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How do you install solar panels?

Rooftop solar is mostly a job to hire out: DOE points homeowners to a qualified professional, OSHA says installers exposed to falls of 6 feet or more must be protected from falls, and FPL says interconnection applications must be approved prior to installation. Your own part is the roof history, bills and paperwork.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026.
Source: OSHA, Green Job Hazards, Solar Energy: Falls, read 24 October 2026.
Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Sources read: 24 October 2026 Updated 2026-10-24

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Key facts

What are the steps to install solar panels on a house?

The job starts on paper. The Department of Energy's consumer walk-through lists these steps: have the roof's suitability checked by a solar installer, roofing expert or structural engineer, work out how much power you need from past bills, then give your installer the information it needs to obtain the permits and arrange the inspections your local government requires. The roof work follows the racking maker's manual, set out below. The last step belongs to the utility: Florida Power & Light says running the system before a new bi-directional meter is installed is strictly prohibited, except for testing and inspection.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.
Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

The Department of Energy guide Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026: "Give your installer the information they need to obtain the permits and arrange the inspections that your local government requires."

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.

Florida Power & Light's net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026: "Operation of the renewable generation system, except for testing and inspection, prior to the installation of a new bi-directional meter is strictly prohibited."

Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

IronRidge, a racking maker, sets out the roof steps below in its FlashFoot2 manual, a roof attachment rated for composition shingle roofs, and its XR Flush Mount manual, both read 24 October 2026. The Flush Mount manual tells the installer to comply with all applicable local or national building and fire codes, including any that may supersede this manual.

Source: IronRidge, XR Flush Mount Installation Manual (PDF), read 24 October 2026.
Source: IronRidge, FlashFoot2 Installation Manual (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

  1. Find and mark the rafters. IronRidge FlashFoot2 manual: "Locate rafters and snap vertical and horizontal lines to mark flashing locations."

    Source: IronRidge, FlashFoot2 Installation Manual (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

  2. Bolt the attachment into the rafter. "Line up pilot hole with flashing hole and insert lag bolt with bonded washer through flashing." "Tighten lag bolt until fully seated."

    Source: IronRidge, FlashFoot2 Installation Manual (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

  3. Set and level the rails. "Level rail at desired height, then torque to 250 in-lbs (21 ft-lbs)."

    Source: IronRidge, FlashFoot2 Installation Manual (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

  4. Clamp the panels in a row. IronRidge Flush Mount manual: "Place UFO into each rail, placing them flush against first module." "Slide second module against UFO."

    Source: IronRidge, XR Flush Mount Installation Manual (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

  5. Hold the end panel down. "Place EFO on rails, ensuring they are hooked over top of module."

    Source: IronRidge, XR Flush Mount Installation Manual (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

  6. Ground the array. "Provide an appropriate method of direct-to-earth grounding according to the latest edition of the National Electrical Code, including NEC 250: Grounding and Bonding, and NEC 690: Solar Photovoltaic Systems." "Install a minimum 14 AWG solid copper or stranded grounding wire."

    Source: IronRidge, XR Flush Mount Installation Manual (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

Is your roof suitable for solar panels?

DOE's guide answers with direction, slope, shade and roof age. It points to south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, though other roofs may be suitable too, and says that if trees near your home create excessive shade on your roof, rooftop panels may not be the most ideal option. It also says to consider the age of your roof and how long until it will need replacement. If you do not know when the roof went on, DOE notes that your local government should have a record of when it issued the building permit.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.

The Department of Energy Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026: "Typically, solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, though other roofs may be suitable too." "You should also consider the age of your roof and how long until it will need replacement."

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026.

DOE's article on choosing a solar installer, read 24 October 2026, adds roof questions to raise before work starts: "Ask your installer if your roof needs repair prior to installation. Also, ask who is responsible if the roof gets damaged or if a roof leak develops."

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing a Solar Installer, read 24 October 2026.

IronRidge's FlashFoot2 sheet, read 24 October 2026, gives the slope range for its water-seal ratings: "Ratings applicable for composition shingle roofs having slopes between 2:12 and 12:12."

Source: IronRidge, FlashFoot2 Installation Manual (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

How do you connect solar panels to house electricity and the grid?

Through your electric utility, under its own interconnection rules. Florida Power & Light shows how this works: it says all interconnection applications must be approved prior to installation and operation, that a net-metered system has a size limit tied to your yearly use, and that the system must adhere to NEC Article 690. FPL also sets an outage requirement and says it is necessary to prevent dangerous back feed, which can endanger restoration personnel. Rules differ by state: California's utilities commission says customers applying for interconnection since April 15, 2023 take service on the net billing tariff. DOE says whether a system qualifies for net metering payments depends on policies and practices in your state and electric utility.

Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.
Source: California Public Utilities Commission, customer generation, read 24 October 2026.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026.

Florida Power & Light's net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026: "All interconnection applications must be approved prior to installation and operation of the renewable energy system." The same page explains its outage requirement: "This requirement is necessary to prevent dangerous back feed, which can endanger restoration personnel who may be working to restore the grid." On size it says: "In order to be approved for interconnection under these net metering rules, your renewable system must be estimated to produce less than 115% of your annual kWh consumption."

Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

The California Public Utilities Commission page on customer generation, read 24 October 2026: "Since April 15, 2023, customers applying for interconnection have taken service on the new net billing tariff (NBT) pursuant to D.22-12-056."

Source: California Public Utilities Commission, customer generation, read 24 October 2026.

FPL also says a system can run off the grid entirely, but that grid interconnection is required to take part in net metering. On batteries, it says a net-metering customer may operate renewable generation during a grid outage if the system is installed with appropriate equipment, such as a specialized inverter or battery system, and that energy stored by the battery is only for the customer's use.

Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

FPL's guidelines, read 24 October 2026: "Energy stored by the battery, or Electric Vehicle, is only for the customer’s use."

Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

For servicing, IronRidge's manual tells installers: "Disconnect AC power before servicing or removing modules, AC modules, microinverters and power optimizers."

Source: IronRidge, XR Flush Mount Installation Manual (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

How long does solar panel installation take?

On DOE's figures, the install is the short part and permits and inspections are the long part: DOE says the PV system installation generally takes only a few days, but permits and inspections can take weeks to months. FPL's list for its customers runs from an application and an interconnection agreement to a building permit, then a copy of the approved permit showing the electrical and mechanical inspection signed off by the local inspector, and only then a new meter before normal operation.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.
Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

DOE's step-by-step guide for consumers going solar, read 24 October 2026: "The PV system installation generally takes only a few days, but permits and inspections can take weeks to months."

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.

FPL's guidelines, read 24 October 2026, list what a customer provides once construction is complete, including: "Electrical and mechanical inspection signed off / approved by the local inspector"

Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

How many solar panels does it take to power a house?

DOE's guide answers in system size rather than a panel count: for its analyses, NREL uses an average system size of 7.15 kilowatts direct-current with a 3-11 kilowatt range. DOE suggests reviewing past electricity bills to see how much power you need annually and seasonally, and to consider any recent or future changes to your home that may affect your usage. Online estimating tools are a start, but DOE says to work with a solar installer for a custom estimate. FPL caps size for its customers: it ties net metering to a size limit based on yearly use, its tier 1 covers systems of 10 kW and below, and it rates a system's AC output as the array DC rating multiplied by 0.85. With no panel count in these sources, ask each installer how many panels its design uses; Treasury's advisory suggests asking how you can make sure you are not buying more solar panels than you need.

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Before You Purchase and Finance Solar Panels (PDF), read 24 October 2026.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.
Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

The Department of Energy Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026: "For its analyses, NREL uses an average system size of 7.15 kilowatts direct-current with a 3-11 kilowatt range."

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026.

The Treasury consumer advisory Before You Purchase and Finance Solar Panels, read 24 October 2026, gives a sizing question to put to any seller: "How many kilowatt-hours per month would this system produce on average? How does this compare to my current energy usage?"

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Before You Purchase and Finance Solar Panels (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

Can you install solar panels yourself, or should you hire a pro?

Do the planning yourself and hire the roof and electrical work. That means you gather the bills, find the roof's age, read the utility's interconnection page and compare written proposals, and a trained crew working under the permit does everything on the roof and every connection to the house wiring. DOE's own answer to whether you can install solar yourself points the same way: it names a qualified professional, with NABCEP as the industry standard. This is practical reasoning, not legal advice and not a finding from any agency.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026.

  1. Pull your past electricity bills. DOE: "Reviewing your previous electricity bills can help you figure out how much power you need annually and seasonally."

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.

  2. Find out how old the roof is. DOE: "your local government should have a record of when it issued the building permit."

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.

  3. Look at which way the roof faces and where trees shade it, from the ground.
  4. Have the roof itself judged by someone qualified. DOE: "A solar installer, roofing expert, or structural engineer can help you determine your roof’s solar suitability."

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.

  5. Read your utility's interconnection rules before you sign anything. FPL: "All interconnection applications must be approved prior to installation and operation of the renewable energy system."

    Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

  6. Get several written proposals and put them on the same scale. DOE: "To compare, convert your quote to cost per watt."

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing a Solar Installer, read 24 October 2026.

  7. Note your cancel window when you sign. Treasury: "The right to cancel the transaction lasts for at least three days from the date it is signed."

    Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Before You Purchase and Finance Solar Panels (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

Hire a pro when the work reaches the roof, the wiring or the grid. These are the agency lines behind each part:

What to ask for in writing if you hire, so each point is settled before the crew arrives:

What should you check before solar work starts?

Run this list before you sign and again before the crew arrives; each line comes from a point made by the agency, utility and maker pages above.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.
Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

  1. The roof's age and any repairs it needs are known and written into the proposal.

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing a Solar Installer, read 24 October 2026.

  2. The roof's direction, slope and shade have been looked at. DOE: "Typically, solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, though other roofs may be suitable too."

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026.

  3. Your yearly power use from past bills is on the table next to the proposed system size.
  4. The utility's interconnection application is filed and approved before installation.

    Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

  5. The installer has named who obtains the permits and who books each inspection.

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Walk Me Through It: A Step-By-Step Guide for Consumers Going Solar, read 24 October 2026.

  6. You have asked the installer how the system behaves when the grid goes down.

    Source: Florida Power & Light, net metering guidelines, read 24 October 2026.

  7. The installer's experience matches DOE's rule of thumb: "A good rule of thumb is to work with installers who have at least three years of experience."

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing a Solar Installer, read 24 October 2026.

  8. You have asked whether your homeowner's insurance policy covers the panels. Treasury: "Find out if your solar system or panels are covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy."

    Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Before You Purchase and Finance Solar Panels (PDF), read 24 October 2026.

  9. If you live under an HOA, you have read the solar access rules that apply. DOE: "Solar access laws vary by state, so if you’re planning to install solar and have an HOA, it’s important to know the laws that apply to you."

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Homeowner's Guide to Solar, read 24 October 2026.

Solar tax credits, rebates and installation cost are separate questions; this page covers how the install itself works.

Who sees your contact details when you post on InstaBids?

Contact details stay hidden until the homeowner picks a contractor and they confirm the connection.

Source: InstaBids process and privacy, live-page excerpts, read 24 October 2026.

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