If you Google solar panels, most of the top results are for websites selling DIY solar panel kits. The same search on YouTube is filled with videos on making your own solar panels.
While building and installing your own solar panels might seem like a good way to save some money, there are several reasons why doing it yourself is a bad—sometimes even dangerous—idea. Here are five reasons why you should work with a professional solar panel installer:
1) You will pay more for materials.
Professional solar panel installers are able to obtain a higher quality product at a lower price. The panels you get at Home Depot or other online retailers are, to say the least, a much lower quality. They are less efficient and will generate less electricity, meaning that you will have to install more panels to generate the same amount of energy, which will ultimately cost you more than a high-quality solar panel you get from a professional company.
2) Doing your own electrical can be dangerous.
This might seem obvious to some, but you’d be surprised how many people think that can do their own electrical work without having any formal training. Unless you are an electrician, installing your own electrical devices, much less a set of solar panels, can be incredibly dangerous. A professional installer will have both roofing and electrical experience, and will know how to safely install your solar panels.
3) Protecting your purchase through the warranty
Companies can be picky about their warranty. If you install your own solar panels, even the smallest mistake can void your warranty. Then you’re stuck with a system that might not be working right, has no warranty protection, and still cost you some money to install while not generating any income.
4) Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork
It’s great to use green solar technology and do your part to improve the environment and reduce our dependence on oil. But there’s also a financial benefit, with federal, state and local solar tax credits and grants, not to mention getting Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).
Obtaining those tax credits, grants and SRECs can be a bureaucratic nightmare. There are numerous forms to fill out, certifications to be obtained, and other hurdles that the homeowner might have to jump through. And if you make a mistake on any of your forms, you have to start all over from the beginning. Doing all this yourself can add months—sometimes years—to the time it takes for you to see a financial benefit of your solar panel system.
A professional solar installer can help you get every single cent you deserve from your solar panels, while installing a higher quality product safely.
We don’t like to brag too much (after all, this blog is about more than our company), but here at Solar Energy World, we take pride in helping our customers through every step of the solar installation process. From the first free solar analysis, through the installation and inspection, to the processing of paperwork, we provide customers with a seamless experience that makes switching to solar easier.
Far easier than doing it yourself.
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[...] Sadly, not all solar panels are created equal. The highest quality panel operates at 42% efficiency. There are panels that produce energy at far lower efficiency rates—most of which are purchased through retail. This is why we don’t recommend building your own system. [...]