Switching to solar is a smart way to save money on your energy bill and live more sustainably. But, like many homeowners, you are probably thinking, “Can I install solar panels myself?” Though the thought of a self-installing solar panel project may sound fun, it is important to know a bit about the project before you choose self-installing or using a professional solar installer.
Here we will look at both sides of the question in enough detail for you to make an appropriate decision.
Understanding the Solar Panel Installation Process
To start the discussion about whether you can do a self-install solar panel project, it is important to understand the steps to implement a legitimate solar project. The steps of the project are:
- Design System and Load Calculation: Identifying your power needs in order to develop a solar system that meets your energy needs.
- Property Assessment: Checking roof type, shading, tilt angle, and physical restrictions for your roof.
- Mounting System: The Mounting system is appropriate to secure stability for your panels during the wind and rain.
- Wiring and Inverter Installation: Correctly wiring the panels, inverter, and batteries, if needed.
- Testing and Commissioning: A last check to test if the project works properly and safely.
Each of these stages will require a combination of technical skills, the ability to handle safety procedures, and an understanding of electrical codes that a professional solar installer will know.
Benefits of Self-Install Solar Panels
The thought of trying a solar project can be very appealing because it could save you money. Here’s what makes it attractive:
- Cost Savings: You’ll save on labour costs, which can be a minor amount of total project costs.
- Educational Opportunity: If you are interested in solar energy, it’s a great way to extend your solar education.
- Flexible Timeline: You can work at your own pace without having to wait for a contractor.
Self Install Solar Panels also come with several risks and limitations that should be weighed.
Difficulties of Self-Installing Solar Panels
A self-install solar panel setup sounds easy, but is often harder than expected. Here’s why:
- Safety Risks: You could be climbing at heights up to 40 feet and will be working with live electrical wiring, in addition to managing multiple heavy solar panels; without the right tools and the right training, this could be dangerous.
- Warranty and Compliance Considerations: There are products that often require you to have them professionally installed in order to secure their warranty, and additionally, many local authorities require professionals for grants/subsidies.
- Performance Issues: Improper wires or bad locations could affect solar system efficiency and performance.
- Building Codes and Policies: Local building codes, permits, and electrical codes must be abided by prior to connecting to the grid.
A self-install solar panels for home approach may work for small portable off-grid systems; however, for on-roof or large residential systems, it is in your best interest to hire a professional for the sake of safety, and in the long run, it will save you work.
Benefits of Hiring a Solar Installer
Using an accomplished solar installer will allow you to have a seamless solar panel installation. Here’s the reason why investing in professional installation makes sense:
- Technical Knowledge and Safety: Certified installers understand the intricate and detailed knowledge necessary to design and install systems safely with little risk.
- Increased Performance: Proper alignment, electrical and solar inverter wiring, and inverter attachments will help you have the most complete power generation your system can offer.
- Warranty and Support: Once you have a professional installation, your system will be backed up by product warranties and followed up by a professional post-installation maintenance service, which protects your solar investment.
- Regulatory Approval: A professional will handle all of the permits, inspections, and approvals for your local electrical grid for you.
When hiring a Waaree-certified solar installer, you will be assured that your solar system is being installed by a company with the highest commitment to the industry standards.
It all depends on the level of experience and size of the project. When dealing with a small, off-grid solar kit, you may be able to conduct a self-install solar panel process. However, it would always be best to rely on a professional installer for a residential or commercial rooftop project, due to safety, performance, and long-term reliability.
If you do plan to do solar installation by yourself at your home or business, please also use Waaree’s Step-by-Step Solar Installation Guide to further educate yourself on the process involved and requirements.
Conclusion
Although a self-install solar panel project could be a very rewarding do-it-yourself project, solar energy systems require precision, experience, and compliance. Rather than asking yourself, ‘Can I install solar panels myself?’, have Waaree’s professional installer network professionally design, set up, and activate your solar system.
FAQs
- Can I install solar panels myself and be safe?
Yes, but only if you have the right electrical and safety knowledge. As with most homeowners, you should likely be hiring a professional solar installer in terms of complying with electrical codes and for safety.
- What are the risks of a self-install solar panel project?
An improper installation could lead to less efficient energy, the possibility of electrical hazards, or even damage to your panels or to your roof structure.
- Is professional solar panel installation more expensive?
While there may be a high upfront cost for professional installation, you will receive long-lasting performance of your equipment, protected by the safety and warranty processes with your system, which would lead to strategic cost savings for you over the life of your system.
- Will I be able to receive government subsidies if I self-install a solar panel system?
In most situations, any subsidies provided by government offices related to your solar panel installation will apply only if the solar installation is completed by an approved professional solar installer.
