You can buy the best solar panels in the world, high-efficiency, tier-1, backed by years of R&D, but if the installation is sloppy, all that quality goes to waste. This article breaks down the most common installation mistakes that silently sabotage solar panel performance and how to avoid them.
1. Wrong Tilt Angles:
Solar panels must be tilted and oriented to face the sun optimally. In Nigeria, that typically means a south-facing direction, adjusted to the site’s latitude. Yet, we have seen everything from flat installations to bizarre near-vertical setups. Even a 10° error can significantly reduce daily energy output and, over time, result in reduced ROI for the customer and a damaged reputation for the installer.
2. Shading Ignorance:
A nearby tree, water tank, or wall can cast shadows that disrupt your solar panel performance. Panels in a string are only as strong as their weakest (or shadiest) link, and without proper shade analysis, your system may look great on paper but underperform in real-world conditions.
3. Loose or Inadequate Connections:
DC wiring is serious business. A loose MC4 connector or poorly crimped cable can cause arcing, system failure, or even fires. Poor wiring isn’t just a performance issue but can lead to serious safety hazards. In solar installations, precision matters. Proper training, sharp hand-to-eye coordination, and the use of quality tools are non-negotiable. One bad connection can compromise an entire system.
4. No Surge or Overcurrent Protection:
Yes, budgets are tight. But skipping surge protectors or DC/AC breakers to save costs can destroy a system during a lightning strike or voltage surge. These key components aren’t optional extras but an essential part of what makes a solar system durable, safe, and bankable.
5. Wrong Panel Orientation:
South-facing panels maximize solar gain in Nigeria. Yet, we have seen panels facing west, east, and even north sometimes due to roof constraints or installer error. The orientation of solar panels directly affects daily energy output, and the wrong direction often results in underperformance.
6. Poor Mounting Structure
We have seen rusted brackets, shaky rooftop installations, and mounts held together by improvisation. Providing secure mounting for solar panels is not just for performance, but also for safety. A weak mounting structure shortens system lifespan and risks panel movement or detachment during storms. Secure, corrosion-resistant mounting is essential for long-term reliability and peace of mind.
7. No System Monitoring:
Many solar systems are installed without any form of monitoring or feedback mechanism, leaving both installers and customers blind to performance issues until it’s too late. Remote monitoring enables early fault detection, usage optimization, and builds customer trust through real-time data. It’s not just a nice-to-have feature, but essential for long-term system health.
8. Inadequate Earthing:
Many local installations don’t incorporate proper grounding, putting inverters, batteries, and users at serious risk. A well-earthed system performs better, lasts longer, and significantly reduces the chances of electric shocks and inverter faults. It’s a basic safety standard that should never be overlooked during installations.
Don’t Ruin Great Panels with Bad Execution
Solar is a long-term investment. Top-tier panels like LPVT’s 550W+ Grade A modules deliver impressive field performance, but only when installed with care, precision, and professionalism. If you are an installer or EPC, treat this as a checklist. Distributors and project owners must also demand strict quality control and verified installation practices from their execution teams. Because in the end, how you install a panel is just as critical as the quality of the panel itself.
Need Help Getting Your Solar Installations Right?
LPVT Solutions offers expert audits, tailored designs, precision installations, and reliable post-installation care to ensure your solar systems perform optimally, safely, and as promised. Together, we can raise the standard, optimize performance, and protect your investment in solar energy.