DIY Home Solar System Or Let The Professionals Do It?




Solar panels constructed specifically for homes are ideal to convert sunlight and heat from the sun into pollution-free, renewable form of solar energy. Those weighing the option of installing a solar power system at their homes can either avail the services of a professional installation company or take it up as a do-it-yourself (DIY) job.

While both the options are feasible, a careful analysis is required in order to decide the more suitable choice between the two. Here are the three most important aspects that one should consider:

1. Overall Project Cost

When both the options are compared on watt to watt basis, constructing solar panels as a DIY solar project is practically cheaper than engaging a professional solar installation service. While a few solar power kits consist of only the instructions explaining how to construct and install home solar panels, costlier kits include panels, inverter and detailed instructions.

If the option is to take up solar panel installation on DIY basis, panels constructed by a renowned company with proper warranties are far more useful than the ones assembled at home garage from the solar panel kits.

2. System Installation

For those who are familiar with electricity and the functioning of various electrical circuits, assembling a small single panel solar kit will give an idea of what bigger solar power system would be to construct as a DIY project.

All said and done, constructing solar panels as DIY project involves a lot of time, effort and sometimes frustration and unknown costs. However, those who are prepared for a tough task can as well face the demanding job and install solar panels at home. One should also remember about getting a building permit.

One of the main benefits of entrusting the job to a professional solar panel installing company is that everything is taken care of by experts in the field, right from applying for building permits, identifying the best location for installation of solar panel, to interlinking with the grid and organizing final building and electrical inspections.

The solar panel installation company will have the know-how to handle any problems that crop up and get the solar panels constructed and ensure successful operation of the system at the residence as planned.

3. Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panel

Next comes the PV panel quality and efficiency. As there is an extensive range of solar panel kits that differ widely, it is important to carry out comprehensive research in order to assess the quality of kits. Performance and robustness are the two major elements of a solar panel system’s potential to minimize electricity costs.



Performance depends on the location of the solar panels and the direction of the roof of the house towards the sun. In case it is a DIY project, the best possible location for setting up the solar panels should be determined by the user himself. While solar panels are usually dependable and need minimum maintenance, warranties are still necessary. If someone constructs home solar panels on his own, it is his responsibility to locate and rectify if anything goes wrong with the system installed.

There are a number of instances where sound warranties for long periods, say 20 years or more will get nullified because of shoddy installation of solar panels. This aspect also needs to be considered before purchasing solar panels.

Reputed solar panel installation companies normally utilize superior quality, branded solar panels as they are accountable to the clients for the solar panels installed by them and therefore, the companies are called upon to either rectify or replace the set in case of faulty solar panels.

This aspect should be clarified from the companies that make these panels and inverters before entering into purchase agreement or sign any other documents.

Lastly, enterprising individuals who are prepared to do a thorough research on solar panels and have developed requisite expertise to install their own home solar panels can achieve remarkable savings if installation is taken up on DIY basis. On the other hand, those not prepared to take any risks, it is better to have the system installed by a professional solar panel installation company.

The Beginners’ Guide to DIY Home Solar Installation

Home Solar Kit

Home Solar Power Kit

You may think that DIY home solar installation is too hard for you.

Perhaps you think it’s too technical or too big of a job for a do-it-yourselfer. The truth is that a DIY solar kit installation is possible for almost anyone.

Besides, the long-term financial benefits and energy independence a photovoltaic system provides is more than worth the effort.

Why Switch to Solar Energy?

Homeowners have much to consider when evaluating the potential benefits of installing a solar system.

The biggest reason to adopt PV energy is the exceptional level of cost savings.

Once your system is up and running, you will save on energy costs throughout the life of the system. And you can expect your PV panels to function at or near full capacity for 30 years or more!

But the benefits don’t just stop at the savings. Adding a solar panel array also:

  • Increases property values
  • Creates energy independence
  • Protects the environment
  • Sets a good example for your friends and neighbors

So, are you ready to get started?

Where to Begin with DIY Solar

A DIY solar installation requires a bit of planning. Find out:

  • Is there enough room on your roof or elsewhere on your property for an array?
  • Where is the most convenient place for you to place the array?
  • Does your roof or property have sun for most of the daylight hours?
  • Are there any obstructions such as trees or buildings that would block the sun?
  • Is your roof structurally sound? Can it handle the added weight of panels?

Once you’ve answered these questions and decided that solar energy will work for you, you’re ready to keep going. And don’t give up if you can’t unequivocally answer yes to every question. You can find any number of ways to work around shade or even a small roof.

Look at Your Electric Bills

Now, gather up your electric bills from the last 12 months to determine how much electricity you use during your highest months of usage.

Look for the kWh (kilowatt-hours) consumption numbers, and total them up for the year. Keep this number in mind so that you can refer back to it during the rest of your planning.

