My DIY Solar Panel System Total Cost VS Quoted Install
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- How much do solar panels cost? I made a detail breakdown of my 9kW DIY solar panel system total cost, including all the hidden unexpected costs, and compare that to the quotes I received to have it installed by a professional solar company.
I used Unbound Solar, for the solar components and Ready Rack for the racking system. The suppliers mentioned are the ones I used based on my own research, I received no discounts on my components.
Find More information for this project and others on my website: projectswithdave.com
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Check out my other projects: projectswithdave.com/#projects
Recommended sources for Bifacial and Discounted Solar Panels: projectswithdave.com/solar-pa...
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Recommend Tools For Solar: projectswithdave.com/tools/
Learn how to do your own DIY Solar System: projectswithdave.com/#edu-video
Sources for LiFePO4 batteries: projectswithdave.com/batteries/
Inverter Solutions: projectswithdave.com/inverters/
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For great prices on used and clearance solar panels use SanTan Solar: www.santansolar.com/product-c...
For large orders and pallet pricing from SanTan, contact Alex (480-360-6203; or alexanderson@santansolar.com ) and mention EverydayDave for 5% off.
Best Value Source For Solar Panels and Batteries - Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/s...
Quality & Service Source for Batteries and Inverters- Current Connected: www.currentconnected.com/?ref...
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WANT TO GO SOLAR BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
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Or, Try Energy Sage - It's free: www.energysage.com/p/everyday...
I used Energy Sage to research solar and receive multiple competing quotes for my install.
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Timestamps:
00:00
01:32 Solar Panel Kit Cost Detail
03:13 Racking Materials Cost Detail
04:17 Wiring Cost Detail
06:07 Permits and Fees Cost Detail
06:33 DIY VS Professional Cost Comparison 30% Rebate
08:07 DIY VS Professional Cost Comparison 26% Rebate
08:30 Final Summary
Disclaimers:
This video is for information purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. Solar systems can and do involve dangerous electrical connections. If you do not have experience with electrical wiring, please seek professional support.
Affiliate information and disclaimers:
Links in description may be affiliate links, we may get paid if you purchase something through one of these links. This helps out our channel at no extra cost to you. Thank You!
(As a SanTan Solar Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases)
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Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. - Навчання та стиль
Clear,clean,precise, without Bull... thank you and good luck
Thanks! Glad it was helpful.
Excellent! Your videos/descriptions and BS-free explanations about all the elements of this project have been extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated.
Great to hear! Thanks!
Such a great player!! I'm not even close to do a project like this on my life, but I can see when someone do his best. Congrats for your super professional work building and taking note of this project. Again, congrats man. You're great!
Thank you very much!
Great video! Straight to the point, no unnecessary fluff and talking. Thanks!
Amazing details on all fronts. Thank you!! I sent your video link to my son who just asked me to do a break down cost of a home solar array which saved me hours of perusing the Internet as you have already done in great depth. Nice video and excellent outcome!! Liked and subscribed.
Awesome! Thank you!
You did a fantastic job explaining how you did the work and what the result was. This is the best video I have seen on this topic. Congratulations!
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!
Agreed! Only thing missing is the increase in production rates over time. You're producing more than $1488 in electricity every year.
@@gunnymeyer good point as electric costs go up payoff is faster
The best video on UA-cam so honest and clear without wasting our time
Thank you so much
You're welcome!
Really appreciate your concise explanation. You did a great job, here and with your system. God Bless You and your family.
Thanks, you too!
Nicely done. The cheapest quote I got in Ohio for a roof install was $32,000 before tax incentives. Which to me I would prefer a ground unit for two reasons. 1). It would be easier to clean and 2). I don't trust anything that pounds on my roof (which could potentially cause a leak).
I agree, I summarized my reasons for going ground mount in this video: ua-cam.com/video/w-iS_8e7n60/v-deo.html
Really well done video! Right to the point, well explained and illustrated, very informative 10 out of 10. Thanks for the information.
