How To Install Solar Panels: A Step-by-Step Guide - Newsweek

How To Install Solar Panels: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ginny Bartolone

Ginny Bartolone

Contributor

Ginny is a freelance contributor with nearly a decade of experience writing about home services, personal finance, education and small business. She is also a travel writer, long-distance hiker and proud New Yorker. Her writing can be found on Forbes Advisor, Angi, Salon and Club + Resort Chef.
Read Ginny Bartolone's full bio Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson

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Greg Johnson is a freelance editor for Newsweek’s personal finance team. He has been writing and editing personal finance, credit card and travel content for over a decade at his website—ClubThrifty.com—and other national publications. Greg lives in Indiana with his wife and two children.
Read Greg Johnson's full bio

Updated June 6, 2024 at 4:54 pm

While hiring a team of experts to design your solar system is usually recommended, advanced home DIYers may be tempted to learn how to install solar panels on their own. After all, installing solar panels yourself can lower the total cost of a solar system by between 10% and 25%.

Is learning how to install solar panels worth the risk of error? In this piece, we offer a general overview of the solar installation process as well as professional variations of the DIY route.

Our research is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of personal finance services and products that best suit your needs. To help you in the decision-making process, our expert contributors compare common preferences and potential pain points, such as affordability, accessibility, and credibility.

Vault’s Viewpoint

- Installing solar panels is not a recommended DIY project unless you have previous professional experience.
- Solar brands also sell DIY kits customized to your roof and power requirements.
- Consider a hybrid DIY option—such as hiring an electrician to oversee the project—when learning how to install solar panels on your own.

Installing Solar Panels: Is It Right for You?

Installing solar panels is an advanced and multistep DIY project. Homeowners should only attempt the project if they are comfortable working on the roof, handling electrical components, and have experience with power tools. In some districts, building codes require professionals to either inspect or handle certain steps of the process, such as connecting the system to the local grid or making changes to your roof.

If you’d like to move ahead with installing a solar system on your own, we recommend consulting at least three of the top solar companies in your area to discuss DIY or semi-DIY solutions. Comparing the price of installation to the cost of repairs due to installation errors might sway your decision.

Preparing To Install Solar Panels

The design and preparation process is crucial to learning how to install solar panels. Even when it comes to prepackaged DIY kits, there is a unique solar design that is right for every home—which is both a pro and con of solar panel installation. Always speak with the manufacturer about choosing the best kit or customized design for your home.

1. Design Your Solar System

Begin by analyzing your home for solar compatibility. Solar panels should receive at least four hours—and preferably more—of direct sun a day. Your roof should ideally sit between a 10 and 40-degree angle and be strong enough to hold the weight of your panels. Ground-mounted panels must have a flat and clear space with dense, steady soil.

An electrician can confirm that the size and placement of your electrical panel also matches the solar kit you have in mind. At this point, consider the necessary size of your system based on your home’s hourly wattage and the number of hours of direct sun on the panels.

2. Consider Incentives

Federal and state solar incentives can significantly lower the cost of installing solar. The federal solar tax credit cuts the cost of both labor and materials by up to 30% when installed through the end of 2032. However, the tax credit can also be applied to DIY solar kits installed on your own.

States and local districts also offer tax credits, tax exemptions, net metering and rebates. That being said, some areas require homeowners to hire a state-approved inspector or installer to qualify for the incentive. Always check local requirements before installing solar panels yourself.

3. Apply for Permits

Installing solar panels nearly always requires a permit from your local buildings department. They will make the final call on whether installing solar panels yourself is possible. For example, some solar designs—such as those connected to the grid—may require a certified electrician and a visit from your utility company.

You may also need to hire a roofing contractor to confirm that your roof is strong enough to hold the panels. Give yourself between two and eight weeks to confirm the inspection and permitting process.

4. Gather Tools and Materials

Once you receive the green light from your town, order and organize your solar panel materials and the necessary tools. Some DIY kits do not include optional materials such as flashing, energy meters and the tools necessary to complete the job. And while your material list heavily varies depending on the type of mount you use, expect the following items to be on your list.

Materials

- Racking system
- Lag bolts or clamp mounts
- Photovoltaic panels
- String inverter system or microinverters
- Solar battery
- Charge controller
- Heat sink

Tools

- Chalk line
- Measuring tape
- Wrench
- Power drill
- Drill bits
- Metal cutting saw
- Pliers
- Wirecutters
- Wire strippers

5. Take Safety Precautions

Yet again, it is important to reiterate that learning how to install solar panels is a complex process. You should only take on the job if you have electrical training and are comfortable working on a ladder and the roof. Always work with a roof harness as well as work boots, gloves, goggles and a hard hat.

