Deciding to install solar panels and a battery is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home. Done right, it can cut energy bills, provide independence from the grid, and add value to your property. But if it’s done wrong, the outcome can be costly and disappointing. Solar is not something you can just order online and have working out of the box. Careful planning and expert design are essential to getting the best long-term return.
Here are eight of the biggest mistakes we see homeowners make with solar and battery installations – and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Installer
The installer you pick will make or break your system. A good company won’t just fit panels – they’ll design a system tailored to your roof, energy usage, shading, and long-term plans. Local specialists often provide more up-to-date panels compared with national firms that buy in bulk and may sell older stock.
When comparing installers, check their accreditations, reviews, and whether they use in-house teams or subcontractors. Ask to see recent installations, speak to previous customers, and always get at least two or three quotes.
2. Oversizing the Battery
Bigger is not always better when it comes to storage. To achieve the best payback, your battery system needs to cycle fully each day. Oversizing means unused capacity that either sits idle or exports to the grid at a lower value than using the electricity at home.
The most cost-effective approach is to match storage size to your consumption, while allowing for modest future growth. Modular systems that can expand later often provide the best balance.
3. Assuming Solar Works in a Power Cut
It’s a common misconception that solar panels will keep running during a blackout. Unless your system has been designed with emergency power backup, it will shut down in a power cut.
If backup power is important to you, choose a battery with proven EPS (emergency power supply) functionality and make sure your installer has the expertise to wire it correctly.
4. Skipping Bird Mesh
Bird mesh is often dismissed as an unnecessary extra, but without it, pigeons and rodents can nest under your panels, causing cable damage, fire risk, and persistent noise. Retrofitting bird guards later is far more expensive and disruptive, so it’s best to include them at the installation stage.
Check out our YouTube video on the mistakes people make installing solar:
5. Missing the Chance to Go In-Roof When Re-Roofing
If you’re replacing your roof, it’s the perfect time to install in-roof panels. This method integrates panels into the roof surface, reducing tile costs, improving aesthetics, and saving on scaffolding.
For those prioritising appearance, solar tiles are another option, offering a sleek finish at a higher price point.
6. Assuming Microinverters and Optimisers Are Always Better
Microinverters and optimisers can help with shaded or complex roofs, but they add cost and increase the number of electronic components exposed to the weather. This means more potential points of failure and expensive repairs.
For most homes with unshaded roofs, a standard string inverter is more reliable, efficient, and easier to service. Ask your installer to provide performance models with and without the technology before committing.
7. Expecting to Trade Electricity for Profit
Some households are tempted by the idea of buying cheap electricity overnight and selling it back during peak hours. While possible, the economics rarely stack up.
Factoring in battery costs, the profit margin is minimal compared to the savings you’ll achieve by simply offsetting your own energy usage. With export tariffs also subject to change, it’s best to focus on self-consumption rather than energy trading.
8. Ignoring System Aesthetics
A solar system will be with you for 25 to 30 years, so it’s worth considering how it looks. All-black panels blend better with slate and dark roofs. Thoughtful cable routing and battery placement can make the system discreet and attractive rather than intrusive.
By planning ahead, you can achieve a design that not only works efficiently but also enhances your property.
Summary
Avoiding these eight mistakes will help you secure the maximum return from your solar and battery investment. From choosing the right installer to sizing the system correctly and planning for long-term use, a well-designed setup should be something you’re proud of – both financially and aesthetically.
If you’d like advice on designing the right system for your home, contact Spirit Energy. Our team specialises in creating bespoke solar and battery solutions that deliver the best performance over the long term.
And do not forget to check out our YouTube video!
