Following the latest article in this series, where market leaders advised on sharing information with your solar installation program and what you can expect from an installation offer, this article relates to the installation process and the guarantees that are linked to an installation.
Expectations for the Solar Energy Installation Process
As soon as a homeowner has accepted an offer, the installation program can start work that is linked to the installation. Experts told PV -Magazine There are a number of processes that the installation program must undertake before the solar system is actually installed, which means that the timeline between an offer is accepted and a solar installation that is ready for use can vary greatly.
Usually the site evaluation and design of the system first comes, which can take days to weeks, depending on the workload of an installation program. Depending on where the homeowner lives, the installation program may also have to secure a permit for the solar system. “Allowing the municipality varies greatly to place,” said Héctor de LamaTechnical director at Spain’s UNEF. “There is no local permit in Spain, but in some European countries this can take weeks.” Cecilia Bergamasco by Italia Solare Said that the necessary authorizations and administrative procedures can take a few months.
Carsten KörnigCEO of Germany BSW Solar” Said the order situation of the installation company, the delivery situation of the components and the time it is required to register the system with the grid operator can all influence time scales. “The range is therefore very wide and can vary from four weeks to six months and, in exceptional situations, even a year,” Körnig added.
Sinethemba MnguniJunior Technical Specialist at the Solar PV Industry Association Organ of South Africa, Sapvia” said that the installation program should give a clear estimate of TimeScales in advance. “Regular updates and transparency of the installation program are crucial for managing expectations and avoiding unnecessary delays,” he added. “Homeowners must also be aware that unforeseen issues, such as delays in the municipal or [grid operator] Approvals can extend the timeline, so it is important to plan accordingly. “
Sources agreed that the actual installation is usually very fast and often takes place within a few hours or a few days. “As a rule, the installation of a solar system does not cause any discomfort for residents,” Körnig added.
However, it is still possible for the installation process to experience delays. “The Installation Time Line will vary, depending on the availability of the required equipment, the customer’s construction department and the utility inspection process,” explains Joshua Buswell-CharkowDeputy director of the California Solar & Storage Association. “These factors can use the installation time line meaningfully, but largely fall outside the control of the installation program.”
Ahmad Taha” Chief Marketing Officer of Tanzania’s AG -ENERGIES” And Ahmed Ashraf, Haala Energy’s Business Development Lead, both emphasized that a renowned installer will regularly communicate progress, usually by telephone or e -mail, and must inform the homeowners in advance of any delays.
Product and finishing guarantees
A guarantee acts as a guarantee from the installer that protects the solar system against problems, including product defects and installation problems, which cover the necessary repairs or replacements for a specified time frame.
Most sources told PV -Magazine that homeowners can expect both product guarantees and craftsmanship guarantees. Product guarantees cover defects in the materials used in the solar installation, such as the solar panels and solar easters, while craftsmanship guarantees relate to problems with regard to the installation process, as defects caused by incorrect installation practices.
Guarantee length will probably differ on the different installed components. Sources agreed that solar panels must have at least ten years of warranty, with most of them say that a 25 -year warranty is now an industrial stand, although some added panel guarantees can now reach up to 30 years.
Warranties for solar formers are usually shorter, with sources that agree that they usually vary between five and ten years. Jacopo PiccagaliProject and policy officer at Solarpower Europe” Added there can be options to extend the inverter’s warranty, depending on the manufacturer.
Buswell-Charkow Said it is important to keep in mind that solar equipment is often brought by the manufacturer, not the contractor. “Customers may want to consult the guarantees of individual manufacturers to understand their offer,” he suggested. MNGUNI Advised homeowners to ensure that they receive all relevant product guarantee documents and data sheets for all installed components. “This provides transparency and offers a profession in case of equipment problems,” he added.
In the meantime, Absolar, Absolar CEO Rodrigo Sauaia It is advised that equipment used in solar installation can also be certified. He said that the most relevant international standard that is available are the IEC standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Installation guarantee, sometimes referred to as a guarantee of craftsmanship, covers problems arising from the installation process, such as assembly problems or electrical errors.
Experts agreed that the installation guarantees in general should cover at least the first two years, but Piccagali Said it is possible to see craftsmanship guarantees for a maximum of ten years. In some countries, the minimum length of an installation guarantee may be mandatory. For example, Bergamasco Said in Italy that it must be legal for at least two years, but added that it can be longer “if the company is particularly dedicated to the quality of the services.”
Ashraf Added that some installers will also offer an energy production guarantee that ensures that the system will generate a certain energy level over time. Insurance supported can also be available, Piccagali Continued, which offers protection in case the installation company stops trade, so that the investment of the homeowner remains safe.
Different sources It was noted that larger companies often tend to offer robust guarantees. An earlier article in the series asked experts if they would recommend homeowners to choose a smaller or larger installation program.
This article is the final in a series designed to help homeowners select the right solar installer for them. Previous articles in the series include important considerations and red flags, how to find and verify information and to share information with an installation company.
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