Does a Do it Yourself Solar Energy Install Make Sense?
Consumers are continuously looking new methods to reduce upfront investments or avoid costs to make a solar energy more affordable. The labor costs when dealing with a renewable energy can be significant to the install of a system and could be eliminated if one prefers a self solar install. There are two sides to this coin, because all decisions come with risk, a self install could go very well and you may be able to save lots of money or it can become a money pit.
What does it depend on? You! Installing clean energy systems such as solar photovoltaic (electricity), solar hot water (thermal) or small scale wind requires trade skills and in general working with electricity is dangerous. Depending on your trade skills, there is a learning curve to installation, and on your first self install, expect to make mistakes that will cost you in time and money.
Depending on how many mistakes you make the end cost of installing a clean energy system could be a rewarding experience because you not only save a lot of money, but you’ll be the master of your system. Questions you may want to ask yourself before you self install?
- Am I afraid of heights? (if so, consider a ground mount system)
- Am I comfortable working with electricity?
- Do I have room for mistakes in the budget?
- Does the company I am purchasing the products from offer installation consulting / support?
- Should I buy a turn key system?
- Do I know how to use a compass?
