Are you a homeowner that’s interested in using solar energy to power your home? Have you researched solar panel installation? If so, you are probably wondering if you should hire a professional to install your home’s panels or if you can install them yourself. While DIY installation may be appealing due to the cost savings, the risks of installing your own solar panels far outweigh the rewards. This article explains the reasons why you shouldn’t install solar panels yourself.
Improper Installation
One of the biggest reasons to not install solar panels yourself is the potential for making critical mistakes. Correctly installing solar panels is a complex process that requires in-depth calculations and extensive technical knowledge. In order to install your panels correctly you will need to consider the following:
- Solar Panel Total Wattage Output – Your solar panels must provide enough electricity to power your home. A professional should conduct precise wattage calculations to ensure that you purchase the correct type and number of solar panels.
- Roof Pitch – In specific instances, your roof may not support the weight of solar panels. If you are unaware of the specifications and limitations of your roof, you could cause major damage to your roof as you attempt to install the panels. Or, if the panels are incorrectly installed, they may not receive as much sunlight as they need to perform at maximum efficiency.
- Home Electrical Configuration – In most cases, you will need to upgrade your home’s electrical service to accommodate new solar panels. Only a licensed electrician should perform these types of electrical modifications. Otherwise, you run the risk of wiring something incorrectly, which could result in damage to your home or equipment.
- Labor Requirements – You must consider the labor required to install solar panels in your home. A trained team of professionals can finish a solar installation job in one to three days. If you attempt to perform the installation yourself, this timeframe can increase dramatically as you will spend more time researching and gathering materials due to a lack of experience.
Finding the Right Materials Is Time-Consuming
Any DIYer knows the importance of obtaining the right materials for the job. Comparing different types of solar panels can be an arduous process. Using cheaper, poorly made materials may lead to additional repairs or problems down the road. Therefore, the best way to ensure that you are getting reliable equipment recommendations is to consult with a team of solar experts.
You Can Void the Manufacturer’s Warranty and Miss Out on Potential Savings
Solar manufacturers offer a variety of equipment and performance warranties for their products. However, these companies only honor the warranties if the equipment is installed correctly according to their specific requirements. If you install the panels yourself, you might accidentally void the warranty making you fully responsible for all repairs.
Potential for Damage or Injuries
Solar panels and solar panel installation can pose a potential for damage or bodily injuries. Solar panels may necessitate adding materials for your roof to help support them. If you fail to use the correct support or if you use panels that are too heavy, you could potentially damage your roof structure. Additionally, on a hot summer day solar panels will heat up quickly, so if the correct materials aren’t used during installation a fire could be started. Finally, it is best to be cautious when it comes to DIY solar panel installation due to the likelihood of bodily injuries. Solar panel installation requires being comfortable with heights and knowing how to deal with electrical work. One false move could lead to serious injury or death.
Contact The Solar Professionals Today
Installing solar panels by yourself may seem like a great way to save money, but the risks far outweigh the rewards. When it comes to solar installation it is best to rely on the experts. To ensure a safe, reliable, and guaranteed solar panel installation, talk with a certified installer at The Solar Professionals!
Works Cited:
https://na.panasonic.com/us/green-living/diy-solar-panels-why-you-shouldnt-install-them-yourself
https://photonbrothers.com/blog/why-shouldnt-install-your-own-solar-panels/
https://solarliberty.com/blog/why-you-shouldnt-do-a-diy-solar-panel-installation/
