Solar panels are great for making a home sustainable and help me save on monthly utility bills, but solar panel installation can be costly. I’ll help you learn if you can install solar panels at home yourself.
Yes, If You Know What You’re Doing
Yes, it's possible and legal to install a photovoltaic (PV) solar system at home, as long as you know what you're doing and take the necessary precautions. Personally, I’m not an electrician, so I won't be making the final hookups of the panels to my house and the utility grid—that will require help from a professional electrician.
While solar installations are getting easier for people to do on their own, they're still not simple. Installers have to design the system, order the necessary parts, and obtain legal documents to prove the system is up to code.
What You Need To Install Solar Panels
A Permit
While you may think it's your prerogative to install solar panels at home, you'll need to acquire permits first. Check if the local building authority or your utility provider permits amateur installation.
If yes, you'll have to acquire a permit to install the panels, including the system's design plan, as if you were a professional installer. As an amateur, I had to take some tests on electrical systems to make sure I could handle the project.
Equipment
Assuming you have the paperwork for your installation, it's time to acquire equipment and tools. If you're looking for an excuse to get new tools for your workshop, this isn't the project for you—you'll need little else besides a solid drill.
The basic equipment of a PV system includes:
- Solar panels
- Inverters
- Mounting/racking system
- Performance monitoring
- Storage options
As a DIY installer, you must choose the equipment and design that best suit your home and how big the system should be.
Safety Measures
Lastly, you'll need to wear safety gear and take precautions for the process. For example, before starting the installation, I got familiar with PV labeling requirements and other safety measures, like rapid shutdown systems.
You should also ensure the roof is stable and capable of holding the system. I used nets and harnesses for safety while working on my roof. When doing electrical work, I had protective gear to shield myself from shocks.
In Conclusion
If you want to save on labor costs and installation fees for your solar panel system, the DIY route is great when you know what you're doing. If you have any questions during the installation, consult your utility company, the panel supplier, or a professional installer and electrician to make sure you installed your system correctly.
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