Hidden Costs of Solar Most Installers Don’t Tell You (But We Do!)

Switching to solar is one of the best long-term decisions a homeowner or business can make. Lower electricity bills, protection against rising TNB tariffs, and greener living, what’s not to love?

But here’s the truth most installers won’t tell you:
Not all solar deals are transparent.
Many proposals look cheap upfront, but come with hidden costs that surprise customers later.

At Solar Sunyield, we believe in full transparency. So here are the hidden costs you should know, and how to avoid them.
 

1. Hidden Cost: Upgrading Your Electrical System

Some homes and shoplots need:

• DB board upgrades

• Bigger MCBs

• Wiring & cable replacements

Most installers don’t tell you this until the final stage — or they charge “variation orders” later.
We include this assessment upfront, so you know exactly what’s needed.
 

2. Hidden Cost: Roof Repair or Reinforcement

(Especially for Old Metal Decks & Tiles)
Solar installation requires drilling and mounting. If your roof is:

• Rusty

• Fragile

• Leaking

• Old clay tiles

You may need repairs before solar is installed.
Some installers ignore this, causing leaks after installation.

We conduct a proper roof inspection and highlight any roofing work needed before signing.
 

3. Hidden Cost: Inverter Replacement (Lifetime Cost)

Inverters do not last as long as solar panels.
Panels: 25–30 years
Inverter: 8–12 years

Some installers never tell customers they’ll need to replace it later.
We include long-term cost planning so you can budget for future maintenance.
 

4. Hidden Cost: Monitoring Subscription Fees

Some cheap systems lock you into:

• Monthly app fees

• Cloud monitoring subscriptions

• “Premium reporting” charges

At Solar Sunyield, all monitoring is included, no surprise recurring cost.
 

5. Hidden Cost: NEM Application & Engineering Fees

Certain companies charge:

• Hidden SEDA/NEM processing fees

• Engineering drawings

• TNB load checks

• Submission approvals

These can add RM 1,000–RM 3,000 without you knowing.

Our price already includes all documentation and submission work.
 

6. Hidden Cost: After-Sales Support & Warranty Claims

A low price usually means:

• No dedicated service team

• Slow response for warranty claims

• Third-party contractors

• Zero maintenance support

We provide:

• 5-year workmanship warranty

• Dedicated support team

• Direct factory warranty claim assistance

No extra charge for after-sales support.
 

7. Hidden Cost: Installer Uses Low-Grade Materials

Many installers cut costs by using:

• Low-quality mounting rails

• Small cable sizes

• Cheap MC4 connectors (fire hazard!)

• Uncertified isolators/breakers

This may not show in the quotation but causes:

• Fire risk

• System failure

• Lower energy generation

We list all materials clearly, no “generic brand” tricks.
 

8. Hidden Cost: Insurance or Damage Liability

If installers damage:

• Your roof

• Ceiling

• Wiring

• Water tank

Who pays?
Many don’t offer liability coverage.

We include site insurance & workmanship coverage, so you’re protected.
 

Conclusion: A “Cheap” Solar System Can Become Expensive Later

A transparent installer tells you:

• What’s included

• What’s excluded

• What may cost later

• What long-term maintenance looks like

That’s why our customers trust us.
 

Thinking of Installing Solar? Choose Transparency.

At Solar Sunyield, we provide:
Full-cost breakdown
Roof inspection
No hidden fees
Premium Tier 1 panels & inverters
End-to-end NEM handling
Dedicated after-sales support

PM us for a free, honest assessment, no hidden surprises.