Solar energy is becoming a popular choice for commercial properties, offering a sustainable way to reduce energy costs. However, with so many new solar installers in the market, it’s hard to know who to trust. Choosing the wrong installer can lead to problems like poor performance, safety issues, or unexpected costs.
If you’re managing real estate assets, it’s important to know the risks involved and how to avoid them. This newsletter breaks down the key risks and simple ways to address them.
Key Risks Specific to Solar Installers
- Quality of Installation Poor installation techniques can result in reduced system efficiency, performance degradation, and safety hazards, such as electrical fires or roof damage. Improper mounting or wiring can lead to system failure, reducing energy output and increasing repair costs over time.
- Quality of Equipment Substandard or incompatible equipment can lead to frequent breakdowns, reduced energy output, and safety risks like electrical faults or fire hazards. Choosing an installer who uses high-quality, reliable components is essential to ensure system durability and performance.
- Installer’s Knowledge of Supply Chain Logistics Delays in sourcing components or working with unreliable suppliers can lead to project delays, cost overruns, or unavailability of replacement parts for future maintenance. Supply chain disruptions can also affect the overall timeline and execution of the project, leaving buildings without functioning solar systems for longer than anticipated.
- Warranties Insufficient or poorly structured warranties can expose organisations to significant future costs for repairs or replacements not covered by the installer. It is important to secure clear, comprehensive warranty terms that cover both the equipment and the installation for a reasonable period.
- Safety Hazards Solar installations involve electrical work and the risk of working at heights, posing dangers such as electrocution, falls, and fire hazards. An installer must adhere to rigorous safety standards to minimise risks during installation and ensure that the system meets all relevant safety regulations.
- Roof Damage Improper installation techniques can damage the roof structure, leading to leaks or long-term structural issues. If the roof is not adequately reinforced or protected during installation, it could require expensive repairs and affect the building’s integrity.
- Fire Risks Faulty wiring, poor connections, and defective equipment can significantly increase fire risks. It is essential to work with installers who use fire-safe materials, follow strict electrical standards, and ensure that all wiring and components are correctly installed and insulated.
- Ongoing Maintenance and Support Lack of customer service or inadequate ongoing support can make it difficult to address issues that arise after installation, such as system malfunctions or maintenance needs. It’s essential to choose an installer who offers reliable post-installation support and monitoring to maintain system performance over time.
- Insurance and Liability Concerns Without proper insurance coverage, organisations could face significant financial losses due to property damage or injury during installation. Installers should have the necessary liability and insurance coverage to protect against potential risks and claims related to accidents or property damage.
How to Avoid These Risks
Here’s a simple approach to selecting the right solar installer and avoiding common problems:
Conclusion
Solar energy can help real-estate asset managers save money and reduce their carbon footprint. But picking the wrong installer can ruin those benefits. By understanding the risks and following simple strategies, you can make sure your solar investment pays off in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I ensure the solar installer has the right experience for my property portfolio?
Look for installers with a strong track record in multi-property installations, check for customer references, and verify industry certifications.
Q: What are the most important financial metrics to consider before selecting a solar installer?
Ensure that the installer provides clear ROI projections, payback periods, and a transparent breakdown of all costs, including maintenance and repairs.
Q: How can I mitigate safety risks during installation?
Choose an installer who follows strict safety protocols and is well-equipped to manage risks such as electrical hazards and falls.
Related Articles from PowerMarket
For further insights into solar installations and risk management, explore the following articles:
Risks in Solar Project Management to Look Out For
This article discusses common challenges in solar project management and offers best practices to navigate them effectively.
3 Reasons Why Your Solar Strategy Will Fail
Explore common pitfalls in solar strategies and learn how to avoid them to ensure successful implementation.
Why Are Your Solar Sites Underperforming?
Understand the key factors that may be causing underperformance in your solar installations and how to address them to improve energy generation.
About PowerMarket
PowerMarket is the all-in-one platform transforming commercial real estate with solar energy. Designed to simplify solar adoption, it helps businesses decarbonise and turn their properties into revenue-generating assets.
With PowerMarket, you can plan, install, finance, and trade solar energy effortlessly on a single, user-friendly platform. We streamline the entire process, saving you over 90% of the time and resources typically required.
Join us in making the future of energy smarter and greener. Contact Us to discuss how PowerMarket can help transform your commercial real estate.
