Upgrading your home to solar power can seem overwhelming, but it’s easy with a little guidance. So, to help you make an informed decision, we’ve pulled together our top mistakes to avoid when going solar. And at the end, we steer you in the right direction to getting started on your solar journey – with everything you need to know from assessment right through to installation.

 

Top mistakes to avoid when going solar

Planning

Worrying about roof orientation

Myth: Your roof’s angle and direction limit solar efficiency.

Reality: While roof orientation can impact sun exposure, the good news is, advanced solar panels and racking systems can mitigate losses due to orientation. We talk more about how to make solar work on any property at this link. Rather than focusing on your roof orientation, assess your peak energy consumption times and the sturdiness of your roof, instead.

Forgetting about the future

Mistake: Planning for solar today, instead of your for future energy needs.

Advice: Ask yourself to look into the future 5-10 years. How many people do you see living in your home? Are you planning to install a pool? Will you be getting an electric vehicle? It’s essential to consider these factors and more, before electing your system size. We show you how to choose the right size solar system.

One size doesn’t fit all

Mistake: Assuming there’s a universal solar solution for all homes.

Reality: Each solar system is designed to suit the unique attributes of a property, while also considering the occupants and future energy needs. From learning your peak sun hours to evaluating your roof space and more, we talk more about evaluating the perfect system size for you – how to choose the right size solar system.

Finances

Neglecting solar rebates and incentives

Mistake: Underestimating potential savings from rebates and incentives.

Advice: Research federal and state rebates and incentives to maximise the return on your solar investment. You can make a start into the different types of Australian solar rebates and incentives at this link. And, you might also be interested in calculating the long term cost savings of solar.

Installers and quotes

Blind trust in installers

Mistake: Trusting any and every installer.

Advice: Take your time to research and investigate installer credentials, research the brand, and speak with sales people in person before making a decision. It’s also a good idea to look for social proof and reviews online, to see what other people have experienced with each installer.

Restricting quotes

Mistake: Relying on a single quote for your solar system.

Advice: Gather multiple quotes from providers in your area to compare offers, identify fair deals, and avoid overpriced equipment and services. While you’re at it, get to know the quality of the products being installed, and look into the warranties on offer. We talk you through how to evaluate solar quotes, here.

Overlooking warranties

Mistake: Ignoring warranty details.

Advice: Understand the coverage for panels, inverters, and workmanship. While the potential installer may provide a workmanship warranty, individual products can come with their manufacturers’ warranties. Understanding these terms can give you clarity on what’s covered, just in case of an issue.

Prioritising price, over quality

Mistake: Opting for a cheaper system to save money.

Advice: As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Cutting corners on components now, can lead to more expenses in the long-run. If you’re going to embark on a journey to solar, it’s best to do it the right way. Balance cost and quality for an efficient and durable solar solution – one that will give you complete peace of mind for years to come.

 

This is by no means a complete list of mistakes that we see, but it’s a good start, so you can embrace your solar journey with confidence and ease. We hope it helps! If you’d like to know more about getting started on your solar journey, we take you step-by-step from solar assessment to installation, here.