Thank you for the great info! I'm looking at doing a system very close to this.
Glad it was helpful!
great video, it seems unirack is usually cheaper than ironridge.... looks like maybe ready rack is very competitive too. For those looking at roof mount, study your fire codes ...you need to keep the panels 3' lower than ridge (2015 code) and if using 2018 code it's 18" (But you need to red the code details).... Yes you have to use whatever year edition of code your county has adopted, you can no jump to the newer code....
Excellent work! It would be so awesome to have a followup in 10 years to see how it worked out. Congrats. Very impressive
Thank you! Don't worry, I track everything. I'll have future follow ups on the status. For instance the year two month by month production was much more different than I expected, I'm looking forward to giving people actual data to compare to.
That was a remarkable job Dave , well done. 1 other positive thing if I may add with your DIY installation you have also managed to reduce environmental footprint by having less people on-site. You have inspired me to copy your project but unfortunately we have a terrible weather here in the UK. You’re a truly a friend of Earth.
Thanks!
Environmental footprint? Now I've heard it all. I own an off-grid solar company. I'm in and out and charge less to do a better job (I'm an electrician) than these hyped installers. With 3 guys and two trucks on site any impact might be a few ruts....lol
@@tomscott7292 those two trucks of yours use gasoline which does have an impact.
@@coler154 ask me if I give a shit! Less environmental impact than a taco bell fart! I don't install solar because I give a crap about a carbon foot print...I install it so others aren't ripped off by public utilities and the criminal Federal Government!
Great vid! No smoke, mirrors, lies, or assumptive errors!
Excellent work.Your vedios are very basic and easy to understand.
Best DIY video on solar I've seen, thanks
Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful!
Nice job with detail explanation. Thank you
DIY feels VERY intimidating, but I will watch more of your videos instead of giving up. Thank you for this one; my first.
You can do it!
Excellent presentation and perfect timing for me since I'm currently working on the design of an almost identical system. I'm preparing permit application documents. This is very helpful. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Although every permit process is going to be a little different, I made a video on my permit process that may be helpful. You can watch it here: ua-cam.com/video/imiEYDHLG4A/v-deo.html
Great job and thanks for the information!! With electrical prices we will most likely be following your tutorials. God bless
Thanks! For sure, the price of electricity is making solar more cost effective.
Good video!!!
If you have the space wand don’t mind the shade, ground mounts are always better… It is hotter on a roof and solar panels are around 40% more efficient on a ground mount (cool shaded air behind each panel makes the electronics much happier). Ground mounted solar is far easier to clean (wash, clear snow, etc). And if and when it comes time to replace a roof, not having to pay to remove and reinstall solar panels can save you several grand.
Fish love shade, livestock love shade. Shaded water doesn’t grow as much algae. Some garden veggies like shade. Shaded dog run… etc… There are tons of uses for the extra shade, and it doesn’t have to be wasted on gravel (which is fine if you don’t have anything else to shade).
Ground mounts are always better… If you have space for them.
The problem with ground mounts for us City folk is that annoying neighbors complain about how it looks. Only rooftop is allowed in my area unless it’s not visible
Great job explaining and breaking down the cost of your system. Thank you for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video !!!! Thank you !!!! I am shopping for a system and this was very useful.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent, clear, concise video. I didn't feel you had any agenda (like selling us on solar) but provided normal folks with some real costs and break even points for installing solar. I would really like to know how your ground mount system compares with this same system roof mounted. I would imagine the vast majority of residential systems are roof mounted.
I'm glad it was helpful. I may help a friend do a roof mount system in the near future, if so, I'll post the information on this channel.
Wow way cheaper than I thought. Solar salesman came by yesterday and for a system twice the size on this video it cost 4 times as much as the quote you received. Going to shop around more or learn to install myself. Thanks for sharing your experience.
