Pros and Cons of DIY Solar Panels: Is it Worth It? [2023 Guide]

Installing solar panels can help save you hundreds of dollars in electricity costs each year, but the upfront cost of going solar can be expensive. As with many home upgrade projects, you have two options: hire a professional solar installer or choose DIY solar panels.

In this article, we at the Guides Home Team will cover the key points you need to know about DIY solar, including the advantages and disadvantages, costs and savings, installation steps and more.

One of the main advantages of a do-it-yourself solar project is saving on the cost of installation. Homeowners can expect to pay around $3.27 per watt of solar capacity, according to a Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) report. Based on this figure, a professionally installed 6 kilowatt (kW) solar system would cost around $19,620 in total. Skilled labor and overhead represent around 10% of the final price of home solar projects, so you could achieve savings by installing panels yourself.

However, there are downsides to DIY solar installation. Professional and DIY solar panels both use photovoltaic (PV) modules to capture solar power and convert it to energy, but there are important differences in the way each system operates. Solar panels installed by professionals are normally set up as grid-connected electricity sources, while most DIY solar panels operate off-grid. Electric power companies typically will only allow you to connect your solar panels to the grid if installed by a qualified electrician.

In operating off-grid, you will miss out on energy savings through incentive programs like net metering. However, off-grid systems are portable and can be used anywhere, while grid-tied solar panels are bound to a single property.

The chart below outlines some pros and cons of DIY solar panels to help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

One of the main advantages of DIY solar power is the lower overall cost. Based on our research into solar panel costs, professional labor and overhead represents around 12% of the total price of a solar array. The chart below outlines what factors into the price of going solar and the cost percentage of each item.

Keep in mind that when you choose DIY solar installation, you will still have to pay the sales tax associated with your system materials, but you avoid taxes charged on professional installation services. Considering that most DIY solar power systems are portable and off-grid, you can also save on permitting costs associated with permanently mounting panels to your home.

Although DIY solar energy systems are more affordable on paper, there are some limitations to consider before moving forward with your own installation.

The DIY-friendly solar kits available on the market are normally designed for small appliances, not for an entire home. Many of these solar kits have a capacity below 1,000 watts or one kW, and the largest units available may reach two to three kW. For comparison, the solar panel systems installed by professionals typically range from 5 kW to 10 kW. Building this type of solar energy system on your own is possible, but only recommended if you have training as a professional electrician.

To give you an idea of the risks involved with self-installation, a 20-solar-panel array may reach 400 volts (V) when operating at full capacity. For reference, any voltage above 30 can deliver shocks dangerous to humans.

Due to high voltage, plus the risk of falling if you’re mounting your panels on your roof, DIY installation can create a hazardous situation if you are not trained to perform electrical work.

While DIY solar installation is beneficial if you plan to use your panels on trips or for camping, it's important to consider energy production. Solar panels typically generate the most energy within a few hours around noon. To use solar electricity on nights or cloudy days, you must combine your panels with a backup battery system that stores excess energy for use during less-than-optimal conditions. However, adding equipment increases the cost of your project — a single solar battery can cost around $10,000 or more.

On the other hand, energy storage equipment is optional when your solar system is professionally installed since your panels can send energy to and from the grid. Instead of using a solar battery to store your surplus generation, you can sell excess energy to your power company. That electricity is then subtracted from your bills, which means you can use the local grid as your "battery." This concept is known as net metering.

As previously mentioned, you can only utilize net metering programs if your panels are connected to the utility grid, which will not be the case if you DIY.

Depending on your home's location, you may be eligible for solar incentives from government agencies or utility companies. In addition to federal programs like the federal solar tax credit, some states also offer sales tax exemptions for homeowners who go solar.

However, most of these programs are only available if your panels are installed by qualified contractors. While a professional solar panel installation is more expensive than a DIY project, incentive programs can help you cover the cost difference in the long run. For example, claiming the federal solar tax credit can save you upward of $7,500 or more on the total cost of your solar system.

If you decide to try a DIY solar installation, we recommend you take the following steps to figure out how to best proceed with your project.

The first step is to determine which location makes sense to install solar panels on your property. Preferably, you will want to install your panels on an area of your roof that sees decent amounts of sunlight throughout the year. If your home is surrounded by taller buildings or trees and experiences constant shade, DIY solar panels may not be as attractive an option unless you also plan to purchase a backup battery.

You also have to consider permits. Depending on how you configure and install your DIY solar panels, you may need a permit from the local building department or utility company. Solar panels that are permanently attached to your roof may be classified as a home upgrade and subject to a construction permit.

Grid-tied solar panels must also be approved by your utility company, which will provide a list of technical requirements to ensure electrical safety. Permitting is often the most challenging step of a DIY solar project since you must meet technical specifications that are legally enforced. However, off-grid solar systems are normally exempt from permits since those projects don't involve home modifications or a connection to the local grid.

