Solar energy is the future. Moreover, it is a smart investment, because with a return of around 8-15 percent you get more out of your savings than you would at the bank. However, some mistakes are made when purchasing solar panels . We outline the six most common mistakes for you below.
MISTAKE 1: FAILURE TO OBSERVE SAFETY
Of course you prefer to generate exactly your energy consumption, so that you can finally say goodbye to that nasty energy bill. However, there is quite a bit of confusion about how many panels fit on a roof. If you have requested multiple quotations, one provider says that he can only place 8 panels on your roof, while the other says that it really can accommodate 12 panels.
This is when the alarm bells should start ringing. This is because not every provider applies the same safety margins. It is no coincidence that the government has created the Solar label. Installers who are affiliated with this quality mark have the correct knowledge and skills to carry out the installation profession properly and safely. They apply the strictest safety margins, so that the risk of problems is minimized. In addition, there is also an installation warranty of five years, instead of the usual two years.
MISTAKE 2: PLANNING ROOF RENOVATION INCORRECTLY
Few people are happy to pay even more than necessary for their roof renovation. Therefore, think carefully about whether you want to replace your roof within the next 25 years. If so, in many cases it is wise to do so before purchasing solar panels. This is because during a roof renovation the entire panel system has to be removed and then mounted on it again. This obviously costs time and money that you would rather spend on a holiday.
MISTAKE 3: BUILDING ON FALSE ASSUMPTIONS
It is very logical that when you consider solar panels, you already think about how many panels would fit and which roof is suitable. However, in some cases this can turn out to be disadvantageous. For example, if you indicate that you do not want to use a particular roof because you think the orientation is incorrect, the designer will not consider this in the design. This while that roof is perhaps much better oriented than you think! Nowadays, for example, roofs really do not have to be located to the south to provide a profitable system.
MISTAKE 4: CHEAP IS EXPENSIVE
Obviously, purchasing a solar panel system is not something you saved up in the café by skipping a few laps. It is an investment (which will benefit you for many years to come!). A common mistake, however, is that only the price of the panels is considered when choosing between the different providers. First, there are major differences between the brands of panels and the guarantees attached to them. There are several types of panels that certainly do not deliver the same quality. Take a look at the VDE or TÜV certificate, there you will find the brands that are known for their good quality.
Whether a panel is good depends on several factors. A panel must last at least 25 years. In addition, a panel should not require too much maintenance. It is quite a job to clean panels regularly. You also don’t want to go up on the roof all the time to check whether your panels are still working: they just have to be good. So don’t be blind to the one-time investment, good panels will keep you shine longer.
MISTAKE 5: UNDERVALUATION OF SERVICE
When choosing your solar panel supplier, it is not just about the panels, but also what kind of service you receive. You can still have such beautiful panels from that one top brand, something can always break. Then you can count on the best service. Therefore, pay close attention to what guarantees the solar panel provider itself provides. Is there a yield guarantee? These are things that can really make a difference!
MISTAKE 6: TOO MANY PANELS
If you have already requested some quotes for solar panels, you know that your annual energy consumption in kWh is an important factor. In general, it is most advantageous if exactly as much energy is generated as consumed on an annual basis. You will receive a payment from your energy supplier (the ‘feed-in payment’) for the excess energy generated.
The costs for the extra panels are not easily resolved with this compensation. Is it likely that you will consume a lot more within the next five years by purchasing an electric car or heat pump, for example? Then it is often wise to take this into account. But the rule of thumb is: do not use more panels than would be necessary for your consumption.
