If you decide to try a DIY solar installation, we recommend that you take the following steps to determine the best way to go about your project.
1. Planning
The first step is to determine which location makes sense to install solar panels on your property. Preferably, you’ll want to install your panels on an area of your roof that receives a decent amount of sunshine throughout the year. If your home is surrounded by taller buildings or trees and enjoys constant shade, DIY solar panels may not be such an attractive option unless you are also considering purchasing a battery backup.
You also have to think about permits. Depending on how you configure and install your DIY solar panels, you may need a permit from the local building department or utility company. Solar panels permanently attached to your roof may be classed as a home improvement and subject to planning permission.
Grid-tied solar panels must also be approved by your utility provider, who will provide a list of technical requirements to ensure electrical safety. Obtaining the permit is often the most difficult step in a DIY solar project, as you must meet the legally enforced technical specifications. However, off-grid solar systems are normally permit-exempt since these projects do not involve modifications to the home or connection to the local grid.
2. System design
There are a few important questions to answer before installing a DIY solar panel system:
Solar panels used in DIY projects are normally smaller than those used by professional installers. The photovoltaic modules included in DIY solar kits normally have a power between 50 and 200 W, while the larger modules used in rooftop installations often exceed 350 W.
To get a quick estimate of your annual electricity production in kilowatt hours, you can multiply the total wattage of the solar panels by 1.2. For example, a DIY solar system made up of eight 100W modules would have a total capacity of 800W and generate approximately 960 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year. At the electricity price of 20 cents/kWh, this system would save you about $192 per year compared to traditional electricity bills.
Since DIY solar panels are generally not eligible for grid connection, you will need a backup battery system. You should add total power of all devices you intend to power with solar energy and find a battery capable of supplying this power. Lithium-ion batteries are recommended over traditional lead acid batteries as they are safer to use and longer lasting.
3.Installation
The solar panels must be positioned in such a way as to obtain maximum sunlight on their surface. In the case of the United States, which is in the northern hemisphere, the solar panels should face south because that half of the sky receives more sunlight. Determine the optimal tilt angle for solar panelsyou can visit the World Bank World Solar Atlas and click on your location.
Many DIY solar panels come with an adjustable kickstand to support your panels. However, if you are planning a permanent solar installation on your home, you need a suitable racking system or roof rack. The list below presents some factors to consider:
- If you have a standing seam metal roof, the solar rack system can be fixed directly with clamp brackets. There is no need to drill holes in your roof structure.
- You will need penetrating brackets to install solar panels on other roof types, which involves drilling holes.
- A solar installation on the ground It is also an option if your property has enough space and you avoid the risks of working at height on your roof.
A solar inverter is a device that converts direct current or direct current generated by the PV modules in your panel into alternating current or alternating current used to power your home. There are two main configuration options:
- String inverters: All solar panels are wired together in a DC circuit and connected to a central inverter for power conversion.
- Micro-inverters: Each solar panel is equipped with a micro-inverter that converts its output to alternating current. It is not necessary to have a DC string circuit or a main inverter.
4. Obtaining operating authorization
Permission is the main bottleneck for many DIY solar projects. As mentioned above, you will likely need a building permit if your solar panels are permanently attached to your roof, and an interconnect permit if you want a grid-tied system. Most utility companies will not allow interconnection unless your solar panels are professionally installed.
5. Maintenance
High quality solar panels can last for decades, and routine maintenance needs are relatively simple. The most important requirement is keep the surface of solar panels clean — dust and other particles can block some of the incoming sunlight, reducing electricity production.
Solar panels can be washed, but you should avoid spraying them with cold water on hot summer days, as drastic temperature changes could damage them. Instead, you should clean your panels with a squeegee or soft brush to avoid damaging their surface and ensure a longer life. Avoid using hard brushes, rakes or chemicals.
Next steps
There are many helpful resources available to help you learn more about solar panel technology, costs, and incentive programs available in the United States.
Find out the solar incentive options in your state using the drop-down menu below: