Do-it-yourself (DIY) solar panels have become increasingly popular, but installing them is a complex project that requires knowledge and skill. In fact, we surveyed 1,000 homeowners and found that less than 0.3% chose to install their panels themselves.
Solar panels are an appealing way to make your home more eco-friendly and reduce your monthly energy bills. However, they’re expensive to install, with a large portion of the cost going toward labor.
We’ve spent more than 770 hours researching the best solar panels available, including DIY solar kits. Our guide explains what a DIY solar panel project entails and explores whether it’s worth the money you save compared to the return on investment for standard solar systems.
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Pros and Cons of DIY Solar Panel Installation
Pros
- Helps you save money on solar panel installation
- Gives you more control over the installation process
- Lets you design your own solar power system
Cons
- Requires a lot of expertise, and mistakes can lead to roof leaks or damage
- Is a highly time-consuming project
- Isn’t backed by a warranty
Solar Panel Cost
One of the primary appeals of DIY solar panels is that you can save money. According to EnergySage, solar panels cost an average of $29,410 for a 10-kilowatt (kW) system. Roughly half of that cost goes toward labor, overhead, margin, customer acquisition, and other costs that do not apply to a DIY solar power installation. Your overall cost for DIY solar depends on factors like where you live and whether or not you need solar batteries, along with a charge controller that manages them. Many customers save $5,000 or more on DIY solar panels compared to the cost of professional solar installers.
However, professionally installed solar panels come with a few benefits that can help offset the higher price:
- Wholesale discounts: Professional installers get better deals on solar panels and other equipment. You will likely pay more for the same components if you buy them yourself.
- Financing: Many solar companies offer financing options to make your project more affordable. Getting a loan for a DIY project will be significantly harder, so you may have to pay the full cost upfront.
- Warranties: Professionally installed solar panels typically come with a warranty from both the manufacturer and the installer. These warranties can save you money if something goes wrong with your system in the future.
- Peace of mind: An experienced installer can maximize the reliability and efficiency of your solar system. For most homeowners, that extra assurance justifies the higher cost.
- Convenience: Installing your own solar panels requires a significant time investment. Professional installation costs more but saves you time, hassle, and risk.
- Tax incentives: Federal and state governments, utility companies, and municipalities offer a variety of incentives to lower solar installation costs. However, DIY installations may not qualify for many of them.
Quick Tip
- Find out which tax credits, cash rebates, Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), and property tax exemptions apply to DIY installations. One example is the federal solar tax credit, which provides a tax reduction equal to 30% of your DIY solar panel system installation costs. If your tax liability is lower than the deduction, it will roll over to the following year. If your utility company offers net metering, which allows grid-tied solar homeowners to sell excess energy back to their utility company, DIY solar installations can take advantage of that, too.
Compare the Leading Solar Panel Installation Companies
- Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
- Venture Solar: Best Northeast Regional Installer
- Solar Energy World: Best East Coast Installer
- Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
A+ | 25 years | ||
A+ | 25–30 years | ||
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship |
Our Top Solar Company Picks
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.
Out of all solar brands in the market, 6.5% of our survey respondents chose Blue Raven.
How We Scored Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven received 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system. The company scored the most points for its customer service reputation and warranty coverage. It also earned points for providing all standard solar panel services but lost some due to its limited financing options and lack of roof leak coverage.
- Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): Blue Raven offers solar panel and battery installation, active monitoring services, and energy audits. However, it doesn’t offer solar roofs, EV chargers, or additional roofing services.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points): The company offers top-of-the-line warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty. The company earned points fo providing a performance guarantee, but its guarantee is shorter than many other providers. However, it doesn’t provide any roof leak coverage.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Blue Raven has high customer review ratings on its BBB profile and other popular review sites. The company uses in-house installers but doesn’t ensure they’re NABCEP-certified, which made it lose some points in this category.
- Financing Options (12 out of 15 points): Blue Raven offers some of the best in-house financing of the companies on this list, but it limits this financing to solar loans. You may want to consider a different provider, such as Sunrun, if you’re looking for a lease or PPA.
- Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): Blue Raven has less experience than other providers, with only 10 years in the industry.
- State Availability (7 out of 10 points): The company limits its service area to 19 states.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
State Availability
Available in: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington
Reputation and Reviews
Blue Raven has won numerous awards from Comparably, a site known for its company culture and reputation reviews. It also ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.
Blue Raven is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but cited poor communication after completing projects. We analyzed several consumer reviews and found that some of these issues stem from the company’s financing department and third-party installers.
Venture Solar
Venture Solar specializes in installing systems that are perfectly symmetrical and have no visible wiring or mounting devices. This design provides a simple, stylish look tailored to your roof’s appearance. Additionally, Venture offers comprehensive financing options similar to Sunrun, making solar energy more accessible to homeowners.
How We Scored Venture Solar
Venture earned 4.2 out of 5 stars. It gained most of its points due to its flexible financing options paired with an in-house financing department. It also provides plenty of solar services to match most customers’ wants and needs, though it lost points for lacking roofing services, energy audits, and EV charger installations.
- Solar Equipment and Services (16 out of 25 points): Venture offers solar panel and battery installation with active monitoring. The company lost points in this category because it doesn’t provide EV chargers, solar roof installation services, energy audits, and roof repairs.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (25 out of 25 points): The company features excellent warranty perks with 25 years on labor, products, and performance. It also includes roof leak protection.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Venture has a great reputation. It features high ratings on its BBB profile with an accreditation and no active issues like lawsuits.
- Financing Options (14 out of 15 points): Venture provides financing options through an in-house financing team and works with every payment method except PPAs.
- Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): The company holds only eight years of experience in the solar industry.
- State Availability (7 out of 10 points): Venture has a limited service area of only three states.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides transparent information about its financing options online
- Includes remote monitoring
- Includes a 25-year roof and system warranty with all panel systems
Cons
- Requires your phone number to submit an online quote
- Reviews mention mixed experiences with customer support
- Doesn’t work with power purchase agreement
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Venture offers a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers workmanship, products, and power output.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
State Availability
Available in: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
Reputation and Reviews
Venture has an A+ rating and accreditation on its BBB profile. According to customer reviews, the company provides high-quality workmanship on its solar panel systems and good customer support. However, some customers have raised concerns about the pricing and quoting process. They found it confusing to determine the total cost of their system and experienced frequent back-and-forth over pricing.
Some customers also noted that Venture focuses on premium products, leading to higher pricing even when unnecessary. We found several Reddit threads discussing Venture where other solar customers and installers mentioned similar experiences.
Solar Energy World
Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn’t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.
Roughly 11% of our surveyed solar users purchased their system from Solar Energy World.
How We Scored Solar Energy World
SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies’ warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.
- Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): The company is an ideal option for many basic solar products and services, such as solar panels and battery installation. It lost points because it doesn’t install EV chargers or perform energy audits.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): SEW’s manufacturer and labor warranties are standout features, but the company doesn’t include any production guarantees with its work.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (15 out of 15 points): The company’s reputation is one of the best, with high BBB and Google Reviews ratings. We also found no active alerts or lawsuits.
- Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): SEW offers all possible solar payment options but doesn’t provide an in-house financing department.
- Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): The company has been in business since 2009, so it received most of the points in this category.
- State Availability (6 out of 10 points): SEW limits its service area to eight East Coast states.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Features an extensive solar product catalog with trusted brands
- Includes free active monitoring
- Hires NABCEP-certified installers and designers
Cons
- Reviews mention communication issues with staff
- Warranty coverage varies by solar panel brand
- Doesn’t offer a power production guarantee
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn’t guarantee them with every panel option.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA
State Availability
Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia
Reputation and Reviews
The company landed on Solar Power World’s 2023 Top Solar Contractors List in the No. 10 spot.
