by Going solar by installing photovoltaic panels on your roof is an exciting way to take control of your energy costs while also helping the environment. With clean solar energy, you can reduce or even eliminate your dependence on fossil fuels and high electric bills. This comprehensive DIY guide will walk you through the entire process of planning, permitting, installing and maintaining solar panels on your home.
Benefits of Home Solar Panels
Going solar provides many excellent benefits:
Saves money – Once your solar panels are installed, you can generate your own electricity to power your home. This reduces or eliminates your expensive electric bills from the utility company every month. The sun provides free renewable energy year after year.
Increases home value – Adding solar panels improves your home’s value. Home buyers are willing to pay a premium for a property with an existing solar array.
Federal tax credits – The federal solar tax credit allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of installing a solar system from your federal taxes. Many state and city programs also offer additional financial incentives.
Energy independence – With solar panels, you can take control of your own energy supply. You don’t have to rely on the traditional electric grid’s fluctuating prices.
Clean energy – Solar power creates no carbon emissions or pollution. You’ll be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Passive income – If your solar system produces more electricity than you use, the excess can be fed back to the grid in exchange for credits on your utility bill through net metering.
Improved technologies – Solar panels and batteries are becoming increasingly advanced and affordable. The return on your solar investment will only improve over time.
Solar Panel System Components
Before we go through the installation steps, let’s briefly discuss what makes up a complete solar panel system:
Solar panels – Also called photovoltaic (PV) panels, these contain solar cells made of silicon which convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
Inverter – Converts the DC output from the solar panels into usable 240-volt alternating current (AC) power that can run appliances and lighting in your home.
Electrical panel – Where the solar power is fed into your home’s electrical system to power your household circuits. Often requires upgrades to integrate with the solar array.
Meter – Measures both your electric usage as well as excess energy fed back to the utility grid. Your utility company handles your net metering credits.
Mounting racking – Securely anchors the solar panel array onto your roof and angles the panels for optimal sun exposure.
Wiring and conduits – Safely enclose and route DC wiring from the panels to the inverter and AC wiring from the inverter to your electrical panel.
Monitoring – Allows you to view your real-time solar energy production and usage data. Ensures your system is performing as expected.
What to Consider Before Going Solar
– Energy usage needs and electric bill costs
– Your budget for the solar panel system and financing options
– Available rebates, tax credits and other incentives in your state and region
– Solar radiation levels and weather conditions in your area
– Square footage and shape of your roof as well as shading from trees or other structures
– Age and condition of your current roof
– Local zoning regulations, permit requirements, and homeowners’ association rules
– Future plans like moving, remodeling, or adding electric vehicles
– Options for battery storage to use solar energy at night
– Maintenance needs and costs over the 25+ year lifespan of solar panels
Doing your initial research and planning will help ensure solar is a worthwhile investment for your specific home and situation.
STEP BY STEP DIY
Step 1: Assess Your Solar Potential
The first step is to perform a solar site assessment on your property. This gives you key information about your home’s suitability for solar:
Use a satellite mapping tool like Google Project Sunroof to analyze the available unshaded square footage and solar potential of your roof planes. You want at least 500 square feet of roof space for a moderate home solar array. South facing roofs are ideal.
Input your address into the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate your home’s expected solar electricity generation based on location, roof, and weather factors.
Review 12 months of historical electric bills to analyze your home’s actual energy usage patterns and peak demands. This determines the right solar system size to meet your needs.
Account for future electricity usage if you plan to purchase an electric vehicle, install a pool or hot tub, or complete any major renovations. Size your solar array based on anticipated future energy needs.
Inspect the age, materials, and integrity of your roof. Solar panels may last 25-30 years so your roof should have at least 10 years of useful life remaining.
Identify any large trees or nearby structures that could start shading your solar panels over time as the sun’s position shifts. Even partial shade can cut solar production.
Step 2: Size Your Solar System
Once you know your home’s solar potential, the next step is to calculate the appropriately sized solar array and equipment:
The size of your solar system is measured in kilowatts (kW). This is determined by the number of solar panels and their individual wattage ratings.
Most solar panels for homes range from 250-400 watts each. Higher wattage panels produce more power.
To determine the number of panels needed, calculate your home’s annual kWh electricity usage and divide that by the kW rating of the solar panels you plan to install.
