Step by Step DIY Solar Installation

Are you considering solar power for your home but unsure where to start? This DIY solar guide could be the perfect solution, saving you thousands of dollars in installation costs.

We will guide you through every step of the installation process, and once you are ready to learn how to wire your home, you will have everything you need to install your solar system.

Pre-Install Step

The key to success in do-it-yourself solar projects is to have a clear plan. Follow these steps to ensure that the installation starts correctly and smoothly.

✅Determine your energy needs

You can evaluate your home's energy use, including daily appliance use and periods of electricity use- 2024 electricity bill calculator .

✅Assess your property and choose the best location

Ensure enough space and sunlight on the roof or ground to install your solar panels. Ensure there are no obstructions to the solar panels.

✅Solar kits for your home

Choose the best solar kit  for your energy needs and installation location. If you're still unsure which is right for you, contact a solar expert who can answer all your questions and point you in the right direction.

✅Solar financing options

There are a variety of  solar financing options  to choose from, such as a purchase, lease, or Solar Loan. Compare the benefits of each financing option and choose the one that best suits your financial situation and needs.

✅Obtaining the necessary permits

You'll need to be aware of local government regulations for solar installations and obtain the necessary building and electrical permits . Follow local building codes and regulations.

✅Components that are not included in the solar kit

While most of the materials and equipment needed for a successful DIY solar installation are supplied with the kit, some of these you will need to purchase yourself.

• Cables: Purchase the cable lengths and sizes required for your electrical wiring diagrams
• DIN Rail
• DC/AC Breaker
• Fuse Box
• MC4 Connector
• Terminal Lugs
• Cable Tie

✅Basic tools and accessories

• Screwdriver
• Power Drill/Driver
• Pliers
• Knife or cutting tool
• Rags
• EMT conduit bender
• Channel locks
• Fish tape
• Wire cutters and wire strippers

✅Safety equipment

Installing solar panels involves touching electricity, lifting heavy equipment and even climbing on the roof. It is therefore important to have the right safety equipment to protect yourself and prevent accidents.

• Wearing gloves enhances the grip of your hands and protects them from cuts and abrasions.
• Goggles keep debris out of your eyes when you need to drill holes.
• Remove all jewelry, including watches.

❗Roof Mounts

When installing a rooftop solar system, it's important to take precautions to prevent falls.

• Safety helmet: Always wear a hard hat when working at height.
• Safety harnesses and lanyards: You can use safety harnesses on fixed anchor points on the roof.
• Non-slip shoes: Choose steel-toed shoes with non-slip outsoles for extra traction.
• Ladders: Make sure your ladder is strong enough and high enough to reach the roof.

• Caulking gun: A caulking gun is used to apply roof sealant, preventing your roof from leaking after all the holes are drilled to attach your racks and solar panels to your roof.

❗Ground Mounts

Even if you don't need to work at height, ground installation can be just as dangerous.

• Ground mounts require concrete, form bracing, and 2- or 3-inch mechanical tubing. 
• Wear long sleeves when mixing concrete to avoid skin burns.
• If you mix your concrete, use an N-95 respirator mask to avoid inhaling harmful chemicals.
• If you are using heavy equipment, get training on how to use it or hire an experienced operator to come to the site.

❗Electrical safety

• Turn off the power: Have a multimeter on hand. Check conductors and terminators to ensure the voltage is zero before proceeding.
• Use insulated tools and equipment: Always use insulated tools and equipment, such as insulated gloves and insulated ankle straps, when handling wires and electrical equipment to ensure personal safety.
• Avoid wet environments: Operating electrical equipment in a wet environment can easily cause short circuits and the risk of electric shock. Try to work in a dry climate.
• Correct grounding: Ensure that all metal parts and equipment are properly grounded to prevent electrical equipment failure and personal injury.
• Electrical wiring and receptacles are not overloaded, use the correct surge protector and wiring specifications to meet system requirements.
• If you are unfamiliar with electrical work or unsure of how to proceed, consult a professional electrician or solar installer.

