Do It Informed Guide
Every solar task is tagged by who should handle it. We explain what each task involves — not how to do the parts that need a professional.
Tasks by expertise tier
Panel cleaning
YOURinse panels with water and a soft brush every 2-3 months. Never use pressure washers or abrasive cleaners.
Why this tier: Dirt reduces output by 5-15%. Safe to do yourself in the morning or evening when panels are cool.
MC4 crimping
YOUAttaching MC4 connectors to solar DC cable. Use a dedicated MC4 crimping tool.
Why this tier: A homeowner-safe task with the right tool. Always double-check polarity before energizing.
Monitoring app setup
YOUPair your inverter WiFi dongle with the manufacturer app (Growatt ShinePhone, Solis Cloud, etc.).
Why this tier: Standard smartphone setup process. No electrical work involved.
Wire layout and labeling
TECHPlanning cable runs, calculating voltage drop, labeling terminations.
Why this tier: Requires electrical knowledge. Wrong wire sizing causes heat, efficiency loss, or fire.
Battery wiring
TECHConnecting battery banks to inverters, managing polarity and torque specs.
Why this tier: DC battery connections involve significant current. Incorrect polarity or loose terminals can cause fires.
Conduit routing
TECHRunning conduit from panels to inverter and to main panel, meeting PEC bend-radius and fill-ratio rules.
Why this tier: Conduit must protect cables from UV, water, and physical damage.
Roof panel mounting
PROStructural attachment of panels to roof rails and rafters.
Why this tier: Affects load-bearing, waterproofing, and wind resistance. Licensed professional only.
Inverter installation
PROMounting the inverter, wiring DC/AC disconnects, grounding, commissioning.
Why this tier: Must be installed to PEC standards. Licensed electrician required.
AC panel tap
PROConnecting the solar inverter output to your home’s main electrical panel.
Why this tier: Doing this wrong can start fires or electrocute you. Licensed work only.
Net metering application
PROFiling the MERALCO net metering application, coordinating inspections and bi-directional meter installation.
Why this tier: Requires a PEC-licensed professional to sign off. Not a capability question — physics and law.
Frequently asked
What size system do I need?
Use the Electric Bill Analyzer or enter your monthly kWh manually. The sizing engine targets full offset of your consumption at conservative Philippine irradiance.
Can I install solar myself?
Only the DIY-tagged tasks. Roof mounting, inverter installation, panel tap, and net metering are PRO — physics and law, not capability.
What is net metering?
Your meter runs backwards when you export power to MERALCO. Requires a PEC-licensed professional to file the application and coordinate a bi-directional meter swap.
What does a licensed engineer do?
Sizes the system to your loads, signs off on electrical drawings, coordinates inspections, and takes legal responsibility for the installation.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. An electrical permit from your LGU and PEC inspection sign-off are mandatory. Both are included as line items in your parts list.
Ready to see what your home needs?
Upload your bill or enter your kWh to generate a personalized parts list.
Start Your Assessment