for years to come.

So remember, when you’re thinking about installing solar panels for your home, don’t neglect those crucial maintenance and repair tasks – it could end up costing you down the road!

Conclusion

Installing solar panels for your home can be a great way to save money on your energy costs and help the environment. However, if you are not careful, you can make some costly mistakes.

By researching your options, getting a professional to do the installation, considering your home’s orientation and shading, planning for future expansion, and remembering about maintenance and repairs, you can avoid these mistakes and enjoy the benefits of solar power for years to come.

Have you installed solar panels in your home? What tips would you add?

FAQ’s

What is the average number of solar panels needed to run a house?

In the United States, the average home is approximately 1500 square feet. An average electric bill for a home of this size is around $100 per month. An estimated 15-18 solar panels would be needed to generate the electricity for this home.

At what angle should solar panels be installed?

During winter, you add 15 degrees to your latitude, and during summer you subtract 15 degrees. As an example, if your latitude is 34°, your solar panels should have an optimal tilt angle of 34 + 15 = 49° during winter.

How Long Does a Solar Panel Last?

The industry-standard life span is about 25 to 30 years, however, the panels that generate that power do not last forever.

Thank you for reading!