How do I find a good electrician for photovoltaics?

Professional planning, installation, and maintenance are crucial for the cost-effectiveness of a solar system. A qualified photovoltaic electrician can assist you with this. We explain what's important when working together and how to find a professional. 

First things first

How do I find an electrician?

Recommendations are best. Be sure to compare multiple offers. Use our form further down in the article. 

How much does an electrician cost? 

The cost of an electrician can be up to 20% of the total cost of a photovoltaic system - about €200 to €350 per installed kWp.

Do I need an electrician?

You can install a PV system yourself. However, you will need an electrician to connect it to the grid. 

Regional or National

It's better to choose a local specialist. Be sure to request a free on-site appointment before installation.

How do I find a good electrician for photovoltaics?

As a first point of contact, you can look around in your neighborhood. Ask about their experiences with the photovoltaic specialist. Ask the following questions: Questions: 

• How did the collaboration and communication work? Was someone always available to answer questions?
• Was there comprehensive advice and a free on-site appointment?
• How did the work on the roof and the connection of the system go? How long did it take?
• What components were used? Does the performance match what was promised in the design?
• Is the quality good or have any warranties already been used?
• Did any problems arise and if so, how were they resolved?

The most important thing, however, is: Don't just hire the first electrician you see. Contact several companies and compare quotes. 

You are welcome to use our form. Fill it out and receive up to five quotes from qualified and certified photovoltaic electricians in your area – free of charge and without obligation. It only takes two minutes. By comparing save up to 30% when you buy.

Do I absolutely need an electrician for photovoltaics?

By law, you are not required to hire an electrician to install photovoltaics. You can handle all tasks yourself, except for the grid connection and commissioning. Nevertheless, it is recommended to involve a qualified photovoltaic electrician in the project as early as possible. This will ensure that the PV system generates the highest possible yield. 

What tasks does the photovoltaic electrician perform?

A photovoltaic electrician usually takes care of the planning, installation and maintenance of the PV system. 

planning

The planning process begins with a free on-site assessment. The specialist then identifies and selects the individual components and creates circuit diagrams. They also prepare a yield and cost-effectiveness forecast. These documents are used to prepare a quote. Once you commission the electrician, the components will be ordered and the installation planned. 

Registration with the network operator

Please note that you must register your PV system with the grid operator eight weeks before installation begins. The grid operator will conduct a grid compatibility check within this period. You may only proceed with the installation after approval. Your electrician can also register the system for you. 

installation

During the installation process, various electrical tasks are performed. This includes laying cables, connecting the PV modules and inverter, and possibly installing a power storage unit. Furthermore, the connection to the house's electrical system is established and the connection to the public power grid is prepared.

Mains connection

A licensed and certified electrician is required for the connection to the power grid and for all other AC connections. This is required by law and stipulated in Section 81 Paragraph 1 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG 2021). Registered electricians are registered with the local grid operator.

Commissioning

Connecting the grid is already part of the commissioning of a PV system. Once the connection is complete, the PV system is started up and produces solar power for the first time. A checklist is then completed, and a commissioning report is prepared by the electrician. Without these documents, you are not entitled to the feed-in tariff. Commissioning is required by law by a certified electrician.

Can any electrician register a PV system?

You can authorize any third party to register your PV system. It doesn't matter whether the registration is done through an electrician, another consultant, or another family member. You simply need to sign an authorization. 

maintenance

Maintaining a PV system prevents performance losses or system failures. It's a good idea to have the electrician who installs it also perform maintenance. Depending on the location, annual or biennial maintenance is recommended.

This Tasks The electrician carries out the following tasks when maintaining PV systems:

• Control of error messages from remote monitoring of PV systems
• Correcting the cause of the error
• Visual inspections and measurements on PV systems
• Testing the functionality of inverters, modules and remote monitoring
• AC-side connection of PV systems (meter cabinet, commissioning of the systems, reporting of the systems to the grid operator, grid testing)
• Replacement of defective devices

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How much does an electrician cost for a photovoltaic system?

An electrician costs up to 20% of the total cost of a photovoltaic system. This corresponds to approximately €200 to €350 per installed kWp. The size of the PV system directly impacts the installation costs per square meter. Larger PV systems have lower installation costs.

What characterizes a good electrician for PV systems?

A good electrician has good references. In addition, the following characteristics define a good electrician for PV systems: 

• Regional operation
• Free on-site appointment
• Clear and open communication
• Accessibility in emergencies
• Use of high-quality components and modules from well-known manufacturers
• The warranty for solar modules should be at least 15 to 25 years
• The inverter warranty should be at least 10 years

Can I connect photovoltaics myself?

You can also install a PV system yourself. However, an electrician is required to connect the AC side and the grid connection. The law requires that a PV system be commissioned by a certified electrician. The problem with self-installation is that specialist companies often refuse commissioning due to liability reasons. Furthermore, self-installation carries certain risks.

• Loss of performance, yield and profitability
• Expiry of guarantee and warranties
• Danger potential

Therefore, it is better to play it safe and work with a professional. 

Finding an electrician for photovoltaics: Checklist and tips summarized

We have once again all tips for the successful search for a photovoltaic electrician summarized for you:

• Choose a regional company 
• References should be available
• A free on-site appointment is mandatory
• Communication should be good and questions answered quickly
• The company should use high-quality components and modules from reputable manufacturers 
• The warranty for solar modules should be at least between 15 and 40 years 
• The inverter warranty should be between 5 and 10 years