Building do-it-yourself solar panels can be a fun & rewarding project at best, and a nightmare at worst. In order to build your panels right, it is critical to do your homework first and get the right information, to understand what you are getting into. As in any do-it-yourself project, a good plan is the key to everything. Without one, it is impossible to achieve the end goal, which in this case, is to build your own solar panel array.

But before you start building your own solar panels, you need to find out some important information, such as how much power is needed, what materials are needed, or even the legal ramifications of building the panels, in the first place.

Here are some questions you should ask, before beginning your project:

1. How much electricity do you need? One of the very first steps before building do-it-yourself solar panels is to check your electricity bills and evaluate how you can reduce your current usage. Beyond power saving steps, you need to know how much power will you need to produce each year.
2. What direction does your roof point? One of the most common items that people miss is the direction that their panel is facing to the sun. You should check which portions of your roof get the most sunlight in the morning, middle, and afternoon. Also as the seasons pass, you should note which areas seem to get the most exposure all year long.
3. Is your roof strong enough for solar panels? Face it, building do-it-yourself solar panels and mounting them on your roof is going to put it through tremendous loads. If it is not structurally sound to support them, you should check into other options such as installing them on the ground or on an external structure.
4. Do you have all the tools & materials you need? Starting with a good solar guide is probably the first step, before purchasing all of your materials involved. Sure, you can buy all recycled parts and build a system for less than $200. But if you want to build a system big enough for your house, you’ll need to shop for a few extra tools & parts.
5. Does your neighborhood or city allow solar panel installations? This one is probably one of the most important questions to ask. Does your city have any rules about solar installation, or more importantly, do you have an association which has rules about building do-it-yourself solar panels. Also, does your city require you to apply for a construction permit, for your project.

Once you have answered all of these questions, you will have a good idea about how to start your solar panel project. A good installation guide is key, but doing your research is a priceless step you can’t be without.