Introduction: Should You DIY Your Way to Solar Power? 

So, you’ve finally made the decision. You’re ready to tap into the sun’s power, slash your electricity bills, and do your bit for the planet. Awesome! But now comes the big question: Should you go the DIY route or call in the professionals?

It’s a common dilemma. After all, with YouTube tutorials, online kits, and many articles that promise to make solar panel installation look like a weekend project, you might be tempted to roll up your sleeves and give it a shot.

But hold on—before you get up on your roof with a toolkit in one hand and a solar panel in the other, let’s talk.

This blog dives into the real deal: the difference between DIY and professional solar panel installation, what’s involved in each, their pros and cons, cost breakdown, and why your choice could make or break your solar journey.

Let’s shed some light (pun intended!). 

What Are Solar Panel Installations Really About? 

Solar installs are the farthest thing from the phrase “fixing a few panels on your roof.” Before comparing, let us get the facts straight on solar installations.

Solar panel installation involves the following steps:

• Site the type of roofing, sun exposure, shading, and structural stability.

• System Design- good sizing, choice of number of panels and inverters depending on energy usage.

• Procurement-certification of warranty, high-efficiency panels, wiring, mounting structures, and safety gear.

• Installation- Physically mounting panels, wiring them, connecting to the inverter, and safety.

• Government approvals apply to net metering, subsidy schemes, and DISCOM permits.

• Testing & Commissioning all systems go and feeding back electricity to the grid.

Does it sound like an easy weekend DIY project? Now, let us probe deeper into either way. 

DIY Solar Panel Installation: The All-By-Yourself Route 

The idea of doing it yourself is undeniably attractive. You save on labor costs, learn a new skill, and get complete control of your setup. It can feel like an exciting challenge for tech-savvy homeowners or DIY enthusiasts.

What You’ll Need:

• A solar panel kit (panels, mounting hardware, inverter, cables)

• Tools like drills, ladders, torque wrenches, etc.

• Basic electrical knowledge (or willingness to learn!)

• Time. And quite a bit of it.

• Patience with government approvals, paperwork, and safety protocols. 

Professional Solar Panel Installation: The Done-for-You Path 

Enter the pros—a certified solar panel installation company in Mumbai, like Visol India.

They do all the heavy lifting, from system design to final connection and post-installation support. Their engineers, electricians, and project managers ensure your system is installed correctly.

What You Get:

• Expert site survey and energy assessment

• Custom system design for maximum efficiency

• Assistance with government paperwork, subsidies, and net metering

• High-quality equipment with manufacturer warranties

• Safe, durable, and code-compliant installation

• Long-term support, service, and system monitoring 

Pros and Cons of Both: Let’s Be Honest 

Now, let’s compare DIY and professional installation and weigh the pros and cons like a true Mumbaikar deciding where to get the best vada pav.

DIY Solar Installation Pros

Lower Upfront Cost:No labor charges. You only buy the materials.

Learning Experience:Great for tech lovers. You’ll know your system inside out.

Custom Control:Want to experiment with unique panel layouts or battery systems? You’re the boss. 

DIY Solar Installation – Cons 

Safety Risks:You’ll be working with electrical systems, heights, and heavy equipment. One wrong move can be dangerous.

No Warranty on Workmanship:Most component warranties are void if not installed by a certified installer.

Complicated Approvals:Navigating government policies, DISCOM permissions, and net metering as an individual is tedious—and sometimes frustrating.

Possible System Inefficiencies:If not designed or installed correctly, your system might underperform and take longer to pay off. 

Professional Installation Pros 

Turnkey Solution:From start to finish, everything is handled. Stress-free.

Warranty & Support:You get manufacturer and installer warranties, plus post-installation service.

Expert Design:You get the most efficient system for your space and usage.

Compliance & Paperwork:The company deals with all government formalities, ensuring you don’t miss any subsidy or net metering benefit. 

Professional Installation – Cons 

Higher Upfront Cost:You pay for labor, project management, and service.

Less DIY Control:This might not be satisfying if you want to be hands-on with every detail. 

Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Professional Solar Panel Installation 

Let’s talk numbers—that makes or breaks most people’s decisions.

Note: These are approximate Mumbai-based costs as of 2025 for a 3kW residential rooftop system. 

DIY Installation:

Component	Estimated Cost (INR)
Solar Panels (3kW)	₹90,000 – ₹1,20,000
Inverter	₹25,000 – ₹35,000
Mounting Hardware	₹15,000 – ₹20,000
Cables, Connectors, and Wiring	₹10,000 – ₹15,000
Tools & Safety Equipment	₹8,000 – ₹12,000
Miscellaneous	₹5,000 – ₹10,000
Total (Material Only)	₹1.5 – ₹2.1 Lakhs
Installation Labor (Self)	₹0

Professional Installation:

Component + Services	Estimated Cost (INR)
Complete 3kW Turnkey System	₹1.8 – ₹2.5 Lakhs
Includes: Panels, Inverter, Mounting, Wiring, Safety
Installation Labor	Included
Design, Site Assessment, & Testing	Included
Government Paperwork & Subsidy Handling	Included
Warranty & Post-Install Support	Included

Subsidy Alert  

Under MNRE’s rooftop solar program, residential users can get up to 40% subsidy on small-scale installations (up to 3 kW). However, this only applies if an authorised solar panel installation company does your installation.

That means DIY installations are NOT eligible for subsidies—a crucial factor many overlook. 

Visol India – The Solar Panel Installation Company Mumbai Trusts 

Working with experts makes a difference in something as essential and long-term as solar energy. That’s where Visol India steps in—not just as installers but as solar partners for your home or business.

Here’s why Mumbaikars love Visol India:

Customised Approach: Every home, roof, and user is unique. Visol designs systems that match your energy goals.

End-to-End Assistance: Subsidy applications, net metering, DISCOM approvals? Handled. No running from pillar to post.

Certified Workmanship: You get quality equipment, professional installation, and long-term warranties.

Post-Sale Support: Annual maintenance, performance tracking, and panel cleaning ensure you’re never left alone.

Serving All of Mumbai: From Marine Drive to Mira Road, they’re trusted across housing societies, villas, and commercial spaces.

Visol India isn’t just installing solar panels—it’s helping people transform their lives through cleaner, cheaper energy. 

Conclusion: What’s Right for You? 

Here’s the bottom line:

If you’re an experienced DIYer, technically skilled, and okay with missing out on subsidies and support, DIY might save you some upfront cost—but it carries risks.

If you want long-term peace of mind, government benefits, and a system that performs at its best from day one, hiring a professional like Visol India is the smarter route.

Going solar isn’t just about panels. It’s about performance, savings, compliance, and confidence. Whether you’re in a high-rise in Powai, a bungalow in Bandra, or a housing society in Borivali, Visol India can seamlessly power your switch to solar.

Ready to go solar the smart way?

Let’s talk. Connect with Visol India, your trusted solar panel installation company in Mumbai.