DIY: Solar Panel Roof Installation

Choose and purchase the type of solar panel you wish to install. Panels come in a variety of colors to match your roof as well as different energy output strengths, measured in kilowatts. They can be obtained from solar panel makers, such as Mitsubishi Electric or Evergreen. Be sure your panels come with mounts.

Decide where you will place your solar panels based on exposure to the sun and aesthetics. Most houses receive the largest amount of sun exposure throughout the day on their south side, but the west side is also an acceptable choice. Avoid placing panels on the north side of a house.

Find the rafters in your roof by using a stud finder. Mark the distance between them clearly enough so that you can see the marks while installing the panel mounts.

Drill holes into the marked spots where the mounts will be placed using an electric drill and a bit comparable to the size of the bolts that come with your mounts.

Install the panel mounts by screwing them into the drilled holes using your electric drill. Attach the panels to the mounts. Each panel system has different mounting styles, but each is explained in instructions that come with purchase.

Connect all of your solar panels by daisy chaining them. Be sure to attach positive cables to positive terminal screws and negative cables to negative terminal screws. The wire running from the last panel goes to a controlling component or inverter, the device that transfers the solar power into electricity.