Is my Solar System an Ornament or a Utility?

Unlocking Reliable Solar Power: Choose quality components, expert design, and trusted specialists for a sustainable and dependable energy source.

As the world moves towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, solar power has emerged as a popular option for homeowners and businesses alike. However, simply installing solar panels on your roof does not guarantee a reliable source of energy. In fact, without proper planning, design, and installation, your solar system could end up being nothing more than a decorative addition to your building.


To ensure that your solar system is a reliable source of energy and not just an ornament, it is essential to choose high-quality components and work with experienced solar specialists who understand the intricacies of solar power.


One of the key components of a solar system is the solar panels themselves. It is crucial to select a reputable brand with a long history in the market, such as those with triple-A graded panels. These panels are reliable and will last for 20 to 25 years, providing a long-term source of energy for you.


Prior to commencing, ensure companies can honour their warranties so you are not left out of pocket with broken components or a poor performing system. It is also important to avoid cheap panels that may fail due to poor manufacturing quality, such as split wires or hotspots.

Some companies can fail to specify the performance of their panels, as is the case when you buy a 2TB memory card on Amazon for S$10 and it is already full as soon as you put a movie on it. Choosing the right solar panels will not only ensure the longevity of your system but also maximize energy production over time.


Another important component to consider is the inverter, which converts the Direct Current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into Alternating Current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your home or business.

Like solar panels, it is crucial to choose a reliable brand with a long history in the market. We recommend inverters from Aotai, which are designed with single-directional thermal cooling and have internal components from brands like Panasonic and Texas Instruments. This ensures that the inverter is reliable and will send a notification if there are any issues.


Design is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a contractor for your solar system. Inexperienced solar contractors may suggest that you opt for the cost-saving option of poor-quality components, which can cause your system to degrade rapidly over time and result in a less efficient system. For example, undersized cables may save money upfront but are a serious safety risk and they can result in a lower output of power and may fail after just a few years due to its inadequate current carrying capacity.


It is important to choose a solar contractor who uses high-quality outdoor cables specifically designed for solar energy to ensure they are resistant to UV radiation and do not disintegrate or rust over time. The right design will optimise the efficiency of your solar system and ensure that it reaches its full potential.


Solar specialists use specialized software and proper designing techniques to create a more robust solar system that produces more energy and maximises system efficiency. If your contractor lacks the proper skillset or the design of the system is poorly constructed, it could be performing below its potential.

In contrast, contractors who specialize in solar energy can lay out panels in a way that optimises energy production and wire them correctly to ensure the highest efficiency.


In conclusion, it is essential to choose a specialized solar integrator to ensure that your solar system is adequately designed and constructed with high-quality components. This will ensure that your solar system is a reliable source of energy for your residential or commercial building, rather than just an ornament. Investing in high-quality solar panels, inverters, cables and working with solar specialists will provide you with a long-term source of energy that is both reliable and sustainable.