The BBB accredits SEW, and the company holds an A+ rating. Former customers praise the company for its professionalism, assistance with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. However, some reported discrepancies in finances and scheduling.
Sunrun
We like Sunrun for its four financing options, including its unique leasing options if you don’t want to own your system. This stands out to us because the other companies on this list don’t offer as many options.
Prepaid and leased systems also include a 25-year warranty with system service and maintenance, ongoing monitoring, and theft insurance. The company even offers financing plans for quality monocrystalline solar panels and products from trusted brands such as LG.
How We Scored Sunrun
Sunrun earned 4.4 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company gained many points for its positive reputation, comprehensive leasing options, and well-rounded warranty coverage. It lost some points for is limited service selection.
- Solar Equipment and Services (15 out of 25 points): Sunrun provides solar panel and battery installation but uses third-party installers. Though this is becoming an industry standard, in-house installers typically yield better communication and quality. The company also doesn’t provide roofing services or energy audits but does offer quality active monitoring assistance.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): Sunrun offers quality warranties, such as its 25-year manufacturer and labor warranty, but doesn’t include a performance guarantee.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Sunrun has one of the highest customer BBB ratings we’ve encountered, and the company maintains an overall positive customer reputation online.
- Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): The company doesn’t offer any in-house financing but provides more warranty coverage for customers interested in solar leasing than other providers, such as Palmetto.
- Industry Experience (9 out of 10 points): Sunrun holds 17 years of experience in the solar industry, making it a veteran compared to a newer company such as Blue Raven Solar.
- State Availability (8 out of 10 points): The company only serves 18 states.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides system monitoring that signals issues with your system
- Offers diverse financing options to suit various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Cons
- Limited online information on solar incentive disqualification with leases
- Requires added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers
- Varies solar battery availability by state
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Sunrun backs its systems with a 10-year comprehensive warranty, which includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA
State Availability
Available in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Reputation and Reviews
The company earned DroneDeploy’s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for incorporating drone technology in its site assessments. In 2021 and 2022, Sunrun was recognized by Comparably with 14 awards. Its accolades include Best CEOs for Diversity 2022, Best Company Culture 2021, and Best Company for Women two years in a row.
Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited. Former customers praised the comprehensive coverage for leased systems but complained about delayed installations, poor customer service, and poor communication with project managers. Additionally, some customers note being confused by Sunrun’s leasing and PPA options, though they also mention Sunrun is willing to discuss and clarify these plans.
Solar Panel Installation
It’s possible to install solar panels on your own, but DIY solar installation requires serious know-how and tools. Some solar companies design solar panel kits targeted toward DIYers. However, these kits are often meant for small builds, such as converting a shed, RV, or boat.
Installing a solar energy system requires knowledge of electrical work. You’ll have to work on your roof and with buried wires. The stakes are high for a mishap; crossed wires can malfunction and even cause electrical fires. Additionally, it may be illegal for you to do this work without a professional, depending on your municipality’s zoning laws. Many zoning laws also prohibit installing off-grid solar energy systems.
DIY solar panels work best for small projects or to supplement a traditional energy source. If you want to power your home with solar, we recommend hiring one of the top solar companies to design and install your system.
Solar Panel Maintenance
Professional solar companies include a warranty with an installation that protects your investment if there’s a malfunction or installation error. They’ll complete repairs or replacements if necessary and may even cover the cost.
DIY solar panel installation doesn’t come with this support. However, once the solar system is set up, regular maintenance is low. Solar panels require cleaning every few months, which can be done by rinsing them with a garden hose. If you lack the technical expertise to identify issues with solar panels, hiring a professional to inspect your panels once each year is a good idea. Similarly, if your solar panels are damaged and require repairs beyond your technical ability, you will need to hire a professional to resolve the issue.
How To Find the Best Solar Panels
You’ll need to consider many factors when selecting the best solar panels for your project, including the panel type, efficiency rate, and warranties. We’ll go over each of these factors in more detail below. A solar panel manufacturer can help you with your selection, but hiring an installer is the best way to ensure you get the right panels for your project. Racks and roof mounts to place your solar panels on and an inverter to convert solar energy into alternating current may also be necessary.
