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Introduction to DIY Solar Kits
Are you ready to harness the power of the sun to decrease your living expenses and environmental impact, or get power to a remote location? Going solar has never been easier, thanks to Fire Mountain Solar’s DIY solar kits.
What Are DIY Solar Kits?
A (DIY) Do-It-Yourself solar kit equips you with all the major solar specific components necessary to install solar panels for your home. Generally, our DIY solar kit includes solar panels, micro inverters or a string inverter, solar panel racking, solar panel cables, surge protectors, a combiner box, NEC required PV system labels, a one line diagram, product installation instructions, and our standard design and installation support. If you want battery backup or need an off grid DIY solar kit, your kit may also include a charge controller, solar batteries, and battery cables.
Typically, DIY solar kits do not include general electrical materials, as these can usually be bought locally, allowing you to save money.
What's Included in an FMS DIY Solar Kit?
How Do DIY Solar Kits Work?
A DIY solar kit allows you to self-install a fully functional solar energy system for your home. DIY solar electricity is essentially the same as a solar system installed by a contractor, you’re just doing the installation yourself! Solar panels, installed on the roof of the home or on a ground mounted racking system, produce DC (direct current) electricity, which is converted to AC electricity by your inverter system so it can be used in your home. Once the solar system is installed, approved, and activated, your DIY solar panel installation will generate electricity for your home – reducing your bills and providing power for whatever you need.
Benefits of DIY Solar Kits
With our do-it-yourself solar kits, you can take control of your energy production. And not only will you save money on your electricity bills and installation expenses, but you can also enhance the value and sustainability of your home. DIY solar systems offer numerous advantages similar to those of professionally installed solar systems. By opting for a DIY solar kit, you will avoid escalating utility rates, boost the value of their property, make it more appealing to potential buyers, and even qualify for the federal Income Tax Credit for solar systems.
In this article, we will explore the world of DIY solar kits, the types, components, and how to choose the best DIY solar kit for your needs. We will also discuss the installation process, maintenance tips, financial incentives, common challenges, and the cost savings associated with generating your own electricity with solar. We’ve also included some customer testimonials so you can hear from real people who chose a DIY solar electric solution. So, let’s dive in and discover the exciting world of do-it-yourself solar!
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Components of a DIY Solar Kit
Before we delve into the different types of DIY solar kits, let’s first familiarize ourselves with their components. A typical grid tie DIY solar kit consists of solar panels, an inverter (or micro inverters), racking and mounting hardware, wiring, and a monitoring system. Grid hybrid and off grid DIY solar kits may also include additional components, such as a charge controller, batteries for energy storage and battery cables.
Major Grid Tie Solar System Components
Solar Panels
The solar panels, made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Solar Inverters
Inverters play a crucial role in the solar power system by converting the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be effectively utilized to power your home.
##### Solar String Inverter
A solar string inverter combines the power generated by groups of solar panels in your setup into “strings.” These units are usually installed on an interior or exterior wall, close to the electrical panel. Nowadays, string inverters are primarily used for battery-based and commercial solar systems.
##### Solar Micro Inverters
Micro inverters are small devices that are installed beneath and connected to one or two solar panels, enabling them to convert power at the site of the array. Micro inverters have gained popularity due to their attractive features, including module level monitoring and because they come with integrated rapid shutdown.
Solar Racking and Mounting Hardware
The racking and mounting hardware ensure that the solar panels are securely attached to your roof or anchored to their ground mounted location.
Cables, Connectors, Breakers
Components such as cables, connectors, DC breakers and surge protectors connect everything together, providing safety and allowing electricity to flow smoothly.
Solar Monitoring System (Optional)
A monitoring system provides real-time data on your solar energy production, allowing you to track your system’s performance.
NEC Required Labels
The National Electrical Code and your local electrical authority have specific requirements for labeling of solar installation. Fire Mountain Solar DIY Solar Kits include the labels required by the NEC. Be sure to consult with your local jurisdiction as they may have additional labeling requirements.
What is Not Included with DIY Solar Kits
It’s essential to note that DIY solar kits typically do not include certain materials, which you will need to acquire separately. These kits generally do not provide standard electrical supplies like wire and AC electrical components. The reason behind this is that purchasing these non-solar specific items from your local hardware or electrical supply store is usually more cost-effective.
If you’re planning to set up a ground or pole mount system, you will also need to buy steel pipe and footing materials (such as cement) locally.
Before making a purchase, make sure you fully understand what exactly is included in your DIY solar kit and what is not. Additionally, consider the cost of the items you will need to purchase locally when calculating the overall project expenses.
