DIY Solar Panels – Why You Should Leave it to the Pros

DIY Solar Panels Explained

When it comes to solar panel installation, it can be tempting to Google ‘DIY solar panels’ or check out how-to videos online in the belief you’ll save money. While you can legally install solar panels on your roof, it’s a highly risky move, especially if you’ve never had any professional training. With this in mind, here’s why you should leave it to the pros.

• It’s a Technical Process

Installing complex electrical systems is not an easy process. Panels often need to be interconnected or fitted with individual microinverters and a lack of knowledge can lead to dangerous or poorly fitted solar panel systems. Even if you’re a qualified electrician or an avid DIY fan, solar installations tend to differ greatly from regular jobs and should be left to those who know what they’re doing.

• Going Alone Can Be Dangerous

Fitting heavy solar panels at height is a dangerous task and one that shouldn’t be carried out on a whim. Wiring electrical components also carries risks such as severe electric shocks. One small mistake could lead to serious injuries, so why put yourself in danger? Professionals are also insured to carry out such tasks. DIYers on the other hand are unlikely to have the right kind of liability insurance in place if anything goes wrong.

• You Could Damage Your Roof

Solar panel installation must be carried out in a specific way according to the roof type and structure. Drilling through slate tiles, for instance, is a big no-no and if you do this you could cause permanent damage to your roof that may go unnoticed at first. What’s more, solar panels need to be fitted to a high-quality surface. If your roof isn’t strong enough to hold them, this could lead to further damage down the line.

• Incorrect Installation Can Cause Fires

Did you know that DIY installation can lead to house fires? This is commonly caused by poor execution or because the wrong materials were used. DIY tutorials can give bad advice such as using wood to back panels. This is very dangerous as the panels can reach high temperatures, resulting in a fire. Poor wiring can also cause the inverter to blow up causing a fire in your home. DIY solar panels are therefore pretty dangerous.

• You Might Not Qualify for Government Schemes

When panels are installed by an MCS certified professional, you’ll have financial protection if something goes wrong. What’s more, to be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) which pays your money for electricity you feed into the grid, your panels will normally need to be MCS certified. Solar PV experts will help you to qualify for this scheme while ensuring your installation is safe.

Contact South East Solar and Electrical today for reliable Kent solar PV installation and solar PV maintenance. Even if you think you know what you’re doing, relying on a professional service will put your mind at ease.