If you want help getting a proposal from an independent advisor at no cost to you, try EnergyPal: energypal.com/everyday-dave
Excellent detailed information!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this video. We just received a quote of $25K. My husband and I want solar but the price was too much. I will view the videos we would like to do this project ourselves but it seems very complex. Thank you again for the simplicity and clarity of your video.
Glad it was helpful!
great video thanks for taking the time to make it
Thanks for watching!
Good info. I worked security at various home improvement stores and many people showed up all summer picking up things here and there, and when a lot of them were done, they told me that I would never see them again because they just should have just hired somebody to do their project. So, I think people should take a look at how much they will save, and figure out whether if is better to work on the project, or if it is better for them to just pick up extra hours at work, or spend less on something else until the extra expense is covered, Build a small scale version and see how much fun or frustration you have while doing so.
It's not a small undertaking, starting with a small system that is expandable is a good way to get started.
Thanks for sharing the great info. I am getting close to planning out a solar project at my home and this is very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
this was very helpful as i'm looking into going solar. i'm on an electric co-op and my electric bill is averaging close to 500.00/m, going up so much every year.
Love the cost break down, thank you for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent presentation., Valuable information, clear, concise, and to the point Thank you!
Thank you for the straight information!
Great video! Very well done and informative!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
good info, thanks very much!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you ! Your video is the best !👍
Glad you liked it!
Such a professional presentation and project many thanks
Thanks!
Amazing! 👏 i am now 100% going to do a ground install. Looks fun!
You can do it!
Excellent, concise video , thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent job and great information!👍🇨🇦
Thank you! 👍
Amazing video and it shows by how professional you are!
Thanks! But, actually I'm not a professional, just a guy learning as I go... : )
Thanks for the break down.
Great video!
Impressive! Well done video. There are guys that will spend more than that on a Harley, a boat, a muscle car, etc-etc-etc and still say solar costs too much. DIY home solar is one of the best hobbies (or way of life) you can have. I got three arrays.
Well said!
This is great. Thanks!
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
This channel is awesome!! So to the point!!!
Good comparison. Very helpful.
Excellent Explanation. Great.
Congratulations Sir.
🌹
This is so helpful, would love to see a follow-up video where you do a similar comparison but adding battery storage
Thanks, you can see a battery storage update here: ua-cam.com/video/BzMAW8kW0CU/v-deo.html
Fantastic video very informative I subscribed
Awesome, thank you!
Major like for this cost breakdown. Could you add some links for tools you would recommend to buy before a DIY install (you showed photo of some)
Thanks! There are links to some of the items I went over in the description below the video.
Your setup is great, well done. I kind of want to do a video but I don't want to draw attention to my setup.
Thanks! I understand not wanting to draw attention, I had the same concerns. If only it wasn't risky to help people. 🙂
Great video - I think you guys pay less for electricity than we do in the UK. I don't know when this video was made but we have just had shocking rises in electricity prices and have been told there are more to come. The return on investment period has literally halved although solar panels have somehow mysteriously risen in price too. I bought 10 used panels that came out at the equivalent of 90 bucks a piece - they were selling for 60 bucks a couple of months ago. My whole 2.4kw/h system has cost me about 2200 us dollars. I'm not finished yet but nearly there. Thanks again for a great video with no bs.
Inflation seems to be hitting the whole world, I guess it is going to improve the payback for solar in general. I'm glad the content was helpful. Thanks!
Very good information.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video Dave!
Thanks!
Great video Dave. Can you provide annual production data since install? I installed an 18.6 Kw system in 2019 using tracking arrays and thought it would be interesting to compare.
I have a video showing the monthly and annual production of my first year. You can also download the spreadsheet from that video. Here it is: ua-cam.com/video/BatTeSq05rU/v-deo.html
Jim, what type of tracking array are you using?
Fantastic effort, breakdown and information on putting this together. I have heard that putting these systems together are not that difficult. Almost a plug and play! Then the fact that so many startup solar installations companies are jumping into the game with minimal experience, knowledge or expertise is scary. Labor at the simplest level is so overrated in this day and age.
