More and more people want to use the advantages of solar energy and install a photovoltaic system. However, difficulties are often encountered when using a solar system. Malfunctions in operation, insufficient efficiency and disagreements regarding warranty issues can cause problems.
This dampens the enthusiasm of PV system owners and can result in financial losses. However, with the right planning, competent advice and a professional installer, homeowners can be sure that the solar system will operate smoothly. The following article provides an overview of the most common problems and shows how homeowners can avoid them.
How to avoid typical mistakes
Energy obtained from the sun has tremendous potential. It is emission-free and therefore one of the most sustainable forms of electricity generation. If you want to get the most out of your solar system, you should definitely avoid the following common mistakes:
If you want to make the most of your solar system, you should definitely avoid the following common mistakes:
- The location of the solar system is crucial for its performance. It should capture the sunlight as unhindered as possible and not be covered by shadows caused by neighboring buildings, trees or other things.
- If the system is incorrectly aligned or tilted unfavorably and therefore receives too little sunlight, this also negatively affects its efficiency.
- If the solar system is installed incorrectly or not maintained regularly, performance losses are virtually inevitable.
- The quality of the system is also important. Poor quality products affect the performance of energy generation. When purchasing a PV system, you should not cut corners.
- If the system does not contain a solar power storage unit, the energy generated cannot be stored for later use. This means that energy is not available at times when there is less sunlight.
- The installation of photovoltaic modules is often subsidized by the state. If funding opportunities are not used, this is an unnecessary financial loss.
Considerations and planning before installation
When planning a solar system, the relevant requirements and potential pitfalls must be carefully considered. The services of a good consultant are a valuable help in this regard. These experts have in-depth know-how and can provide information on the necessary approval procedures. Although a building permit is not always necessary for smaller systems, certain exceptions must be observed, for example those relating to listed buildings. In addition, development plans from municipalities or communities sometimes contain certain regulations. It is therefore advisable to contact the responsible administration.
The next planning phase should involve an assessment of the building. Experienced and knowledgeable companies will inspect the property and check whether the roof's load-bearing capacity is sufficient for the system, whether the building is stable enough and whether the installation will not cause any damage. The existing building materials, such as shingles or roof tiles, are also examined, as their quality is crucial for supporting the solar modules.
It is also important to check possible government funding offers. The corresponding application should be submitted immediately, as detailed and meaningful documents must be available for the application.
Essential factors for a suitable solar system
When planning, a sufficient time frame is crucial. First, you need to consider what dimensions the system should have. The performance of the system is measured in kilowatt peak, or kWp for short. This depends on the roof area and the planned annual electricity production. You also need to clarify what the energy generated will be used for. The number and arrangement of the modules should be such that the system is aligned at the ideal angle to the sun.
It is helpful to base energy use on the sunniest periods and to carry out energy-intensive activities when the system is producing the most energy. The solar power storage system allows excess electricity to be stored for periods with less sun.
Source: Grüne Leuchte GmbH & Co. KG (ots)
