One of my favorite topics. I did mine myself. 21 Mitsubishi panels, 280W each, 5.88kW total, Enphase micro-inverters. Works absolutely perfect, have not touched it since installing it. Way cool to see your digital smart meter read negative anytime the sun is out, even if your home A/C is on, etc...... I'm in MI, and it covers 10 of the 12 months a year of my electric bill. Still have to pay $9 monthly for line connection fee. I stayed grid tied because it is there and I hate batteries. You'll need a South facing roof or location to take max advantage since we are North of the equator. West works as well, just not as strong.
Yes, look for solar tax credits, there should be some on the federal level that have been declining each year but were still 30% or so, and there may be some in your state as well, not all states are solar friendly. If you are staying grid tied, ask your utility company their policy of such, most will limit the capacity you install because they don't want to owe you money each month or year. Some states have Net Metering, some don't. That can make a big difference as well.
You can do this yourself. It is way easier than people think. Honestly, it is only 3 parts and 2 wires. Panels, racks, and inverters, then 2 hot leads to a 240v breaker anywhere in your panel, you can even reverse those wires. That's it. All the panels and inverters have connectors you just plug in. Because I am grid tied, the utility required it to be fully legit, city electrical and building inspections, all that. Passed both without a word said. You don't have to re-roof, I was able to easily cut in the stantion bases at the shingles using a coffee can as the tracing template then just regular plumbing vent pipe flashing covers. I did pull my facia board to find the rafter boards, then put it back up. Panels shade the existing shingles so I expect to extend their life.
Solar has a bad rap because these install companies want to retire off of just 2-3 jobs. It is almost all profit for them. Mine cost $4k total out of pocket, and took me 2 days to install. The studying up front is where most of my work was, but happy to spread that knowledge now. 2.5 year ROI. Even if you are not up to doing the work, you can still buy the components yourself, and then just hire each part out for a per hour labor charge. Roofer to install the racks and panels, and then electrician to wire it up. Will keep the cost WAY down vs a door knocker. The ROI is too far out if you just pay a solar company.
For sure get name brand panels. I wanted Japanese quality. Neighbor did some off-brand, they looked great new, but turned purple with streaks a year later. Still work, but look absolutely horrible. Mine look the same as the day they went up, 7 years later.
It is like a 5000 watt generator running anytime the sun is out, but silent and maintenance free. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have or provide photos, etc.... Works so well, should be mandatory. I'm providing 5/6 of my annual power needs on 1/4 of my total roof surface. DIY is the way to go on this.
