Solar panels save homeowners money. They’re also quite expensive to have installed. Is installing solar panels yourself better than having professional solar companies install them? We talked with our resident expert about whether solar panels could suit your home and if installing them yourself is worth the effort.
Advertisem*nt
THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
Power Your Home With Solar
Find a network of trusted installers for your solar system, solar panels and electricity needs. Find a solar panel installer today!
Q: How do you know if solar panels will work for your home?
A: There are certainly pros and cons to installing solar panels. For some homes, it’s simply not the best energy solution. Your home should meet several criteria before deciding to install a solar system. A few must-haves for solar power are:
- Your roof is in good condition, so you won’t have to replace it anytime soon.
- The initial cost of solar panels fits your budget.
- Your roof gets adequate sunlight to make solar panels worth the cost and effort.
- If needed, you’re willing to trim trees to get more sun to your panels.
- Your roof can support the additional weight of a solar system.
That’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s a good place to start determining whether or not to look deeper into the subject.
Q: Do you need a new roof before you install solar panels?
A: If asphalt shingles protect your home, consider scheduling a roof inspection by a trusted roofing company before installing solar panels. Even if you’re going to install your own solar panels, it’s comforting to have the go-ahead nod from a roofing pro.
Generally, roofs less than 10 years old won’t need replacement first. If your roof is older than that, it may just be wise to replace the roof now instead of in a few years when the cost of replacement goes way up because there are solar panels in the way.
Q: Do you need to make your home energy-efficient to use solar panels
A: In general, it’s just a good idea to make your home as energy-efficient as possible without being impractical. Energy efficiency doesn’t have to mean that your family is uncomfortable. Switching to LED lighting and Energy-Star rated appliances is an easy way to start.
The best solar panels will provide lower energy bills no matter your electrical use habits. However, the more energy you can save, the less your solar panels will have to produce. Both things mean lower energy costs, and you may even get away with a less expensive solar panel system.
Q: How many solar panels do you need?
A: To provide all of the electrical needs of an average-sized, energy-efficient home, the old rule of thumb was that you’d need around 30 solar panels. But, solar panel technology is quickly and constantly improving. The current estimated number of panels is about 24. That number is only headed down from there.
Once again, if you’re doing the work yourself, it may help to have a professional evaluation of your energy needs and your home’s energy production potential.
Q: What kind of solar panels are best?
A: There are three main types of solar panels. From most expensive to least are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film or amorphous panels. The best solar panels for longevity and efficiency are monocrystalline. However, due to their high initial cost, they may not be best for every home.
Polycrystalline panels can create the same amount of electricity as monocrystalline panels but are less efficient. You’ll need a larger surface area of panels or more of them. However, if space isn’t a problem, the initial cost of a poly panel system can be much less than a mono system and still meet the home’s energy needs.
The last one, thin-film solar panels, is still being developed and isn’t efficient enough to be a contender in the residential market. Yet. The best use of these panels is for commercial purposes, but that could start to change soon.
Advertisem*nt
THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Solar Panel Installers
Select a State To Get Started With Your No Commitment, Free Estimate
Q: Is it hard to install solar panels?
A: The physical installation of solar panels is within reach for highly skilled DIYers. The electrical wiring and component installations are best left to the professionals. The correct answer might be that solar panel installation isn’t difficult, but it is complex. If you’re not a fan of being on a roof, or not comfortable working with electricity, then yes, it’s hard to install solar panels yourself. But, with the advent of DIY solar panel installation kits and some time on your hands, it’s certainly not impossible.
