Solar power for your home: You should definitely avoid these 7 mistakes

by Marcel Giesel on December 15th, 2021

nullplus / Getty ImagesThe dream of a solar system: With these tips it will come true

Solar systems cost a lot and should be on your own roof for 20 years or more. If you make a mistake here, it can cost you a lot of money. We have 7 tips for you on what you should consider when it comes to solar systems.

1. Solar energy is worth it

Don't make the mistake of doing without a PV system altogether. Solar energy can also be harvested on a small scale. It doesn't matter whether it's the mobile solar cell for a hiking trip, the system for the balcony, the sustainable electrification of the gazebo, the upgrade for the camper van... Today, solar technology can be used cheaply and profitably almost everywhere. Even if you don't have the budget to buy a system for your home, there are still ways to cost-effectively bring solar power into your home, thanks to financing and rental options.

2. Design a new building solar-friendly

Don't make the mistake of not considering a future solar system when planning your new building. Last but not least, you increase the value of your property with a PV system. Solar energy-friendly planning not only includes a favorable alignment of the roof surface and stable support systems, the interior of a house should also be prepared for the installation of solar technology in order to avoid subsequent and costly conversion work. We have summarized for you here which providers are currently available and what advantages and disadvantages they offer.

3. Planning the new system

While poor planning when furnishing a garden house is usually still manageable, with larger roof projects and single-family houses they already run the risk of wasting a small fortune in the sand. At the very beginning, you should think about how much power you need and how much you can actually install. And how do you intend to use the long-awaited PV system? Do you want to mainly use the electricity you generate yourself or feed as much as possible into the grid? Do you want to charge your electric vehicle, use it to store electricity or just save on heating costs? Think about your ideal solution and share your idea with your solar expert right from the start in order to explore the best possible option for your planned project. By the way, we found out in a large test where you can get the best advice.

Our solar system purchase adviceThe big solar system comparison. The best providers at a glance. Find out now! Our solar system purchase advice The major solar system comparison. The best providers at a glance. Find out now!

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

4. Installation

Speaking of experts: if you are the type of person who prefers to do everything on your own: respect! In the case of your PV system, however, you should think twice about it. Even if you are only planning a wall box for your electric car, there are a few things you need to consider. Solar systems on residential buildings must meet certain legal criteria, just as vehicles must meet safety criteria at the TÜV. If accidents, fires or even injuries occur due to improper installation, it can get really expensive. Fortunately, fires are a rare phenomenon in PV systems, but they are usually due to installation errors, as the Fraunhofer Institute found in a four-year study.

5. Quality pays off

Always remember that a PV system should ideally serve for several decades on your roof, and that in wind, rain, snow and blazing sun. In addition, you should generate high yields in order to amortize as quickly as possible. Smooth operation and a maintenance-friendly design are worth their weight in gold. Anyone who relies on cheap materials and prefers cheap instead of experienced suppliers could soon be annoyed about their decision. Downtime, poor performance and high maintenance costs threaten and in the worst case, as mentioned above, accidents with personal injury. You can find the best providers here.

6. Well insured

There are many and important ways to protect a PV system against all eventualities. So don't take this topic lightly either. Here you can find out everything about insurance for PV systems.

7. Invest in the future

If you have successfully avoided all of the above-mentioned sources of error and mastered the entry into the production of regenerative solar energy, one last question arises: Why stop here? Reinvest your savings and profits in the expansion or modernization of your system, in an electric vehicle, shares in solar system providers or providers of renewable energies. Support regional projects for sustainable energy supply. With the successful operation of your solar system, you set a good example and are a role model for others who are still hesitating. Show your neighbors and friends what your system can do. Make your system available for inspection as a sample, shoot videos for internet platforms or write forum posts to convince interested as well as skeptics all over the world of your vision. The possibilities are endless, but every step, no matter how small, on the way to a future without fossil fuels is indispensable.

Which solar system provider is the test winner 2021?"Inform yourself about the EFAHRER test results now!"Which solar system provider is the test winner 2021?"Inform yourself about the EFAHRER test results now!"