Take the time to fully read your solar kit’s instruction manual and highlight safety notes. Knowing when and how to turn off the electricity to your home is critical to starting the job. If you’re concerned about turning the power back on after installation, hire an electrician for this step.

How To Install Solar Panels

Always follow the step-by-step instructions in your solar panel installation manual. However, these example steps offer a basic overview of installing solar panels on a roof as well as what your professional may follow.

1. Measure and Mark Your Perimeter

Begin by measuring and double-checking your measurements. Use your measuring tape and chalk line to map out the placement of your racking system. Plan your electrical route either to the exterior of your home or through the roof into the attic.

2. Secure the Racking System

If you are using lag bolts, pre-drill holes into a roof truss every several inches according to your instructions. In some cases, you will also need to adhere flashing around the bolt holes to protect your roof from leaks.

Attach your mounts to the lag bolts and follow the instructions to fully secure the racks in place. Keep in mind that the hardware you use will depend on your type of roofing. For example, clamp mounts are more common for metal roofs and leg bolts are best for asphalt shingles.

3. Attach the Solar Panels

Depending on the design of your kit, you may install microinverters along the length of your racking system at this stage. If you have a string inverter for the full system, you’ll install it later.

The racking system should make it easy to attach the photovoltaic panels to the mounts. Solar panels are heavy and can break when dropped, so always invite another person to assist. Follow the instructions to wire your panels together in the proper array.

4. Add the Optional Heat Sink

Check your solar installation guide to see whether the panels include a built-in heat sink to control and dissipate the heat produced by the panels. If not, install the heat sink at this time.

5. Connect the Wiring and Roof Junction Box

Run the wires through the racking system and connect your array of panels together. You may also need to install a roof junction box to organize and protect the connections from your panels.

6. Install the Charge Controller

A charge controller helps protect your batteries from damage due to overcharging. Connect and wire your charge controller in an area close to your battery bank. Choose a wall mount that is in an area away from heat and direct sunlight.

7. Attach Your Solar Battery

There are many highly-rated solar batteries to choose from for both grid-connected and off-grid systems. Attach the battery to the charge controller and wire multiple batteries together to create a single bank. Just like the charge controller, the battery should stay in a ventilated utility room, closet, or garage.

8. Link Your String Inverter

If your system does not have a microinverter configuration, attach your inverter between your battery and your home’s electrical panels. An inverter translates the DC power coming from your panels into AC power equipped for your home.

9. Install Your Energy Meter

While many DIY kits will not come with an energy meter, you can purchase one through a solar supplier or hardware store. The energy meter will measure how much power flows from your panels. If you remain connected to the grid and wish to take advantage of a net metering program—the process of getting paid for sending power back to the grid—you will need to install a bidirectional meter that measures the power flow in both directions.

10. Hire an Inspector To Check Your Wiring

In this final stage of the process, allow an electrician or locally appointed inspector to double-check all of your wiring and ensure proper grounding techniques on your panels. Always consult a professional before connecting your system to your electrical panel. You will also need to communicate with your utility company that you’ve completed the necessary inspection to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Solar Panels Are Needed To Power a House?

While most homes require between a 6kW and 8kW system—or between 10 and 20 panels—the number heavily depends on a range of factors. The design of your roof, the number of hours of direct sunlight and the efficiency of the panels all contribute.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

The majority of solar panels maintain efficiency for between 20 and 40 years, or 25 years on average. Most solar panel warranties cover 25 years of the life of the system. Always check your materials and labor warranty to ensure that DIY installation or repairs do not negate the agreement.

How Do DIY Solar Kits Work?

There are many types of DIY solar kits on the market, some of which come with a customized design for each unique home. However, a homeowner should only consider learning how to install solar panels themselves if they have trained electrical and construction experience. The complexity of the process and the weight of the panels can be dangerous without a certified professional nearby.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Ginny Bartolone

Contributor

Ginny is a freelance contributor with nearly a decade of experience writing about home services, personal finance, education and small business. She is also a travel writer, long-distance hiker and proud New Yorker. Her writing can be found on Forbes Advisor, Angi, Salon and Club + Resort Chef.
Read more articles by Ginny Bartolone