There are a few important questions to answer before setting up a DIY solar panel system:

The solar panels used in DIY projects are normally smaller than those used by professional installers. The PV modules included in DIY solar kits are normally in the range of 50 to 200 W, while the larger modules used in rooftop installations often exceed 350 W.

To get a quick estimate of your annual electricity production in kilowatt-hours, you can multiply the total solar panel wattage by 1.2. For example, a DIY solar system with eight 100 W modules would have 800 W of total capacity and generate around 960 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. At an electricity price of 20 cents/kWh, this system would save you around $192 per year compared to traditional electric bills.

Since DIY solar panels are not usually eligible for connection to the electrical grid, you will need a battery backup system. You should add the total wattage of all devices you intend to power with solar energy and find a battery that is capable of supplying this wattage. Lithium-ion batteries are recommended over traditional lead-acid batteries since they are safer to use and more durable.

Solar panels should be positioned to get maximum sunshine on their surface. In the case of the U.S., which is in the northern hemisphere, solar panels should be tilted south since there is more sunlight coming from that half of the sky. To determine the optimal tilt angle for solar panels, you can visit the World Bank Global Solar Atlas and click on your location.

Many DIY solar panels come with an adjustable kickstand to prop up your panels. However, if you’re considering a permanent solar installation on your home, you need a suitable racking system or roof mount. The list below outlines a few factors to consider:

A solar inverter is a device that converts the direct current or DC power generated by your panel's PV modules into the alternating current or AC power used to power your home. There are two main configuration options:

Permitting is the main bottleneck for many DIY solar projects. As mentioned above, you will most likely need a construction permit if your solar panels are attached permanently to your roof, and need an interconnection permit if you want a grid-tied system. Most utility companies will not allow interconnection unless your solar panels are professionally installed.

High-quality solar panels can last for decades, and routine maintenance needs are relatively simple. The most important requirement is keeping the surface of solar panels clean — dust and other particles can block part of the incoming sunlight, reducing electricity output.

Solar panels can be washed, but you should avoid spraying them with cold water on hot summer days, since the drastic temperature change may cause damage. Instead, you should clean your panels with a squeegee or soft brush to prevent damage to their surface and ensure a longer service life. Avoid using hard brushes, roof rakes or chemicals.

There are many useful resources available to help you learn more about solar panel technology, costs and incentive programs available throughout the U.S.

As with many home upgrade projects, each installation option has its pros and cons. A professional solar installation typically costs more due to skilled labor costs, but you can lower that cost with incentives and rebates offered by government agencies and local utility companies. On the other hand, DIY solar panel installation is likely still more affordable and offers a portability option so you can take your equipment camping or on other trips.

We recommend DIY solar panels if you want an off-grid or portable power source to power a camper or certain appliances — not an entire home. There are many DIY solar panel kits available on the market, which include portable battery banks with built-in outlets for common appliances. These kits operate at much lower voltages than professionally installed systems, making them a safer option for users without electrical training.

A professional installation is recommended if you want a solar energy system that is capable of powering an entire home, or even a small business. These all-in-one systems have much higher voltages and wattages than a typical DIY solar kit, and handling them without technical know-how is very risky. Also, the manufacturer warranty that comes with professional solar installations can last up to 25 to 30 years, while most DIY solar panels are covered for less than five years.

Regardless of your installation method, solar panels can save you hundreds of dollars in electricity costs each year. Plus, solar's return on investment (ROI) recently improved due to higher tariffs. U.S. electricity prices increased by 14.3% between December 2021 and 2022, according to the latest Consumer Price Index reports, which means the electricity generated by solar panels is now even more valuable.

You can always reach out to top solar companies directly if you have questions, want to learn more about installation options or are in the market for a project quote.

Yes, but it is only recommended if you have been professionally trained as an electrician. In the case of roof-mounted installations, you must also be qualified to work at a height.

There are DIY-friendly solar kits that operate with lower voltages and wattages, which are a much safer option if you want to build your own system.

DIY solar panels are cost-effective if you want a compact and portable power system for smaller appliances operating off-grid. But a professional installation is recommended if you want a larger grid-connected solar energy system to cover the energy needs of an entire home.

Yes, a DIY solar project can reduce your system's cost per watt of capacity by up to 50%. However, we recommend potential DIYers look into the pros and cons of self-solar installation before getting started.

The main advantage of a DIY solar panel system is its lower cost compared to that of a professional installation. You can also configure your own solar panels as an off-grid portable power station, which is useful when traveling.

Leonardo David is an electromechanical engineer, MBA, energy consultant and technical writer. His energy-efficiency and solar consulting experience covers sectors including banking, textile manufacturing, plastics processing, pharmaceutics, education, food processing, real estate and retail. He has also been writing articles about energy and engineering topics since 2015.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York's Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.