Are you interested in a residential solar system? Read this article to see which factors you should evaluate before purchasing and installing solar panels.
Key Points of the Article:
-Choose the appropriate panel and inverter technology
-Ask about warranties
-Calculate power usage
-Consider potential financing options
-Choose the right company for purchasing and installing your solar system
Residential solar systems are more popular than ever. The significant cost reduction over the past decade, combined with the multiple benefits a solar system offers, has led thousands of households to turn to this solution to reduce electricity costs.
Electricity and its continuously rising price are one of the biggest "burdens" on every household budget, and although solar panels may initially seem like a significant investment, in reality, they begin to provide payback from the first day of operation.
This is achieved by reducing energy consumption from the grid. Each household generates its own electricity, which reduces the cost of electricity on each bill. In fact, electricity costs can be eliminated if consumption does not exceed production. If there is "excess," it is stored for three years.
In a previous article, we discussed the most common misconceptions about residential solar systems based on our professional experience at ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables and our interactions with hundreds of customers. We helped interested parties clarify certain aspects they might have misunderstood about residential solar systems.
In this article, we present 5 factors to consider before purchasing and installing a solar system to help you make the best decisions for maximum efficiency.
1.Choose the right solar panel and inverter technology for your residential solar system
It’s perfectly understandable for someone without knowledge of solar technology to be unfamiliar with its specifics. To learn about this, one should consult knowledgeable professionals, such as a company that sees them as clients.
In this case, it’s common for the customer to be cautious, feeling that the specialist may primarily aim to sell.
Solar panel technology for residential solar systems
As in many cases, the quality of the panel manufacturer plays a crucial role. So, you should look for reliable and well-known panel manufacturers.
For example, at ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, our Elite packages offer monocrystalline panels from Luxor. These panels feature half-cell technology and come with a 25-year linear performance warranty.
Most readers may not fully understand this technical information, but you can do a simple online search about Luxor and discover that it provides some of the highest-quality and most cost-effective panels. Notably, it is a German company, which suggests reliability.
Note that all companies have their production facilities in China.
In terms of technical aspects, keep in mind that panels are divided into two categories: monocrystalline and polycrystalline, with monocrystalline being more efficient.
Inverter technology for residential solar systems
The same process applies to selecting inverters. If you consult one of our engineers, you will learn that our higher-end packages offer German-made SMA inverters while our more affordable packages include Huawei inverters from China.
How can you be sure that these recommendations are reliable? An online search will show you that SMA and Huawei are among the top 3 companies dominating the global inverter market. This is why we chose the well-known Chinese company Huawei for our more economical packages—to ensure that we do not compromise on quality.
Focus on well-known and reliable companies. Avoid risking an investment of several thousand euros over a long period by choosing unreliable companies, even if it costs a bit more.
2. Ask about warranties
For such a significant and long-term investment, you should be informed about the warranties of each product.
As technology advances, both panels and inverters become better, more efficient, and more durable.
Nevertheless, nothing is absolute, and an issue may arise at any time. This simply reflects the small mathematical probabilities that may apply to a small portion of solar system owners.
While no one wants to start a transaction with negative thoughts, it is wise in such large purchases to learn about any potential negative outcomes and what warranties are provided.
What warranties do solar panels and inverters come with?
It’s a good idea to ask if the office you are working with offers additional warranty coverage. For instance, for inverters, which are the most sensitive part of a solar installation, at ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables we have doubled the warranty duration. We extended it from 5 years by adding another 5, providing a 10-year warranty for inverters.
These kinds of actions add even more value for the owner of a solar system, and it’s something you should seek before proceeding with the purchase and installation of solar panels.
3. Calculate power usage
A good energy system sales company will help you calculate the energy you use. This is an important factor in determining how much energy your solar system will generate, thus how many kW you need to install.
By knowing your average energy consumption, you can make the right decision for your solar system.
4. Consider potential financing options
Recently, we have had many conversations with interested parties about residential solar systems who were unaware of the Save–Autonomy program, which provided the option of upgrading the energy efficiency of a residence.
Although offices you work with will usually inform you about available financing options, it’s a good idea to do some preliminary research, request information yourself, and ask if the office handles the program’s application process or works with another company that does.
The Save–Autonomy program, which had been inactive for the past few months, is expected to return soon, aiming to upgrade the energy efficiency of 60,000 homes with funding rates of up to 75%, as announced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
5. Choose the right company for purchasing and installing your residential solar system
Which of the companies you contacted fully addressed the questions in this article? Which company has a proven track record of projects, not just experience? Have you seen their projects? Did you like their work and aesthetics?
All these factors contribute to the first impression that will guide you in choosing the right company to purchase and install your solar system.
It is also very important that the company you choose handles the entire installation process, from the project’s beginning to its completion, delivering it “turnkey.”
At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, we have extensive experience in study and installation, and we handle the following:
1.Electrical DC/AC
2.Installation base – panel
3.Installation of electrical
4.Grid connection
5.Licensing / project management
These are five factors to consider before purchasing and installing a solar system. When you have a clear picture of everything mentioned in this article, you will be ready to make your investment with greater security and confidence.
Through this process, you will discover for yourself just how profitable an investment a residential solar system can be. It pays off in a short period and saves tens of thousands of euros for a household over 25 years.
Are you interested in solar for home? Click on the button “I Want a phone appointment” below, fill out the form and a competent engineer will contact with you to solve all your questions and to guide you to the right decision.
