13 Common Troubles with Solar Power Installation! Introducing Solutions and Preventive Measures!

By installing solar power generation at home, you can expect various benefits such as reduced electricity bills and income from selling electricity.

In recent years, subsidy programs from the national and local governments have been established, leading to an increase in households adopting solar power.

While solar power generation is full of attractive features, it is also true that various troubles have arisen with the increase in installations.

In this article, we will introduce common troubles and countermeasures related to the installation and operation of solar power generation, as well as preventive measures, so if you’re interested, please check it out.

Prepare for Troubles Before Installing Solar Power!

When installing solar power generation, it is important to consider what types of trouble risks exist and how to mitigate those risks in advance.

Installing solar power generation involves significant costs, and once installed, it becomes difficult to change specifications or move panels.

If you install it without careful consideration, unexpected troubles may arise, leading to additional expenses or disruptions in your daily life, so proceed with caution in your preparations.

Troubles Related to Equipment

Now, let’s delve into troubles related to equipment.

Solar power generation equipment is very expensive, and when troubles occur, there is a high possibility of incurring significant financial losses, so be sure to check thoroughly.

Malfunctions and Damage

A common equipment trouble is the malfunction or damage of solar panels.

If there is a problem with the panels, it can hinder power generation, adversely affecting electricity supply and sales.

Moreover, there are cases where damaged panels may fall and cause secondary damage, so caution is necessary.

If you discover any malfunctions or damage to the panels, consult a professional immediately for assistance.

Decrease in Power Generation

If the solar panels are functioning normally and the weather is favorable, stable power generation can be expected.

However, if malfunctions such as damage or deterioration occur, there is a risk of decreased power generation.

If some time has passed since the installation of solar power generation, a decrease in power generation due to aging may be considered.
Solar panels have a “deterioration rate,” which varies by manufacturer.
When choosing solar panels, be sure to consider the deterioration rate!

If you notice a significant decrease in power generation shortly after installation, it may be due to construction or wiring errors, so contact the installation company promptly.

Water Leaks

When installing solar panels on a roof, it is common to drill holes in the roof and secure them with brackets.

However, this process is relatively complex, and if mistakes occur, the risk of water leaks increases.

If a water leak occurs, it can disrupt daily life, so it must be addressed promptly.

Additionally, some contractors may claim that “water leaks are unrelated to the installation of solar panels,” which could result in you bearing the full cost of repairs in some cases.

To avoid such troubles, be sure to confirm the warranty and response regarding water leaks in advance.

Troubles with Neighbors

With the introduction of solar power generation, there may also be cases where troubles arise with neighbors.

Below, we will introduce some common troubles, so if you want to build good relationships with your neighbors while maximizing the benefits of solar power generation, please check them out.

Snowfall Troubles

In heavy snowfall areas, caution is needed regarding snowfall troubles caused by solar power generation.

Solar panels are inclined to face the sun, causing snow that accumulates on the panels to slide off like a slide and fall to the ground.

If snow falls onto neighboring houses or gardens, the likelihood of trouble increases.

To prevent such troubles, it is important to devise ways to install the panels.

Recently, snow stoppers that prevent snow from sliding off the panels have also been sold, so be sure to utilize them.

Noise Troubles

To use the electricity generated by solar power at home, a device called a power conditioner is necessary.

The noise emitted from this power conditioner is comparable to that of an air conditioning outdoor unit, and it is not excessively loud.

However, if the distance between houses is short, it may become a concern.

In recent years, models that can minimize noise as much as possible have been developed, so if you are worried about potential issues, please consider looking into them.

Reflection Light Issues

Reflection light issues are relatively common troubles in solar power generation.

In the past, there have been cases where individuals suffered from heatstroke due to reflections from solar panels, leading to lawsuits.

When installing solar panels on the roofs of detached houses, the risk of reflection light issues is relatively low, but if they are installed at the same height as the ground, care must be taken regarding reflections and angles.

Some contractors can simulate the effects of reflection light by time of day, so it’s advisable to consult them in advance.

Issues with Contractors

There are contractors across the country that handle solar power installations.

Most contractors are reputable and experienced, but there is a possibility that some unscrupulous contractors may be mixed in, so caution is necessary.

Here, we will introduce some common issues that arise with contractors during solar power installations.

Construction Mistakes

Surprisingly, construction mistakes are quite common when introducing solar power.

As you may know, the installation of solar power systems can be relatively expensive.

While energy-saving effects and income from selling electricity can be expected, the extent to which you can recover your initial investment depends on the quality of the installation contractor.

If you end up hiring an unscrupulous contractor or one lacking in skill, there is a risk of construction mistakes leading to leaks or reduced power generation, so caution is warranted.

In some cases, the repair costs can be enormous, resulting in significant losses, so it’s important to choose your contractor carefully.

Discrepancies in Contract Terms

Discrepancies in contract terms also occur relatively frequently.

In most cases, the contract terms are usually documented in a “contract document,” so if you have thorough discussions, the likelihood of issues arising is low.

However, there are instances where work progresses based on verbal agreements or where the contents of the contract document are vague.

In such cases, issues may arise after the work has started or been completed, so it’s important to clarify any doubts or concerns before signing the contract.

