Short answer: a lot. Most people save 40–50% when they go the DIY route instead of hiring a big solar company.

The main reason is that you’re skipping the high labor and mark-up fees that come with a full turnkey installation. By installing your kit yourself, or bringing in a local contractor to help, you can get the exact system you want without paying so much for a middleman.

The upfront cost will depend on the size of your kit and which parts you choose, but the long-term payoff is substantial. If you’re installing a grid-tied system, most folks see their investment pay for itself in about 5–8years.

And no matter what kind of setup you’re looking for, grid-tied, off-grid, hybrid, or even a portable solar kit, most qualify for the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, which knocks even more off your total cost.

Easier than you might think. Our DIY solar kits are designed to be installed by homeowners with basic handyman skills and a comfort level with electrical wiring. If you can follow detailed instructions and are comfortable working on a roof, you can install your own system.

A typical installation comes down to three main steps:

1. Mounting the racking securely
2. Attaching the solar panels
3. connecting the wiring to the inverter and your home's main panel

Every kit includes a detailed installation manual, and if you ever get stuck, our expert tech support team is just a call away. We’ve helped thousands of first-time installers successfully go solar, and we’ll be there for you too.

And if that's not for you, you can always bring in a local contractor for the legwork. Either way, you’re still going to save a ton compared to a full-service solar company.

A complete DIY solar kit from SolarTown includes all the essential components you need to generate power. While specific components vary by kit, every system contains the four key elements:

• Solar Panels: The high-efficiency panels that capture the sunlight.
• Inverter: The "brain" of the system that converts DC power from the panels into usable AC power for your home.
• Racking and Mounting Hardware: The durable, weather-proof equipment to securely attach the panels to your roof or ground mount.
• Wiring, Cables, and Connectors: All necessary wiring to connect the panels to the inverter and the inverter to your electrical panel.

Yes, for the majority of homeowners, a DIY solar installation is absolutely worth it.

The primary benefit is the substantial reduction of costs, as you’re paying for the parts of the system and either installing it yourself or hiring a local contractor.

If you’re installing a grid-tied system, many people see their investment pay for itself in just a few years. Add in battery backup, and you’ll also have peace of mind during power outages.

But it’s not only about the money. Going solar gives you independence from rising utility rates, adds value to your home, and helps shrink your carbon footprint. And, take it from us, there is something undeniable about powering your life with energy you installed yourself.

Use these three simple steps to size your system:

1. Check your energy bill. Look for your monthly electricity use in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For the best picture, total up your usage for the past 12 months.
2. Know your home's sun hours. Your location determines how much sunlight you get each day. Free online solar maps like Project Sunroof can tell you the average sun hours in your area.
3. Calculate your needs.A simple calculation can give you a good estimate, but the easiest way is to call SolarTown's team of experts. We'll perform a free solar analysis using your address and energy bill to recommend the perfectly sized kit for your home's needs and budget. You can also simply request a free quote by filling out our 10 question form.