As a solar distributor for over 40 years, we have helped thousands of customers plug in to solar. We have a lot of customers who DIY their solar, it can be done! With technology, online videos, and our team of solar application engineers, we can get you set up to DIY your solar project.
Can you, or should you, depends on a lot of factors. If you don’t have technical experience, we do advise hiring an installer or electrical contractor.
If you are considering DIY, you will need to take into consideration the following questions.
What kind of system will you need?
Are you looking to back up your home so you are protected during a grid failure, or are you looking to be free of the grid altogether?
The type of system you desire will determine what kind of equipment and how much equipment you need and the overall complexity of the system.
Where will you need to mount your panels?
In most instances, you will be either installing a roof mount system or a ground mount system. They can require different sets of equipment for mounting, and depending on the height and pitch of your roof – the difficulty level can go from “no big deal” to “are you sure this is a good idea?” fast.
How much power and energy production/storage will you need?
There are some great resources for estimating your power and energy usage. You can start with the calculator on our website The calculator will help quantify the residence or application’s energy consumption; with this information, our team of application engineers can help specify the necessary number of solar modules and battery storage capacity for your project.
What equipment do you need to meet your power needs?
NAZ Solar Electric can help you design the system you need from top to bottom. From the modules and racking, to the inverters and batteries. We will then provide the support you need before, during, and after purchasing. Assisting in the commissioning and programming and guiding you along your DIY installation path.
Can you follow basic schematics and instructions?
If you have assembled IKEA furniture you can probably assemble your solar power, but how long it takes and how well it’s done depends on your patience and available time. But unlike IKEA furniture if you make a mistake, it can be costly, or even dangerous.
What is your time worth?
At the end of the day, the cost of hiring an installer is a minimal portion of your solar investment and they will make sure your project is installed correctly, in accordance with any municipal codes, and can most likely do it in a fraction of the time it would take to do it yourself.
NAZ Solar Electric can help you design the system you need from top to bottom – from the modules and racking to the inverters and batteries. We will then provide the support you need before, during, and after purchasing – including assisting with the commissioning and programming – to guide you along your DIY installation path.
Please click here to download a PDF of this Should I DIY.