Exorbitant Charges

There are also ongoing troubles related to exorbitant charges being billed.

This is not limited to solar power but can happen in cases where you are later charged high fees or charged amounts far exceeding the market rate, so it is essential to hire a trustworthy contractor.

Additionally, if the contents of the estimate are vague or if no estimate is provided at all, you may be charged additional fees for various reasons after the work is completed, so please be cautious.

Unscrupulous Door-to-Door Sales

One increasing issue with contractors in solar power is unscrupulous door-to-door sales.

Door-to-door sales involve sales representatives coming directly to your home to explain the details and proceed with the contract, and it is not illegal.

However, many door-to-door sales, not limited to solar power, are sold at prices higher than the market rate, and there are cases where they use persuasive language to pressure or rush you into signing a contract.

Since the installation of solar power systems involves significant costs and maintenance fees after installation, it’s advisable not to sign a contract on the spot but to take your time to think it over before making a decision.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Issues

Solar power systems are mostly installed outdoors, and troubles can arise due to natural disasters or environmental factors.

Let’s take a closer look at some representative issues.

Failures Due to Typhoons or Landslides

Japan, known as a disaster-prone country, experiences many typhoons and landslides every year in various regions.

When such natural disasters occur and power generation facilities are flooded or damaged, the equipment may not function properly.

In such cases, repairs are obviously necessary, and it is important to be aware that this can incur significant costs.

Loss of Selling Electricity Opportunities Due to Earthquakes

By installing solar power generation systems, you can sell electricity.

Electricity sales income is an important source of revenue for recovering the initial investment in solar power generation, and losing the ability to sell electricity due to an earthquake can be a considerable blow.

That said, Japan is also called an earthquake-prone country, and it is uncertain when and where a major earthquake may occur.

When introducing solar power generation, it is necessary to implement earthquake countermeasures more thoroughly than ever before.

Short Circuits Caused by Animal Intrusions

When installing solar power generation systems, it is essential to take measures against animals as well.

If installed on the roof, special measures against bird damage are necessary.

This is because there are gaps between the solar panels and the roof, which can protect against rain and wind, leading birds to build nests there.

However, if birds build nests, it can cause various troubles such as droppings, noise, panel malfunctions, and decreased power generation efficiency.

In recent years, equipment to prevent bird damage has also emerged, so please consider it.

How to Prevent Troubles Related to Solar Power Generation?

As mentioned earlier, troubles associated with the introduction of solar power generation occur more frequently than one might expect.

However, most of these troubles can be prevented with “preparations in advance.”

Here, we will introduce several “preventive measures” to avoid troubles with solar power generation.

Request Services from Contractors with Comprehensive Aftercare

To avoid equipment malfunction troubles and issues with contractors, it is important to request services from contractors that offer comprehensive aftercare.

By doing so, even if a malfunction or issue occurs, you can receive a quick response.

Moreover, contractors with comprehensive aftercare often have confidence in their construction quality, allowing you to trust them with peace of mind.

However, the contents and conditions may vary by contractor, so be sure to confirm before signing a contract.

Check the Contractor’s Track Record

To maximize the effectiveness of solar power generation, you must request installation from a reliable contractor.

That said, since requests for solar power installation are not made frequently, many people may struggle with how to choose a contractor.

In such cases, focus on their track record.

Contractors with extensive experience have accumulated know-how, allowing you to trust them with confidence.

Conduct Regular Maintenance

To avoid malfunctions and failures in solar power generation, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance.

In particular, regular inspections are indispensable for checking panel cleanliness, wiring looseness, and power converter operation.

To ensure safe and reliable power generation, regularly request a professional contractor to check everything.

If you are considering installing solar panels, please consult Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.

Our company handles many exterior renovations, including solar panels, roof work, and exterior wall work in Aoba-ku, Yokohama.
We have received requests from many customers, including renovation companies and real estate companies, who have contacted us!

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. promises “high-quality renovations at low costs”, and we have received positive feedback from many customers.
We continue to update our construction achievements every year and will strive to improve quality to satisfy even more customers in the future.

“I want to know about recommended solar panels”, “I want to keep costs as low as possible”, “I just want an estimate for now”, we provide optimal solutions for your specific requests.
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Summary

Solar power generation brings various benefits to both the environment and household finances, but there are risks of troubles associated with installation and operation.

The equipment troubles, neighbor troubles, contractor troubles, and environmental troubles introduced this time are not someone else’s problem.

To prevent such troubles, it is important to hire a reliable contractor. However, since there are contractors nationwide that handle solar power installation, it can be difficult to decide whom to hire. In such cases, feel free to consult with “Kakeru Koumuten” which operates mainly in Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo.

Consultations via LINE are also very welcome◎

For roofing, guttering, and exterior work and repairs in Kanagawa, contact Kakerukoumuten Co., Ltd..

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One of our greatest strengths is that we can do all of our own scaffolding, roofing, and painting work. In this industry, where work is generally divided, we are able to provide a complete set of services, which saves time and effort in management and reduces costs. Above all, if there is any trouble, we will come to you right away!

We can confidently declare this. We are the youngest and most friendly renovator in Kanagawa!