7 Common challenges when investing in solar panels and how to overcome them

Starting to produce your own energy with solar panels is one of the most impactful steps you can take toward a greener and more energy-independent home. Before investing in a photovoltaic system, it’s worth understanding the practical and financial factors that can influence your decision.

Here, we explore seven common challenges homeowners encounter when acquiring solar panels, and how to address them effectively.

1. Understanding the investment and financial payback

Purchasing a complete solar system is a major decision. The cost typically ranges from DKK 60,000 to 150,000, depending on roof size, setup, and energy goals.

For many households, the upfront cost can feel like a barrier – especially when weighed against other home improvement projects. But the real challenge isn’t just the price itself; it’s understanding whether the investment makes financial sense for your household.

By calculating the system’s total cost, expected savings, and payback period, you can better evaluate whether solar panels are a strong long-term choice for your home and budget.

💡 Read more about what solar panels cost, and how Photoncycle helps make the path to energy independence easier:
The Price of Switching to 100% Energy Independence

2. Seasonal variation and production mismatch

Across Northern Europe, sunshine hours fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. Summer months bring high solar production and low household heating needs. Winter months, however, bring limited sunlight, precisely when energy demand is highest.

This seasonal imbalance means that traditional solar systems produce most of their energy when you need it least, and least when you need it most. Without a storage solution, you remain dependent on the grid for a large part of the year.

☀️ With Photoncycle, you can store summer’s excess energy and use it during the darker months.
Our system stores energy safely underground, enabling year-round renewable energy and reducing reliance on the grid. Read more about how Photoncycle's vision for year-round renewable energy.

3. Aesthetics and design

For many homeowners, aesthetics play a big role in the decision to add solar panels. Conventional panels can sometimes appear bulky or stand out against traditional roof materials such as clay tiles or slate.

To meet different architectural preferences, Photoncycle collaborates with Megasol to offer several design-conscious options:

• Your existing solar system. If you already have one, it can be connected to Photoncycle – with a DKK 500 monthly subscription discount.
• Megasol solar panels. High-performance panels that make the most of your roof space. See the panels here.
• Integrated solar roof tiles. A more discreet and refined solution that fits naturally with the look of your roof. Learn more about Match Slates from Megasol.

4. Technical considerations

Not every roof is ideal for solar panels. The orientation, slope, and shading can all affect energy production.

• South-facing roofs capture the most sunlight throughout the day.
• East- or west-facing roofs generate more energy in the morning or afternoon.
• The optimal angle for solar panels in Northern Europe is typically between 30° and 45°.

Flat roofs require mounting structures to achieve the correct angle, while very steep roofs can reduce output during Summer months.

🛠️ Photoncycle ensures every system is designed and installed for maximum efficiency, regardless of roof type.

5. Limited and costly battery storage

The desire to become energy-independent is a key motivation for many homeowners. To achieve that, it’s essential to store surplus energy for later use, particularly in the evenings or winter months when production is low and consumption is high.

Conventional home batteries help balance day-to-night usage, but not from season to season. Most can only store 10–15 kWh, enough for one to two days of electricity, and they are costly investments, often priced between DKK 30,000 and 70,000 depending on capacity and quality.

🔋 Photoncycle offers a fundamentally different form of energy storage.
Our system can store up to 10,000 kWh, making it possible for a typical household to operate on self-produced energy year-round.
The energy is stored safely underground from summer to winter, ensuring full use of your solar potential.

📘 Learn more about how seasonal storage works:
How Photoncycle Works

6. Regulations and support schemes

For first-time solar buyers, navigating the rules around subsidies, tax benefits, and building permits can be confusing. Requirements often vary between municipalities and can include restrictions for heritage properties or areas with specific local plans. On the other hand, subsidies can provide significant benefits when improving the energy-efficiency and self-sufficiency of your home.

📋 Photoncycle and our installation partners provide guidance on applicable regulations and support schemes, and can support you through any necessary application processes.

7. Finding the right installer

Selecting the right installer can significantly impact both the performance of your system and your overall experience. There are large variations in pricing, craftsmanship, and customer service, making it difficult to know who to trust.

Consider these factors:

• Authorization and certification. The installer must be licensed for electrical work.
• Warranty and service. Reliable after-sales support ensures long-term performance.
• Delivery time. Some installers have long waiting periods – check early.
• Advisory approach. The best installers guide you objectively, not just sell you a system.

✅ With Photoncycle, installation, operation, and maintenance are all included in your subscription.
We handle everything – from planning and installation to monitoring and ongoing service.

Conclusion: The path to energy independence is easier with the right partner

Solar power offers enormous potential for homeowners, but it also comes with practical and financial challenges. At Photoncycle, we’ve developed a solution that eliminates those barriers and makes it simple to take the next step toward full energy independence.

You get everything in one package – production, storage, operation, and service – all included in a single monthly subscription.

👉 Ready to see how much you could save?
Calculate your savings with Photoncycle