Add an extra 10-25% more panels than your usage requires to account for future energy increases and some loss of production over the system’s lifetime.
Choose an inverter that can handle your system’s anticipated solar power production. Multiple inverters may be required for very large arrays.
Remember that solar panels produce the most energy during peak daylight hours, not 24/7. The system size must sufficiently meet your home’s daylight and seasonal demands.
Also consider adding a battery backup to store excess solar energy for use at night or during power outages if that fits your budget.
Step 3: Select Your Solar Equipment
With a system size in mind, next you’ll need to select specific solar panels, inverters, racking and other components:
Solar panels – Research manufacturers and models. Compare technical specifications like rated wattage, dimensions, efficiency percentage, and temperature performance ratings. Consider solar cell type (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin film) and aesthetics. Purchase panels all at once for proper electrical balancing.
Inverters – Choose a string inverter or microinverters. String types are more common for homes. Optimize your inverter size ratio for your specific panels using an Inverter Sizing Calculator to maximize efficiency. Read inverter technical specifications like maximum power input, voltage ranges, and warranties closely.
Mounting equipment – Your mounting hardware securely anchors the solar array to your roof and resists wind forces. Rackless rail-based attachments are common. Usestanding seam metal roof clips or concrete roof mounts if applicable.
Monitoring and metering – Most systems include monitoring hardware so you can view solar production data remotely online or via a smartphone app. Net metering requires a two-way utility meter.
Wiring and electrical components like conduit, disconnects, overcurrent devices, connectors, and grounding equipment will be specified by your installer or provided in DIY kits.
Step 4: Estimate Costs and Incentives
With your equipment selections made, you can now estimate costs and find incentives:
Solar panel system pricing is roughly $2.50-$4.50 per watt depending on equipment choices, location, roof factors, permits and installation labor. A 5 kW system for an average home often costs $15,000-$25,000 before incentives.
Federal Solar Tax Credit – The federal tax credit allows you to claim 26% of your solar installation costs on your tax return until 2032 when it drops to 22%. This can save you thousands of dollars.
State and local incentives – Search the DSIRE database for available state tax credits, rebates, and renewable energy programs in your area. These can offset your costs by another 25-50% in some regions.
Net metering – All states allow you to sell unused solar energy back to the grid. This offsets the electricity you draw at other times. Monthly net excess generation credits reduce your energy bills.
Low-interest solar loans – Financing makes solar more affordable. Solar loans specifically designed for renewable energy projects offer good rates and terms.
Property tax exemption – Some states exempt the value added by solar panels from being taxed. This provides ongoing savings on your property taxes.
USDA Rural Energy Grants – If you live in a rural area, you may qualify for a grant to cover up to 25% of solar installation costs.
Step 5: Research Installers or DIY Options
There are several options for physically installing your solar panels:
Full-service solar company – Fully licensed solar installers handle everything from permits and documentation to installation and connecting to the utility grid. This is the easiest but most expensive option. Get references and reviews.
Equipment packages – Various retailers like Costco sell DIY solar panel kits with racking and electrical components. You self-install following included manuals.
Piecemeal purchasing – If you have electrical and building skills, you can attempt a DIY installation by carefully sourcing all the parts yourself. This can achieve major cost savings but permitting/inspection is difficult.
Solar Leases and PPAs – Companies like SunRun will finance, install and maintain solar systems on your home while selling you the power produced at a fixed rate. You avoid upfront costs.
Do your research to determine which approach best fits your budget and abilities.
Step 6: Apply for Permits and Approvals
Once you have quotes for equipment and installation costs, it’s time to apply for the required permits and inspections:
A building permit is needed to mount and wire the solar array. This requires submitting detailed drawings showing roof layout and electrical specs, hiring a contractor, and/or getting a master electrician to certify the work.
An electrical permit is required to integrate the solar system with your home’s electrical panel and grid connection. A one-line electrical diagram must be submitted and approved.
The local utility company must inspect your system before final approval. They will install your net meter and ensure proper grid connection.
If your home is in a historic district, historical commission approval may be required if solar panels impact the aesthetic appearance of the home’s facade.
Homeowners associations (HOAs) may prohibit or restrict solar installations. Get HOA approval in writing first. If denied, state solar rights laws may supersede HOA rules.
If you plan to DIY, thoroughly research permit requirements in your local jurisdiction and factor added inspection costs.
