The pros and cons of DIY solar panel installation

If you enjoy doing things yourself, a DIY solar installation could practically put the sun’s power into your hands.

By sourcing and installing your own solar equipment, you can save money, lower your carbon footprint, and learn along the way with a renewable energy system built from scratch. However, DIY solar panels are rarely the best decision for a home, and may not be worth it for financial, legal, or performance considerations.

In this article, we analyze the pros and cons of DIY solar panels to guide your renewable energy journey, whether on your own or with a certified solar installer near you.

Do-it-yourself solar energy systems

Following decades of industry innovation, do-it-yourself (DIY) solar energy systems are more widely accessible than ever. To build your own system, many retailers offer pre-packaged kits with the hardware and instructions necessary for safe installation and operation.

Most DIY solar installations are self-sustaining, with a charge controller (or regulator), battery, and inverter. Able to generate, store, and export emission-free electricity, DIY solar can be a great remote solution for off-grid properties.

The Pros and Cons of DIY Solar

Cons of DIY solar

While pros usually come first, DIY solar cons are more important. Before investing too much time or effort into your DIY project, consider these potential challenges.

Legal considerations: To permanently install solar panels, you may need a license. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, though a licensed electrician or contractor is almost always required to file for a solar building permit in the US. As local regulations ensure your system's safety, failure to follow permitting processes for a DIY solar installation can lead to required removal and fines.

Safety risks: There are several safety and property risks with DIY projects that may be exacerbated for those inexperienced with solar panel installation. Without professional guidance, you can risk damage to your roof, equipment, and home, as well as to yourself and those nearby. As residential solar is not a simple weekend project, extreme caution should be exercised before attempting rooftop or electrical work.

Performance issues: DIY solar systems require careful planning and installation to ensure optimal performance. When designing your system, you must intentionally choose solar panels, inverters, and other hardware components to work seamlessly with one another, otherwise risking potential energy losses or failures.

The pros of DIY solar

Despite the challenges, a DIY solar installation can be a practical solution for many real-world applications.

Cost savings: Saving money on costs otherwise spent working with a business or contractor is the most significant advantage of a DIY solar installation. By purchasing materials and doing labor yourself, you can reduce many soft solar costs, which often contribute to over half of a residential installation’s expenses.

Variety of uses: DIY solar equipment comes in many capabilities, including portable energy systems (PES). Although restricted in capacity and scope of use, PES could be a great option for homeowners looking for flexibility, and off-grid resilience with backup for small devices during local power outages. While DIY solar panels aren’t always the best choice for homes, a do-it-yourself installation can be a great way to use renewable energy in other aspects of life, like a workshop, recreational vehicle (RV), boat, or cabin.

Learning experience: Lastly, building your own solar installation can be rewarding, learning a valuable skill and inspiring others to do the same. This was the case for René Voss (pictured below), who wrote a step-by-step guide to DIY solar using Enphase IQ Microinverters.

DIY solar installation costs and savings

Reducing soft costs is the primary benefit of a DIY solar installation. So while you may need professional help when filing for a building permit or permission to operate, taking the DIY route can help reduce several other expenses.

For example, consider an 8 kW home solar energy system. In 2024, the average price of residential solar is about $3.25/W, so this would cost around $26,000 with a professional. While every instance is different, labor costs can make up about 7% of a typical project total, and overhead expenses like marketing, administration, and profit can contribute around 20%.

In this scenario, a DIY solar panel installation could therefore save you around $7,000 (27% of $26,000) in labor and overhead expenses. However, there are many extraneous circumstances to consider with a DIY installation, such as resale value, unavoidable license and permitting expenses, and whether you will be eligible to claim the residential clean energy credit or other solar incentives.

Professional solar installation value

Although DIY solar panels come with lower upfront costs, it is important to consider long-term energy goals before finalizing installation plans. Partnering with a professional can accelerate your design, permitting, and approval processes, while meeting local building and electrical standards.

As high-quality solar equipment lasts for over 20 years, a certified contractor or company can ensure your system will perform as expected. If anything changes, your installer may also serve as a resource to assist with maintenance or questions.

Beyond what is available to consumers, professionals can have wholesale or easier access to leading solar energy equipment. Often, these parts are sold with warranties only guaranteed when handled by a professional.

While more expensive upfront, the peace of mind and long-term benefits of a professionally installed solar system can often outweigh the initial savings or sense of accomplishment of a DIY project.

Find solar installers near me.

When to call a professional

So while saving money is tempting, DIY solar installations should usually be reserved for small, off-grid systems. Before beginning a DIY project, remember that installing solar can be dangerous without experience and even illegal when performed outside of local regulations.

With the expertise to protect your investment and property, you should almost always consult a professional when thinking about home solar energy. Today, homeowners and professionals count on Enphase technology for safe, reliable, and efficient operation in over 150 countries worldwide.