Working with solar professionals

Even if you are planning to do as much of the installation as possible, you'll need an electrician for everything on the AC side of the system, including the final hookup to the house electricity.

You also might need to hire a solar professional, an architect that specializes in solar, or an engineer to approve your design, especially if such approval is required for a solar panel permit.

For those of you who have abandoned the DIY option, an experienced solar installer is the best way to go. Here is a basic rundown of the solar pros who can advise and assist you in going solar.

It is time to meet the solar pros because even if you are the most adapt DIY solar installer, you will still need them to help at various times in the project.
 

The solar-powered electrician

A licensed electrician experienced with residential PV installation can perform the final electrical installation, as well as help with any other aspect of the electrical design. If you have experience with electrical equipment installation, you might want to negotiate where you install the boxes, run conduit, and do the other grunt work, and your electrician pulls all the wiring and connects all the components and then turns everything on. If you are an amateur with electricity you will want to turn everything over to the electrician. Otherwise, you might electrocute yourself and get hurt.
 

The solar architect and engineer

Architects and engineers can help with your solar design, and with structural design and considerations, such as roof attachment, roof loads, ground-mount solar structure design and installation, and specialty mounting systems, like those for flat roofs.

They might cost some money but it is worth it because it will be done right and pass inspection.
 

Solar installer

Solar installers offer turnkey planning, design, and installation services for your residential solar system. they also help you apply for rebates that lower your cost and advise you about tax breaks available to you. Good installers offer competitive warranties for their work, and many are willing to provide technical assistance.

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.