Make & Install Solar Cells
It is possible to
set your system up yourself, but it is certainly a complicated project.
In fact, if you do not have electrical experience,
you are likely going to need to hire labor to install your system either way.
DIY kits fall around $1.50 to $2.50 per watt. Add to that average labor rates to have your kit set up safely, by a certified electrician, $0.50/watt. This puts your DIY budget at $2.00-$3.00/watt. Considering that having the entire process handled by a professional contractor averages around $2.50-4.00 per watt, you may not be looking at a lot of savings.
| Size | DIY | Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| 2kw | $4,000 - $6,000 | $7,000 |
| 3kw | $6,000-$8,000 | $10,000 |
| 4kw | $8,000-$11,000 | $13,000 |
| 5kw | $10,000-$14,000 | $16,000 |
| 10kw | $20,000-$27,000 | $32,000 |
Going with a
professional has many benefits and the price difference is often
insignificant. A professional will be able to help you with design, will
be able to get higher quality products and materials at a lower rate,
and will also be useful in acquiring permits and tax credits.
Connecting to the Grid
Most solar kits are designed for off-grid systems, which wouldn’t demand as much energy as the average home, such as tiny houses or sheds. A typical off-grid PV system costs about $2.50/watt.
Grid-tied packages range from $2.00-$4.00/watt.
The grid can be very useful, providing electricity at night or in times
of low sunlight. Being connected requires more components, such as
meters and safety equipment. You will need to consult your local utility
company about regulations and hire a licensed electrical contractor to
connect you.
Building from Scratch
If you have a high
level of electrical skills, you may be toying with the idea of building
your own solar panels. The silicon wafers used to create them are
available to purchase individually. In order to build your own, you
would typically put 60 of these wafers onto a backing and wire each of
them. You would then need to connect this to an inverter.
Consider, however, that there are several risks associated with building your own, including:
- You can't be sure of the quality of solar cells purchased.
- Homemade panels are often a fire hazard.
- Many tax credits and incentives will not apply when systems are constructed outside of approved facilities.
