DIY Solar Panel Installation Guide

The popularity of solar panels is increasing exponentially and it isn’t all down to rising energy prices – it’s also partly due to the reasonable cost and availability of solar panel kits.

DIY solar panel installation is an accessible way to lower bills, reduce carbon footprint, generate renewable electricity and gain self-sufficiency with the reassurance of knowing you’ll always have additional energy to rely on when the sun is shining, even when you’re not connected to mains electricity.

If you’re willing to put in the time and elbow grease, then it’s a great way to save money on your solar panel investment.

Do it yourself solar panels are changing the energy landscape and Sunstore Solar would love to help you on your way. Whether you want energy security or want to get power on an off-grid property, we’ll show you how…

What are DIY solar panel kits?

DIY solar panel kits are exactly what it says on the tin: Solar panel kits that you can install and set up yourself.

They include everything you need to generate clean energy:

• Solar panels
• Solar charge controller
• Fixings and mounting brackets
• Wiring and accessories to get it all working

You’ll also get detailed installation instructions and full support from our experienced team.

DIY home solar panel kits come in a range of configurations depending on the property and energy requirements.

You can install them on your home, business premises, outbuilding, garden office, shed, workshop or garage – and even shepherd’s huts for those who run a luxury holiday let facility.

As long as the roof is strong enough and large enough to fit the units, you can install solar panels on whatever type of property you want to supply energy to. But, if you don’t have sufficient roof space, you can always use ground mount or freestanding panels instead!

Can I install my own solar panels?

Yes, you can install your own solar panels. Sunstore Solar can provide professional installation, but we appreciate some people like to get stuck into a project.

We designed our solar panel kits specifically for DIY solar panel installation projects. And what better project than providing energy security for your family or business?

Each kit has varying energy efficiency ratings and can produce different amounts of kilowatt-hours of electricity depending on its design. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose according to your energy needs, budget, and available space – you can always talk with our knowledgeable team if you’re unsure.

Our kits include everything you need to install your own solar panels such as the solar panel, controller, mounting hardware and all the cables, fuses, screws and accessories you need for installation.

For off-grid DIY solar panel installations, you can install everything yourself and begin using it right away, but on-grid solar panel installation will require the grid connection to be professionally connected. You can perform all other steps in the process yourself, but a properly qualified electrician will need to connect your system to the grid.

How much does it cost to install solar panels yourself?

The main cost to install solar panels yourself is the cost of the kit and a few hours of your time.

If you’re confident with power tools and can read a wiring diagram, you can easily do it yourself.

For example, a 2.2 kW on-grid DIY solar panel kit costs around £2,720 or a larger 10.3kW system can cost upwards of £9,500.

Alternatively, a small off-grid solar panel kit could cost less than £500 whereas a large off-grid kit can cost between £4,000 and £25,000 depending on your energy requirements and space availability.

If you require installation in addition to your DIY solar panel kit, get in touch with us to request a free no-obligation quote.

All solar panel kits from Sunstore Solar use quality components from leading names in the industry. All items are fully certified and all kits come with a 30 day money back guarantee.

Our Most Popular DIY Solar Panel Kits

475W, 12V, 1.6kWh Professional Off-Grid Solar Kit

£923.01 – £2,262.56Price range: £923.01 through £2,262.56 including v.a.t.

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950W, 12V, 2.3kWh Professional Off-Grid Solar Kit

£1,612.23 – £2,721.22Price range: £1,612.23 through £2,721.22 including v.a.t.

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100W, 12V, 0.8kWh Professional Off-Grid Solar Kit

£474.39 – £1,456.29Price range: £474.39 through £1,456.29 including v.a.t.

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Solar Panel DIY Installation

Before you begin, there are a few preparatory steps you’ll need to take before you order your kit.

You’ll need to:

Check your daily energy requirements – If you’re connected to the grid, check how much electricity you use per day so you can buy the correct size DIY solar panel kit. If you’re off-grid, calculate how many appliances or tools you want to power and go from there.

Use our solar panel calculator to generate an estimate of the size of solar kit you’ll need.

