Solar without the Sales People - A Comprehensive DIY Solar Guide
Happy February, Solar Enthusiasts!
Often, solar DIYers have a much cheaper all-in solar cost than those who choose a traditional solar package through a sales company.
You might have noticed that IEA’s business model is different from many other solar companies. We don’t have sales people, we have Energy Advisors. While this differentiating factor might seem small, the implications are quite large.
You don’t have to worry about dealing with pesky, high pressure sales people after simply inquiring about solar. Our philosophy is different - our Energy Advisors are knowledgeable in energy evaluations, solar system designs, and project management. They don’t just focus on getting a signature on a dotted line. Instead, they are your trusted experts and solar Project Managers.
This philosophy is largely centered around the belief that solar should be accessible to all. That’s why we offer both full service solar solutions and DIY solar options. As national solar energy equipment suppliers, our Energy Advisors can help you choose the best system for your needs 100% FREE of charge with a purchase of any of our solar materials.
Without further ado, today, we’re going to explore the wonderful world of DIY solar. Yes, you read that right. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to harness the power of the sun and embark on your journey towards a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution.
Understanding the Basics:
Before diving into the DIY solar world, let's start with the basics. We suggest you book a FREE appointment with an Energy Advisor here to discuss specific project details, but here is some general information.
Solar systems feature the following components:
Solar Panels: These produce DC (Direct Current) energy from sunlight.
Solar Inverters: These invert DC energy harnessed by solar panels to AC (Alternating Current) energy, which is the energy used in our homes
Solar optimizers (Optional): These help combat things like shade that can impede a system’s energy production
Batteries: These harness any extra energy production your system yields, and allows you to have power during utility outages
Electrical Materials: Think wire, breakers, AC Disconnects, and things of the sort
Now that you know the basic materials needed, let’s talk about your solar eligibility.
Assessing Your Solar Potential
Evaluating your location's solar potential is crucial. Consider factors like sunlight hours, shading, and available roof or ground space. A great FREE resource is Google’s Project Sunroof.
Click this link and enter your address. You will see a “heat map” overlay appear on a bird’s eye view of your property showing the areas that receive the most versus the least amount of sunshine. This data is extremely helpful in assessing your property’s suitability for solar.
It’s important to note that while this is a great resource, the data is not available for every single address. We’ve noticed that newer builds typically don’t have any data available on Project Sunroof. Another limitation is that the tool focuses on roofs, which is not super helpful for people looking to mount their solar panels on the ground.
Sizing Your Solar System
If you found that your project site looks to be a good fit for solar, it’s time to determine the right size for your solar system. To begin, take a look at your power bill. You’ll likely find a graph that shows your energy usage over the past 12 months. Keep this total in mind. It might help to divide that number by 12 to find your average monthly energy consumption.
Next, find how many sun-hours your location experiences. Typically, we see locations range between 4 and 5 sun hours.
Take all of these numbers and put them into a calculator, like the one below. While this is an estimation, it’s a great free tool you can use to get you on the right track. Keep in mind - you can always start small and add on to your system, so long as you plan properly. Note, this calculator yields a good estimate for a standard home with little to no shade present. Additional shading factors could affect the system size you need to hit your energy production goals.
Infinite Energy Advisors: Solar Array Size Calculator
Solar Array Size:
Designing Your Solar Array
Create a solar array design that maximizes energy production and complements your home's aesthetics. Consider if you want the panels to be mounted on a roof, or the ground.
For roof-mounted solar arrays, you will need to have the measurements of the roof space in which you would like to place your solar panels. Be sure to contact your local permitting and inspections office to inquire about fire setbacks and other regulations they might have for solar installations. Take a look at the solar panel spec sheet that corresponds with the solar panels you’d like to use in your system. Note the dimensions of the solar panel, and don’t forget to account for some space between each solar panel for things like clamps that will secure the solar panels.
If you’re looking to have a roof-mounted solar array, we suggest you get a structural engineer’s analysis of your roof to ensure your roof is capable of holding the weight of the solar panels. We also recommend that you get your preferred roofer to assess the overall health of your roof.
For ground-mounted solar arrays, you will need the measurements of the ground area where you’d like to place your solar array. Try, if possible, to keep your system as close as possible to the home/building’s electrical system. This will help you to reduce the amount of trenching you’ll need to complete during the installation process. We also recommend you take note of the slope of the ground and soil conditions, and ensure the ground is compatible with the racking solution of your choice. Be sure to contact your local permitting and inspections office to inquire about regulations they might have for solar installations.
Selecting Quality Materials
Investing in high-quality materials is key to the longevity and efficiency of your solar system. Head over to the Infinite Energy Advisors online shop, where we offer a curated selection of Tier 1 and high-quality solar panels, inverters, batteries, and mounting equipment.
Rest assured, we only stock products from reputable manufacturers to guarantee your satisfaction. Note that our website might not show everything that we have in stock - we recommend you call 678-933-8324 and ask for a warehouse manager to check our inventory if you’re looking for something you can’t find on our online shop.
Installation Tips and Tricks
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Gather all of your equipment and download/print the corresponding spec sheets, manuals, and guides. Remember, safety first! If you ever feel unsure, our team is just a call away to provide assistance. We are proud to provide DIY assistance services. Call us to learn more!
Financing and Incentives
Discover available financing options and incentives to make your solar journey even more affordable. Check out our previous blog posts for insights and tips on making your investment budget-friendly.
We recommend you consult with your CPA, tax advisors, and/or financial consultants to determine your eligibility for specific incentives. To learn about the programs you may be eligible for, call us at 678-933-8324 and ask about solar incentives. Your Energy Advisor will guide you toward programs you can assess alongside your CPA/financial advisors.
Embarking on a DIY solar project is an empowering journey towards energy independence. At Infinite Energy Advisors, we're here to support you every step of the way. Visit our online shop for quality materials and schedule your FREE consultation to take your solar project to the next level. Let's harness the infinite power of the sun and make your energy dreams a reality!
Ready to get started? Visit Our Shop or book your FREE phone consultation now!
