Solar panels are an established route of alternative energy that has proven useful and viable throughout the years since their invention. They work to provide clean, renewable energy by gathering power from sunlight and converting it into electricity that provides power for electrical loads.
If you live in an area with high energy rates, adequate amounts of sunshine, and are seeking to improve your energy bill and do some good for the environment, getting solar panels is a great option. But what about installing solar panels? Can you do it on your own? And what does the average solar panel installation cost?
Can I Install My Own Solar Panels
It’s important when asking this question to ask a few more. There are a lot of things you need to be aware of if you’re seriously considering a DIY solar panel installation. Take a look at some of the questions you’ll need answers to before you jump into a project of this size and magnitude.
Does my roof need repairs?
This should be the first and most important question you ask. If your roof needs repairs or needs to be replaced, it’s not the right time for a solar panel installation.
How will I connect to the grid?
Solar panels are connected to the power grid of your given area. There are even more questions to consider when asking about grid connection, including:
- How long will it take to be hooked up?
- When will you be credited for your generated electricity?
- Are there any fees you need to pay?
- How will you be credited for any generated electricity?
Which direction do the slopes of my roof face?
Solar panels need specific placement on a roof for maximum sunlight exposure. You’ll need to know the right direction for installation.
Where will the rain runoff go?
Rain runoff can be interrupted by solar panel equipment. You’ll need to carefully consider this if you decide to install your own solar panels. If you’re not meticulous, the rainwater could be diverted to another area and may cause leaks and other serious problems.
How much do solar panels cost?
You’ll want to take a close look at how much the solar panels will cost you without having them professionally installed.
What does the actual solar panel installation cost?
After you know the cost of the panels, you should consider how much the entire process of installing them yourself will cost and if it will save you time and money.
How much weight can your roof handle?
Your roof can only handle a certain amount of weight. If the solar panels weigh too much, they could potentially cause a collapse.
Reasons To Consider Solar Panel Installation With Professionals
The above-listed questions are part of a long and highly involved list. You’ll be required to tackle a lot of research and various projects in order to determine if your roof can handle solar panels, let alone the actual process of you installing them.
For these reasons and several others, it would be wise to consider having your solar panels installed by professionals. Take a look below at some of the key reasons why.
1. Won’t Take Up Your Valuable Time
As mentioned, the whole process of making sure your roof is right for solar panels will take a great deal of time. If you hire professionals who know what they’re doing, you don’t have to worry about taking on a large task that will consume more hours than you realize.
2. Can’t Claim Incentives
A lot of states offer incentives to homeowners who’ve installed solar panels. However, some of these incentives—designed to reduce the cost of going solar—can only be redeemed when the panels are installed by a professional company. Check out the incentives and rebates for your state and see what’s available to you.
3. Avoid Putting Yourself in Physical Danger
Being up on a roof is dangerous no matter what you’re doing. You may be exposed to extreme heights and electrical voltage. Professional installers know how to operate in these circumstances safely and effectively.
4. Professionals Have Credentials and Certifications
You can trust a professional installation company. They know what they’re doing because they make it their job to know. You can avoid hours of research and learning that they’ve already gained through years of training and experience.
5. DIY Risks Roof Damage
If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could potentially damage your roof—and seriously. If your roof is older, that puts it and you at risk during the installation process. There is also electrical work involved that may best be left to a trained professional.
6. No Support for Warranty Claims or Faults
If you install solar panels, you’ll be on your own if there’s faulty equipment. You might be able to contact the manufacturer, but if it’s proven that you’ve installed the equipment incorrectly, you might actually void the warranty entirely.
Hire Professionals to Install Your Solar Panels
Contact us at Smart Wave Solar to learn more about solar panel installation and discuss your options for working with one of our certified teams.
