Switching to solar energy is one of the smartest moves a property owner in Lagos can make. Not only does it cut down on high electricity costs, but it also guarantees a more reliable and sustainable source of power. However, many homeowners and businesses rush into solar panel installation without the right planning leading to costly mistakes.
In our previous post, How to Choose the Right Solar System for Your Property, we discussed how to select the perfect solar system for your needs. Now, let’s look at the top mistakes you must avoid when installing solar panels in Lagos.
Choosing the Wrong Solar Panel Type
Not all solar panels are created equal. The Lagos climate and weather with its high temperatures, coastal humidity, and rainy seasons can affect solar performance in ways many people don’t anticipate.
The two most common solar panel types in Nigeria are:
Monocrystalline panels: More efficient, great for small spaces, perform better in high temperatures.
Polycrystalline panels: More affordable, but slightly less efficient in heat.
The Mistake: Many people choose panels simply because they’re cheaper, without considering efficiency and lifespan.
The Fix: Work with a trusted solar energy provider like Hamthel Energy to match your panel type to your roof space, sunlight exposure, and budget.
Ignoring Your Energy Audit
Before installing solar panels, you need to know exactly how much power you use and what systems consume the most energy.
The Mistake: Many Lagos homeowners skip this step and end up with a system that’s too small to meet their needs or worse, far too large, wasting money.
The Fix: Get a professional energy audit. At Hamthel, we start every solar project with a tailored energy assessment. This ensures your system is optimized for your actual usage not guesswork.
Poor Roof Assessment
Your roof isn’t just the place where the panels go it’s the foundation of your solar system.
The Mistake: Some people install solar panels without checking roof strength, angle, or shading from nearby trees and buildings. This leads to reduced performance and costly adjustments later.
The Fix: Make sure your installer evaluates your roof’s structural integrity and orientation. Solar panels need unobstructed sunlight for peak performance something we guarantee when you work with Hamthel.
Choosing the Wrong Installer
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest solar installer you can find, but in Lagos, that’s a dangerous gamble.
The Mistake: Hiring unqualified or inexperienced installers who use low-quality materials and skip important safety checks.
The Fix: Always choose a company with proven experience, solid warranties, and customer reviews. Hamthel has years of expertise delivering reliable solar solutions in Nigeria’s unique environment.
Not Planning for Maintenance
Solar panels require minimal maintenance but minimal doesn’t mean zero. Dust, bird droppings, and debris can reduce efficiency over time.
The Mistake: Assuming solar is “install and forget,” leading to performance loss.
The Fix: Schedule periodic cleaning and system checks. We offer affordable maintenance packages at Hamthel Technology to keep your system running at maximum capacity for years.
Going solar in Lagos is one of the smartest moves you can make—but only if you do it right. By avoiding these five mistakes, you’ll save yourself unnecessary costs, headaches, and disappointment.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you design, install, and maintain a solar system that truly works for you.
Learn more about our solar installation services here: Hamthel Energy