Unfortunately there are a lot of companies out there delivering poor results for people. With some research and help from your local inspector, it's not that difficult.
I appreciate your video, it gave me some of the information I want. The hybrid structure is likely what most people want. What most people don't want is a high pressure salesman pumping up a profit margin and a commission.
Glad it was helpful!
Congratulations from Germany, Thanks
Thank you very much!
Great job! Thank you!
much cheaper and easier if you can weld. The whole thing can be built with angle iron. The kind of welding required to build such structures can be mastered in an a afternoon actually.
That's great if you live in a location that doesn't require engineering drawings that show 90mph wind capability.
Thank you.
Great vid. Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
What would you recommend for a Two bedroom home solar setup and the amount of panels needed? I live in the marshall Islands and I would be off grid completely? I watched your other video where did a step by step on how to install a solar system. Very informative and easy to follow. Thanks man.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful. Off grid requires a significant increase in the system size as well as the addition of batteries. You can get some help on where to get started sizing your array here: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
Appreciate you sharing your experience. Just got the same size Ready Rack quote for $5,361.00 from Matt Reid. Prices really go up! 🤣
Yes, the price of steel has gone up significantly.
Thanks dave
Thank you!
An excellent description of a solar power grid-tied installation. Do you have a similar one on off-grid applications, especially one that gets into the whole issue of batteries?
Thanks!. I don't have one on an off grid solution, but maybe in the future.
good job on the install, looks great. I think the power optimizers are overkill since it doesn't look like your setup would get any shade? also those mounting poles look kind of weak. are they the same strength as say fence posts? any concerns of them bending out of shape in high winds?
Thanks! The poles are much more robust than fence posts, the rack is rated for over 90mph winds.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
I really liked the explanation. I would like to get the links to the different spread sheets you rederred to in your video.
Here is the one for sizing your solar array: drive.google.com/file/d/1pbkrexpzooKA3wIDZtH_6cI4dHyuE6_n/view?usp=sharing
Here is the one for Roof VS Ground each worksheet is on a separate tab:
drive.google.com/file/d/1aOJMbFIs4yawxO4_2jnfvhL9w6S-Pap_/view?usp=sharing
Thanks for all your work. I'm curious about your experiencing with shipping times (which I imagine are even more challenging now). I'm considering following your lead, but I would need to finish it by mid May, so I have 2 months to order, receive, and install. I'm curious if you feel like that's too aggressive of a timeline, both to order and receive and in the case that something breaks or we figure out we need something else during installation. I could pick it back up again next year, but if I make the investment now, I'd love to catch the summer's sun. Also, I don't have much more than very basic tools at the moment. Do you have a sense for cost of tools you needed that may not have been included in your budget? Also, a timing question...I see you feel like you spent about 40 hours. What do you think is the best number of people to be involved to make it go quickly? I would likely have two, but could be three or four people total. Finally...I see that APA does the ground screws that you used, but also does the ballast baskets filled with rocks. Did you have any thought process in deciding between those types? Thanks so much!
I think two months is a very aggressive timeline. It's possible, but I wouldn't attempt it if I had to guarantee it would be done. Shipping delays, permitting and rental schedules can all delay things multiple weeks. I have not tried the ballast methods but I'm sure they would work fine as well. I tried to include everything in my budget so the only extra expenses would be tractor rental and household tools like shovels, volt meter etc. Hope that helps.
Great video
Thanks!
Wow. Talk about a perfectly done video...
How long did it take you to complete this project? Just for planning on install and the physical install?
Good question. I didn't track it directly and there was a lot of added time for setting up video for every part of the install, but I would estimate about 40hours for the install. Thanks!
Good review
Thanks!
