Suppose you’re one of the increasing numbers of homeowners who have gone solar, congratulations! You’ve made a wise and environmentally friendly decision. But what if you’re not happy with your solar panels? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people choose to go solar without doing their research first, and as a result, they end up with panels that don’t meet their needs or expectations.
But don’t despair. There are plenty of ways to remedy the situation. This article will outline tips to help you if you’re unhappy with your solar panels.
1. Claim for Compensation
If you feel you have been misled or misinformed about your solar panel system, or if the system does not meet your expectations in terms of performance or quality, you may be able to claim compensation. The best way to do this is to contact the company that installed the system and asks them to assess it. If they find any problems with the installation or the product, they will be obliged to offer a remedy.
This could include a full refund, compensating you for any losses incurred, or fixing the issue free of charge. It may also be possible to negotiate a reduction in the cost of your energy bills if the solar panel system is not performing as well as it should be. So, if you’ve ever been mis-sold solar panels, get in touch with the company and claim what’s rightfully yours. A genuine company should always be willing to put things properly if they have made a mistake.
2. Get in Touch With the Manufacturer
If you’re unhappy with your solar panels, the best thing to do is get in touch with the manufacturer. Solar panel manufacturers want their customers to be satisfied, so they’ll often be willing to help you troubleshoot problems or replace defective panels.
The first step is to find the contact information for the manufacturer. This can usually be found on the company website, or you can search online for “[manufacturer name] customer service.” Once you have the contact information, call or email and explain your problem. Be prepared to provide photos or videos of the issue and your panel serial number and installation date.
If you bought your solar panels from a third-party installer, it might be more challenging to get help from the manufacturer. In this case, you may need to go through the installer instead. Ensure you have your purchase paperwork handy to prove they installed the panels.
3. Check Your Solar Inverter
If you’re unhappy with your solar panels, the first thing you should do is check your solar inverter. The solar inverter is the device that converts the direct current (DC) output of your solar panels into the alternating current (AC) needed to power your home. If the solar inverter isn’t working correctly, it could be causing your panels to produce less energy than they should.
You’ll need to check your electricity bill to check if your solar inverter is working properly. If you see that your electricity usage has increased since you installed the solar panels, the inverter is likely not working correctly. You can also check the output of the inverter itself using a multimeter. If you find the inverter is not working correctly, you should contact the company that installed it and ask them to fix it. In most cases, they can do this free of charge.
4. Clean Your Solar Panels
Cleaning your solar panels is an integral part of maintaining their efficiency. A dirty panel can lose up to 30% of its power, so it’s essential to clean them regularly. How often you need to clean them depends on the climate and the pollution in your area, but typically once a month is enough.
There are a few different ways to clean your solar panels: you can use a water hose, a pressure washer, or a chemical cleaner. If you choose to use water, make sure it’s cold—hot water will damage the panel. Always be careful when using a pressure washer, and avoid getting water inside the panel housing. Chemical cleaners can be dangerous if not used properly, so read the instructions carefully.
5. Monitor Your Energy Usage
Monitoring your energy usage will help you figure out whether or not the panels are saving you money. For a start, you’ll need to find your electricity bill and note how much electricity you use per month. You can then use an online calculator to determine how much money you spend on electricity each month. Once you have this information, you can compare it to your solar panel output and see if there’s a difference.
If your solar panels aren’t saving you as much money as you thought they would, don’t panic—there are a few things you can do to improve their performance. One option is to install a solar power system that includes batteries, which can store excess energy for use at night or during a power outage. Another option is to purchase more efficient appliances and light bulbs. By making these changes, you can make your solar panels work better and save you more money in the long run.
6. Hire a Solar Panel Consultant
You can hire a professional solar consultant to come and take a look at your system and give you their opinion on what’s wrong. A good consultant will be able to assess your system and give you honest feedback about whether or not it is meeting your needs. This can be a great way to troubleshoot problems and determine what changes need to be made to improve your system’s performance.
Hiring a solar consultant can be expensive, but it’s worth it if you’re unhappy with your current system. In most cases, the consultant will be able to identify the root of the problem and offer solutions that will help you save money in the long run. They can also offer suggestions for improving its performance or advise you on whether or not replacing your panels would be the best option.
If you’re unhappy with your solar panels, don’t panic. You can do a few things to improve their performance and save money in the long run. Cleaning your panels regularly, monitoring your energy usage, and hiring a solar consultant are great ways to troubleshoot problems and determine what changes need to be made. Additionally, installing a solar power system that includes batteries or purchasing more efficient appliances can help make your solar panels work better for you.