My DIY Solar Panel System Total Cost VS Quoted Install

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.

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WANT TO GO SOLAR BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
If you don't want to go DIY, this is the best way to save money. I used Energy Sage to research solar and receive multiple competing quotes for my install. This will save you thousands of dollars!

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Using my affiliate links helps the channel at no cost to you! THANK YOU!!

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)
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Projects with Everyday Dave is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,

FTC Disclosure Statement:
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.

[karleuerl]

Clear, clean, precise, without Bull... thank you and good luck

[MoroMoro]

Great video! Straight to the point, no unnecessary fluff and talking. Thanks!

[brianb]

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!

[peterk]

Excellent! Your videos/descriptions and BS-free explanations about all the elements of this project have been extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated.

[rl]

Fast forward to today, installers are now quoting 3x that amount while solar panel prices have dropped. DIY is the way to go in 2024.

[biscottie]

DIY feels VERY intimidating, but I will watch more of your videos instead of giving up. Thank you for this one; my first.

[issa]

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.

[Electronzap]

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.

[fabianio]

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!

[jusiceigi]

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.

[medomfire]

The best video on YouTube so honest and clear without wasting our time
Thank you so much

[caryanderson]

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.

[frenchydampier]

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%!

[thefinancialnavigator]

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.

[unionseen]

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....

[timtation]

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.

[billystewart]

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.

[ranchoboomerang]

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!

[jamesrobinson]

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).

[luketanyathomason]

I just got quotes from 2 companies here in Maine, and one was for $48k and the other was almost $100k! So it's definitely worth it.