8 Common Pitfalls of Installing PV Systems in Factories That 90% of Enterprises Fall Into

For factories, installing a photovoltaic (PV) system is not only a great way to reduce costs and improve efficiency, but also a professional engineering decision. Many enterprises only focus on "how much electricity can be saved and how long it will take to recover the investment", while ignoring details such as roof conditions, contract terms, and construction safety. In the end, they either get reduced returns at best, or face water leakage, electric leakage, and constant disputes at worst.

This article summarizes 8 common pitfalls of factory PV systems, helping you avoid mistakes once and for all and save hundreds of thousands of yuan in unnecessary costs.

Pitfall 2: Only Focusing on Unit Price, Ignoring Quality and Configuration

Market quotes are chaotic, and many factories only compare "how much per watt" while ignoring:

• Whether the modules are from first-tier brands, no-name brands, or downgraded panels

• The brand, efficiency, and warranty period of the inverter

• Whether cables, brackets, lightning protection devices, and distribution boxes meet standards

Consequences: The initial cost is low, but later the system has fast attenuation, frequent failures, and no one is responsible for operation and maintenance, directly halving the 25-year return.

Advice to Avoid Pitfalls: Focus on brand, warranty, attenuation rate, and scheme design, and do not choose the cheapest option blindly.

Pitfall 3: Signing Contracts Without Understanding, Being Bound by "Trap Clauses"

Factory PV systems often involve self-consumption, surplus power grid connection, and EMC (Energy Management Contract) models. Many enterprises sign contracts hastily, ignoring:

• Hidden fees, operation and maintenance fees, transfer fees, and liquidated damages

• Unclear ownership of property rights, which restricts future transfer or expansion

• Opaque revenue settlement and no agreement on electricity price fluctuations

Consequences: It seems like "installing PV for free", but in fact, you are bound for a long time and your returns are deducted.

Advice to Avoid Pitfalls: Clearly specify property rights, revenue distribution, electricity prices, operation and maintenance responsibilities, and termination conditions in the contract. Have it reviewed by legal counsel if necessary.

Pitfall 4: Ignoring Grid Connection and Filing, Rendering the System Unusable After Installation

PV systems cannot be used immediately after installation; they must go through formal procedures:

• Failing to apply for grid connection from the power supply company in advance

• Incomplete materials, excessive capacity, or non-compliant drawings

• Unauthorized modification that does not meet electrical safety requirements

Consequences: The system is installed but cannot be connected to the grid, cannot receive subsidies, and cannot offset electricity fees—equivalent to being installed for nothing.

Advice to Avoid Pitfalls: Complete filing, apply for grid connection, and obtain approval before formal construction.

Pitfall 5: Inadequate Waterproofing, Lightning Protection, and Fire Prevention

Factories have dense personnel and equipment on the roof, so safety is the bottom line. Common problems include:

Advice to Avoid Pitfalls: Require the construction party to provide waterproof, lightning protection, and fire protection schemes, and conduct item-by-item acceptance after completion.

Pitfall 6: Unreasonable Design, Resulting in Low Power Generation

Half of the good power generation depends on design. Common design flaws include:

• Unreasonable tilt angle and spacing, leading to serious shading

• Improper series connection of multiple modules, reducing overall power generation due to the "bucket effect"

• Ignoring space for future cleaning and maintenance

Consequences: With the same roof area, others generate 100 kWh while you only generate 70 kWh, extending the investment recovery period.

Advice to Avoid Pitfalls: Require the construction party to provide a layout drawing, shadow analysis, and power generation estimation report.

A PV system can last for 25 years, relying on continuous operation and maintenance. Common neglects include:

• Not cleaning dust, bird droppings, or weeds that block the modules

• Not repairing faulty modules or inverters in a timely manner

• No data monitoring, so failures go undetected for a long time

Pitfall 8: Choosing the Wrong Service Provider, Leading to "Abandoned Projects" Later

Small workshops and皮包 companies (fly-by-night companies) take orders at low prices, with the following problems:

• No qualifications, no cases, and no after-sales team

• Layer-by-layer subcontracting, resulting in unguaranteed construction quality

• Closing down after a few years, making the warranty worthless

Consequences: No one can be contacted when problems occur, and all maintenance, replacement, and compensation costs are borne by the enterprise.

Advice to Avoid Pitfalls: Check the service provider’s qualifications, performance, factory cases, reputation, and years of establishment. Prioritize formal companies specializing in industrial and commercial PV systems.

Conclusion