I’ve spent countless hours reviewing solar companies, learning about solar panel installation, and pricing out professional solar systems. With that, I’ll cut right to the chase: DIY solar panels are not a good option for most homeowners. The money you save on labor costs makes your system less expensive, but you might wind up paying more in the long run to maintain your system or fix any problems that arise from a faulty installation.
Many homeowners shy away from switching to solar energy because of the high up-front costs of a professionally-installed solar system. Despite the obstacles, some homeowners decide to save money and install their solar panels. In this tutorial, I’ll use that expertise to give my opinion on whether DIY solar panels are worth the money. Installing a solar energy system yourself is tricky. Let’s discuss why.
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Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
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Provides in-house financing
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What Are the Pros and Cons of DIY Solar Panels?
Here’s a quick look at the basic pros and cons of DIY solar panels:
How Much Money Can You Save With DIY Solar Systems?
You can save up to $17,450 with a DIY installation of your solar system. Avoiding labor costs is the obvious way you save money with a DIY solar system, but your total savings might not be as much as expected. Solar installation companies pay wholesale prices for solar panels, inverters, racks, and batteries because they buy in bulk. As a DIYer, you won’t get these lower prices, which lowers your savings compared to purchasing identical equipment through a solar company.
The table below shows how much money you can save by installing a solar power system yourself compared with buying one from a reputable solar company.
| Cost | Professional Installation | DIY Installation | Estimated Savings |
| Equipment | $13,500 | $9,000 | $4,500 |
| Labor | $13,500 | $0 | $13,500 |
| Permits | $150* | $150* | $0 |
| Grid interconnection | $0 | $400 | -$400 |
| Total | $27,150 | $9,550 | $17,600 |
*Permit prices for solar installation range from $25 up to around $350, depending on where you live. This table is an estimate.
The above table assumes you’re purchasing a 9 kilowatt (kW) solar system, the national average system size. The size of the system you need depends on how much annual sunshine your home gets and your average monthly energy bill. Most U.S. home solar installations fall between 6 kW and 12 kW.
What Should You Know Before Installing Solar Panels Yourself?
On the surface, installing solar panels yourself is a no-brainer, at least if you have the requisite skills. But you look closer, it’s not so cut and dry.
You receive more than labor when you hire a professional solar contractor. Solar companies have access to the best solar panels for residential use, better prices due to wholesale discounts, and more experience designing and installing solar panel systems than even the most avid DIY solar enthusiast. All these things are hard to put a price tag on, and they make a compelling case that the money you save installing solar panels yourself might not be worth it.
The most important things you need to think about before you decide to go the DIY route are:
- It might be illegal in your area
- You won’t save as much money as you think
- You won’t have access to the best technology
- It’s probably harder than you think
- You’re paying for more than just the installation
- It’s dangerous
Legality
In some locations, installing a DIY solar system is illegal unless you have certification to perform residential solar installations. Even if you’re a licensed electrician and have experience as a contractor, you might not be legally allowed to install a solar system yourself. Check with your local government before committing to a DIY solar installation. You want to avoid breaking local laws and incurring heavy fines.
Your Savings Might Be Lower Than You Expect
Solar companies have relationships with manufacturers of solar equipment that get them discounts. That means you’ll have to pay more for the same equipment, making the cost difference between a professional and DIY install smaller. The specific amount you’ll have to pay depends on the equipment you choose, but know that it will be higher than the prices solar companies pay.
Another reason you might not save as much as expected is that certain solar incentive programs only apply to solar companies. For example, states that offer a solar sales tax exemption may administer the exemption through a certification process for retailers. You likely won’t get this benefit if you purchase equipment directly from the manufacturer, and most major solar installers won’t sell you just their equipment.
Finally, without the extra warranty that the best solar installers, like SunPower, provide, you’ll be on the hook to repair and maintain your system. Manufacturers’ warranties will save you money in some cases, but they won’t protect you from roof leaks. They also have shorter terms than the additional warranties you get from solar installers.
Your Access to Equipment Will Be Limited
Like the last point, solar installers also have access to the best photovoltaic (PV) panels from the top solar manufacturers. You usually won’t be able to purchase the same technology since major tier-one manufacturers typically require large minimum purchases, although some top solar manufacturers offer panels for DIY, such as Solar4America. Settling for less energy-efficient panels or old technology will reduce your system’s overall effectiveness, which limits your monthly energy bill savings and lowers your total lifetime savings.
DIY Solar is Probably Harder Than You Think
Even if you’re an experienced electrician and have experience working on roofs, installing a rooftop solar array requires a lot of in-depth knowledge of how solar systems work. And if you aren’t an electrician or don’t have experience in roofing, DIY solar is all but impossible.
Designing and installing a solar system to optimize efficiency and energy savings requires experience and know-how that most solar enthusiasts don’t have. If you’re not sure whether you have the necessary skills to pull off a DIY solar installation or a related project like a DIY solar generator, you probably don’t.
