☀️ Installing a home photovoltaic (PV) system can save on electricity bills and contribute to environmental protection. However, what seems simple hides many “hidden pitfalls.” From equipment selection to maintenance, every step can impact power generation efficiency and investment returns. The following 5 key questions will help you avoid common traps, choose the right equipment, and achieve an efficient, safe green energy lifestyle.
🏠 一. Is Your Roof Suitable?
Key Question: Is the roof’s structure, load-bearing capacity, and orientation suitable for installation? Requirements: ▫️ Load-bearing capacity: Flat roofs must support at least 30kg/m²; tiled or color-steel roofs may need reinforcement. ▫️ Orientation & tilt angle: South-facing or near-south orientation is ideal, with a tilt angle of 15°–35°. ▫️ Shading: Avoid long-term shading from trees, chimneys, etc., which can reduce efficiency by over 30%.
💡 Recommendations:
- Hire professionals to assess roof safety and load capacity before installation.
- Prioritize tilted mounts in rainy southern regions to prevent water pooling.
☀️ 二. How to Choose Core Equipment?
Key Question: How to balance efficiency and lifespan for solar panels, inverters, and energy storage batteries?
▫️ Solar panels: Monocrystalline silicon (efficiency ≥22%), prioritize top brands like LONGi or Jinko Solar (≤20% degradation over 25 years). ▫️ Inverters: Opt for models with smart orientation adjustment; avoid low-quality products with poor heat dissipation. ▫️ Energy storage batteries: Choose lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries with ≥6,000 cycles.
⚠️ Note:
- Avoid “low-cost packages”—substandard components may reduce output by 30%.
- Install inverters in well-ventilated areas to prevent overheating.
🛠️ 三. How to Verify Installer Qualifications?
Key Question: What risks arise from poor installation? 60% of power losses stem from installation issues, such as: ▫️ Wiring errors causing fires. ▫️ Overheating due to enclosed inverters.
💡 Recommendations:
- Request a valid 《Power Facility Installation License》.
- Choose teams offering 5+ years of warranty and review past projects.
⚡ 四. Grid Connection and Hidden Costs
Key Question: Is policy compliance ensured? ▫️ Grid connection process: Submit property certificates, roof ownership proof, etc., to the power bureau. ▫️ Hidden costs:
- Grid upgrade fees: Older communities may share transformer upgrade costs.
- Insurance premiums: Home insurance may increase by 20%–35% after PV installation.
🔍 Recommendations:
- Check local distributed PV capacity assessments to avoid “red zones” for grid access.
🔧 五. Daily Maintenance Tips
Key Question: How to extend equipment lifespan and boost returns? ▫️ Cleaning frequency: Use a soft brush monthly (extend to 2 months during rainy seasons). ▫️ Inverter replacement: Budget for replacements every 10–15 years.
⚠️ Important:
- Regularly inspect cable connections to prevent fire hazards.
- Install lightning protection in storm-prone areas.
📝 Summary
Success hinges on scientific planning and equipment selection. Prioritize high-reliability components, professional installers, and stay informed about policies and hidden costs to secure 25 years of stable returns.