Doing It Yourself
You buy the kit and handle design, mounting and connection.
- Labour is the largest single line on most quotes — removing it cuts the total meaningfully
- Complete control over panel choice, layout and the pace you work at
- You finish with a genuine working knowledge of your own system
- No waiting on anyone else's calendar
- Expect weeks, not days, once research and permits are counted
- Specialist tools and roof-safety kit have to be bought or hired
- No installation warranty — labour faults are yours to diagnose and fix
- Some manufacturers limit their panel warranty when fitting is not certified
- Roof work and DC wiring are the two most common causes of serious injury in solar
- A mis-flashed mount can cause leaks that only show up months later
- Work that fails inspection may have to be stripped out and redone
- Under-sized cable or poor earthing is a long-term fire risk