Wiring & Electrical Connection

Plan your wiring before you start the solar installation. Good wiring planning will ensure that the system operates efficiently and safely, and will help to simplify the installation process.

Electrical connection

(Off-Grid)

• Solar Panel to Charge Controller: MC4 connectors are used for connecting solar panels (series, parallel), and connecting solar panels to inverters.
• Battery to charge controller: The charge controller has 3 connections: 1. solar 2. battery 3. dc load.
• Battery pack to inverter: Connect the inverter input to the battery. Make sure the polarity is correct when connecting.
• Inverter to Load Panel: The output cable from the inverter is connected to an AC circuit breaker, and then the output of the AC circuit breaker is connected to the load panel or main distribution panel. Finally, the power is further distributed to AC outlets.
• Protection: While the charge controller and inverter have built-in fuse protection, you can place circuit breakers to increase the safety and reliability of your system.

Power distribution

Single DC load connection method:

• If you wish to connect only a single DC load, you can connect it directly to the load terminal of the charge controller.
• Make sure that the rated voltage of the load matches the voltage of the load terminal of the charge controller.
• This type of connection is suitable for a single DC load, such as a lamp or small appliance.

Multiple DC load connection method:

• If you need to operate several DC loads at the same time, you must use a DC bus or distribution box to manage these loads.
• Connect the input of the DC bus or distribution box to the load terminals of the charge controller.
• Then connect several DC loads to the output terminals of the distribution box.
• This design allows you to manage and distribute multiple DC loads to control and power these devices more efficiently.

NOTE: The total load current must not exceed the maximum limit on the load side of the charge controller. If the load current exceeds the limit on the load side of the charge controller, the busbar/distributor must be connected directly to the battery.

Electrical wiring design

Plan your electrical wiring according to your type of mounting.

❗Roof mount electrical path

• Run the wire through the roof, making sure it is long enough to connect to the rest of the system.
• Use a sunshade or wire sheath to protect the wire from sun exposure and other environmental damage.
• Route the wires from the solar power source to the junction box and then transition to the conduit line. The wires must remain in the conduit line until they reach the charge controller. Ensure that electrical connections are protected from rainwater intrusion.
• Mark all cables, including wire type, orientation, and connection points for future maintenance and troubleshooting.

❗Ground mount electrical path

• Cable clips tidy up exposed wires under the array to keep the wires secure.
• Ensure that bare wires are kept away from any obstructions that may interfere with maintenance, such as trees, buildings, or other installations.
• Before starting any excavation project, it is essential to contact the local authorities or relevant departments to obtain information about the location of buried gas pipes, wires, etc. to avoid damage.
• If you need to use concrete trucks or other heavy machinery, make sure you don't drive over areas that could damage underground pipes or systems, such as gas lines, pipes, or sewage systems.
• The wiring diagram will tell you the depth of the trench to be dug, the size/type of wiring and conduit required, and the total wiring distance. It will also take into account voltage drop/rise. Refer to it often when planning your wiring.

Grounding solar systems

Grounding is the process of connecting an electrical system to the ground so that the current can flow safely back to the ground in the event of a fault. This ensures safety, prevents electrocution, and protects the system from lightning and power surges.

❗Chassis grounding

Chassis grounding is the connection of the metal enclosure or chassis of electrical equipment to the ground or a grounding conductor. This includes the following components:

• Solar panel frame
• Battery enclosure
• Charge controller enclosure
• Inverter enclosure

Ensure that all metal chassis components in your solar system are properly grounded. In addition, chassis grounding provides a way to dissipate unwanted electrical noise, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).