Read also
Factors to Consider Before Installing a Residential Solar System
George Kotakis
Electrical Engineer |
ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Autonomous
Are you interested in a residential solar system? Read this article to see which factors you should evaluate before purchasing and installing solar panels.
Key Points of the Article:
-Choose the appropriate panel and inverter technology
-Ask about warranties
-Calculate power usage
-Consider potential financing options
-Choose the right company for purchasing and installing your solar system
Residential solar systems are more popular than ever. The significant cost reduction over the past decade, combined with the multiple benefits a solar system offers, has led thousands of households to turn to this solution to reduce electricity costs.
Electricity and its continuously rising price are one of the biggest "burdens" on every household budget, and although solar panels may initially seem like a significant investment, in reality, they begin to provide payback from the first day of operation.
This is achieved by reducing energy consumption from the grid. Each household generates its own electricity, which reduces the cost of electricity on each bill. In fact, electricity costs can be eliminated if consumption does not exceed production. If there is "excess," it is stored for three years.
In a previous article, we discussed the most common misconceptions about residential solar systems based on our professional experience at ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables and our interactions with hundreds of customers. We helped interested parties clarify certain aspects they might have misunderstood about residential solar systems.
In this article, we present 5 factors to consider before purchasing and installing a solar system to help you make the best decisions for maximum efficiency.
1.Choose the right solar panel and inverter technology for your residential solar system
It’s perfectly understandable for someone without knowledge of solar technology to be unfamiliar with its specifics. To learn about this, one should consult knowledgeable professionals, such as a company that sees them as clients.
In this case, it’s common for the customer to be cautious, feeling that the specialist may primarily aim to sell.
Solar panel technology for residential solar systems
As in many cases, the quality of the panel manufacturer plays a crucial role. So, you should look for reliable and well-known panel manufacturers.
For example, at ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, our Elite packages offer monocrystalline panels from Luxor. These panels feature half-cell technology and come with a 25-year linear performance warranty.
Most readers may not fully understand this technical information, but you can do a simple online search about Luxor and discover that it provides some of the highest-quality and most cost-effective panels. Notably, it is a German company, which suggests reliability.
Note that all companies have their production facilities in China.
In terms of technical aspects, keep in mind that panels are divided into two categories: monocrystalline and polycrystalline, with monocrystalline being more efficient.
Inverter technology for residential solar systems
The same process applies to selecting inverters. If you consult one of our engineers, you will learn that our higher-end packages offer German-made SMA inverters while our more affordable packages include Huawei inverters from China.
How can you be sure that these recommendations are reliable? An online search will show you that SMA and Huawei are among the top 3 companies dominating the global inverter market. This is why we chose the well-known Chinese company Huawei for our more economical packages—to ensure that we do not compromise on quality.
Focus on well-known and reliable companies. Avoid risking an investment of several thousand euros over a long period by choosing unreliable companies, even if it costs a bit more.
2. Ask about warranties
For such a significant and long-term investment, you should be informed about the warranties of each product.
As technology advances, both panels and inverters become better, more efficient, and more durable.
Nevertheless, nothing is absolute, and an issue may arise at any time. This simply reflects the small mathematical probabilities that may apply to a small portion of solar system owners.
While no one wants to start a transaction with negative thoughts, it is wise in such large purchases to learn about any potential negative outcomes and what warranties are provided.
What warranties do solar panels and inverters come with?
It’s a good idea to ask if the office you are working with offers additional warranty coverage. For instance, for inverters, which are the most sensitive part of a solar installation, at ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables we have doubled the warranty duration. We extended it from 5 years by adding another 5, providing a 10-year warranty for inverters.
These kinds of actions add even more value for the owner of a solar system, and it’s something you should seek before proceeding with the purchase and installation of solar panels.
3. Calculate power usage
A good energy system sales company will help you calculate the energy you use. This is an important factor in determining how much energy your solar system will generate, thus how many kW you need to install.
By knowing your average energy consumption, you can make the right decision for your solar system.
4. Consider potential financing options
Recently, we have had many conversations with interested parties about residential solar systems who were unaware of the Save–Autonomy program, which provided the option of upgrading the energy efficiency of a residence.
Although offices you work with will usually inform you about available financing options, it’s a good idea to do some preliminary research, request information yourself, and ask if the office handles the program’s application process or works with another company that does.
The Save–Autonomy program, which had been inactive for the past few months, is expected to return soon, aiming to upgrade the energy efficiency of 60,000 homes with funding rates of up to 75%, as announced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
5. Choose the right company for purchasing and installing your residential solar system
Which of the companies you contacted fully addressed the questions in this article? Which company has a proven track record of projects, not just experience? Have you seen their projects? Did you like their work and aesthetics?
All these factors contribute to the first impression that will guide you in choosing the right company to purchase and install your solar system.
It is also very important that the company you choose handles the entire installation process, from the project’s beginning to its completion, delivering it “turnkey.”
At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, we have extensive experience in study and installation, and we handle the following:
1.Electrical DC/AC
2.Installation base – panel
3.Installation of electrical
4.Grid connection
5.Licensing / project management
These are five factors to consider before purchasing and installing a solar system. When you have a clear picture of everything mentioned in this article, you will be ready to make your investment with greater security and confidence.
Through this process, you will discover for yourself just how profitable an investment a residential solar system can be. It pays off in a short period and saves tens of thousands of euros for a household over 25 years.
Are you interested in solar for home? Click on the button “I Want a phone appointment” below, fill out the form and a competent engineer will contact with you to solve all your questions and to guide you to the right decision.
