The popularity and acceptance of solar energy will only continue to grow as many homeowners consider installing solar panels to reduce their electricity bills and contribute to a greener planet. But in doing so, they have to decide between opting for a DIY installation or hiring a professional installer.
Those two options have their costs, benefits, and challenges. Today’s article will highlight those factors and help you compare both options before coming to a conclusion.
Initial Costs of the Installation
When picking the most suitable solar panel installation method, materials and equipment costs are the first things you should consider. So, how do DIY and professional installation compare to each other in this regard?
- DIY Installation
When going the DIY route, you’ll need to find the funds to purchase all the necessary equipment, including solar panels, inverters, mounting systems, and electrical wiring. When purchasing those materials, you should keep in mind that those materials can vary in cost, especially when quality is concerned.
There are DIY kits that are available at lower costs than what a professional installer will charge. However, one thing you should be cautious of is the correlation between price and quality. Lower-priced materials may also mean low-quality performance, so finding a balance is essential.
- Professional Installation
On the other hand, when hiring a professional, the cost of materials you’ll need will be included in the overall quote you get from them. It’s also worth noting that professional solar panel installers have better access to top-quality materials and equipment and will sometimes procure those materials at a discounted rate.
Professional installation indeed costs more than DIY when it comes to procuring materials and upfront costs. While it means that more money will leave your purse, it also means that you’re guaranteed high-quality materials with installation and a warranty.
Labour Costs and Expertise
- DIY Installation
There’s no escaping the manual labour that comes with the installation process. There’s a need for a good understanding of electrical systems, roofing, and local building codes. So, you may think that doing it yourself eliminates labour costs – which it does, but it still requires a substantial time investment and a steep learning curve.
There is no room for mistakes during installation, and if there’s any error in the process, it can cost the entire installation or pose dangers to yourself and others. In addition, DIY Installation doesn’t offer the same level of certification and guarantee that a professional job does.
- Professional Installation
It’s been stated before, but the guarantee offered by professional installation makes them a good choice for solar panel installation. This guarantee comes from the employment of expert solar panel installers who ensure the job is done correctly, safely, and in compliance with local regulations.
In addition, there’s a level of experience that professional installers bring to the scene, and it eliminates the risk of errors that could lead to costly repairs or inefficiencies in your system. Finally, the use of professional installation comes with a much-needed warranty that covers both the workmanship and equipment.
Bottom Line
There are different costs to consider and different levels of assurance to be received from DIY and professional installation methods, but be sure to evaluate the costs and compare them to the size of your home and energy requirements before making a final conclusion.
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