The size of the system you need will be determined by your highest monthly level of power use.

Select Your DIY Solar Kit Components

To build your own system you will need, at minimum:

  • Solar panels
  • A mounting system
  • An inverter

It’s important to note that an off-grid system requires a battery backup. This adds a level of complexity to the DIY process that most experts don’t recommend you attempt, unless you have direct experience.

The DIY Solar Installation Process

Professional installation is a large portion of the cost of a solar panel system, so doing the work yourself saves you big bucks.

It is extremely important, however, that you bring in a licensed electrician for the electrical connections. This costs more than doing the wiring yourself, but it isn’t an option in most states, unless you’re an electrician.

When it’s time to mount the panels, you must first prepare the mounting and racking system. These systems, especially SnapNrack products, are plug-and-play systems and are very easy to assemple.

The panels themselves are quite easy to mount, once the racking is attached to the roof. You simply need to lay the panels in play, connect together as you go, and ratchet them into place.

Now, have the electrician wire in the panel and voila! You should be ready to go!

Be sure that you purchase your DIY solar kit from a reputable and established source. This is the only way to ensure that your components come with a full warranty.

Plus, a solar kit provider can be an invaluable resource for helping you design your system and for answering any questions you have throughout the DIY home solar installation process.

Jen Stott is a writer and blogger, and works as the Content Director at Be Locally SEO in Salt Lake City, Utah.

If you think solar is right for your home, now is the time to design your own solar panel system.

Is Your Home Fit For A Residential Solar System?




Solar technology, the eco-friendly manner of generating power, is one of the best possible methods to save money on electricity and power generation; however, it is probably not suitable for everybody. Solar power equipment and the installation process are not only expensive, certain areas and even house positions are not ideal for generating solar energy.

Moreover, certain places and states do not have the required amount of incentive that might enthuse people to generate solar power for their homes. Hence, if you are planning to install solar technology for your home, ask yourself the following 5 questions and if you get suitable answers as well as can clarify your doubts, install solar technology for your home.

Are You Going To Be At your Residence For A Long Time?

This question should be of paramount importance to you when you decide to install solar technology for generation of power, since this system is quite expensive and can cost you something in between $10,000 to $40,000 depending on the dimension and wattage. It is somewhat like purchasing a property and you should consider the alternatives, too.

Your house will end up reducing electricity bills to the tune of $100 to $200/month, depending on the incentives and programs that you qualify for; hence it is between 1 to 3 decades before the system starts paying for itself. Therefore, if you are undecided about the time frame that you are going to live in your house, leasing your solar equipment is probably the best option.

Does Your State/City Make It Worthwhile?

To find answer to this question you need to do some investigation and gather fruitful data. Several states, California and Vermont being the standouts, offer lucrative incentives on the purchase, installation and use of solar panel systems, which not only make this system economically viable for you but you can actually earn money from the generation of extra power and from the sale of SRECs.

However, not all states have such lucrative programs or even an accreditation program for SREC generation, which in turn makes the installation and usage of this system much more expensive. Therefore, before you decide to generate solar power for your home, do a thorough research and ensure that you find out about the city, state and federal programs that you are eligible for.

Is Your House In An Ideal Location?

Sun rays are essential for generation of solar power; hence, if you have a house with a little roof i.e. a narrow house or even if your house is shaded by trees, hillsides or structures, it is going to seriously hamper the energy generation. Though a huge top or roof in direct sunlight is not the ultimate in generation of solar power; however, the better the location of your house, the more money you will save over the lifetime of the solar panels.

Do You Have Significant Energy Needs?



A typical solar panel system produces 1000 to 2000 KWh each month; hence, you need to determine as to how much power you need for your house, though this can prove to be challenging and most people do not power their houses entirely from solar power. The easiest way to find out your current consumption is to look at your electricity bill or you may even go through your house and add up the electric appliances that you actually use.

For example, a pc consumes around 300-500 watts, whereas the power consumption for a refrigerator is between 500-1000 watts. Now to calculate KWh, multiply your total power level usage with the time period it is being used. Let’s say, you only use a pc and refrigerator (totaling around 1200 watts per hour) round the clock; hence your power consumption is going to be 28,800 watts hour (1200 x 24) or 28.8 KWh.

There are some gadgets available that can evaluate your power consumption or you can also look at your meter to measure it from month to month or daily, too.

Is Going Green Crucial To You?

Finally, you must consider how environment conscious you are and how important a factor “go green” is in your life. This is simply because for some people, the cost, the irritation of trying to secure government programs and the prospect of nil savings on electricity consumption depending on the circumstances do not matter when they think about the positive impact that they are going to have on the environment.

Going green gives you intangible value; hence, you must consider whether it is of utmost importance to you or not. However, there is cost involved with either decision; therefore, weigh all the implications and consequences before finalizing your decision.