Solar panel self-installation heating up

What seems to be gaining momentum across the USA is self-installation of solar panels in homes.

Home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, are attempting to capitalize on an increasingly trendy form of alternative energy because the costs of solar panels are falling.


The price of solar panels fell between 20 percent to 30 percent last year, but demand is expected to pick up in 2010 because the worldwide market is expected to surge. The prices of equity share of solar-centric manufacturing firms and suppliers reflected that same glut in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Solar is becoming increasingly popular. The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates up to 250,000 U.S. homes generate some solar energy. And, U.S. solar electric capacity grew by 63 percent in 2008, triple the growth in 2005, according to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

Several suppliers that have equipment in hardware stores are Akeena Solar Inc., Sunforce, Sunlinq, Sharp and Duracell.

Costs range from about $1,200, for the Sunforce 200 watt CIGS panel, to $130, for the Sunling’s 6.5 watt folding solar panel.

Once you make the decision to install panels, there is myriad amount of paperwork, including permits and certifications that are needed. If there is any doubt, it’s wise to seek an installation company. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, has a voluntary national certification program, and can help locate installers near where you live.

You can also go to Service Magic enter your zip code and provide some basic information about type of installation you are looking for, i.e., roof or ground mounted, grid tie-in, direction it will face.

Costs of the panels usually do not include what’s needed for installation including parts. So expect installation costs to amount to about a third of the total bill.