Extra Benefits of Going With a Pro
Solar companies do more than install your solar array. The best solar installers also help you apply for solar tax credits, enroll you in net metering programs, help you learn about local renewable energy rebates, and more. They can even help you find a design to help you hide the solar panels on your roof if the look of them is a turnoff. Whether or not these services are worth the upcharge is up to you, but it’s easy to overlook these additional advantages of going with a professional installation company.
How to Install Your Own Solar System
Even if you have the necessary skills to install your solar system, you might not be sure where to start. The following sections outline the solar installation process, including the tools and equipment you’ll need to have on hand before you start.
These steps outline how to install a grid-tied system. Installing an off-grid system is more difficult and requires a few extra components and steps. Off-grid solar systems typically come with a solar battery backup or a battery bank and don’t require communication with your local utility company. Battery systems are expensive and add at least a few thousand dollars to the total cost of your DIY solar power system.
Another disclaimer is that these steps are for a roof-mounted solar system. Ground mount systems are the more difficult DIY solar project because they require a more involved racking system.
Here’s a brief look at the step-by-step instructions I cover in more detail below:
- Take Inventory
- Mark your roof
- Find your roof’s trusses
- Drill the first lag-bolt hole
- Mark and drill your roof where the rest of the lag bolts will go
- Install the flashing
- Attach the mounting brackets
- Install the rack rails
- Install the microinverters
- Install the junction box
- Connect the wiring on the roof
- Attach the system ground
- Lay the panels out
- Install the electrical boxes
- Connect your system to the grid
Tools and Equipment Required for DIY Solar
Here’s a list of tools and equipment for a DIY installation of a home solar panel system:
- Ladder
- Chalk line
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Drill
- Cutters
- Wire stripper
- Sealant
- Microinverters: these convert DC power from your panels to AC power your home can use
- Junction box: the place where the power from the microinverters runs through on its way to your breaker
- Trunk cable: generic cables for connecting your microinverters to the interior wiring that runs to your breaker
The instructions in this section assume that you’re installing a solar system that uses microinverters, which are easier to install than other types of inverters and perfect for a DIY system. Microinverters are also safer than other inverters, and they let your system continue producing energy even if one of your panels fails, which is not true for every inverter.
1. Take Inventory
Before you start, take a few minutes to check that you have all the equipment you need. You don’t want to start the installation only to discover you’re missing a key component in the middle. If you purchase your DIY solar from a one-stop shop, it should come with a parts list. If you pieced together your system yourself, make sure you have all the necessary parts as described in whatever resources you used to design your system.
2. Mark Your Roof
Use your chalk line to mark the area on your roof where your solar system will sit. Having the system outlined from the beginning will make it easier to align the holes you need to drill for the mounting rack.
3. Find Your Roof’s Trusses
Using your hammer, locate your roof’s trusses by tapping on the shingles in a line across your roof. The hammer’s sound will change when you’re over the solid area above a truss. The process is similar to finding the studs in a wall when you hang something.
4. Drill the First Hole for the Lag Bolts
Once you’ve found the truss, drill a hole, paying attention to how the drill feels going into your roof. You should feel resistance all the way through; if you don’t, it means you didn’t find the truss.
5. Mark and Drill Your Roof for the Remaining Lag Bolts
Starting from the first hole you drilled in the previous step, mark off spots in two-foot intervals for the rest of the lag bolts until you reach the edge of the system line you marked in step 2. Drill holes at the places you marked.
6. Install the Flashing
Place sealant on the flashing in a U-shape around the hole for the lag bolt. Also, put some sealant in the hole to prevent roof leaks. This step is extremely important. If you forget the sealant, you’ll get water damage over time. Tuck one end of the flashing under the row of shingles above the hole you drilled and slide it into place, aligning the hole in the flashing with the hole on your roof.
7. Attach the Mounting Brackets
With the flashing in place, attach the mounting brackets for the rack to your roof with lag bolts.
8. Install the Rack Rails
The specifics of this step depend on the type of rack mount you purchase. Your rack should come with instructions covering how to install the rails.
9. Install the Microinverters
Use the included snap-mounting screw brackets to attach the microinverters to the rails.
10. Install the Junction Box
Install the junction box and junction box housing by tracing an outline of the housing on your shingles and cutting them away so that the housing sits flush against the lower layer of the shingles. Drill a hole through your roof into your attic — if you have one — for the trunk cable.
11. Connect the Wiring
Use your wire stripper and cutter to cut the trunk cables to length and attach them to the insulated interior wiring at the junction box. You’ll also need to connect the exterior wiring to the insulated interior wiring at the other end near your breaker.
12. Attach the System Ground
Your system should come with brackets for mounting a length of copper wire to your rails. This wire acts as a ground for the entire system, protecting it from power surges. Connect the copper wire to the ground leading to the junction box. Don’t forget to attach the system ground to each of the rails.
13. Lay the Panels Out
Now for the fun step. Your system should have instructions for mounting PV panels to the rails. Every system is slightly different. While laying out the panels, connect the two wires on the back to the microinverter. If you’re unsure how to make this connection, follow the instructions that came with your specific microinverter.
14. Install the Electrical Boxes for Your System
This step varies from one system to another, so you should follow the wiring diagrams and safety protocols that come with your system. This step is also the one that will most likely get you into trouble if you don’t have electrical experience. You should only attempt this step if you are a licensed electrician. If you give it a go, follow local codes and regulations.
