If you're thinking about installing your own solar, you've likely learned that engineering and design work (the plan set) is going to be part of the process.

If you're going the full-install route, you might have heard about this but weren't concerned since it was taken care of behind the scenes.

Let's start with what this engineering and design work is.

The What

Solar engineering and design work established the structural stability of your home, the shape of your roof, the placement and orientation of the solar panels, electrical diagrams, and other critical elements of your project.

This set of materials is what is know as a solar plan set.

The Why

First and foremost, the reason why you need a solar plan set is because your local authoritative body (usually your city or your county) requires them to get you permits. It is their job to make sure structures are secure so that your roof doesn't cave in or so you don't have a panel fall off and hurt your mother-in-law (actually... that doesn't sound so bad).

If you try to skirt around this process and get caught (like when you go to sell your home), you will get hit with some pretty significant fines.

Aside from that though, the plan set will help you know how to lay out and wire your project. You can't just slap together some equipment and hope it works!

How Much?

You could approach a specialty solar engineering and design firm to have it done for you, but you'll often be paying out the nose for this since they aren't used to working with individual customers.

If you go through us at DIY Solar, however, we can get you a discount since we buy in bulk!

For only $800, we can get you everything you need for your solar plan set.

Interested in getting started? Fill out the form and we will text you soon!