Published by Programme B
Solar panels were born to adhere to the law of conservation of energy. The law states that “…energy cannot be created nor destroyed but can be converted from one form to another.” Hence, the solar energy captured by the solar panels will generate electrical power as a result.
Urban places, especially big cities, depend primarily on electricity. Households with high electricity consumption suffer from a corresponding high electrical bill. Thus, this is where solar panels come into play. The option of adding up another source of electrical energy will be a great help in coping up with your usual high electrical billing statements.
Solar panels Ontario, for instance, is among those that are highly recommended companies which help energy consumers make the right decisions when it comes to installing solar panels . As such, make sure that you are educated enough about solar panels and ask yourself, “Would you go for a DIY installation, or would you let the vendor’s team install the solar panels themselves?” To help you decide, here are the pros and cons of installing the solar panels yourself.
Pros
Help Save Budget
Deciding to go on a Do-It-Yourself installation has its perks. People always consider a DIY process because they think it allows you to spend less than having workers do the installation. Truly enough, it does save you a lot of money.
Imagine, installation via a professional solar company costs roughly $2.85 per wattage. Typically, a 5kw solar panel system comes up to $14,000. However, a DIY solar panel kit only costs around $1.00-$1.50 per wattage. Given you do the entire installation of a 5kW solar panel installation, the resulting amount would only be approximately $5,000 up to $7,500.
Therefore, you would have a fair amount of $6,500-$9,000 total savings by just doing it all by yourself instead of letting it be done by the professionals. The figures presented may vary depending on the variables that can be considered, such as solar tax credit qualification and the like. Hence, you are only given the averages.
It Gives You a Feeling of Fulfillment
A morale boost and confidence boosters are usually coming from significant achievements. DIY projects are among those activities where you feel great about yourself by just completing every task. In the same manner, DIY solar panel installation gives off a kind of thrill and excitement.
Furthermore, if you have related skills such as masonry and construction, DIY solar panel installation can be a piece of cake for you. However, more than the related skills that you may possess, you also need to be prepared. It would be best if you lay out a plan from start to finish. It would help if you understood that there are crucial steps like electrical work and legal processes.
Cons
You Will Exert More Time and Energy
As much as there are advantages of doing solar panel installation by yourself, disadvantages are also at hand. DIY installation is undeniably a time-consuming path. Not to mention it drains you physically. You have to accept these facts if you still wish to go for a Do-It-Yourself process.
In addition, the longer the duration until completion, the more you would be spending on resources like food, water, electricity, etc.
Unwanted Roof Damage is Highly Possible
No one would ever want any roof damage during solar panel installations. However, it is the risk that is likely to occur. It will not only delay your timetable but also allows for additional spending. The usual suspects would be incorrect drilling, sealing the wrong area on the roof, and many others. You cannot afford further structural damage; thus, you should observe great precautions to avoid these risks.
It Can Compromise Your Safety
Risking your safety is considered a plus one when you try DIY solar panel installations. It includes falling from a significant height or getting jolts of electricity. Given these kinds of risks, you should prepare yourself for the worst and preemptively put safety measures in place.
Wear PPE (personal protective equipment) such as insulating gloves, hooking up the harness, preparing fire extinguishers in case of electrical failure that may cause fire, etc.
Unqualified Incentive Claims
Usually, some states or provinces provide incentives for installing solar-powered systems. Just like in Ontario, there’s a rebate program worth $5000 for homeowners who opt for renewable energy use. However, you should know that an accredited solar company should complete the installation process to qualify for the incentives and rebates. Hence, you must be aware of the rebates available in your area.
Takeaway
DIY projects are less expensive compared to products and services offered by companies. The same is true when you apply it to solar panel installation. The do-it-yourself installation gives you self-satisfaction and fulfillment. However, if the risks weigh greater than the gains, you better consider letting the job be done by the professionals.
Remember, your life is more valuable, and you can always earn money. Doing DIY work without enough skills and proper tools can be disastrous and life-threatening. Therefore, think over whether or not you would go for DIY solar panel installation.