Solar panels are often sold as a flawless solution: lower bills, clean energy, and independence from the utility company. But homeowners often find the reality comes with frustrations, systems that don’t deliver as expected, high upfront costs, red tape with utilities, roof limitations, and surprise maintenance.
At Integra Electrical, we see these issues come up regularly when helping homeowners make decisions about their electrical systems. We’re not here to knock solar, because it is the right choice for some homeowners, but we do want you to have the full picture so you can make the best decision for your home.
These are the 5 biggest problems we see with solar panels:
- Inconsistent Energy Production
- High Upfront Costs
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Roof Concerns
- Electrical System Readiness
- Utility Company Red Tape
Inconsistent Energy Production
One of the biggest frustrations with solar panels is that they don’t always deliver the amount of power homeowners expect. Although solar is steadier in sunnier states, here in Iowa, cloudy winters and shorter days can cause big swings in energy production. Even a few shaded panels can drop your output. Solar doesn’t do drama, but it does take things personally.
The fix isn’t about chasing perfection, it’s about setting realistic expectations and planning for backup. Battery storage can smooth out the highs and lows, and regular panel cleaning or trimming nearby trees helps maximize performance. Panel placement also matters. A professional installer who understands your home’s roof angle and local climate can make a huge difference in how consistent your system performs.
With the right planning, solar panels can still provide reliable energy over the course of a year, but it’s important to know up front that production will never be perfectly steady.
High Upfront Costs
The sticker shock of solar panels is real. Even with prices dropping over the past decade, a full system can still cost tens of thousands of dollars. For many homeowners, that upfront expense feels like too much to swallow, even if long-term savings are part of the sales pitch.
It’s true that tax credits, state incentives, and financing options can help, but even then, going solar isn’t cheap. In 2025, the average residential solar installation in the U.S. costs about $21,800 before incentives. After subtracting federal tax credits and local rebates, homeowners may still pay $15,000 or more. And that’s before you factor in ongoing upkeep, repairs, or system replacements down the line.
Still, it’s important to understand that solar is a long-term play. The payback period often stretches over many years, and for some homeowners, the math simply doesn’t add up. Running the numbers carefully before signing a contract ensures you won’t regret the decision down the road.
Maintenance and Repairs
Solar panels are often marketed as “set it and forget it,” but that’s not the full story. While panels don’t need constant attention, issues like cracked glass, loose wiring, or inverter failures can and do happen. Even small problems can affect performance and, left unchecked, lead to costly repairs.
Solar systems aren’t maintenance-free. Inverters, wiring, and panels can all fail over time, and repairs aren’t always cheap. Replacing an inverter alone can cost a few thousand dollars, and if panels are damaged by storms or shifting roof materials, removal and reinstallation can drive costs even higher. Regular cleaning is also needed to keep the system performing well, which can add a few hundred dollars a year depending on the size and accessibility of the roof. The best way to avoid unexpected expenses is regular upkeep and inspections by qualified professionals, but that ongoing maintenance adds to the overall cost, too.
Roof Concerns
Not every roof is ready for solar. If your roof is older, has structural issues, or sits under heavy shade, installing panels can create more problems than it solves. We’ve seen homeowners put in a solar system only to find out later that their roof needed to be replaced, forcing them to pay for removal and reinstallation on top of the roofing work. And beyond the practical concerns, some homeowners simply don’t love how solar panels look on their roof, which can be a factor to think about upfront.
The safest step is to have your roof inspected before moving forward with solar. If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing it first saves money and headaches in the long run. Panel placement also needs to be considered, angles, orientation, and shade all affect performance.
A strong, sun-ready roof is the foundation of a good solar system. Skipping this step can turn what should be an investment into an ongoing expense.
Electrical System Readiness
Even if your roof is perfect and the panels are sized correctly, your solar project can’t move forward if your home’s electrical system isn’t up to date. Many older homes in Iowa simply don’t have panels with enough capacity to handle the additional load solar adds. If your breaker panel is full, outdated, or in poor condition, upgrades will likely be required before installation.
It’s also common for homes to have wiring or grounding issues that need to be corrected first. These aren’t optional add-ons, they’re essential for safety and for meeting utility and inspection requirements. Skipping this step can cause delays, failed inspections, or even unsafe operating conditions once the system is active.
Having an electrician evaluate your home’s electrical system early in the process ensures your solar installation goes smoothly and that your system can handle the increased demand safely.
Utility Company Red Tape
Even after your panels are installed, you’re not always ready to flip the switch. Connecting a solar system to the grid often requires permits, inspections, and utility approval. In Iowa, we’ve seen this process stretch out for weeks, or even months, depending on the utility company. For homeowners, that delay can be frustrating, especially after making such a big investment.
While you can’t always control how fast a utility moves, having someone who knows the process can prevent costly mistakes and keep your project from stalling. Navigating the red tape is often the least talked-about part of going solar, but it can make all the difference in how smooth, or stressful, your experience is.
Your Next Steps
Before making any major upgrades, it helps to know exactly where your home stands. Our free Home Electrical Safety Assessment gives you a clear picture of your home’s wiring, panel, and capacity, so you can make informed decisions about solar or any other electrical project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do solar panels last?
Most panels are designed to last 25–30 years. However, inverters and other system parts may need repair or replacement sooner.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes, but production drops when sunlight is limited. Cloudy Iowa winters can reduce output significantly, which is why many homeowners pair solar with battery storage or stay connected to the grid.
Does solar really save me money?
It depends on your home, energy use, and financing. While incentives can help lower upfront costs, many homeowners still face a significant investment, along with ongoing maintenance and repair expenses. Savings often take years to offset the initial cost, and in some cases, the numbers don’t work out as expected.