❗Electrical grounding

Electrical earthing is the connection of a current-carrying conductor in a system to an earth system. In battery-based solar systems, it is recommended that this earth is connected close to the battery terminals. The reasons are:

• The battery is typically the primary source of DC power in a battery-based solar system. By connecting the electrical ground to a location close to the battery terminals, you ensure that there is a solid connection between the system's primary power source and the grounding system, providing a reliable path to safely discharge fault currents to the ground if required.
• Connecting the electrical ground close to the battery terminals minimizes the resistance of the earth conductor, thereby reducing the voltage drop in the grounding system. This helps to ensure that, in the event of a fault, current can flow efficiently to the ground without causing excessive voltage loss in the grounding system.

❗Earth grounding

A system of grounding electrodes that connects an electrical system, equipment, or structure to the ground or underground and provides a safe discharge of fault currents to the ground, reducing the risk of electric shock and equipment damage.

• Ground rod: A metal rod inserted into the ground to provide a direct path for electrical current to flow into the earth.
• Grounding rings: A copper wire buried in the ground around solar installations to provide a wider area for electrical discharges.
• Mounting rods: If installed correctly, these can provide an effective ground connection, but proper testing is essential.

Inverter installation

Microinverters

If your system uses microinverters, these small brackets must be screwed to the back frame of the solar panels before the panels are mounted to the bracket.

Make sure you wire the unit first, connecting the DC output cable from the solar panel to the DC input port of the microinverter. This is because the connection points will not be accessible once the panels are in place.

Wall-mounted inverters

Select a wall location suitable for mounting a wall-mounted inverter, ensuring a secure location and easy access to wiring.

Follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines to ensure that the equipment can be cooled effectively.

Inverters with integrated disconnect switches must be mounted within 2 meters (6.5 feet) of the floor. Ensure that the operator can easily access the inverter and perform the necessary operations.

If installed in a garage, any ignition source (inverter and circuit breaker) must be at least 18 inches above the floor.

If the inverter is installed outside, it needs to be out of direct sunlight and away from any sprinkler system.

Solar panels mounting

Roof-mounted solar panels

If you want to install solar panels on the roof, please follow the safety procedures outlined in this guide's 'Safety Equipment' section. Always wear protective clothing and use fall protection.

1️⃣Marking roof rafters

Rafters are the horizontal beams in the roof structure that support the roof. To secure the solar panels to the roof in a stable manner, the roof accessories must be drilled into the rafters. Locate the rafters (which can usually be determined from the appearance of the roof or roof plans), measure the distance between the rafters with a tape measure to determine where the roof attachments will be mounted, and then mark it with chalk.

When marking rafter locations, consider the strength and load-bearing capacity of the structure. Ensure that the marked locations are in areas relevant to the strength of the structure to support the weight of the required equipment.

2️⃣Roof accessories installation

After carefully measuring and marking the shingles, remove the shingles and place the flashing under the shingles, aligning the holes with the marked rafters. The bottom edge of the flashing should be above the bottom edge of the shingle, marking the position of the holes drilled through the holes in the flashing.

Remove the flashing and drill a pilot hole.

Fill the hole with roof sealant, place the flashing, and tighten with a 1/2' deep socket hammer drill.

Replace the shingle after sanding the underside for a flush fit. Replace any damaged shingles with new ones.

3️⃣Install racking rails

Measure and cut your rails on the ground so that no pieces of metal fall onto the roof.

Screw the rail to the flashing, allowing the rail to extend slightly beyond the panel to allow for shrinkage.

Attach the wire management clips or any microinverter to the rail (if required).

4️⃣Mounting panels

The panels are secured to the rails using specially designed clips, starting at the end of the outer edge of the array and securing the clips to the edge with T-bolts.

Typically, the back of the solar panel has a small junction box and terminal wires with MC4 connectors. The cable is then connected to the DC isolator and then to the controller. Always try to use the red and black wires to connect the positive and negative terminals.

If there is an earth wire, use the green wire for wiring.

The roof installation is now complete. Note that there must be a clearance of at least 200mm between the edge of the panel and the edge of the roof.

Roof penetration is not required for all installations of solar, view more roof mounts .

Ground-mounted solar panels

Unlike rooftop mounting, there is no off-the-shelf support structure for ground-mounted solar panels. Therefore, you will need to build a separate metal foundation and then install racking rails on top of it.

