Solar Panel installation can be hard work, but there are a number of things that can be done to make life easier.  The most obvious step to take is your first decision - do you hire a professional solar panel installation company, or do you install the solar panels yourself?

The major disadvantage of taking the first option is of course the cost - solar panel installers don’t always come cheap.  However, you can be sure that they will be installed to a high standard of work, and you will of course recoup the cost of installation through the savings you will make on your electricity bill. 

We would only recommend taking the steps to install the solar power panels yourself if you are very competent at DIY type activities - it also goes to say that DIY solar power installation isn’t for those who are scared of heights!  If you do feel that you are up to the task of solar panel installation, then these factors should be considered:

When installaing solar photovoltaic panels, they can be installed flush mounted (lying on the roof) or tilted up, depending on where the sun is in relation to your home.  This means that they are suitable for being installed on many different types of roofs.

To make life as easy as possible, install solar panel mounts while a home is being roofed.  This is because solar mounts “flashed-in” while the roof is being put on will eliminate any possibility of roof leaks.

Another reason why it is easiest when a roof is being put on is the ease of locating rafters.  The process of installing solar power mounts is involves securing it with stainless steel lag bolts through the rafters. 

It is recommended that you ‘flash in’ structural attachment points.  These will make it easier for you to attach the solar panels, and also ease the process of replacement when necessary (although with the exception of breakage/storm damage, the future cost of removal and re-installation of solar panels can be avoided for decades.)

It is easiest to work with composition shingle roofs when attaching solar panels to a roof. Tile roofs are very tough when carrying the solar panels across them, which can lead to some worrying moments!