Can I install solar panels myself? DIY steps for success

If you understand electrical systems, have basic construction skills, are comfortable being on the roof, and know the local building permit requirements, you might be asking, can I install solar panels myself? The answer is, yes. DIY installation means you save on labor costs and have full control. However, it's dangerous if you’re not familiar with these aspects.

If you’re determined to do it yourself, this article breaks down the steps to installing ‘do it yourself solar panels’. We have also included the pros, cons, and costs you need to know.

How to install DIY solar panels

Before starting the process to self install solar panels, you need to consider potential obstacles and things to watch out for. The first is the complexity of the electrical work involved and the safety risks that come with it.

On the one hand, you will need to accurately calculate your energy needs so that you don’t end up purchasing unnecessary panels and equipment, wasting both money and space. 

Next comes the permits; solar panel installation is heavily regulated, and you will need permits before you can begin work. Failure to get the necessary permits before beginning work can result in fines, voiding your homeowner's insurance, and even lead to difficulties when selling your home.

With that said, let’s break down the DIY solar panels installation process.

Assess your energy needs

Before purchasing solar panels, you need to understand how much energy your household consumes daily. Review your utility bills for the past year to determine your energy needs and calculate your average daily kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage. 

For example, if your monthly energy usage is 600 kWh, divide this by the average sun hours per day in your area (e.g. 5 hours/day) to determine the wattage needed. Factor in seasonal variations (like higher AC use in the summer or heating in the winter) and decide if you want to cover your entire energy usage (go off-grid) or just reduce your utility bill (grid-tied). 

Obtain necessary permits

Installing solar panels requires various permits from your local building department and approval from your utility company, especially for grid-tied systems. These permits may include building permits, electrical permits, and interconnection agreements with your utility company.

Contact your local building department early in the process to find out exactly what permits are required for your area.

Gather tools and equipment

Now that you’ve calculated your energy needs and obtained the necessary permits, it’s time to gather the required materials and tools. This includes a solar charge controller (MPPT or PWM), solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film), an inverter, mounting brackets and rails, wiring, junction boxes, gloves, goggles, harnesses, and ladders. 

Install the mounting system

The mounting system is the foundation of your solar panel installation. These rails, brackets, and anchors will securely hold the solar panels on your roof. Start by marking the locations where the mounts will be installed on the roof. Next, install the mounting rails and ensure that they are level and secured to the rafters or roof supports. 

Depending on your roof type (flat, sloped, tile, etc.), you may need to drill into the rafters or install special brackets that allow the rails to sit securely in place. Install the mounts in the correct spots to ensure the panels are correctly angled for maximum sunlight exposure. If your roof is sloped or complex, consider its structure and accessibility. If you're unsure about the mounting, seek advice from a professional.

Attach the solar panels to the mounting system

Once the mounting system is securely in place, attach the solar panels to the rails. Depending on your mounting system, this could involve sliding the panels into place or using clamps to secure them. Be as gentle as possible while doing this, as the panels are fragile and can easily be damaged. 

A pro tip in this stage is to double-check each panel’s orientation and placement before securing it. If the panels are misaligned, it could lead to inefficiency or system failure.

Wire the panels

Depending on your inverter's voltage and current requirements, connect the panels in series or parallel. For series connections, one panel's positive lead connects to the next's negative lead, increasing the voltage across the panels. For parallel connections, connect the positive terminals of all panels together, as well as the negative terminals. This keeps the voltage the same but increases the current.

Make sure to run the wiring safely through a conduit to protect it from weather elements and avoid any tripping hazards on the roof. Then, connect the wires to the inverter, which converts the DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity for your home.

If you have no experience with electrical work and are not confident doing the wiring yourself, we recommend consulting a licensed electrician. The cost of hiring electricians is low compared to the short circuits, fires, or system inefficiency that can occur due to bad wiring.

Install the inverter

For off-grid systems, you will need to install a battery bank to store excess energy generated by the solar panels. The size of your battery bank depends on your energy needs and the amount of storage required for backup power. After selecting the appropriate battery type and capacity, wire them together in series or parallel to achieve the desired voltage.

Next, install the inverter, which converts the DC (direct current) electricity from the solar panels or battery bank into AC (alternating current) electricity that can be used in your home. The inverter you choose should match the voltage of your system.

For off-grid systems, the inverter will be connected directly to your battery bank, while for grid-tied systems, it will be connected to the electrical panel. 

Once all the components are in place, it’s time to connect your solar system to your home’s electrical setup.

Connect to the electrical panel

If you have a grid-tied system, connect your solar system to your home’s electrical panel. This is where the inverter’s AC output is sent to the main breaker panel. In some cases, your utility provider may need to install a net meter that tracks the energy you send back to the grid.

The process differs slightly for off-grid systems, as you will be connecting the inverter to a battery storage system instead of the grid.

Test the system

Once everything is installed, test your solar system. Check the inverter to ensure it generates power and look for error messages or issues. Use a multimeter to check the voltage at various points in the system to verify that it is functioning correctly. Monitor the system’s performance to make sure everything is working as expected. 

Is it difficult to install solar yourself?

Do you have basic knowledge of electrical systems (how DC circuits work and how to wire components like panels, charge controllers, and inverters)? Are you comfortable with tools like a multimeter and working at heights? Do you have familiarity with local building codes and permits? If you answered yes to these questions, you may have success with DIY solar panels for home. 

If you have none of this knowledge, hire a licensed electrician who knows how to install solar panels, since DIY solar installation can potentially be dangerous.

Is it cheaper to install solar yourself?

Yes, installing solar panels yourself is cheaper than hiring an electrician or a solar panel technician. Hiring a professional could account for up to 25% to 30% of the total installation cost. So, if you install it yourself, you can save up to $9,000.

However, there are still some costs to consider regardless of whether you do it yourself or not:

• Solar panels ($0.80 to $1.50 per watt, depending on panel type)
• Batteries ($400 to $22,000)
• Inverter ($1,000 to $3,000)
• Charge controllers ($200 to $2,000)
• Permits ($260 to $500)

Can I install solar myself and get tax credit?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can install solar panels yourself and still qualify for the federal tax credit if you meet certain requirements:

• The system is installed in your primary or secondary residence in the U.S.
• You own the solar system.
• The solar PV system is new or being used for the first time.

Can I install solar panels on my roof myself?

If you’re asking, “Is it legal to install your own solar panels?” then the short answer is yes, it is. But while installing your solar panel yourself is tempting for many legitimate reasons, we recommend hiring specialized electricians to do the installation. Their experience with electrical systems guarantees the safe handling of high-voltage components, minimizing the risk of accidents. Additionally, professional installation typically comes with warranty protection, ensuring that the system is covered for future repairs or issues, saving you money in the long term.

The bottom line: Can I install solar panels myself?

In conclusion, if you’ve been wondering, can I install solar panels myself, the answer depends on your skillset and comfort level. DIY installation can save you money, but it requires knowledge of electrical systems, construction, and local permits. If you're confident in your abilities, this guide provides the steps to help you succeed. However, if you're unsure about any part of the process, it's always safest to hire a professional. This ensures that your system is set up correctly and efficiently, giving you peace of mind for the long term

If you’re considering hiring an electrician, we recommend using a professional platform like Angie’s List. You can access a large database of licensed electricians and vetted solar panel installation teams in your area. Check reviews and ratings from real customers to get a sense of the quality of work you can expect.