Call your local authorities first to determine the location of underground power lines and septic systems. Dig a hole at least 18 inches deep in a suitable location. Note: Do not drive heavy machinery (such as cement mixers) over underground lines.

Take cement and stones with a 1:3 ratio then add water to make a thick mix. 

The pipes are secured in the hole and concrete is poured. Temporary lumber sub-structure supports the weight of the pipes so they don't shift position. Allow at least twenty days for the concrete to dry and set completely.

Above-ground installations must also be buried in the ground to comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC). It is advisable to hire a machine that can dig trenches and anchor holes to speed up this process.

Once the metal base has been constructed, the rest of the installation of the racking rails and solar panels follows the same steps as the roof installation.

Solar Battery Installation

The final step in installing an off-grid solar system is to install the battery bank.

Installation and racking

Determine the location of the installation and ensure that it meets space, ventilation, and access requirements. Solar panels are usually stored in a specific location in the house, such as a utility room, basement, or garage. The exact location will depend on several factors, including available space, environmental conditions, and safety considerations.

Use the mounting brackets to attach the battery to a prepared surface and secure it in place. If the battery is located indoors, store it in a well-ventilated and fireproof enclosure designed for battery storage systems.

Place fire extinguishers and smoke detectors around the battery storage area and follow fire safety regulations.

Wiring

Connect the cables to the battery pack:

• All interconnecting cables should be of the same gauge and length to ensure even current distribution.
• Do not place anything between the battery terminals and the ring terminals of the interconnect cables to avoid short circuits or other malfunctions.
• Ensure that all wires are tight when connected. Check the connections for tightness during battery maintenance. Loose or overtightened connections can lead to melted battery terminals or other problems.

Wires from the battery pack to the inverter:

• Mount the battery pack and inverter as closely together as possible to minimize wire length and power loss.
• Make sure the positive and negative wires are the same length to keep the current balanced.
• Positive and negative cables should be zip-tied together every 18 inches and installed in the same conduit to maintain maximum surge capacity and reduce electromagnetic interference.
• When routing the cables, ensure that they do not obstruct the ventilation of the battery case to ensure that the battery pack operates properly and maintains a stable temperature.

Post-Installation Steps

Once your solar system has been mounted, some checks are usually carried out.

Check and test

• Ensure that all components (solar panels, inverter, cables, etc.) are properly installed and connected.
• Use a voltmeter to check the electrical connections of the solar panels, inverter, and battery bank to ensure proper voltage output.
• Check the system grounding and earthing to ensure that all components are well grounded.

Monitoring

To ensure that your solar power system is performing at its best, it is important to set up a monitoring system. This will help you detect any problems and ensure that the system is running efficiently. Assuming you've already installed the monitoring equipment that came with your solar kit, it's time to get it up and running.

Once your monitoring system is set up, check it regularly to make sure it is producing the expected amount of energy and that there are no problems. Use the monitoring data to identify areas where performance can be improved.

Many monitoring systems offer alerts and notifications that can alert you to problems with your solar system, such as a drop in energy production or a module failure. Setting up alerts and notifications will ensure that you are informed of any problems promptly.

Perform regular maintenance

Check for debris: Check your solar panels regularly for debris, such as leaves or bird droppings, which can block sunlight and reduce energy production. If necessary, clean the solar panel with a soft brush and mild soap.

Check for damage: Inspect the solar panel and other components (such as wiring and mounting hardware) for damage or wear. Replace any damaged or worn parts as necessary.

Check the inverter: The inverter is a key component of your solar energy system as it converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity that can be used in your home. Check the inverter regularly to ensure it is working properly and producing the expected amount of energy.

Check your battery system: If you have a battery backup system, check your batteries regularly for proper operation and charge levels. Replace any batteries that are not functioning properly.

Check your monitoring system: Check your monitoring system regularly to ensure that it is working properly.