Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Installing Solar Panels

Nothing feels more frustrating than investing in a major home improvement project only to realise later that a few small mistakes have cost you thousands. Installing solar panels can significantly reduce electricity costs, make your home more eco-friendly, and give you more control over your electricity expenses. However, if they are not installed correctly, those advantages can quickly disappear.

Usually, homeowners make such mistakes while installing solar panels, including choosing the wrong solar installers, not checking if their roof is in good shape, skipping the paperwork, forgetting about storing energy, and adjusting the panels in a bad spot. If you’re in Ireland, these mistakes can make your system work poorly, cancel your warranty, or cost more in the long run.

This is why professional guidance and proper planning are so important. Solar energy is one of the most rewarding upgrades a homeowner in Ireland can make, but knowing what to avoid before starting can make all the difference.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 mistakes homeowners make when installing solar panels, how to avoid them, and the key steps to achieving a smooth, efficient, and successful solar installation.

What Should Homeowners Know Before Installing Solar Panels in Ireland?

Before installing solar panels, it’s important for homeowners to understand a few essential factors that influence performance, cost, and long-term value.

1. Assessing Your Home’s Solar Potential

Not every roof is ideal for solar panels. Your roof’s angle, direction, and shading from trees or nearby buildings all impact energy production. In Ireland, south-facing roofs are most efficient, but east and west-facing roofs can still perform well with proper design. A professional solar assessment helps you understand your roof’s potential and ensures your investment delivers consistent savings.

2. Understanding the Costs and Incentives

Solar installation comes with upfront costs, but grants from the SEAI and other Irish incentives can significantly reduce expenses. You’ll also save on energy bills and potentially earn from surplus energy exported to the grid. Knowing these cost factors in advance helps set realistic expectations and makes budgeting easier.

3. Choosing a Trusted Solar Installer

Your installer’s experience determines your system’s quality and safety. Always choose certified professionals who understand Irish standards, handle permits, and use high-quality materials. Checking accreditations, reviews, and warranties ensures your system is installed correctly and performs efficiently for years to come.

4. Planning for Future Energy Needs

Solar panels are a long-term investment, so plan ahead. Consider potential lifestyle changes like buying an electric car or adding a heat pump. Installing a scalable or battery-ready system ensures your solar setup can adapt to future energy demands without major upgrades.

Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Installing Solar Panels

Even with the best intentions, many homeowners make small errors during the installation process that can lead to reduced efficiency, higher costs, or missed savings opportunities. Here are the five most common mistakes to avoid when installing solar panels in Ireland.

1. Not Checking If Your Roof Is Suitable

Before installing solar panels, it’s crucial to assess whether your roof can support them. Roof angle, orientation, and shading from trees or nearby buildings all affect performance. In Ireland, south-facing roofs generate the most energy, but east or west-facing roofs can still work with the right design.

If your roof is damaged or near the end of its lifespan, repairs should be completed before installation. A professional roof assessment ensures safety, efficiency, and longevity for your solar system.

2. Going With the Cheapest Quote

Choosing the lowest price might seem like a smart move, but it often leads to poor-quality materials or substandard installation. Cheap systems may lack warranties, efficient inverters, or proper mounting equipment.

Over time, this can result in reduced output and costly repairs. Instead, focus on value rather than price. Look for experienced, certified installers who use high-quality components and offer clear performance guarantees to ensure your solar system delivers reliable long-term results.

3. Skipping the Battery Conversation

Many homeowners overlook the importance of battery storage when going solar. A battery allows you to store excess electricity generated during the day and use it at night or during cloudy periods.

Without one, surplus power is sent back to the grid, and you rely on buying energy later. Discussing battery options with your installer helps you maximise self-consumption, reduce dependence on the grid, and future-proof your system for evolving energy needs.

4. Incorrectly Sizing Your System

System size plays a major role in how effectively your solar setup meets your household’s needs. Oversized systems waste potential and inflate upfront costs, while undersized ones fail to generate enough power.

A proper assessment of your home’s energy usage, roof space, and lifestyle changes (like EV charging or heat pumps) ensures the system is correctly sized. Working with a professional who uses accurate data and solar simulation tools can prevent expensive miscalculations.

5. Getting the SEAI Grant Process Wrong

Ireland’s SEAI grant can greatly reduce installation costs, but many homeowners make mistakes during the application process. Missing documentation, incorrect installer selection, or starting installation before approval can lead to grant rejection.

Always confirm that your installer is SEAI-registered and that all forms are properly submitted before work begins. Understanding the process from start to finish ensures you receive the full grant amount and avoid unnecessary delays or financial setbacks.

Conclusion

Installing solar panels is one of the smartest and most sustainable investments a homeowner can make, but success depends on proper planning and avoiding common pitfalls. From checking your roof’s suitability and choosing the right installer to correctly sizing your system and navigating the SEAI grant process, each step plays a vital role in long-term performance and savings.

Want to ensure your solar installation is done correctly from the start? Going Solar offers expert guidance, professional installation, and full support through every stage of your solar journey. Contact Going Solar today to start your transition to cleaner, more affordable energy for your home in Ireland.