7 typical mistakes when planning photovoltaic systems: Pitfalls on the way to self-sufficient power generation and how to avoid them

Sustainability, climate protection, energy transition: Hardly a day goes by without these terms being mentioned in the news – the topic is hot and the need for action urgent. As a company, you have the opportunity to make a major contribution. Above your heads, on your roofs, in the form of a photovoltaic system. But are you afraid of making mistakes when planning photovoltaic systems? You are not alone.  

Let's be clear: Installing a photovoltaic system is not only a worthwhile investment in renewable energy, but also leads to considerable cost savings for your company in the long term. However, in order to exploit the full potential of a PV system, careful planning is essential. In this blog post, we therefore highlight some common planning errors in a PV system and provide guidance on how to avoid them.  

1. Inaccurate site analysis  

A crucial mistake when planning a PV system is an inadequate analysis of the location. Solar radiation varies depending on the geographical location, roof orientation and possible shading – and has a decisive influence on the efficiency of your solar modules. A detailed analysis of the location is therefore a prerequisite in order to determine the optimum orientation and inclination of the PV modules, and to maximize solar radiation.  

2. Underestimated power requirements  

Another mistake with photovoltaic systems is to underestimate your own electricity requirements. It is important to accurately calculate both current and future electricity consumption in order to determine the right size of a PV system and benefit in the long term.    

If the system is too small, there is a risk that the savings will hardly be noticeable on your electricity bill. A system that is too large is slightly less problematic: You have the option of using the surplus electricity via an electricity storage system at a later date, or for your electric vehicles in the company – or feeding it into the electricity grid.  

Either way, this step should be given sufficient consideration when planning a photovoltaic system in order to cover your company's needs in the long term.  

3. Neglected bureaucracy and legal situation  

The installation of a PV system is subject to certain (and not just a few) legal and bureaucratic requirements. These include permits, registration with the grid operator and compliance with regulations that change regularly.  

Anyone who ignores the legal situation and bureaucracy when planning a photovoltaic system risks delays, penalties or even having the system shut down. It is therefore advisable to find out about the necessary approvals and procedures in good time. Experienced experts can assist you with this step.  

4. Incomplete system documentation   

A complete photovoltaic system does not only comprise of all important components, such as solar modules and inverters, but also the corresponding system documentation. String and circuit diagrams, serial numbers of system components, measurement logs – expert knowledge is also required here to ensure complete documentation. These documents play an essential role, especially when it comes to maintenance and servicing. 

5. Insufficient insurance  

What insurance do you need for a photovoltaic system? What are the costs for companies? At what intervals should you check your own insurance situation, or have it checked? Answering these questions – if you do it yourself – requires a lot of research and appropriate resources. Nevertheless, this point should not be neglected in order to protect yourself from damage caused by weather events, for example.  

6. Overlooked maintenance and servicing  

Another possible (and potentially costly) mistake with photovoltaic systems: Neglecting maintenance and servicing after commissioning. To ensure optimum performance of your PV system, both are essential at regular intervals and should be planned for.  

If you have the modules cleaned and the cabling checked regularly, you will quickly detect possible damage and save on performance losses and the costs of expensive repairs. 

7. Lack of expert advise 

A common mistake when planning photovoltaic systems is to proceed without professional advice. Photovoltaic systems are complex systems that require a great deal of technical know-how – especially in the size-range in which companies operate.   

Seek advice from experienced experts who have the necessary specialist knowledge and network to make your PV system a success. Ideally, they can support you with all the points in this blog post and beyond.  

Conclusion  

Planning a photovoltaic system requires a great deal of care and attention in order to avoid costly mistakes. Thorough site analysis, consideration of electricity requirements, compliance with legal regulations, regular maintenance, and advice from experienced experts are crucial steps on the way to efficient, reliable, and self-sufficient power generation.