How much can I save by doing solar design myself?

DIY solar design and installation can save you 50-70% compared to full-service solar companies. Professional installations typically cost $2.50-$3.50 per watt, while DIY costs run $1.00-$1.50 per watt for equipment and materials. On a typical 10kW residential system, that's $25,000-$35,000 professionally installed versus $10,000-$15,000 DIY. Our professional design services cost $397-$997 depending on complexity, versus the $2,000-$5,000 for design built into professional installation quotes. Even if you hire contractors for portions of the work (like electrical or roofing), you'll still save significantly by managing the project yourself with professional designs. The trade-off is your time and effort - expect to invest 40-80 hours total in a DIY solar project including research, ordering, installation, and inspections.

Do your designs meet local building codes and permit requirements?

Yes, all our designs are prepared by licensed professional engineers and fully comply with national and local codes. We research your specific jurisdiction's requirements and include everything needed for permit approval - structural calculations, electrical diagrams, fire setbacks, equipment specifications, and PE stamps from engineers licensed in your state. Our designs follow NEC (National Electrical Code), IBC (International Building Code), and local amendments. We've successfully obtained permits in all 50 states and thousands of jurisdictions. The designs are detailed enough for both permit approval and actual installation, with clear specifications that ensure code-compliant construction. If your building department has questions or requests modifications, we're here to help address them.

Can I really install solar panels myself without being an electrician?

Yes, in most jurisdictions homeowners can install solar on their own property under the homeowner exemption, even without contractor licenses. Solar installation involves electrical work, but it's well-documented and straightforward to follow with proper designs and instructions. The DC wiring between panels is low-voltage and safe, while AC connections follow standard electrical practices. Thousands of homeowners successfully complete DIY solar installations every year. That said, you should be comfortable with basic electrical concepts, comfortable working on roofs, and willing to learn. Some jurisdictions require licensed electricians for specific tasks like the final utility connection. If you're not confident in your electrical skills, you can hire electricians for just the electrical portions while doing mounting and installation yourself, still saving significantly versus full-service installation.

What information do you need to design my solar system?

To create an accurate design, we need your recent electricity bills (12 months preferred) to understand your energy usage, your property address for solar resource and roof analysis, photos of your roof and electrical panel, your utility company information, and details about any shading or special requirements. We provide a detailed questionnaire that guides you through everything needed. Most customers complete the questionnaire in 15-20 minutes. We can often obtain roof measurements from satellite imagery, though measured dimensions are helpful for complex roofs. The more information you provide, the more accurate and optimized your design will be. If you have specific equipment preferences or goals like battery backup, let us know and we'll incorporate them into the design.

How long does the entire solar installation process take from design to activation?

The typical timeline from ordering design to having an operational system is 2-4 months. This breaks down to: design completion (5-10 days), permit approval (2-6 weeks depending on jurisdiction), equipment ordering and delivery (1-3 weeks), installation work (2-5 days of actual work for DIY), inspection scheduling and approval (1-2 weeks), and utility interconnection approval (1-4 weeks). The permit and utility processes vary most by location - some progressive areas approve in days, while others take months. You can often overlap steps like ordering equipment while permits are pending. Weather, equipment availability, and your own schedule affect timelines. Starting in spring for summer installation is ideal. We've seen projects completed in 6 weeks and others take 6 months, but 2-4 months is typical for organized DIYers.

Do you provide support after I receive my design?

Absolutely! We provide ongoing support throughout your entire project. After design delivery, we're available to answer questions about the design, help with permit submissions, address building department comments or revision requests, assist with equipment sourcing and specification questions, and provide guidance during installation if you encounter issues. While we don't provide on-site installation labor, we're your technical resource for the entire project. Most questions are answered within one business day via email, and we offer phone consultations for complex issues. We also provide resources like equipment supplier recommendations, installation best practices, and links to helpful DIY solar communities. Many customers check in with us at key milestones - before ordering equipment, before starting installation, and before inspections. Think of us as your consulting engineer throughout the project, ensuring you have professional support even while doing the work yourself.

Expert Solar Design Without the $15K+ Markup

NABCEP-certified professionals design your system. You install it yourself and save $10K-$20K.

