5 Common Commercial Solar Installation Mistakes

Solar energy is an economical solution for the Australian commercial sector to generate affordable and eco-friendly energy. Unfortunately, many solar PV systems do not get installed correctly, leading to less efficient solar panel performance. The good news is; if commercial solar consumers avoid these subsequent mistakes, solar panels can supply profitable power for more than twenty years.

Mistake 01: Make Purchasing Decisions Only Based On the Cost of Solar Panels

Before purchasing solar panels, many solar consumers get attracted to lower prices and bypass significant factors like specifications and other features. The specific approach leads to inaccurate buying decisions and later users bear the financial losses. To ensure well-informed decision making before any commercial solar installation, consumers should evaluate a few of the following aspects:

Power consumption estimations
Long-term ROI
Check solar providers’ accreditations and certifications
Check for solar panels with a low thermal coefficient
Consider after-sales services
Go for high-wattage solar modules, etc.

The list of factors goes on depending on the commercial solar users’ requirements and preferences.

Mistake 02: Not Checking Multiple Price Quotes

Commercial solar installations require significant investments; it needs good planning and research. Commercial users must get solar price quotations from multiple installers for the best value for money. This technique will assist solar consumers in comparing the best available features, prices, and specifications of the most suitable solar system for their commercial sites.

After getting the required quotes (we recommend 3-4), it is essential to compare apples to apples because of the diverse quotation formats and get a clear picture.

Generally, solar quotations include information on various solar panel brands, sizes, and compatible inverters. If any data seem complex, do not hesitate to ask the company for clarification. And if any companies fail to satisfy you with valid explanations or show annoying behavior – this is the sign walk away. As reliable solar installation companies always educate their clients about the product.

Mistake 03: Not Taking Advantage of Rebates/Incentives

The Australian government has made solar technology more accessible to domestic and commercial sectors via solar rebates and feed-in tariff incentives. However, many solar consumers overlook the edge of solar power commercial installations incentives and rebates. Since solar ownership empowers commercial users to pay reduced federal taxes, businesses can leverage the opportunity and get great ROI with a shorter payback time.

There are interest-free loans that facilitate small businesses and provide loans from a minimum amount of $1,000 up to a maximum amount of $5,000. Also, eligible small businesses can avail of a maximum rebate of $3,500 and get lowered solar panel installation outlay for their business premises. So, before finalizing any purchasing decision, solar consumers must check their eligibility for solar rebates and feed-in tariffs.

Mistake 04: Not Understanding Solar Warranties

Solar equipment has specific warranties that are not specific to any solar installation company and are equally available to everyone who buys solar products. At this point, it is significant to understand these guarantees and warranties. Generally, solar panels have 25-35 years’ linear performance warranties and 12-25 years’ product warranties. However, solar inverters have limited 5-10 years of warranties.

It is important to understand that product warranties only cover product replacements, not the labor costs associated with fixing the issues. So before signing the contract, comprehend all aspects of available warranties and ask solar installers to describe all offered guarantees.

Mistake 05: Wait for New Solar Technology

Mostly, commercial and domestic solar systems last for 25 years; in this scenario, waiting for new solar technology means waiting forever! We all understand that technology innovates quickly, and if solar consumers wait for the latest technology, they will lose the recent opportunity. Early solar power adaptors are now reaping numerous benefits and enjoying their sustainable power in a more effective way. Thus, waiting too long before the final decision to go solar means new commercial solar consumers will miss the latest rebates and incentives. Also, with time federal solar incentives will get reduced in some regions, so it is better to avail of these great rebates and discounts and sign up for a power purchase agreement without any further delay.

Take Away

Besides these above-mentioned oversights, it is also crucial not to get confused between sunlight and daylight hours. The sunlight hour is a typical measurement unit that defines the span of a day when solar modules deliver maximum efficiency. And daylight hours represent hours between sunrise to sunset. Thus, do not avoid the importance of optimal installation location and an excellent mounting system that can slightly tilt in specific directions and enable solar modules to get maximum sunlight hours and perform at increased efficiency. So, before the definitive decision, avoid these five costly mistakes and get long-lasting benefits from solar PV systems at commercial levels.

At Ultimate Solar Energy, we make your decision-making process so simple. We design customized solutions based on your requirements, using only the most premium products.

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