Types of DIY Solar Kits
When it comes to DIY solar kits, there are various options available to suit different needs and budgets. To help you make an informed decision to meet your specific needs, let’s explore the different types of DIY solar kits and their unique features.
What Type of Solar Power System is Right for You?
Grid-Tied DIY Solar Kits
If you’re just looking to reduce your electric bill, grid-tied DIY solar kits are a great choice. These kits allow you to generate your own electricity, and if you live where net metering or a similar benefit is available, you can feed any excess power back into the grid for credits, further reducing your utility bills. They are typically the most affordable option and require minimal maintenance.
Off-Grid DIY Solar Kits
If you live in a location where bringing in utility power is impossible or cost prohibitive, off-grid DIY solar kits are for you. These kits include everything you need to power your home independently, even without access to the electrical grid. In addition to the solar panels, inverter and mounting system, off grid solar kits include solar batteries to store excess electricity for use during cloudy days or at night. You will also want to include a generator so you can supplement the power your solar panels make at night or when there is insufficient sunlight to meet your electricity needs. Off grid solar systems are more complex than grid tie solar systems. They are a hands-on electrical system that requires regular monitoring and maintenance.
Grid Hybrid Solar Kits (Grid-tied with Battery Storage)
The best of both a Grid-Tied and Off-Grid DIY solar system, Grid Hybrid DIY Solar Kits are more complicated to install than a grid-tied system, because they include batteries to store power for use during grid outages, power shortages, or “brown outs.” Connected to the grid, but also including at least one battery, grid-hybrid solar not only reduces your power bills, it also provides peace of mind for times when your utility power is unavailable.
Portable DIY Solar Kits
Are you someone who loves camping or RV trips? Portable DIY solar kits are a must-have. These kits are lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. They allow you to generate electricity on the go, powering your camping gear, RV appliances, or charging your devices. They are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to embrace renewable energy.
DIY Solar Expansion Kits
Already have a DIY solar system? Need more electricity to meet increasing demands, or for electrification of gas appliances or a new electric vehicle? Consider getting a solar panel expansion kit to increase your energy production. These kits include additional panels and other components needed to seamlessly integrate into your existing setup, increasing your solar energy potential.
Roof-Mounted DIY Solar Kits
If you are planning on installing your DIY solar kit on the roof of your home, a roof-mounted solar kit is for you. A roof mounted solar system provides the necessary equipment to securely attach your solar system to whatever roofing material is present on your house.
Ground-Mounted DIY Solar Kits
A ground-mounted solar kit includes the necessary equipment to mount your solar panels on a free-standing racking system, so it can be located in a sunny area away from your house. Ground-mounted solar system kits should be customized based on local requirements, soil type, etc.
DIY Solar Kits in a Nutshell
To recap, grid-tied DIY solar kits are the most common type and are connected to your utility grid. These kits allow you to generate your own electricity and send any excess back to the grid, potentially earning you credits. Off-grid DIY solar kits, on the other hand, are independent systems that are not connected to the grid. They are designed for remote locations. Grid hybrid DIY solar kits offer a winning combination, providing the opportunity to generate your own electricity while still benefiting from the convenience and reliability of utility power. These kits also serve as a reliable backup power source during grid outages. If you just need a little power, a Portable DIY solar kit may be right for you. And if you already have solar and want more, a DIY Solar Expansion Kit is what you need.
Browse Our DIY Solar kits
Choosing the Right DIY Solar Kit
Knowing which type of DIY solar kit you need is fairly easy. Where it gets more complex is determining system size and which specific components you need.
Determining Your Energy Needs
Begin by analyzing your electricity usage to determine your energy requirements. This analysis will assist you in determining the appropriate size of DIY solar kit that you will need.
If you are installing a grid tie solar system, use your last 12 months electric bills as a starting point. If you haven’t lived in your home that long, or it’s new construction, start with how much available space you have, or how much money you want to invest to help you determine how much solar you need.
READ: How To Size a Grid Tie Solar System
If you are installing an off grid solar system, you’ll want to start with a comprehensive list of your electrical loads. Remember, when you’re off grid you’re your own power company. That means if you don’t generate and store enough power, out go your lights. So proper sizing of your off grid solar system is critical.
If you’re installing a grid hybrid solar system, follow the process for sizing a grid tie solar system, and then calculate your essential loads to determine how much energy storage you will need.
READ: Solar That Keeps The Lights On: Grid Hybrid Solar
Finding the ideal DIY solar kit to suit your needs relies heavily on accura