Installing solar panels is a major investment for any homeowner, and choosing the right system is about much more than finding the lowest price.
The panels themselves, the installer, the design of the system, the warranties and the expected electricity generation can all affect the long-term value of your investment.
For Scottish homeowners, there are also local factors to consider, including roof orientation, shading, weather conditions and the specific characteristics of the property. Taking the time to compare the complete installation rather than simply comparing headline prices can help you make a more informed decision.
Here are some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when choosing solar panels in Scotland:
1. Choosing the Cheapest Solar Quote
One of the most common mistakes is automatically choosing the cheapest quotation.
Price is obviously an important consideration, but two solar installation quotes that look similar on paper may actually offer very different systems. The number and quality of panels, inverter specification, mounting equipment, warranties, installation standards and after-sales support can all vary.
A cheaper quote may also be based on a smaller or lower-performing system. This can mean a lower initial cost, but it does not necessarily represent the best value over the lifetime of the installation.
Rather than asking simply, “How much will the solar panels cost?”, it is worth asking what you are actually getting for the price.
- Which solar panels are being proposed?
- What is their efficiency rating?
- Which inverter will be installed?
- What warranties are included?
- How many panels will be installed?
- How much electricity is the system expected to generate?
- What installation and after-sales support is included?
A reputable installer should be able to explain all of these points clearly.
2. Comparing Panel Prices Instead of Overall System Value
Solar panels are only one part of a complete solar PV system.
The inverter, mounting system, electrical equipment, monitoring system and installation all contribute to how well the finished system performs.
For example, paying slightly more for a higher-efficiency panel may make sense where roof space is limited. A homeowner with a relatively small roof may benefit from generating more electricity from the available area.
This is why it is important to compare complete systems rather than simply comparing the price per panel.
A good solar quotation should give you enough information to understand the proposed system and its expected performance. If two companies are offering substantially different prices, look carefully at what is included before deciding that one is simply cheaper.
3. Focusing Only on Panel Efficiency
Panel efficiency is important, but it is not the only factor that determines how much electricity your system will generate.
A highly efficient panel will not automatically produce the best results if the system has been poorly designed or the roof is affected by shading. Roof orientation, roof pitch, available roof area, shading from trees or neighbouring buildings and the positioning of the panels can all influence generation.
This is particularly important in Scotland, where properties can have very different roof designs and surrounding conditions.
The right approach is to look at the expected performance of the complete system rather than choosing a panel based purely on its efficiency percentage.
4. Not Checking the Installer Carefully
The quality of the installation is just as important as the equipment being installed.
Solar panels are designed to operate for many years, so the company installing them is an important part of the investment. Before accepting a quotation, check the installer’s experience, qualifications, certifications, customer reviews and the level of support provided after installation.
It is also worth asking who will actually carry out the installation. Some companies may use subcontractors, while others have their own installation teams.
Companies such as Eco Energy Ltd take a more complete approach by looking at the property and the homeowner’s requirements rather than treating every installation as the same. This type of assessment can be particularly useful when deciding how many panels are appropriate and which equipment should be used.
5. Ignoring the Inverter
The solar panels receive most of the attention when homeowners compare systems, but the inverter is another important component.
Solar panels generate DC electricity, while most household appliances use AC electricity. The inverter converts the electricity into a form that can be used within the property.
Different inverters have different specifications, warranties and monitoring capabilities. The location of the inverter can also be important, as it needs to be installed in a suitable environment with adequate ventilation and access for maintenance if required.
When comparing quotes, make sure the inverter brand and model are clearly identified rather than accepting a quotation that simply states “solar inverter”.
6. Overlooking Warranties
A solar installation is a long-term investment, so warranties deserve careful attention.
There can be several different warranties associated with a solar PV system. These may include the product warranty for the panels, the performance warranty for the panels, the inverter warranty and warranties relating to other equipment or the installation itself.
Do not assume that two quotations offering “25-year warranties” are providing exactly the same protection. Read the terms and check what each warranty actually covers.