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10,000+ Happy Customers

4.9/5 Rating

Licensed in 50 States

Beautiful home with solar panels

$2,341

Avg. Annual Savings

Trusted & Certified Professionals

Industry-leading credentials and proven track record

Licensed PE - 50 States

Professional Engineers

NABCEP Certified

Industry Gold Standard

5,000+ Systems

Designed & Approved

98% Approval Rate

First-Time Success

Google 4.9★

1,000+ Reviews

BBB A+ Rated

Accredited Business

Why Choose DIY Solar Consultants?

Get professional solar expertise without paying installer markups. We give you the knowledge and designs to go solar on your terms.

Save $10K-$20K

Traditional solar companies mark up installation 40-60%. We charge only for expert design, you handle installation yourself or hire your own crew.

Typical Savings:

$15,347

on average system

NABCEP Certified Experts

Don't compromise on quality. Our designs are created by the same certified professionals that big solar companies use.

Licensed in 50 states
9+ years experience
Engineered drawings
Permit-ready plans

You're in Control

Install on your timeline, choose your own equipment, and learn valuable skills. No high-pressure sales tactics.

Install at your pace
Choose any equipment
Learn as you go
No sales pressure

How We're Different

	DIY Solar Consultants	Traditional Installers
Typical Cost for 10kW System	$4,000-$6,000	$25,000-$35,000
Expert Design Included
Installation Labor	You choose	Required
Timeline Flexibility	Complete control	Their schedule
Equipment Choice	Any brand	Limited options
Learning Experience	Full education	None
Ongoing Support	Included	Limited warranty only

Average savings: DIY homeowners save $15,000-$20,000 on a typical 10kW system compared to traditional installers.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

If you're not completely satisfied with your solar design within 30 days, we'll refund your consultation fee—no questions asked.

Risk-Free Design Service

Your satisfaction is our priority. We stand behind our work 100%.

Certified & Licensed Professionals

NABCEP Certified

Since 2015

Licensed in 50 States

Full Coverage

BBB A+ Rating

Accredited Business

$2M Insured

Full Protection

Serving Since 2015 • 10+ Years

As Featured In

Solar Power World

Energy.gov

EnergySage

Green Builder

Renewable Energy

See How Much You Can Save

Get a professional solar design tailored to your home and energy needs

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✓Free consultation

✓No obligation

✓5-7 day turnaround

Trusted by Thousands

Join the solar revolution with confidence

Homeowners Served This Month

And growing every day

0 kW

Solar Designed This Year

Enough to power 4,000+ homes

Average Cost Savings

Per installation over 25 years

Customer Satisfaction

Based on verified reviews

Our Services

Everything you need for your DIY solar project. From professional system design to permit-ready plansets and equipment sourcing.

Solar System Design

Custom system sizing, panel placement, production estimates, and ROI analysis

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Permitting Plansets

Professional engineering stamps, electrical diagrams, and AHJ-specific documentation

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Equipment Sourcing

Tier-1 solar panels, inverters, batteries, and mounting systems at 15-30% savings

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Technical Consulting

Installation guidance, troubleshooting, and code compliance verification

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System Sizing Calculator

Free interactive tool to estimate your system size, costs, and savings

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Battery Storage Design

Tesla Powerwall, Enphase, LG, and Generac battery system design and integration

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How It Works

Professional solar design made simple. Learn more about our proven process and transparent pricing.

Consultation

We assess your energy needs, site conditions, and goals

30-60 minutes

Design

Our engineers create a custom solar system tailored to your property

5-7 business days

Permitting

We prepare all necessary documentation for permit approval

Included in design

Support

We provide guidance throughout your DIY installation

Ongoing

Ready to Start Your Solar Project?

Our licensed PE engineers will design your perfect system in 5-7 days

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✓Free consultation

✓No obligation

✓5-7 day turnaround

Trusted by DIY Homeowners Nationwide

Real results from verified customers

"The engineering plans were flawless. Our permit was approved on the first submission, and the inspector was impressed with the level of detail. Saved us $18,000 compared to traditional installers!"

Sarah Mitchell

Verified Customer

Denver, CO

8.5 kW System

Installed March 2024

Join Thousands of Happy Customers

Get your custom solar design and start saving like they did

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✓Free consultation

✓No obligation

✓5-7 day turnaround

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Quick Answers

Get answers to the most common questions about DIY solar design, installation, and our services.

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