Wondering If You Should Install Solar Panels Yourself? Why DIY Solar is Not Recommended

5 Advantages to Hiring a Professional Solar Installer vs. DIY

The idea of going solar is exciting, offering the ability to save money while reducing your carbon footprint. We applaud anyone who decides to make the switch to solar. We can also understand the instinct for homeowners to try to save money and install solar panels themselves, especially if they have DIY experience. There is a reason — several to be more accurate — why the Department of Energy suggests the best way for homeowners to go solar is to have panels installed by a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified professional solar installer. Here are some things to consider before jumping into the project on your own.

Choosing the Best Solar Equipment for Your Home

If your goal is to maximize your energy production and savings through solar, there are two major equipment-related hurdles to consider. The first is the quality of the solar equipment, including aspects such as the production capacity of the panels being used, warranty terms and tier rating. The second is how well the different pieces of equipment such as panels, inverters, racking and wiring (to name a few) work together as one unified system. Are they operating as efficiently as possible? In each of these cases, going through a professional solar installer can be beneficial.

To start with, solar panels can vary, sometimes greatly, in production capacity. This is especially true when comparing panels installed by professionals to those sold at your local home improvement store. This is compounded by the fact panels with lower production capacity often take up the same amount of space on the ground or roof as higher-production panels. For homeowners with limited optimal space, lower-capacity panels can limit the amount of savings you will receive by adding solar. Additionally, manufacturers of quality solar panels such as a Tier 1 rated module may have warranty limitations for DIY installers. Having the equipment installed by someone certified with industry experience benefits the manufacturer of the equipment and the owner of the array.

With the second issue, one of the keys is choosing the correct size inverter, the brains of a solar array. If you buy an inverter that is too large, you end up wasting money on a more expensive piece of equipment than you need. On the other hand, if it is too small, it won’t capture the maximum amount of power the panels can produce, essentially wasting a chunk of the array’s capacity. Professionals have the experience and tools to choose the equipment which is best for producing the desired results you are expecting to achieve.

Optimizing Solar Design & Performance

Even if a do-it-yourselfer had access to the same equipment and did a high-quality job on the installation, their solar array would likely lag in production and efficiency compared to one designed by a professional. That is because the DIY solar installer lacks two things: experience and specialized tools. In this case, tools doesn’t refer to wrenches and drills but rather highly sophisticated solar simulation software. This software allows professionals to run multiple simulations of potential designs based on information gathered on-site and combined with local, historical weather data. The results produced by this software, plus the experience of the solar designer and engineer, will allow professionals to determine everything from panel positioning to inverter size, proper mounting hardware to the best wiring configuration. They have the ability to design a system which meets safety standards while maximizing both energy generation and long-term reliability.

Safety & Damage Concerns

Safety is always a concern with construction projects, and working with electricity and on roofs adds a level of danger during solar installations. Trained professionals adhere to safety protocols and receive continual training for the safest installations. Professional solar companies also carry liability insurance to protect you from unforeseen accidents or damage, giving you peace of mind. Experienced installers also use best practices for proper module placement, roof or ground penetration, grounding of electrical connections and more. The importance of experience in these areas should not be taken lightly.

At Eagle Point Solar, we offer a 5-year workmanship warranty. This means, in the unlikely event of roof damage or leaks due to the solar installation, the warranty will cover the repairs. When a DIYer tries to install solar on their own or hires a cheap, fly-by-night company which soon goes out of business, that assurance doesn’t exist. You get stuck with the cost of repairs. That is why you want solar installers who are trained and skilled professionals, know best practices for quality installations, and above all are accountable.

Electrical & Solar Regulatory Compliance

As professional solar installation companies would likely tell you, the most time-consuming and stressful part of a solar installation is the paperwork. Everything from licensing and permitting to interconnection with the utility can be a daunting task. Navigating the complex web of permits, inspections, and agreements needed can challenge even seasoned professionals. Codes evolve over time and often differ from one area to another.

Solar installations must meet local regulations, follow proper electrical code and utility requirements in order to become operational. The working relationship between utilities, electrical and fire inspectors, and solar installers gives them the insight to meet the necessary standards and keep the project moving, rather than having it drag on for months or never be resolved. Hiring quality professionals not only takes the stress of the permitting and inspection process away from the solar owner, it also avoids costly setbacks and time delays.

Ongoing Solar Maintenance

A professionally installed solar energy system is designed to require little ongoing maintenance. If a problem does arise, those choosing the DIY option will end up paying the price. This does not only apply to mistakes made during installation, either. Solar panels themselves carry warranties and could cover you in the event of equipment failure. However, many solar equipment companies void the warranty if a certified installer did not do the installation. What happens when a panel isn’t performing or your array’s monitoring goes down? When you choose a professional solar company, they are there for support, so you are not alone. Learn more about solar warranties.

Why Using a Professional Solar Installer to Design & Install Your Solar System Makes Sense

In many cases, DIY is a great way to save money on various projects. With solar, however, it could lead to lower energy production and higher costs in the long run. Make sure you consider the challenges and risks involved before embarking on your own solar project. Working with experienced solar professionals gives you access to their knowledge, experience, skills, and industry connections. We recommend you do not attempt a DIY solar energy system installation, as the risks involved to get it right, outweigh the rewards.