Typical Errors made in Installing Solar Panels by Societies
Solar panels provide savings of between ₹150,000 and ₹350,000 to homeowners in their living costs for a 25-year period. However, far too many residential societies have Solar Panel Installation Issues that severely impact these savings.
This has been an extremely busy time for adoption of solar in India since 2017, and more and more groups are researching an alternative energy source. They may run out of energy woes, but so many groups were caught rushing into, subsequently creating a lot of Solar Installation Problems.
It’s obvious there are long-term benefits to solar energy, but so many societies are now stuck with the burdens of Christmassing rejection to install solar, due in no small part to the following causes of issues: Wrong vendor is chosen, incorrect energy requirements are calculated, or correct energy requirements are not calculated, wrong or missing rebate incentives. One detail is generally missed, you need to be focused south to maximize sunlight exposure in India.
This oversight has been – and will continue to be a major cause of – Solar Panel Installation Problems costing individuals directly in poor energy generation and indirectly in costs they are surprised by such as meter upgrades or connection fees:
This guide will explain the most typical Solar Installation Problems faced by societies, and possible ones that can easily be managed to avoid a costly issue. Being informed about the Risks of Installing Solar Panels and addressing them early, will ensure that your investment will be beneficial for decades to come.
7 Common Errors Societies Make When Installing Solar
Technical errors can dramatically impact the performance and longevity of your solar system. Let’s take a look at some of the most common Solar Panel Installation Problems and Solar Installation Problems societies face:
Improper Sizing of System
Improper sizing of the solar system can be a leading source of Solar Panel Installation Problems. Many societies miscalculate their energy needs, not taking into consideration the seasonal variation or the daily usage pattern.
Installing a system too large or too small can lead to inefficiency, wasted investment, and increased Risks of Installing Solar Panels.
Neglecting Roof Condition Assessment
Ignoring roof strength and age before installation causes serious Solar Installation Problems. Solar panels typically last 20-25 years, matching the lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs (15-25 years). Installing panels on aging roofs could lead to expensive removal and reinstalling, increasing the Declines in Costs and repair costs associated with the Conditions of Hurdles of Solar Panel Installation.
Attempting it Yourself
While it seems that DIY installation is a means of saving costs, it introduces numerous Leaves of Steps of Installing Solar Panels Problems and safety hazards.
| Risk | Explanation |
| Electrical Shock | Panels can generate up to 600 volts, posing serious safety hazards during installation. |
| Voided Warranties | Manufacturer warranties are often voided if the installation is not performed by certified professionals. |
| Building Code Violations | DIY installations may not meet local building codes, leading to legal and compliance issues. |
| Structural Damage | Incorrect installation can weaken your roof or cause leaks, risking long-term property damage. |
Ignoring Electrical Safety Standards
A lack of adherence to electrical safety during installation causes many Solar Installation Problems. Proper wire sizing, grounding, overcurrent protection, and access to disconnects are all essential to minimizing the Risks of Installing Solar Panels including fires, equipment damage, and failures of the system!
Ignoring System Monitoring
The lack of regular monitoring leaves Solar Panel Installation Problems to go unnoticed until they create irrevocable loss of energy production. Reasons such as tree overgrowth creating shading on panels, dusty panels reducing efficiency, inverter failure, and connection failures must be identified early to reduce Solar Installation Problems , and the amount of Risks of Installing Solar Panels.
Missing Subsidy Application Deadlines
A number of societies have simply ‘not gotten around’ to applying for subsidies from the Government, adding considerable upfront costs and adding to Solar Panel Installation Problems. The National Portal for Rooftop Subsidy scheme could subsidise as much as 40% for systems that are less than 3 kW and 20% for systems less than 10 kW. Missing application deadlines simply adds unnecessary financial risk of Installing Solar Panels.
Poor Maintenance Planning
Not allowing for regular maintenance can lead to excess wear, and negative Solar Installation Problems. It is important to plan regular cleaning of panels, check for physical damage, and test the systems as a whole to manage the Risks of Installing Solar Panels and ensure maximum lifespan.
Conclusion: Your Society’s Journey to Benefits of Solar Power
Residential societies in India are in a great position to take advantage of solar energy and save money at the same time. However, it is important not to rush your project and select a vendor because it is “low price” alone, without accounting for some of the common Solar Panel Installation Problems. Rushing into a solar power project without undertaking steps to identify and mitigate the risks can significantly decrease your financial returns, and increase the Risks of Installing Solar Panels.
All projects need a detailed assessment of the site and roof will be required as the starting point for each and every project. Proper assessment of size or capacity, properly qualified trained vendors to carry out the installation and regular preventative maintenance will help eliminate Solar Installation Problems and maximize performance. Make sure you select well-known companies with warranties, and after-sale services of any kind to identify or mitigate some of the potential hidden Risks of Installing Solar Panels.
By taking advantage of government subsidies, like the National Portal for Rooftop Subsidy, your upfront investment may cover up to 40% in subsidy. If your society reasonably and carefully plans taking into account the common Solar Panel Installation Problems, you can benefit from clean affordable energy for your society while limiting Solar Installation Problems and Risks of Installing Solar Panels for decades.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key elements to think about before commencing the installation of solar panels on a society roof?
It needs to be made clear at the outset that a site visit to assess the roof’s strength, shading issues, orientation for panel positioning, and to assess the condition of the electrical system will ultimately be important to establish whether you can proceed with the installation. These steps if not taken can lead to Solar Panel Installation Problems which may include inefficient energy production or harm and damage to the roof itself. A thorough feasibility audit may appear to be an expensive exercise upfront, but it helps to erase the possibility of longer term Solar Installation Problems.
Q2. How can societies find the right vendor and equipment?
Societies need to engage a vendor with 5–7 years of proven experience, evidence of appropriate certifications, and at least two to three references from real customers. Societies will also want to be certain that the vendor engages very good equipment and the equipment has warranties, and after sale support. If societies select an inexperienced, unproven vendor they risk elevating the Risks of Installing Solar Panels and the risk is much greater should there be faults, leaks, or performance problems after installation.
Q3. What are some of the common mistakes societies make with regard to the installation of solar panels?
Common Solar Installation Problems include an incorrectly-sized system, a poor roof condition check, installing solar panels as a DIY project, misunderstanding electrical safety codes and regulations, and failing to monitor the system after installation. Societies often fail to submit their applications for government rebates in time. All of these mistakes end up causing some avoidable Solar Panel Installation Problems, and add to the Risks of Installing Solar Panels with respect to cost, safety concerns, and energy efficiency.
Q4. What incentives does India provide to install solar panels?
Yes. Under the National Portal for Rooftop Subsidy project, societies can obtain a subsidy of 40% for a system of up to 3 kW, and 20% for a system of up to 10 kW. If they failed to apply in time they will have lost their financial benefits, which will also indirectly lead to Solar Installation Problems by increasing the cost burden of a project.
Q5. How regularly do solar panels need to be serviced?
To limit Risks of Installing Solar Panels, solar panels should have a maintenance plan. This consists of some regular cleanings to remove dirt, a visual inspection for wear and tear, and a testing of electrical components. The absence of planned maintenance is a common cause of long-term Solar Panel Installation Problems that can lower energy output or reduce the amount of time a system lasts.