It is also worth considering what would happen if you needed to make a warranty claim. Knowing who you would contact and whether the installer provides ongoing support can be just as important as the length of the warranty.
7. Not Asking About Expected Generation
The number of panels installed does not tell you how much electricity the system is expected to produce.
A professional quotation should consider the characteristics of your particular property and provide an estimate of expected annual generation.
This gives you a much more useful figure for comparing different proposals. For example, a system with fewer high-efficiency panels could potentially be more suitable for one roof, while another property may have enough suitable roof space for a larger system.
Ask the installer to explain how the estimated generation has been calculated and what assumptions have been made.
8. Forgetting About Shading
Shading can have a significant effect on solar generation, particularly where trees, chimneys, dormers or neighbouring buildings affect parts of the roof.
A good solar assessment should take potential shading into account rather than assuming that every panel will receive the same amount of sunlight throughout the day.
Depending on the system design, technologies such as optimisers or microinverters may also be worth considering where shading affects individual panels. However, these should be assessed based on the property rather than added automatically to every installation.
9. Assuming Every Scottish Property Is the Same
There is no single solar panel system that is suitable for every Scottish home.
A detached house in a rural location, a modern home in a town and a traditional property in a city can all have very different requirements.
The roof size, orientation, pitch, condition, shading and household electricity consumption should all be considered when designing a system.
There are also planning considerations in Scotland. Current Scottish Government guidance provides permitted development rights for certain domestic solar installations, but there are restrictions and exceptions, including specific provisions relating to listed buildings and conservation areas.
This is another reason why a proper property assessment is preferable to choosing a system based purely on an online price.
10. Choosing a System Without Considering Future Energy Use
Your household’s electricity requirements may change over time.
You may currently use relatively little electricity, but future changes such as working from home, purchasing an electric vehicle or installing other electrical appliances could increase your consumption.
It is therefore worth discussing your current and anticipated electricity use with the installer. If battery storage is also being considered, the relationship between solar generation, household consumption and battery capacity becomes even more important.
A properly designed system should take the bigger picture into account rather than simply filling the available roof space with panels.
Think About Value, Not Just Price
The cheapest solar installation is not necessarily the one that provides the best long-term value.
A good solar installation combines suitable equipment, effective system design, professional installation, appropriate warranties and reliable after-sales support.
Before choosing a solar installer, take the time to compare the complete specification rather than focusing on the headline price. Ask questions, check the warranties and make sure the expected performance of the system has been properly explained.
For Scottish homeowners, choosing the right solar system is a long-term decision. Looking beyond the cheapest quote can help ensure that the system installed on your home is properly suited to the property and your energy requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I compare when choosing solar panels?
Compare the complete system rather than just the panel price. Look at panel efficiency, system size, expected electricity generation, inverter specification, warranties, installation standards and after-sales support.
Are the cheapest solar panels the best option?
Not necessarily. The cheapest quotation may use different equipment or provide a smaller system. Comparing the complete specification and expected performance gives you a better basis for assessing value.
How important is solar panel efficiency?
Efficiency is important, particularly where roof space is limited, but it is only one part of the equation. Roof orientation, shading, system design and the total number of panels can also affect electricity generation.
Do solar panels need planning permission in Scotland?
Certain domestic solar installations can benefit from permitted development rights in Scotland, subject to specific conditions and restrictions. Listed buildings, conservation areas and other circumstances can affect whether these rights apply, so homeowners should check the requirements for their particular property.
How long should solar panels last?
Solar panels are designed as a long-term investment and typically come with long product and performance warranties.
The exact warranty period depends on the manufacturer and model, so check the specific warranty documentation before choosing a system.
Eco Energy Ltd provides solar PV solutions for homeowners across Scotland, with systems designed around the individual property rather than simply offering a standard package.
Taking this approach can make it easier for homeowners to understand what they are paying for and what they can reasonably expect from their installation.