“If you work with a turn-key installer that communicates at each step of the process, the home solar installation should be easy and worry-free,” says Matt Johnson, co-owner of Namaste Solar. “A seasoned installer should handle all the logistics from design to permitting to finding all the incentives and rebates available.”
Solar Panel Types
Knowing the different types of solar panels available can help you narrow down your options.
Monocrystalline
Solar panels are the most popular. They’re the most efficient and have a simple, low-profile design, making them ideal panels for residential homes. Monocrystalline panels are created from pure silicon and come in two different variations: passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) and bifacial. PERC panels have a conductive layer added to the backside of cells to increase energy absorption. PERC panels are most commonly used in rooftop solar systems. Monocrystalline solar panels are the most popular. They’re the most efficient and have a simple, low-profile design ideal for residential homes. Monocrystalline, or mono, panels are created from pure silicon and come in two different variations: passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) and bifacial. PERC panels have a conductive layer added to the backside of cells to increase energy absorption. PERC panels are most commonly used in rooftop solar systems.
Bifacial
Bifacial panels absorb light on both sides at a higher rate than PERC panels. For this reason, they’re typically reserved for ground-mount systems that expose both sides of the panels.
Polycrystalline
Polycrystalline solar panels use older technology than mono panels and are a cheaper option. However, these panels are less efficient than monocrystalline offerings and, in turn, require more panels to power your home.
Thin-Film
Thin-film panels are the standard for small DIY solar panel kits. They’re also among the cheapest solar panel options. The manufacturing process for these panels is less complicated, so they take little time to make. They’re also the least efficient panel type, but they have practical uses. Small DIY solar projects, such as RVs and small off-grid systems, use thin-film solar panels.
Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency is vital to your solar energy system’s performance. A higher efficiency indicates that the solar panel can convert a larger percentage of sunlight throughout the day. The more sunlight that gets converted, the more power your system generates to run your home. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) says solar panels typically fall between 16% and 22% efficiency. The most efficient panels cost the most, but they can be worth it because they’ll save you money on your electric bills in the long term.
Warranty
Standard solar panel warranties cover the product and its performance. Some companies provide comprehensive warranties that cover both the product and its performance in one contract. However, warranty coverage for DIY solar panels is limited since you’re taking on the installation yourself.
A standard product warranty lasts for 10–12 years. Some companies offer extended warranties for 25 or more years. Other companies only offer extended product warranties if you use one of their authorized dealers or installers.
The standard performance warranty guarantees 90% production for 10 years and 80% through year 25. Some premium solar panels guarantee 90% or higher output for 25 years. These warranties typically include coverage for any dips in performance as well. If your solar panels are not performing to the standards outlined in your warranty, the solar installer will send you the required parts for free repair or upgrade.
Our Conclusion
DIY solar panel installation is possible if you feel comfortable dealing with the issues outlined in this guide, but we only recommend it for small projects. Solar panel installation is complicated and can be dangerous, so you may prefer working with an installer. A professional can help you determine the correct number of panels for your project based on your budget and energy needs. If you do decide to install panels yourself, make sure to do your research and take the proper safety precautions.
FAQs About DIY Solar Panels
Are DIY solar panels worth it?
DIY solar panels are worth it if you have the expertise and tools for the project. They might not be worth it for a full-sized home, but they work well for small projects such as converting an RV or shed.
Is it cheaper to build your own solar system?
Yes, it’s cheaper to build your own solar panel system. Since you don’t have to pay for labor and other overhead costs, you could save $5,000 or more with a DIY system. However, installing solar panels is a complicated process with many possible mistakes, and you may have less access to cost-saving solar incentives.
How many solar panels will I need to run a house?
You will need 17–25 solar panels to run a house. The exact number varies depending on your annual energy usage, the number of peak sunlight hours in your area, and the wattage of the panels.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.