Installing solar panels can be good for the environment and your finances, one of the most frequent questions I get is can you install your own solar panels?
The answer is yes, you can install your own solar panels. But to be honest with you, I will not recommend it to most people.
Actually, you can read here the steps you need to follow to install your own solar panels.
Is installing your own solar panels illegal?
No, installing your own solar panels is not illegal, but you will need to get permission from local authorities, your utility company( to connect to their network), and the homeowners association, to make sure that your installation meet established standards.
Some states and countries will make you take a test to make sure that you have the right knowledge to install your own solar panels.
Why I do not recommend installing your own solar panels
Installing solar panels on your own can save you a lot of money, this is if you know what are you doing. If you do not know what it takes to install them I would not recommend this route because you may end up spending a lot more money and end up very upset.
Here are 4 reasons why I do not recommend installing your own solar panels.
It is hard to get permission
As I stated above, you will need to get permission from the authorities and your utility company in order to install and connect your solar panels.
If you do not have a credential as a solar installer, the authorities will hesitate to allow you to do this, also there is the bureaucracy that goes with the whole process of getting permission, this can be very stressful and it can take a long time to get them.
You may need to hire an architecture
You will need to design the support structure where you will put your solar panels, this is not that difficult but if you do not have experience it can be a complex task, you might end up hiring someone like a structural engineer or architecture you help you with the design.
You might need to hire an electrician
Before installing your solar panels you will need to calculate how many of them you need, this can be done in a very easy way, but there are some electrical calculations and wiring that will need someone who is an electrician if you are not one you might end up hiring one.
You need to follow a local building code
Most states have their own local fire and building codes, these are codes that every homeowner must follow in order to ensure the security and protection of human and material belongings.
If you do not know them, you will need to take a course on them and present yourself for an exam and pass it, this can be a big hurdle for most people.
Things you need to have before installing your own solar panels
Here is the checklist that you need to have before installing your own solar panels.
Get permission
Make sure you get all the required permissions from your local authorities and the utility company, this will help you to make sure that you are not breaking the laws and regulations.
Make sure that you meet the requirements
Some states will want you to take a test in basic electric and fire codes knowledge, make sure you pass them in case it is applicable.
Can you work for several hours?
This can sound like a joke but I am serious, I know guys who can not work for one straight hour, so the question to ask yourself here is, are you ok with several hours of physical rooftop work? If the answer is no, hire someone.
Permission from the homeowners association
If you live in an area where there is a homeowners association make sure you get a permission to install solar panels from them, installing solar panels on your roof by yourself without their permission can be a breach of the homeowner’s agreement, to avoid possible problems, make your you have it before doing anything.
You have a standard type of roofing
Not all roofs are made equal, and you can not install solar panels in any of them, make sure your roof is ideal for solar panels.
Asphalt is the most common type of shingle used on housing and is also the best roof for solar panels. If you have a metal roof with standing seams, it’s a perfect candidate for solar panel installation.
Conclusion
That is it, in this post we answered the question can you install your own solar panels? and the answer is yes, you can install your own solar panels.
Also, I shared my reasons why I do not recommend installing your own solar panels, also we went through a checklist of things you need to have before you install your own solar panels if that is what you want to do.
Thank you for reading, if you have any questions please let me know in the comment section below.