According to the latest figures from the SEIA, solar energy generation grew by 19% between 2020 and 2021, despite rising costs and decreasing federal incentives.
That’s because solar power is a simple and effective solution for most homeowners when you do it right.
Keep reading to discover how you can make solar power work for you by avoiding these common mistakes homeowners make with their solar system designs.
1. Piecing Together Solar System Designs
We understand that installing solar panels is an expensive undertaking, but there are no shortcuts to doing it. It’s not a good idea to pick up bits and pieces of your solar system on sale and then put them all together.
For your solar installation to work at its best, it must comprise compatible parts designed to maximize your solar panel’s efficiency. Installing parts that aren’t meant to work together will result in system failure.
2. Incorrect Solar System Sizing
Studying your electricity bill is a good starting point for determining your solar energy needs, but there are other factors to consider, too.
Your solar panel needs depend on how many alternative energy sources you can implement, sun hours, and power-saving measures. You’ll need to cut your energy consumption before installing solar panels, so you can implement a cost-effective power solution.
Working with a solar company near you is the best way to determine what capacity solar system you need for your home.
3. Ignoring Expansion Issues
There are two ways that shortsightedness can impact your residential solar system. Firstly, it’s vital to consider your future power needs.
If you plan to add more appliances or your family’s growing, you’ll need more solar power down the line. This isn’t as simple as tagging a few more panels onto the existing system.
You’ll need to upgrade your inverters and charge controllers, too. This is an expensive undertaking, so rather opt for a larger set of this at the outset.
You’ll also need more batteries to store the extra electricity. Lithium-ion batteries are your best bet if you plan to expand in the future. Your old lead-acid batteries can impact the performance of your new ones.
The second issue is whether you have space for necessary expansions. Do you have a space to house more batteries, and can your roof accommodate more solar panels?
4. Going Solo in Your Solar Design
Installing an off-grid system isn’t the only way to save with solar power. Off-grid systems are expensive since they need to generate and store more solar power.
It’s a much better option to choose a grid-tied solar installation if you live in an urban or suburban area. After all, why blow your solar system budget on extra battery storage, when the grid can store your excess power for you?
You’ll still save a lot of money with a grid-tied solar system thanks to net metering or solar PPAs.
Plus, you’ll pay less to install a grid-tied system, since you’ll need fewer solar panels, too. When you have the main power grid as a backup, you don’t need to rely solely on your solar panels for electricity.
Saving With Solar
The best way to ensure you get the best out of your solar installation is by working with an experienced solar panel installation company from the outset. These experts are adept at coming up with the ideal solar system designs for a wide range of homeowners.
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