Step 7: Install the Roof Mounting System
With permits approved, roofing and electrical work can begin. First, the mounting structure is installed to secure the solar array:
The mounting system must be engineered to withstand wind and weather conditions specific to your area. Building codes have strict requirements.
Racking is bolted directly into roof rafters, avoiding attachments to shingles. Flashing seals roof penetrations.
L-feet, standoffs, rails and clamps properly space and angle panels while keeping rows clean and organized.
Grounding connectors, buried home runs, and weather-rated electrical boxes protect against lightning, surges and moisture.
Proper roof preparation is critical. The roof surface must be in good condition. Reinforce any trouble areas under the planned solar installation area.
Step 8: Install the Solar Panels and Electrical
With racking in place, the solar panels can be mounted and wired:
Mount panels in rows using sequence numbers to ensure proper alignment and electrical connections. Leave space between rows to avoid shading.
Use wireless panel-level monitoring devices or microinverters for insights on each panel’s productivity and to identify issues immediately.
Connect panels in series into strings based on voltage requirements using weatherproof MC4 connectors. Run conduit and wiring.
Use combiner boxes to organize strings into larger feeder circuits back to the inverter. Include overcurrent protection devices.
Feed inverter AC output through conduit and disconnects to an AC combiner panel before connecting to your home’s main electrical panel.
Label all wiring and terminals clearly. Install warnings and diagrams for each system component. Follow all electrical code requirements.
Be extremely careful working on your roof or hiring installers. Safety is paramount.
Step 9: Connect to the Utility Grid
With on-site installation complete, your solar company will coordinate with the utility company to finalize the grid connection:
The utility will replace your existing meter with a smart net metering enabled meter. This spins backwards as you feed excess energy to the grid.
They perform an anti-islanding test during commissioning to ensure your panels safely disconnect from the grid if power goes out.
Your installer will complete full end-to-end system testing and work with the utility so you can begin generating solar power.
Turn on monitoring so you can access real-time solar production data through an app or online dashboard.
Understand your state’s net metering policies. This determines the credit rate you receive for excess solar generation sent to the grid. Monthly credits are applied to your energy bill.
Step 10: Organize Maintenance and Monitoring
With everything successfully installed and connected, solar system maintenance is fairly minimal:
Monitor your solar data regularly to confirm your system is meeting production expectations. This allows you to catch any operational issues early.
Inspect the panels a few times per year and clean any accumulated dirt or debris that could cause shade. Hire professionals for roof cleaning.
Have a licensed electrician annually check electrical connections, surge protectors, and mounting integrity to protect safety and performance.
Replacing the inverter(s) every 10-15 years may be required. Budget for this significant future expense.
Solar panels themselves are very low maintenance and typically only need replacement if physically damaged. They have a very long useful life.
Read your system and component manuals thoroughly. Follow all manufacturer maintenance recommendations.
Extended solar panel warranties provide protection against early failures and energy underperformance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost for a home?
The average cost to install home solar panels is $15,000-$25,000 before incentives. System pricing depends on your location, roof size/angles, energy usage, equipment needs and labor costs. Get multiple quotes.
How many solar panels do I need for my house?
Most homes require between 20-35 standard sized solar panels in the 250-400 watt range. The number needed depends on your electricity usage, panel wattage, sunlight hours and other factors. Have your installer accurately size your system.
What are the best quality solar panels?
The most efficient and reliable residential solar brands include SunPower, LG, Panasonic, Silfab, Mission Solar, REC, Q Cells and Canadian Solar based on laboratory testing and warranties. Compare panel specs and certifications.
Can I install solar panels myself?
Installing solar on your own is technically possible but very complex. All electrical work requires permits and inspections. DIY solar makes sense only if you have technical expertise and are willing to research all local requirements. Using a professional installer is highly recommended.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels can reliably generate clean energy for 25-30 years or more. Many panel manufacturers offer 20-25 year performance warranties. With proper maintenance, panels typically last as long as your roof.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels on your home is extremely rewarding. You can take control of your energy costs for decades while helping the environment. This step-by-step DIY guide covered the full process from initial solar assessment to system maintenance. The key is conducting thorough planning, permitting, research, safety checks, and comparisons to ensure your investment pays off. If you need any assistance analyzing the specifics of your property and requirements, please reach out. Our team of solar experts is here to help you successfully navigate your transition to clean solar energy.
