The solar energy market has seen massive growth over the past few years, surpassing two million homes in the US using solar panels as of 2019. The number could increase if more people make the right buying decisions to embrace renewable energy.
However, many people are intimidated by the prospect of investing in solar, as they believe they’ll spend more than they should. If you want to learn how to avoid common solar buying mistakes, then be sure to check out our guide below.
1. Not Considering All Costs
One of the biggest mistakes people make when going solar is not considering all the costs. Just because you may have a solar panel doesn’t mean that’s the only cost. Inverters, batteries, and installation all have to be factored into your solar system budget.
Be sure to factor in all the costs of going solar when you’re considering making the switch. The initial price of the solar panels is only a small part of the puzzle – you’ll also need to factor in the cost of installation, maintenance, and repairs. Solar panels typically come with a 25-year warranty, but that doesn’t mean they’ll last that long without any issues.
You’ll need to factor in the cost of batteries if you want to store solar energy for later use, and you’ll need to have a backup power source in case of an outage. Solar power is a great way to save money and be more sustainable, but it’s important to do your research before making the switch.
2. Not Getting Multiple Quotes
When you are ready to go solar, one of the most important steps is to get quotes from multiple solar companies. This will ensure you are getting the best possible price for your system.
However, many people make the mistake of only getting one quote. This can lead to overpaying for your system, as you have no frame of reference to compare prices.
To avoid this mistake, be sure to get at least 3 quotes from different companies. This will give you a better understanding of the market rate, and help you get the best deal on your new solar system. Also, be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of your agreement.
3. Not Checking the Company’s Reputation
There are a lot of solar companies out there that are not reputable and that can end up costing you a lot of money. It can lead to subpar products, poor customer service, and even scams.
Make sure you do your research and check the company’s reputation before you make any decisions. You can check the company’s reputation by doing a simple Google search or by reading online reviews. Once you find a few reviews, take the time to read them and see what other people have to say about the company.
If the company has mostly negative reviews, it’s probably not a good idea to use them. There are plenty of other solar companies out there with better reputations.
4. Not Considering Your Energy Needs
Just because your neighbor has solar panels does not mean that they are right for your home. There are a few key things to consider before making the switch to solar.
First, consider your energy needs. How much energy do you use on a daily basis? Solar panels are not cheap, so you want to make sure that you are getting the most bang for your buck. If you only use a small amount of energy, solar may not be the right choice for you.
Second, take into account the climate. If you live in an area that is cloudy most of the year, solar panels will not be as effective. The sun is key to generating solar power, so you need to make sure that there is enough sun in your area to make it worth your while.
Finally, think about the future. Solar panels can last for 20-30 years, so you want to make sure that you will still be in the same home when it comes time to replace them. If you are planning on moving soon, solar may not be the best investment.
5. Not Considering Your Roof
One of the most common mistakes people make is not taking into account the condition of their roof. Solar panels can be a great investment, but if your roof is in need of repair, it’s important to factor that into the cost of installing solar panels. Otherwise, you could end up spending more on repairs down the line.
Other factors to consider when assessing your roof’s suitability for solar panels include the age of the roof, the type of roofing material, and the pitch of the roof. A professional solar installer will be able to assess your roof and give you a better idea of what to expect.
6. Not Getting a Solar Site Evaluation
A solar site evaluation is essential to determine whether your home is a good candidate for solar. Factors like roof orientation, shading, and roof type can all affect the performance of your solar panels.
Blue Raven Solar can assist with this, they have licensed and experienced solar installers that can help you make the right decision. Depending on where you live they have a two-part article that discusses how you can get solar in your state, if you can’t find your state in part 1 try checking in part 2.
7. Not Considering Battery Backup
Without batteries, your solar system will only produce power when the sun is shining. This can be a problem on cloudy days or at night.
Batteries store power so that you can have power even when the sun isn’t shining. This is an important consideration, especially in areas where there are frequent power outages.
Solar Buying Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re considering going solar, be sure to do your research and avoid these common solar buying mistakes. Going solar is a big investment, so you want to be sure you’re getting the most out of it.
There are a lot of variables to consider when going solar, and it’s important to know what they are before making any decisions. With a little bit of research, you can avoid making any of these mistakes and make sure you get the most out of your solar purchase.
If this article has provided you with some invaluable solar buying advice, be sure to check back with our blog for more guides and guides to help boost your quality of life and home.
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