DIY solar panel systems feel like an inducement to harness an easy and cheap way to generate renewable energy, but many homeowners are unaware of the serious safety implications involved, not to mention the potential for endless damage to their roofs. That’s why it’s not a good idea to say installing solar yourself.
5 "Gotchas" of DIY solar panels
1. This is a complex and potentially dangerous job!
Installing solar panels is not an easy process for the average person, and without the same training as professional installers, many problems can arise. Lifting heavy panels, wiring electrical equipment, and simply working on roofs are just some of the safety hazards you face. However, manual solar panel installation may be too advanced for your skilled position if you don’t have professional instruction or training to use this technical gear. There is still a lot of trouble left for you.
If you’ve just spent hours googling how to make solar panels and watching YouTube videos to see how you might think it’s simple and not so elaborate. This may not be the case.
The professional side of solar PV installation can also be tricky, with do-it-yourself often performed in incorrect system connections and installations. If you have electrical experience, many of the basic jobs of a solar installation are still quite different from traditional jobs, and that should be left to the professionals.
2.You may not be supported by government incentive schemes
To qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays your electricity bills, you must use MCS-certified (or equivalent) solar panels to qualify for this government incentive program. With this government incentive program, you can more easily recoup your investment in your solar system.
While some may choose to offer SEGs for uncertified solar panels, there are several other important benefits to solar panels that are certified this way, similar to protecting consumers in the event of installation issues. Therefore, we recommend hiring an MCS-certified professional solar installer to take care of your solar panel installation.
3. Improper installation of solar panels can lead to fire
The biggest threat to DIY solar is fire. This is usually the result of using the wrong material or improper installation. Many DIY tutorials will suggest that you solder the panels together yourself, or indeed use poor quality wood to support them, which is dangerous considering the panels can reach wood-burning temperatures in the sun. Poor wiring is another big problem, as it can actually cause the inverter to explode and start an electrical fire in your home.
4. The DIY solar panels you’re using may be damaging your roof
Before using a solar system, you should always consider whether your roof is suitable for solar panels. The most important part of this is making sure your roof is structurally suitable to hold the panels and whether it needs bracing. A professional installer should perform a structural analysis before work begins, missing this critical step could result in your roof collapsing under the weight of your solar panels. They are also useful for dissecting your roof to understand the effectiveness of solar panels and to spot any issues that need to be addressed, such as shading or obstructions. Therefore, it is recommended that you find a professional installer to ensure that there are no accidents.
5. Solar panels may have a shorter lifespan
A DIY solar panel solution may cost less, but it’s questionable whether the quality is the same as what a professional installer would offer. The right solar panel system should last 20 to 30 years or more (usually when installed by a professional they will tell you they come with a warranty), so getting the cheapest deal now may end up costing you more repairs or does fail.
DIY installations, especially if the panels themselves are installed at home, may have a shorter lifespan, and replacing without warranty is costing you more. It’s also important to be wary of “scams” that do pay for DIY tutorials or do deal with substandard solar panels. Additionally, solar panel installers also buy in bulk from manufacturers, so they can often offer lower prices.
Disadvantages of solar energy
1. High cost of energy storage
Batteries are the most precious part of the solar system. Not all systems come with batteries, but they become mandatory when you go off the grid. They are also needed if you need backup power for your grid-connected property.
In the event of a power outage, the grid-connected system does not automatically provide temporary power. This is a common misunderstanding. For backup power, you may want a grid-tied system with an energy store, a grid-tied system designed to work with batteries used in fusion with the grid system.
Furthermore, money is paid when you add batteries to the system. A battery pack will run you thousands of dollars at the very least, and if you’re buying a high-end lithium battery for a completely off-grid system, it’s almost five figures for the battery alone.
Also, the battery doesn’t last as long as the rest of the system. Lead-acid batteries are warranted from 1 to 7 times, which means you’ll replace them 4 or 5 times before your solar panel’s maintenance period ends.
Lithium batteries can last 10 to 15 years to justify their high price, but you still need to replace them at least for the lifetime of the system.
2. Not every property is suitable
Some houses have extra space, too limited to find any space to install the system. Others are covered in shade and thus cannot get the sunlight they need for the solar power system.
3.High entry cost
Solar energy is precious — at least with a big upfront investment. For a solar power system to power the average American home (897 kWh of electricity per month), you’ll pay anywhere from $7,000 to $18,000, depending on the product you choose. (This does not include shipping or installation costs)
Of course, in the long run, you can indeed break your investments and start being rich, but that doesn’t change the fact that not everyone has thousands of dollars in their pockets to fulfill their solar dreams.
Advantages of solar energy
1. Increase property value
Research into real estate demand proves that homes equipped with solar systems outsell non-solar homes.
In fact, exploration conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Library shows that the average selling price of a solar home is $14,329, which is 3.74% higher than a non-solar home.
A solar system greatly increases property value, there’s no doubt about it. Homebuyers see solar as a major selling point, and they are willing to pay for renovations to move into a home with solar.
2. Generous government incentives
Investment in solar has become more attractive given government incentives. National plans are in place to encourage people to invest in renewable energy. Claiming these can return a lot of cash back into your fund.
The main one is the 26% tax mortgage on the use of solar energy. Under the program, you are eligible for a 26% duty credit on the total system installation cost at the end of time.
3.Sustainability
Sustainable energy is energy that we can use without running out of energy. Oil and gas are not sustainable because we consume these vaults as we use them.
Inconsistently, solar energy is sustainable because the energy source (the sun) is constantly being replenished. We can use solar energy without worrying about whether we will deplete the planet’s natural coffers for unborn generations.
4.Eliminate your electricity bill
Who doesn’t want to drop a bill? With the right solar system, you can drastically reduce or eliminate your electricity bills entirely.