15. Hire an Electrician to Connect Your System to the Grid
Even if you made it this far, I strongly recommend hiring an electrician to connect your system to the grid. It typically only costs a few hundred dollars and is well worth the cost to ensure the interconnection process is done safely, correctly, and legally.
What Should You Look for When Buying a DIY Solar System?
Here are a few things you should look for when buying a DIY solar system:
- A DIY-specific package
- A solid warranty
- High-quality panels
A DIY-Specific Package
Installing a DIY solar system is hard enough without having to worry about whether or not the components you picked play well together. I recommend looking for a system that comes as an all-in-one package. That means the system should have panels, inverters (preferably microinverters), mounting rails, and all necessary wiring.
A Solid Warranty
Many solar companies add warranties to the systems they install, which helps you avoid maintenance and future repair costs. You won’t get a workmanship warranty, of course, with a system you install yourself, but make sure the manufacturer’s warranty for the system you purchase offers at least ten years’ worth of coverage.
High-Quality Panels
This might sound obvious, but not skimping on panels is important if you want to save as much money as possible. DIY solar kits appeal to people looking for a low-cost alternative to a professional solar installation, which means they often include lower-quality and lower-efficiency panels to attract more customers.
At the very least, buy monocrystalline panels rather than polycrystalline panels. Manufacturers build the more efficient monocrystalline panels for systems designed to power a home.
What You’ll Need to Maintain Your Solar Panels
If you do everything right — and that’s a big if — you shouldn’t have to do much maintenance. Solar panels need little ongoing maintenance, so unless something stops working, you shouldn’t have to give them much attention.
The one exception applies to people who live in dry, dusty areas like the desert southwest. In climates with little rainfall, solar panels can accumulate a fine layer of dirt and debris that inhibits their ability to operate at peak capacity. A quick rinse with water is usually enough to get things back in order.
Bottom Line: Are DIY Solar Systems Worth It?
My honest answer is no, DIY solar systems probably aren’t worth it. If you have all the necessary skills and live somewhere that allows you to install your rooftop solar installation, then sure, go for it.
For most people reading this, I recommend hiring a professional solar company to perform your installation. The money you save up front may cost you money later if you damage your roof during the installation or perform some steps incorrectly.
Suppose you’re interested in a grid-tied system. In that case, I encourage you to hire an electrician to perform the interconnection for you unless you have experience tying solar systems to the grid yourself. It’s an important step to get right and is the only step that requires working alongside potentially live wires.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | Best For | Service Area | Link |
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Highest Quality Panels |
All 50 states |
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Best Damage Protection |
20 states |
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Best Solar Financing |
22 states |
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Best Customer Service |
9 states |
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Best Customization Options |
9 states |
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Fastest-Growing Solar Provider |
7 states |
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Service Area | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Highest Quality Panels |
All 50 states |
A+ |
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Best Damage Protection |
20 states |
A+ |
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Best Solar Financing |
22 states |
A+ |
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Best Customer Service |
9 states |
A+ |
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Best Customization Options |
9 states |
A+ |
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Fastest-Growing Solar Provider |
7 states |
F |
FAQs About Installing DIY Solar Panels
Can You Make Your Own Panels?
No, you cannot make your own solar panels. Unless you have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, making your solar panels is out of the question. The photovoltaic cells that solar panels use to convert sunlight into electricity are complex systems requiring high-precision engineering.
Can You Buy Solar Panel Kits?
Yes, you can buy solar panel kits. Some companies — Solar Wholesale and Renogy are two examples — offer DIY solar panel kits with everything you need to install your own rooftop solar system. These kits include panels, inverters, rack mounts, wiring, and everything else you need to install your solar panel system yourself.
Is It Cheaper to Install DIY Solar Panels?
Installing DIY solar panels is cheaper than having them installed by a professional installer. DIY panel installation is roughly half as expensive as hiring a professional solar installation company to do it for you. Of course, the long-term costs of DIY include maintaining your panels yourself, and DIY systems generally aren’t as efficient as systems from professional installers. If you’re talking about the up-front costs, though, going the DIY route is much more affordable than hiring a solar installer.
How Hard Is It to DIY Solar Panels?
It’s hard to DIY solar panels. It requires a combination of roofing experience, electrical knowledge, and specific familiarity with solar systems. If you lack any of those skills, DIY solar panels are not your best option. The money you could save up front on installation costs won’t offset headaches you’ll have troubleshooting problems you encounter later. You also risk damaging your roof, creating leaks, and damaging your home’s electrical system.
What Is the Cost of DIY Solar Panels?
The cost of a DIY solar PV system is roughly $10,000, give or take a few thousand, depending on what equipment you choose and the system size you need. That estimate includes the cost of equipment, like panels, solar inverters, wiring, etc., and permitting and hiring an electrician to connect your system to the grid. If you want a system that’s off-grid, you can save some money on the interconnection step, but you’ll need some extra components. Other additional components, like electric vehicle chargers, will also raise the price of a DIY solar panel project.
