How not to make a mistake when choosing a photovoltaic supplier?

Investing in a photovoltaic power plant is a step towards energy independence, savings and an environmentally friendly approach. However, when choosing and implementing a photovoltaic system, people often make mistakes that can lead to unexpected and unnecessary costs, low efficiency or even a non-functional system.

Take a look with us at what to look out for when choosing an installation company so you don't get burned.

Choose a supplier with references and experience
If someone promises you photovoltaics at the ‘best price on the market’ and within two weeks, be wary. Offers that are too good often end up being a bad experience. Crookedly installed panels, a malfunctioning system, zero customer support or poor service. These are all nightmares for those who bet only on price or speed instead of checking who they are dealing with.

It is important to choose a supplier with a proven track record, positive references and transparent prices. First and foremost, thoroughly research the company, ideally on trusted portals where you can find reviews and experiences from other customers. If the company has few reviews or poor ratings, it is best to remove it from your list.

Be careful with advance payments
They paid in advance and then waited. Days, weeks, months... and nothing. The company disappeared, and so did the money. Thousands of people have experienced this story. And yet, a simple rule is all it takes: Ideally, do not sign any contract that obliges you to pay for any services before the order is completely finished.

Important paperwork and permits
Having panels on your roof is not enough. Installing a photovoltaic power plant involves a number of administrative steps, such as applying for subsidies, connecting to the distribution network, and concluding contracts with energy companies. If you don't get all the necessary stamps and contracts together, your photovoltaic system will not be legally operational.

What's more, you may lose your subsidy, be fined, or wait months for connection to the grid. Installation is not just a technical matter. A quality supplier will not only arrange subsidies for you, but will also provide a complete service consisting of processing the connection application, processing the subsidy and subsequently connecting the power plant to the grid. Therefore, make sure that all these activities are already included in the price and that you will not be unpleasantly surprised by additional costs.

Have your photovoltaic system custom designed
What works for your neighbour may not work for you. Every house is different! That is why it is important to consider technical parameters such as panel performance, inverter efficiency, roof orientation and slope, and shading when choosing a photovoltaic power plant. Inadequate assessment of these factors can lead to suboptimal system performance and a lower return on investment.

Therefore, do not be lulled into a false sense of security by claims that performance optimisers can be placed under the panels in case of shading and that everything will be fine. Their use under photovoltaic panels has its advantages, but also several significant disadvantages: They represent additional electronic equipment for each panel on the roof, increase the price of the entire photovoltaic system, potentially increase the failure rate due to the larger amount of electronics, and, in addition, because optimisers are exposed to extreme temperatures, UV radiation and humidity, their service life is significantly shorter than that of the panels themselves.

Installation is not the end of the story. Ask for servicing, otherwise performance may quietly decline
Many people feel that once a photovoltaic system is installed, they are done. However, without regular inspection and maintenance, the performance of the system can quietly decline. You end up losing money without even noticing. Therefore, find out right from the start whether the supplier has a service programme and how much such care costs. Every photovoltaic power plant should undergo regular inspections.

The validity of the inspection report should determine the inspection interval. Inspections are usually carried out at intervals of once every three years. Such an inspection should include a visual and thermal camera inspection of the panels and wiring.