Advice for a self install vs installer

FJJD

Last summer, I had my roof re-tiled and had the installer add brackets for 16 solar panels (dormer house). At the same time, the house was fully rewired, and I had the electrician lay cables from the fuse board to the boiler room in preparation for a solar install.

Now, I’m weighing up whether to go with a professional installer or do a self-install.

A local installer quoted me €4,300 (after the SEAI grant) for 16 Jinko panels and a REC inverter. On the other hand, I estimate that could buy 16 Astronergy 440W panels and a LuxPower SNA 5000W inverter for €1,498. Budgeting €1,000 for an electrician to handle the wiring, fireman switch, and NC6 form, I’d still be saving a significant amount.

Some key factors I’m considering:

• Warranty & peace of mind
• Installation effort – Mounting he panels should take about two days with a couple of people.
• Wiring approach – I’d run the cable outside the house using trunking to the boiler room. Ideally, I’d have the same electrician who did the original rewiring connect the inverter.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s done a self-install—was it worth it? Any hidden costs or challenges I should be aware of? Any thougths would be appreciated.

paddy236

What size panels were the brackets installed for?

Are the rails already on the roof?

I'm preparing an order for my own self-install and there are lots of parts to consider. The prices of all the small parts add up quickly.

It's worth using the midsummer planning tool to design the system and it also generates a parts list. It also checks compatibility between your strings and the inverter. When you get to the end you can remove the items you already have from your cart. It will give you an idea of costs.

https://easy-pv.ie/

TimHorton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058394739/advice-for-a-self-install-vs-installer

Where are you getting 16 panels and inverter for that price ?

FJJD

The rails where fitted for 435w jinko solar panels. I'll check easy-pv, thanks!

@TimHorton inverter and panels

graememk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123147692#Comment_123147692

That inverter seems to be off grid only?

For the nc6 it needs to be on the ESBN list or have the correct certs

JohnySwan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058394739/advice-for-a-self-install-vs-installer

Your best bet is to engage with the REC early, most REC's won't have the experience with PV and won't want to know. Before spending a penny on the DIY route, be sure your REC is happy from the start.

To be honest, that price you were quoted is decent and should save you a whole lot of bother. They'll complete it in a day, are familiar with the equipment and you should have local support.

Warranty on the inverter could be an issue with a self install, so read the small print carefully.

FJJD

My REC previously did solar installations, but I want a change over switch so I imagine I'll need him involved anyway.

Aside from the cost savings, I also would rather a luxpower than a Renac inverter.

JohnySwan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123149414#Comment_123149414

In that case, go for it. That's the biggest stumbling block with a DIY install dealt with.

Buffman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058394739/advice-for-a-self-install-vs-installer

Installing the roof mounts correctly is about 1/4 of the total work so it sounds like you're already well on the way to DIYing it.

Are the installers who quoted you aware that the mounts are already there, as that should reduce cost a bit or they might not want to work on someone else's work?

Anyway, there's nothing wild or wonderful about getting the panels up, you need a competent helper with you and make yourself familiar with how the mounts, rails, clips and panels all go together down on the ground before starting.

Have a safe way of getting them up to the roof without having to pull and drag too much, being a bungalow will help a lot with that.

Decide in advance where you'll start and finish your strings so you can connect the panels in your desired order as you install them. Presumably you'll have 2 strings so keep them within the MPPT limits. If you're running the DC cables from panels to inverter yourself, make sure to keep polarity correct and fit any connectors correctly.

With warranty concerns, my approach would be if worst came to worst, I can replace the entire system 3 times over and still save money.

Personally I've dealt with a lot of second hand equipment and never had any issues yet, any damage was caused by rough handling when removing.

FJJD

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123158482#Comment_123158482

Thanks, those are all good points. Especially around the cost saving vs warranty! I feel the quality of a Luxpower inverter is higher than a Renac, which is leaning me towards self install.

Buffman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123161924#Comment_123161924

I'm not familiar with either of those brands so can't comment either way, but anything mainstream should be reliable enough. Good luck with it anyway. 👍