DIY Solar Panel Kits Vs. Professional Installation

DIY solar panel kits have become increasingly popular in recent years. More people are feeling as though they want to do something to help the environment, and to help save them money. A number of guides have been produced that can take even the inexperienced through the steps of building their own solar panels. But how do these compare to a professional installation?

Cost

One of the main reasons why people choose DIY solar panel kits over a professional installation is that they want to save money, so it’s no surprise that the DIY route comes out top in this area. DIY kits are based on easy to find materials that can cost you as little as a couple of hundred dollars to buy. Your main cost is going to be in the time involved to put the work in and actually build these panels yourself.

Professional solar panel installation, on the other hand, can cost you thousands of dollars. However, if you’re extremely busy and can afford it then it may be worth paying the money to save you the time and effort of building the panels yourself. You’ll also get the benefit of having the project overseen by professionals. You may even be able to take advantage of government rebates when you opt for a professional installation.

Skills Involved

When you choose professional solar panel installation, you won’t need any DIY or construction skills. You will, however, need to set aside some time to research the best kinds of solar panels, and the reputation of the companies promising to install them. With DIY solar panel kits, on the other hand, you will probably want to have some DIY skills. However, investing in a good step-by-step guide will make the task as easy as possible.

The Quality Of Your Solar Panels

The quality of solar panels really does vary, and some are far more efficient, and last far longer, than others. This is why research is key no matter which route you choose to take. The quality of professional solar panels is usually backed up by a warranty (often 20 years or longer) which means you’ll be protected if anything went wrong. This isn’t the case with a DIY installation.

The position of the panels on your roof is also essential to their efficiency, so choosing a professional installation means you’ll have the benefit of a professional calculation in this area. With DIY solar panel kits you’ll be following generic advice that doesn’t specifically take your situation into account. And, more than likely, you’ll be looking to save money and will use lower quality materials.

Conclusion

There are pros and cons to each solar installation route. If you’ve got the money then it’s well worth investing in a professional installation that will be protected by a warranty for many years to come. However, if you’re into DIY, or really want to save some cash, then it’s certainly possible to create your own solar panels using DIY solar panel kits.