Installing solar panels yourself can save you thousands of dollars while giving you more control over your renewable energy system. You can easily set up a DIY solar system if you’re comfortable with basic construction, running power tools, and electrical wiring.

This guide will walk you through every step, from determining how much energy you need to assessing your home’s energy generation potential. It also covers the necessary basic installation steps, from installing the mounting systems and panels to connecting them to your household electrical. With the right tools and preparation, you can harness the sun’s power and reduce energy costs today. Let’s dive in.

Can I Install a Solar Panel System Myself?

Absolutely. If you’ve ever done a home renovation project, you can do DIY solar panels, also called photovoltaics. If you’re comfortable climbing on your roof for roof-mounted systems, have some basic construction skills and knowledge of using power tools, and can do basic wiring yourself or are willing to learn, you can save thousands of dollars by installing it yourself.

Most people find the wiring the most challenging because they don’t know how to do it safely. Wiring photovoltaics is relatively easy but not something that should be taken lightly. If you’re uncomfortable doing this part yourself, you can always install the mounting brackets and panels yourself, which takes the most time anyway. Then, hire a professional electrician to connect the wiring to your household electrical panel—this is the safest DIY choice for anyone who’s never tackled electrics before. You’ll have to pay the electrician, but the wiring part takes little time compared to the installation, so the cost of DIY photovoltaics, even if you hire an electrician, is less than paying a professional installer to do all the work.