You might be surprised to learn that over five million households in the United States use solar energy. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the statistics forecast a bright and sunny future for this renewable energy source that can seriously help reduce your monthly utility bills. By 2030, the number of homes with solar panels will double, and by 2050, the majority of our power grid may be solar-powered. 

Adding solar panels can have a major impact on your home’s value, and because of their growing popularity, DIY kits are becoming more widely available. But according to Bret Biggart, CEO of Freedom Solar Power, because they come with installation, electrical, roofing, and regulatory complexities that require specialized expertise, you should probably reconsider DIYing your solar panel installation yourself. “Installing solar panels is much more complex than it looks,” Biggart told House Digest during an exclusive interview. “Mistakes can cause major safety problems, cost a lot to fix, or even void your warranties and incentives.”

To offset the upfront expense of solar panels, which average just over $27,000 according to Angi’s List, there are several federal and state tax credits, utility company rebates, and even incentives that offer payments for solar energy generated by your system. Specific eligibility criteria vary widely. DIY labor costs and grid tie-ins may not always be covered under certain programs. “It’s one of those projects where experience matters, and the risks of DIYing your installation outweigh any potential savings,” Biggart cautioned. “A professional installer brings expertise that protects your home, your system, and your investment.”

There’s a lot of information out there about solar panels, and not all of it is entirely reliable. Once you’re in the market and begin to do your research, it won’t take long to hear about some of the big scams to watch out for with solar panel installers. To avoid the risk of winding up with an unscrupulous company, you may be tempted to purchase a kit and go it alone. But during his exclusive interview with House Digest, Bret Biggart said this impulse could result in serious headaches.

“The list of cons greatly outweighs any pros of DIYing a solar installation,” Biggart said. Along with safety and efficiency concerns, the solar expert told us many homeowners will struggle with complex permitting processes. “If the installation doesn’t meet local codes or inspection requirements, you could face fines or delays, or even be forced to remove the entire system,” he explained, adding that hiring a reliable professional is the best way to ensure long-term performance and peace of mind.

Potential cost savings are another reason some homeowners may consider DIYing a solar panel installation. But according to Biggart, the risks aren’t actually worth it. “You might save 20 to 30% upfront, but it’s important to remember the hidden costs,” Biggart said. “You will still have to pay for permitting and probably hire a licensed electrician or roofer. And if anything goes wrong, repairs could get very expensive, not to mention putting your own safety at risk.”

So are DIY solar kits worth it or a waste of your energy? During his exclusive interview with House Digest, we asked Bret Biggart how our readers can determine if they should install solar panels themselves or seek professional help. “Homeowners should consider their own experience, their ability to pull permits, their willingness to take on liability, and how much they value their home’s safety and resale value,” he said. “They should also think about the complexity of the project itself.” The solar expert said that the size of your system, the amount of battery storage, and any additional integrations add a degree of difficulty to the installation process.

Biggart told us there’s one more problem that DIYers don’t realize until it’s too late. “Most manufacturers require that their products be installed by certified professionals,” he explained. “If you install it yourself, even if you’re careful and do your research, you still run the risk of losing protection on the panels, inverter, and even your roof.” 

Whether you hire a professional or DIY, it is extremely important to check with your roofing manufacturer before installing solar panels to make sure your system is installed according to the correct specifications. Biggart told us that professional installers, like those at Freedom Solar, will make sure your system meets both manufacturer requirements and local codes. “Professional installation isn’t just the safer choice — it’s the smarter investment,” he advised. “You really are better off leaving it to the pros.”