Thanks for the information! This reaffirms my decision to buy new old stock panels. Even buying "wholesale" the price is still too high for me. I definitely want that racking system you used. Do you have a link to how you made that 3pt post hole digger attachment?
I glad I could provide some reference information to help you make your decision. I don't have a video on making the attachment. I just measured the post hole digger and provided the materials and dimensions to a friend to machine and weld up for me.
@@ProjectsWithDave Thanks! Once I get them, I am sure I can figure something out. Again thank you for being so transparent. I wish more were honest about that kind of stuff.. It really helps people understand costs, plan their budget and show them how much "fat" can be in installed goods..
I have very hard ground and I was able to install some very large screw anchors using a cheap harbor freight gas auger WITH a $60 torque multiplier (lug wrench gearbox). Had to make adapters of course. The limit was the twisting strength of the anchor shafts. May bake more sense for most to rent a machine like the producer used, unless you frequently need to auger random holes in your life lol.
Thank you. Great content and huge savings, even if we hire an electrician to install the system, I think there are significant savings.
Yes, there is a good middle ground where you do some of the work and just hire an electrician to do the wiring. It should still be much cheaper than having a "turn key" system installed.
Thank you
You're welcome 👍
Are the "optimizers" just tiny inverters that turn whatever is coming out of the panel into 240vac split phase?
Actually, the optimizers are DC-DC inverters that control the voltage to 480VDC independent of the number of panels on the string. I have a string of 12 panels running 480VDC with one home run and a string of 13 panels at 480VDC for the second home run. I then have a DC-AC inverter at the house to convert to 240VAC. Hope that helps. Here is an explanation on the Solar Edge website: www.solaredge.com/us/products/power-optimizer
3 years ago!! Recent purchase of panels was $97 for 500 watt bifacial solar panels. So I only need 20 panels for 20KW However the shipping was going to cost as much as buying 4 extra panels at which point shipping was free.
Panels prices sre dropping like a rock!!
I’m mounting them on the roof ( lack of space in my yard)
And mounting them vertically that gains me as much as 30% over rated yield.
I’ll mount 2 of the extra panels for increased output on cloudy days. (2 will go in the attic to replace any damaged in the future).
My racking costs amounted to $23 per panel. Wiring costs will be lower, since I not need 50 feet. But wire has gone up significantly.
I have yet to decide is I want a back up battery or not.
The Tesla version 3 includes a built in inverter but it’s $8400. For now I’ll leave it off. If the Electric company goes further away from net metering it will quickly pay for itself.
I am looking at a bi-directional EV CHARGER TO USE THE BATTERY in my Tesla to act in that capacity. Then I can use the DC power directly and only use the inverter when I’m in surplus generational capacity. Typical power loss with inverters is around 5%!
Thanks for sharing.
You bet!
Great video. Why did you choose mono instead of poly for a ground installation?
One of my goals was to maximize the per panel output, to minimize the structure size and quantity of optimizers. These were the highest output panels I could get at the time.
@@ProjectsWithDave Yeah, if you want the highest output per square feet, then mono is the way to go.
Finally someone who explains it well
Do you think there would be a benefit with using bifacial panels and white rocks in the gravel bed?
Yes, I think white rocks would make a measurable increase in the production with bifacial panels.
Great video! Can you please share where you purchased your 500’ spools of THHN 10 AWG? Thank you!
Home Depot, Lowes, or Menards. Whichever was cheapest at the time. I usually wait for a sale or coupon before making big purchase. Sometimes I purchase wire online, but the 10AWG is usually cheaper locally.
I have no affiliation with this store, but it's an online store I have used with good success for bulk purchases: www.wireandcableyourway.com/
Great Video. So you only use Solar power consumption and do not store any power with Batteries, correct? Do you use that much power during daylight hours? Have you added Batteries to store power for night time or other times when you need the extra power?
