8 Mistakes You Need To Avoid When Buying Solar Power Systems for Homes

Did you know that solar energy is the most economical source of new energy available to power homes in America? Did you know that Americans make some common mistakes when buying solar panels?

It is crucial to find the right solar power systems for homes to meet your needs. Otherwise, you may have a mediocre setup, price on your pocket, or subpar energy generation.

What are some common mistakes people make when purchasing their first or additional solar energy systems? We’ll share some of them below!

1. Not Enough Solar Power

It is important to consider how much solar power your home needs. Not doing so can be a costly mistake because your system will not be able to generate enough energy to power your home – resulting in wasted money. Additionally, it is important to research the quality and efficiency of different solar panel systems and make sure that you select a reputable company to install your system.

Low-cost systems may not provide adequate energy efficiency or have warranties that protect your investment. Don’t miss out – take advantage of solar power today and maximize your energy savings with Blue Raven Solar.

2. Buying The Cheapest Home Battery

Many of the lower-priced batteries have short Warranties and inferior performance. It is unwise to buy a system with a short Warranty, as the costs of replacement or repair can quickly become costly. Additionally, these inferior batteries run at lower efficiency and may need to be replaced more often than more expensive, higher-performance models with longer Warranties.

It is also recommended to have an electrician inspect all home electric and solar power systems and ensure the proper installation of solar panels and other related components. Lastly, it is important to read reviews and research the different types and brands of solar power systems available and to understand the terms and conditions of warranties offered. 

3. Getting Ripped Off

Research is key when choosing a vendor and ensuring you receive the highest quality solar panel or system. Unfortunately, some vendors may try to take advantage of buyers by over-inflating costs or providing equipment and services of poor quality.

It is also important to get several quotes and compare prices to ensure it is within budget yet still provides durable and long-lasting equipment. Furthermore, be aware of installation costs, warranties, and ongoing maintenance fees. It is also essential to fully understand the background information on the company; verify the credentials, the track record, and the customer reviews, if available.

4. Only Considering a Tesla Powerwall

A power wall is a popular option, and many companies make solar power systems that provide reliable and cost-effective energy to your home. Don’t make the mistake of looking solely at the cost of the Powerwall and not considering what other options are available.

It’s also important to consider any potential fees associated with purchasing and installing the system and ensure you’re aware of any warranties or guarantees provided by the company you decide to work with. Finally, ensure you understand how to maintain and operate your solar power system once installed safely.

5. Not Understanding Battery-Friendly Electricity Tariffs and VPPs

When investing in a solar power system for your home, it’s important to understand electricity tariffs and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) offerings. If not, costly mistakes could be made. For example, a solar power system will not suit an area with a low feed-in tariff allowing you to sell your system’s energy or if the electricity retailer does not offer a battery-friendly VPP tariff.

Without a battery-friendly tariff, large-scale electricity users cannot benefit from grid services and earn additional revenue from the electricity generated by their systems. Furthermore, the battery might not be suitable for demanding grid services when there is limited or no VPP offering.

6. Not Getting Blackout Protection

When purchasing a solar panel system for a home, it is important to consider blackout protection. Not having blackout protection can end up costing a lot of money. Without blackout protection, when the grid goes down, the risk of quickly discharging the battery with no way of recharging it is extremely high.

No matter how great the solar system is, if there is no blackout protection, you will experience a lot of unexpected problems. Blackout protection ensures that when grid power is lost, solar power can kick in, and some battery backup will be available. In addition to ensuring the system has blackout protection, it should also be periodically tested and maintained, as this can help prevent problems due to grid outages. 

7. Misunderstanding Modular Batteries

Modular batteries are offered as an option for some home solar systems, and they offer greater flexibility since modules can be added if needed. However, there are some mistakes you need to avoid when installing a modular battery system. First, ensure you fully understand your modular battery system’s design, installation, and maintenance.

Then, do not purchase a system with more modules than necessary for your home, as additional modules will be more expensive. Finally, ensure you have enough cables, connectors, and mounting brackets to safely link up your modules, and ask if the system comes with a charge controller if you’re connecting more than one battery.

8. Not Knowing The Difference Between Power and Energy

Power, or watts, is the energy consumption rate, while energy, or kilowatt-hours (kWh), is the amount of electricity used over a given period. Knowing your electricity needs in kWh enables you to size an appropriate solar power system.

Furthermore, not knowing the difference between power and energy can lead to underestimating the needed system size, resulting in the system not producing enough electricity and wasting investment. Therefore, to ensure you are investing in the right sized solar power system, ensure you know the difference between power and energy, and be careful not to purchase a system without enough power to meet your energy needs.

Finding The Best Solar Power Systems For Home

Overall, purchasing a solar power system for your home is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy costs in the long run. By researching the products, potential installation complications, and experienced installers, you can make an informed decision and avoid potentially costly mistakes. Start reaping solar power’s financial and environmental benefits today – contact local solar installation experts today to get started!

If you enjoyed learning more about solar power systems, check out the rest of our site for more informative articles!