I'm considering solar for my new house but I'm unsure if it's a good fit since my roof is mostly north-facing and shaded by a neighbor's tree on the south side. The only full sun is on the east side of my garage. I'm thinking about maybe buying a few high-quality bifacial 500W solar panels, setting them up in my backyard at an angle to capture sunlight, and saving some money by going DIY instead of hiring pros. Is it really cheaper to do it myself? Plus, if tech improves in 10 years, I could take my system with me instead of getting a full roof installation now. What do you all think?
5 Answers
Check out some DIY solar YouTube channels like Will Prowse. They can give you good insights! Just be prepared—this isn't something to take lightly. Some aspects of installation can be tricky, so don't hesitate to hire someone for parts you aren't comfortable handling.
I did a DIY solar installation last summer with 39 panels from Enphase, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made! I saved a lot of money and faced zero issues with my installation—certainly much less hassle than dealing with installers who might cut corners. So, if you're confident in your abilities, go for it! Just be ready to tackle the challenges yourself when they arise.
If you're only looking at a small setup, working with commercial installers might be too pricey or not helpful at all. Doing it yourself typically saves you cash, but remember to factor in your time—it can be a fun project! Just be careful with shading issues on your roof. Ground mounts vary widely in complexity, so make sure you choose a solid design based on your needs and local regulations!
Going the DIY route sounds like a fun introduction to solar! I have a small off-grid setup myself that helps offset my AC costs. Once you get started, it's kind of addicting! Plus, using something like a solar generator can make it pretty straightforward. Just make sure you're ready for the learning curve!
My dad just finished his own ground-mounted 12kW array, and I'm working on my 14kW rooftop system right now. Even though his costs were higher than a rooftop install, mine will end up being $8,000 cheaper! Solid DIY planning can really pay off in the end.
True! But keep in mind that a DIY setup won’t connect to the grid easily, so you might need batteries to store energy. It can still be great for small projects like lighting a shed or using tools if you're off-grid! Just weigh the pros and cons for what you want to accomplish.