States Advise Against DIY Solar Panel Installation For Your Home

Like many do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners, you may be tempted to install DIY solar panels on the roof of your home. However, state officials, joined by leading professionals in the solar panel industry, strongly advise against DIY solar panel installation. Their concern: DIY homeowners often fail to meet the requirements related to the safe installation of solar roof panels for the home, and can ignore the inherent short- and long-term dangers in faulty installation.

Solar PV Panels - Installation Requirements

Although experienced home contractors may be able to successfully install solar PV roof panels, states recommend the use of a state-approved solar contractor in order to avoid problems during the inspection and incentive approval phases of the project. Here are some of the specific reasons that states discourage DIY solar panel installations:

• Electrical permits must be obtained by a licensed electrician. Because of the potentially disastrous effect of faulty wiring, solar panels may not be installed without the full participation of a professional electrician.
• Installation must be inspected and approved by the city, county or town. Professional solar panel installers understand and anticipate the detailed safety requirements that must be met for a successful inspection.
• Installation inspection must be submitted to and approved by the state in order to be eligible for solar incentives and grants. Professional solar panel installation companies are familiar with the wide range of opportunities for state and federal incentives and grants related to environmentally related home improvement, and will marshal the paperwork through the right agencies in a timely and effective manner.
• Solar roof panel installation raises the potential for roof damage and leaks. Experienced solar roof panel installers will anticipate and avoid the potential roof damage and leaks that can be caused by faulty installation.
• Solar contractors are typically insured at high levels because of the dangers involved with solar panel installation on high and often steep roofs.

Installing Solar Panels for Your Home - The Eclipse Solar Advantage

Eclipse Solar is a leading professional installer of commercial and residential solar systems in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company was founded by Len Fry, an electrical engineer with 40 years of energy experience. Len and his team of dedicated employees know that Eclipse Solar's customers aren't just looking for technical expertise; they want a company that will support them in every facet of the installation, inspection and grant approval processes, and throughout the years to come.

The installation of solar PV panels is a long-term commitment by the homeowner, and Eclipse Solar shares in that commitment. Eclipse Solar doesn't want to be your contractor: We want to be your trusted partner. For more information on how we can help, contact us online or call 877.570.3224.