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DIY Doesn’t Mean Do It Alone, Part 1: Getting Started with DIY Solar

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Going solar on your own can feel like a big leap, but it doesn’t have to be. Many homeowners are realizing they can save thousands on solar installation by taking a hands-on approach.


However, working with electric systems always carries some risk, especially if your home and family are going to rely on your DIY solar system. That’s why it’s a good idea to get professional guidance along the way.


So at Solerus, we’ve built our entire process around one simple idea: you don’t have to be an installer to build your own solar system. You just need the right support.


From the first design sketch to flipping the switch, we guide you through the process with the same expertise, tools, and code-compliant design practices trusted by professional installers. You can do much of the work yourself, or partner with a local electrician. Either way, your system will be safe, reliable, and built to perform for decades.


Success starts with good planning and good materials, and that’s where we come in.



Step 1: Site Evaluation and Energy Goals


Every solar project starts with understanding your home’s energy needs and physical layout. This step lays the groundwork for everything that follows, including system sizing, component selection, and cost. Our team helps homeowners get the details right from the start.


Going solar begins with a site evaluation, in which you’ll gather a few key details that help determine whether your property is a good candidate for solar:


  • Roof orientation, pitch, and available space

  • Shading from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings

  • Roof material and condition (especially important for older homes)

  • Electrical panel location and service capacity


If you’re planning a ground-mount system, we also help you assess your site’s soil conditions, space requirements, and setbacks to ensure a clean and compliant layout.

Once your site details are set, Solerus walks you through your energy goals. You’ll review your utility usage history to identify your average consumption; we recommend planning for a system that can provide at least 50% of your current energy usage, based on your home’s electricity consumption over the last 12 months.


Recently, many homeowners have been interested in pairing their solar system with energy storage. Storage batteries allow homeowners to use their solar energy at any time of day or night, boosting their home’s energy resilience and power bill savings. Some of our customers even go completely off-grid, maintaining a fully energy-independent home. If you’re interested in battery storage, let us know at this stage so we can design a full solar + storage system that suits your needs. 


By the end of this step, you’ll have a complete, code-compliant system design, along with a clear understanding of how your solar setup will work for your home. It’s professional-level planning, without the installer markup.



Step 2: System Design and Initial Permitting


After your site and energy goals are defined, we turn that information into a detailed system design (and if you purchase materials for your system from Solerus, that design comes with no added cost!).


Our team uses data from your roof layout, electrical service, and energy use to create a configuration that fits your home and budget. Each design includes:


  • A roof or site layout showing panel placement and wiring paths

  • Recommended inverter and mounting system options

  • Estimated system size and energy output

  • A full Bill of Materials for accurate ordering and installation planning


Every system design also meets local permitting requirements. Solerus prepares, or helps you gather, the documentation needed for your jurisdiction. This typically includes:


  • Structural and electrical plan sets

  • Equipment specification sheets and certifications

  • Line diagrams showing how your system ties into the grid


For homeowners unfamiliar with permitting, Solerus walks you through each step, from knowing which forms to submit to understanding inspection requirements. We guide you through identifying necessary permits and documentation, often collaborating with a master electrician for electrical permits and ensuring compliance with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).


Some customers handle the submission directly, while others choose to have a professional or local contractor assist. Throughout the process, we remain available for design adjustments or clarifications to ensure your design is accurate and ready for approval.



Step 3: Procuring Equipment


Once your design is finalized, it’s time to choose your equipment. This is where many homeowners start to feel overwhelmed, but don’t worry – we make the process straightforward. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of products, you’ll get a curated selection already vetted for quality, compatibility, and value.


Each product we carry is individually selected for proven performance and long-term reliability. Because we cross-check every item for compatibility, you don’t have to worry about mismatched parts or overlooked details.



Your Solar Kit


Your customized Solerus solar kit will include all essential solar components, including:


  • Solar panels matched to your design and energy goals

  • Inverters and racking systems that fit your mounting type

  • Mounting hardware and accessories specific to your setup

  • Any requested optional add-ons, like battery storage and monitoring tools

  • Each kit includes a full permit set with single-line diagrams, calculation sheets, and local code requirements.


Additional Equipment


While your solar kit will contain all essential solar system components, you’ll need to separately purchase some related equipment including:


  • Electrical cabling to connect your rooftop junction box to your main panel (for interior runs, AC90 armored electrical cable is commonly used)

  • Wire strippers

  • Subpanel (if required by your specific layout and/or local electrical code)

  • Breakers

  • Cable clamps


The team provides you an individualized Bill of Materials and walks you through what’s included and what you’ll need to source locally, so nothing gets missed.


Once you’ve received all needed permits, place your order and receive a shipping quote (typically 2-5% of your order total). Inspect materials for damage upon arrival, and report any issues immediately for proper documentation. (Returns are subject to a 30% restocking fee.)




What Comes Next?


Already ordered your solar kit, have your permits, and ready to get started with the actual installation? Our next post will cover how to prepare for installation and what to expect during the build and inspection process, so you know exactly what comes next once your kit arrives.


Getting started with solar doesn’t have to be complicated. With Solerus guiding your design, helping with permits, and simplifying equipment selection, you can plan a system that fits your home and your goals.


Ready to get started? Contact our team today.

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