The grid acts as my daytime "battery". You can see how it works in this video on how my grid tie system works: ua-cam.com/video/IwUK1dNJ3n8/v-deo.html
Wish I could do this in NYC
Wondering what type of structure you would need to prevent tornado force or hurricane force winds at least up to 150mph from ripping the entire solar array out of the ground and flinging it into the neighborhood. OBviously at some point you can't, but I would think there are ground support structures that can withstand some amount of wind shear?
Yes, it's just a matter of engineering for the wind force you want to withstand. Mine can withstand over 90mph winds. Most racking manufactures can design for a target wind load. However, the panels themselves have a limit and the glass can only withstand so much force from flying debris.
I hope you wouldn't mind helping me out a little bit and checking my math for me. I've been trying to find someone with an accurate answer....
I recently purchased 4 lightly used 270 watt, 35.5 volt pmax, 7.60amp pmax / 15amp fuse rating solar panels. So, if I connect them up in series I would get 1080watts with 142 volts at 7.6 amps. Correct?
I also purchased a DC pool pump rated at 72vdc that comes with a 72v Controller Box.
The Controller parameters are as follows: Rated current=12A, max solar input volts=150, current overload=15A, pump=1000W @ 72v, best working volts=88v.
Would you agree that my 4 panels in series is best and most efficient? Or do you recommend another configuration???
Sorry, I'm not familiar with the pump system you are proposing. Your calculations for the solar output look correct to me. It looks like the only way to keep the amperage below your 15A max is to go with your proposal of 4 panels in series. That will give you a 142v at 7.6A, max output, which both appear to be in the range of your controller. Hope that helps.
With your 9.4kW hour Solar array, how many kilowatt hours do you produce monthly and anually? On a perfectly sunny day what is the max production of your array, are you producing at 100% of your array meaning 9400 watts or 90% at 8460 watts or 80% at 7520 watts?
My inverter has a 7.6kW max output, so no mater how much my panels are producing I can't exceed that. This is called "clipping" I discuss it in my video on sizing your solar array. You can watch it here: ua-cam.com/video/rbFnZqA0GCI/v-deo.html
Thanks for the video. Did you source all the materials and parts locally? If not, was shipping included in your costs?
The racking and solar equipment was shipped and the shipping was included. Thanks!
When you applied for you permit, what did you use to generate engineering drawings or did you permit office not require?
Usually the supplier for the inverter can give you something to get started with, then just modify to fit your needs. Unbound solar will sell you engineering drawings to match the packages they sell you.
Blown away great job.... We DIY and ours paid off 18yrs faster than the contractor. You got a good bid. St. louis they way over charge. THey want 14k just to remove and reinstalled on the roof (hail damage new roof)
Nice! DIY makes all the difference if you want a reasonable payback time period.
Beautiful
Thank you!
What drives up your installation quotes?
Just for a comparison. Northern Europe. We are getting a 15 kW grid tie system. 15 kW Kostal inverter, 18 kW panels on ground frame. Professional installer quote is around 18000€. Includes materials, permits, paperwork and inspections. Could get some cheaper quotes, but I am willing to pay some extra for good install. Going for micro inverters would up the price couple thousand, but there should be no need for it here.
If I had to guess, I would say the labor rate is much higher here.
Very informative video, thank you.
Would anyone happen to know if it's feasible or legal to have a very similar installation but, portable? Picture this setup but on a wagon of sorts. Yes, the framework would have to be beefier etc. But, could the power cord be a heavy flexible cord ran above ground? I ask because the perfect place to put this on my property is a high line easement. I can't have anything permanent on the easement. Buried conduit would not be an option.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts
You would need to confirm with your building department if there are restrictions for mobile units in your easement.
I'm in a similar layout here in SE Michigan. What is the distance of your underground cable run to the house?
About 200ft
Good job! I have a question. Do you any company that will install it. The quote I am getting are at least double or triple what you have in your video.
The company that gave me the best quote was a local company. I recommend getting several quotes. There are sites that will automatically collect quotes for your installation such as SolarSage.com. You might give them a try as well.