Can I install solar panels myself?
Eco-friendly solar solutions are very popular at the moment, but skilled installers are hard to find. So why not install your PV system yourself and save money at the same time? We show what’s possible and where amateurs should look for help to avoid encountering any safety risks.
In Germany, can I install solar panels myself?
In principle, there are many things that a private individual can implement independently when building a photovoltaic system, e.g. the following installation measures can be carried out on your own
- Assembly of the photovoltaic modules, including DC wiring on the roof of your own house
- Inverter and surge protection setup
- Most AC wiring
However, for photovoltaic systems with a feed-in power of more than 600 watts, certified specialists are legally required for the connection to the household network and the connection to the public grid.
In addition, it is best to leave the installation of a power storage system to a professional, as the planning itself requires specialized knowledge and all safety aspects must be taken into account.
Is it worth it? Can I install solar panels myself?
The advantage of self-assembly is that you don’t have to wait long for an appointment with an expert and you save on installation costs. However, you can only do some of the preparation work yourself; the house or network installation must still be carried out by a professional.
It should also be noted when building a solar system yourself that a lack of knowledge or overestimation of your ability to climb on the roof can lead to a high risk of accidents, and that subsidies, guarantees, or insurance claims are often linked to professional installations.
For this reason, we recommend using a starter kit. Sungold Solar will provide you with professional advice on installation and guide you throughout the process.
How much can I save by installing a PV system myself?
In Germany, depending on the size of the system and the commissioning company, the installation costs for a PV system can quickly reach 1,500 to 3,000 euros, which can be between 10 and 20 percent of the purchase cost of a small solar solution.
In the US, can I install solar panels myself?
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), homeowners can expect to pay around $3.27 per watt of solar power. Based on this figure, the total cost of a professionally installed 6 kilowatt (kW) solar system is about $19,620. Skilled labor and overhead costs account for about 10% of the final price of a home solar project, so you can save money by installing the panels yourself.
However, DIY solar installation has its drawbacks. Both professional and DIY solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) modules to capture solar energy and convert it to energy, but there are important differences in how each system operates. Solar panels installed by professionals are usually set up for grid-tied power, while most DIY solar panels operate off-grid. If installed by a qualified electrician, the power company will usually only allow you to connect your solar panels to the grid.
In off-grid operation, you miss out on opportunities to save energy through incentive programs such as net metering. However, off-grid systems are portable and can be used anywhere, whereas grid-tied solar panels are limited to a single property.
Q&A
Which PV systems are easy to install on my own?
It doesn’t matter if your roof is flat or pitched: there is a suitable solar system for almost every surface.
Do I need a license to build a solar system?
Generally speaking, people who want to equip their living space with a solar system do not need any special permits. However, we still recommend that you ask the responsible building department in writing about local regulations beforehand to be protected in the event of a dispute.
Important: Photovoltaic systems that operate independently of the grid (so-called islanded systems) do not need to be registered with the Federal Network Agency. However, everyone else is legally obliged to do so.
Article from Sungold
To learn more about solar panels, click: https://www.sungoldsolar.com/
