What a Quality Solar Installation Looks Like vs a Rushed Job

Solar panels are a significant investment that lasts for 25+ years. Plus, they’re installed on your roof, which means they impact another major investment—your home.

Given their cost and impact, the solar company you hire to install your panels is a critical decision. It can be tempting to go with the lowest quote from a contractor that is willing to cut corners, but doing so is a serious risk. You could end up with damage not just to your new solar energy system but also to your home and roof.

Here’s a closer look at what you get with a high-quality solar panel installation vs a rushed job.

What You Get with a Quality Solar Installation

A high-quality residential solar installation has three major components. First and foremost, it’s designed to maximize electricity generation and savings. Secondly, it doesn’t hurt your roof. And finally, it looks good. At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we deliver on all three fronts.

1. Maximum Output & Electric Bill Savings

How well your solar panel system is designed determines how much electricity it will produce and therefore how much money you will save on your electric bills. A high-quality design is:

Right-sized system for your actual electricity usage – Design is based on real utility data for maximum savings. With electricity costs rising fast, savings aren’t something to gamble on.
Customized for maximum sunlight access – Panels are installed in the optimal direction and at the best angle for sunlight access year round, with shading taken into account.
Future-ready – Space and electrical capacity is considered for future batteries, EV chargers, or system expansion. If your installer doesn’t think about this from the beginning, upgrading your system could be impossible down the line without a serious cost attached.

2. Roof Protection

Solar panel mounts are attached directly to your roof. At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we go above and beyond to ensure there’s no risk of leaks or damage due to our installation.

Roof penetrations are sealed properly – All penetrations are tightly sealed to prevent leaks.
Install respects your roof type – Different roof types need different mounting methods. We adjust our approach for shingles, tile, and metal to ensure the best results.
Securely attached mounting and panels – All equipment is secured properly to prevent wind and weather from damaging the system.

3. Prioritized Aesthetics

A good solar company can install panels that produce electricity and save you money without hurting your roof. A great solar company can do all that while making the system look good. At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we prioritize aesthetics so your solar panels blend into your roof.

All-black panels with low-profile racking – Ensures the system blends into the roof instead of looking bolted on as an afterthought.
Conduit and wiring thoughtfully routed – Conduit is hidden where possible (through attic or interior chases) for a clean look.
Panels aligned and evenly spaced – Straight rows, consistent spacing, and symmetrical layouts that look intentional.

What You Get with a Rushed Job

An inexperienced solar installer might give you an enticing quote, but the lower cost comes at, well, a cost.

1. Lower Output & Missed Savings

If the design isn’t prioritized and customized to your home, your savings will take a hit. That means you’re spending a lot of money (because even a cheap install will run you $15,000+) and getting very little in return.

Doesn’t cover your electricity usage as expected – Without a design based on your actual utility data, your panels won’t deliver the savings you’re expecting.
Oversized and more expensive than necessary – Sometimes, a bad design costs more. If the system is oversized, you’re paying for more panels and equipment than you need, increasing costs and reducing ROI.
Suboptimal placement with avoidable shading – Panels may be placed where it’s fastest or easiest, not where they receive the most sunlight, reducing production year after year.

2. Roof Damage & Leaks

Your roof is one of the most expensive parts of your home to repair, and a rushed solar installation puts it at risk.

Improperly sealed roof penetrations – Instead of using proper flashing and sealing methods, shortcuts are taken that can cause roof leaks and water damage.
One-size-fits-all mounting – Roof type is ignored, increasing the risk of cracked tiles and shingles or damaged metal.
Insecure mounting and attachments – Panels and racking may not be anchored correctly, making them more vulnerable to wind and weather.

3. Sloppy Appearance

A poor installation doesn’t just hurt your system’s performance. It can also hurt your home’s aesthetics and curb appeal.

Crooked or uneven panel rows – Panels may be misaligned or unevenly spaced, giving the system a sloppy, unprofessional look.
Exposed conduits and wiring – Instead of being routed through the attic or interior walls, conduits and wiring are visible on the roof and exterior walls.
Unattractive panels and mounting – Cheaper equipment can look unappealing on your roof, hurting curb appeal and even resale value.

Looking for a Solar Installer in Arizona You Can Trust?

SouthFace Solar & Electric has been installing premium solar panel systems in Arizona since 2008. We design your system custom to your home, take aesthetics seriously, and use proven, industry-best techniques to prevent roof damage and leaks.