6 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Solar Panels

Switching to solar power can be a significant step toward reducing your energy bills and living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. However, buying solar panels isn’t just a matter of picking the cheapest system or going with the trendiest brand. When switching to solar, many homeowners make costly mistakes that hit their bank account hard. Here are six mistakes to avoid when buying solar panels.

Not Considering Your Home’s Energy Needs

A major mistake many homeowners make is failing to calculate their household’s energy requirements. Over- or underestimating how much power a home needs may lead you to choose an inefficient system. Before committing to a purchase, review your past bills to determine how much electricity is consumed over the course of a year, noting seasonal changes. This step helps you select the panel size and number that aligns with your energy needs.

Overlooking Roof Suitability

Not every roof is suitable for solar panels. At best, failing to assess your roof’s condition and orientation results in poor energy yields. At worst it may collapse under the panels. Your roof should be sturdy enough to support the panels’ weight and angled to receive optimal sunlight throughout the day. In addition, anything in your yard that throws shade over future panels should be moved or eliminated. Trimming overhanging tree branches and removing other obstructions is necessary for maximizing efficiency.

Prioritizing Price Over Quality

Focus more on saving on future electricity bills and less on skimping on panel quality. Cheap panels may seem like the best choice initially, but they’ll cost more in the long run. Low-quality panels degrade faster and generate less energy. Prioritize long-term durability and efficiency over installation costs. Seek out trusted manufacturers and search for models with strong warranties.

Skipping Professional Installation

Doing it yourself or enlisting non-specialized contractors for solar panel installation may seem like another way to save money, but it’s just not worth it. Proper and professional installation is necessary to ensure that your panels function safely and efficiently. Hire certified and experienced solar installers that will follow local regulations and warranties.

Ignoring Maintenance Needs

Solar panel systems aren’t a set it and forget it thing. Never neglect solar panel maintenance or assume the system will take care of itself. Dirty debris-covered panels significantly reduce energy production and may lead to the panels’ failure. Be sure to keep your solar panels clean by scheduling periodic cleaning and inspections with a professional technician or crew.

Ignoring Cost-Saving Incentives

Some homeowners miss out on valuable tax credits, rebates, and incentives available from the government and other sources for installing solar panels. Look for local, state, and federal government incentives and utility programs in your area before making your purchase. They often tilt the cost-benefit analysis heavily in favor of going solar.

Those are just six mistakes to avoid when buying solar panels. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that you get the best value out of your solar investment as you build a more sustainable home.