DIY solar vs. a solar installer – how to choose

The recession, which led millions of Americans to curtail their spending, brought a do-it-yourself mentality back to the fore – and even DIY solar installations are gaining in popularity. Before performing a solar installation sans professional assistance, though, it’s useful to consider the pros and cons of a DIY solar power project.

Solar Installation Video Tutorial

First, the pros. Doing any home-improvement project without hiring a professional can save buckets of money – whether it’s installing a new toilet, re-grouting a shower or painting a room – and the same goes for solar installations. This week, for example, technology website CNET profiled Massachusetts resident James Cormican, who installed his own solar array for just $10,000. That’s about a quarter of what a professional installation would cost.

Another reason to go DIY is that a person who does her own solar installation will understand the ins and outs of her work, so she’ll be capable of fixing or maintaining her array in the future. And a DIY project can provide a sense of accomplishment that would be missing if a professional contractor were hired.

There are downsides to doing a home-improvement project on one’s own, though. Generally – unless a homeowner happens to be a contractor himself – there’s a steep learning curve to most projects. That’s certainly true of solar installations, which require knowledge of electrical systems, experience with roofing and general contracting savvy. Even Cormican, the budget-conscious DIYer, had the help of an electrician in installing his array.

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Also worth keeping in mind is that professional contractors can be held liable in court if their work is subpar. If a homeowner does a shoddy job on his own solar installation, however, he’ll have no such recourse and will have to fix his array himself.

And there is, of course, the time factor. A solar installation is a major undertaking, and a homeowner with a full-time job simply may not have the time for a DIY solar project.

Before embarking on a DIY solar project, it’s smart to weigh both the pros and the cons of DIY. Going DIY on a solar installation can provide significant cost savings – but it may only be appropriate for people confident in their handiwork. For homeowners looking to go solar, DIY is certainly worth considering.