Check your local planning requirements – Roof mounted solar panels don’t usually need planning permission. But, if you live in a conservation area, listed building or area of outstanding natural beauty, you may need permission.

We recommend checking with your local authority, just in case.

Design your system – Are you roof mounting your panels? Using free standing panels? Do you want batteries to store energy or not? Planning to run on-grid or off-grid? Can your roof take the weight? Does your roof get enough direct sunlight?

You’ll need to answer these questions before you buy your DIY home solar panels to make sure you buy the right kit for the right purpose.

Buy your kit – Once you know what you need, buy the appropriate kit. If in doubt, size up slightly as it’s always better to generate too much energy than not enough!

Contact Sunstore Solar if you need help with any of these steps. We would be happy to help.

How to install solar panels yourself

So, you have bought your kit, you’ve read the instructions, checked you don’t need planning permissions and are ready to go.

Let’s get to the important part, the installation!

Most DIY home solar panel installations in the UK are roof mounted. As long as you’re happy up a ladder, the process isn’t as difficult as you might imagine.

We recommend planning in advance where you’ll put the panels to determine where you need to install the frames and brackets. It’s a lot easier when you have a plan!

Each kit comes with full installation instructions but we’ll cover some generic ones here too.

DIY solar panel installation instructions:

Step 1: 

If mounting to your roof, mark out where you need to place the roof anchors and fix them securely into place. Alternatively, you can use a ground mounted system such as an A-frame. Make sure to caulk or fill around any bolts or holes you need to drill.

Build the panel mounts according to the instructions. You’ll only need basic tools for this and it shouldn’t take long.

Once the mount is in place, mount your first panel and secure it. 

Step 2: 

Run the wiring close and repeat for every panel. To install multiple solar panels, you’ll need to connect them in a series or parallel connection.

Connect all the wires to your charge controller, battery and inverter. This may take some time. Follow the setup instructions very carefully here and make sure all wires are connected exactly as instructed.

You’ll want to make sure that your inverter is kept in a safe place and the charge controller is visible to monitor your solar power input.

Step 3: 

Install the fuse, isolator and run wiring to the property’s electrical system.

Don’t connect anything to the property yet. Follow the instructions closely and make sure your entire solar system is wired, connected and fused properly before you do anything else.

Step 4:

Once you have a fully installed system, you can go ahead and connect it to the property.

We would urge caution at this stage. Only connect your DIY solar panel system if you’re confident – we recommend seeking a competent electrician who can do this final installation step for you. 

Once wired in, you should be able to start enjoying solar power!

If you have any doubts about these steps, contact Sunstore Solar.

What are the best DIY solar panel kits?

The best DIY solar kits are the ones tailored to your specific needs.

Sunstore Solar has custom solar panels for:

• On-grid installations
• Off-grid installations
• Residential installations
• Commercial installations
• Sheds and garages
• Mobile offices and shepherd’s huts

Kits include the newest, most efficient solar panels, Victron Phoenix charge controllers and the same cabling and wiring we use in our professional installations.

DIY Solar Panel Installation FAQs

How do I maintain my DIY solar panel installation?

DIY solar panel installations require very little maintenance, which is another benefit of using them. Keep the panels clean, check all cables and connections remain tight, keep the area around components clean and free of dust and you should get many years of faithful service from your kit.

Do I need permission to install my own solar panels?

Most DIY solar panel installations do not need permission as they fall under permitted development. However, if you live in a listed building, in a conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty, you may need permission. We recommend checking with your local planning authority before installation, just in case.

Can I go off-grid with my DIY solar panel installation?

Yes, you can go off-grid with your DIY solar panel installation. We have solar panel kits for both on-grid and off-grid use. They are the ideal solution to our energy requirements and can power any property or leisure vehicle.

Conclusion

Solar panels are a simple, accessible way to produce clean, renewable energy while lowering your energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint at the same time. 

Contact Sunstore Solar today for expert advice, hand-picked DIY solar panel installation kits and the support you need to see the project through.