Can I install my own solar panels?

Here is a DIYer checklist. This is a litmus test that tells you whether to proceed boldly as an amateur solar installer or to hand over the reins to a professional. it is a tough question we hope to tackle with this checklist.

For most of you, the decision will come down to the rules of the local building authority (most likely your city, county, township, or state) or your utility provider, either of which may require that solar installations be done by a licensed professional. This is also the best time to confirm that your project won't be nixed by your zoning department, historical district standards, or your homeowner's association.
 

Start the solar power DIY checklist

You can install your own solar panels, in other words, when amateur installation is permitted by the local building authority and your utility provider. Requirements for amateur installation are reasonable and acceptable in some cases. Some authorities require nonprofessionals to pass tests demonstrating basic knowledge of electrical and other household systems, but such tests may not be extensive. So ask, and if you have some spare time, go ahead and tinker with your electrical system and see if you can add stuff to it. Try it out as some of the braver folks say.
 

Hours of rooftop work to install solar panels

You have to be alright with several hours of physical rooftop work (those with ground-mounted systems get a pass here) and you are wise enough to wear legitimate fall-arresting equipment (not a rope tied around your waste. that doesn't count. You may feel as confident as a mommy or Mary Poppins dancing around on the roof, she can fly and smart mommies know they have to use safety equipment.
 

Your HOA says solar DIY is OK

You can install solar panels on your home even if you belong to an HOA if they say it is okay, and we all know how delightful and easy the HOAs are to deal with around this country. Sometimes they need a little nudging to get things going, and we recommend a box of cookies. Everyone loves cookies and cookies can change opinions, especially about the benefits of installing solar panels on your roof all by yourself.

To find out what panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years.

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.