Can you install solar panels yourself?
You wouldn’t hire a cowboy builder, so why take shortcuts on your solar setup?
With solar panels growing in popularity and DIY solar panel kits now available in Europe, more people are asking: can I legally install solar panels myself?
In this blog, we explain the three major reasons why it’s a mistake to install your own solar panels, and how to make savings the smart way.
What are the risks of installing solar panels yourself?
1. DIY solar panel installation can be dangerous
You might have seen off-grid setups or van conversions that make DIY solar look easy, but powering a home is very different. Your energy needs are higher, regulations are stricter, and there’s a lot more at stake.
Working at height comes with obvious risks – especially when handling heavy panels and sharp tools on a sloped surface.
Electrical mistakes add another layer of danger, with the potential for shocks, fires, or hidden faults that only become apparent when it’s too late.
And because solar panel installation is classed as notifiable work under building regulations, it must be carried out or certified by a registered electrician, certified by NAPIT or NICEIC.
A professional solar panel installer ensures everything is wired safely, securely mounted, and up to code so that you don’t have to risk the safety of the installer, or anyone living in your home.
2. DIY solar panels don’t perform as well as professionally installed
A well-designed solar system takes into account many factors the average person might not be aware of or equipped to measure – from the angle and positioning of the panels to the choice of products, wiring layout, and inverter setup. All of these details play an important role in determining how much solar power your system can generate.
DIY solar panel kits are typically limited in size, capping your energy output from the start. And without expert design and installation, it’s easy to overlook key details that impact performance – leaving you with a system that doesn’t perform as you hoped.
3. DIY solar panels aren’t eligible for export payments
One of the biggest benefits of solar panels is export payments – the money you earn by sending excess electricity back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme. In some instances, this can double the annual savings you make from your solar panels.
But to be eligible, your system needs to be installed by an MCS-certified professional. No certification? No payments.
What’s more, most solar panel manufacturers won’t honour warranties if panels are self-installed, and non-certified solar panel installs can affect your home insurance and even your property’s saleability.
DIY solar panels just don’t add up
Using a DIY solar panel kit might seem like a cost-saving option, but it can actually cost you more in the long run. Missed earnings, a shorter system lifespan, and costly faults are common risks when you install panels yourself. Solar panel installation is a hazardous and highly skilled job – which is why it’s important to rely on certified experts to ensure long-term safety and savings.
Choosing a certified solar installer not only keeps the process safe but also unlocks significant benefits, including a higher-performing system, export payments, long-term warranties, and increased property value.
Trusted providers like Good Energy even offer exclusive export tariffs to help you maximise your investment:
- Solar Savings: Earn 15p/kWh* for every unit you export to the grid.
- Solar Savings Exclusive: Earn 25p/kWh for 12 months** if you’ve had a solar and battery system installed by us.
If the upfront cost is what’s holding you back, you might benefit from exploring green finance options. These incentives can help you turn a big spend into a smarter, more manageable investment.
Installing solar panels is a great decision, but it’s not a DIY job. Like rewiring your home or replacing your roof, it’s something that’s best left to the experts. Good Energy’s solar install team are highly experienced, MCS-certified professionals with thousands of happy customers across the UK.
