Can You Really Build a DIY Solar System on Amazon? (Our 5kW Test Build)
- Dale Rolph
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
When you think about building a solar system for your home, Amazon probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. After all, most people picture professional installers, financing programs, and carefully designed systems. But what if you could simply hop online, fill your cart, and have all the parts shipped straight to your door?
That’s exactly the experiment we set out to try: could we build a 5kW DIY solar system using only Amazon? And more importantly—would it actually save money compared to a turnkey system?
Step 1: Finding Solar Panels
No solar system is complete without panels. Our target was around 5 kilowatts of capacity, which in practical terms means about 12–14 high-wattage panels depending on the brand and efficiency.
Amazon does, surprisingly, have a selection of high-wattage solar panels ready to ship. They’re often marketed for off-grid or RV setups, but some larger residential-scale panels are available too.
Step 2: Choosing an Inverter
Once you’ve got panels, you need an inverter to convert DC power into usable AC for your home. We looked for both string inverters and hybrid inverters (the kind that can work with a battery).
And yes—Amazon had them. Hybrid inverters are often marketed as off-grid or whole-home solutions, and while they aren’t always top-tier brands you’d see from an installer, the functionality is there.
Step 3: Microinverters
This one surprised us. We didn’t expect to find microinverters—the kind that attach to each panel for independent performance. Yet there they were, including some offerings from big names like Enphase. For a DIY builder, this opens up more modular design possibilities.
Step 4: Batteries
Here’s where things got interesting. We assumed Amazon wouldn’t have any residential-scale solar batteries, but we were wrong. While the selection is limited, there are some lithium-ion options marketed toward DIY and backup power. They may not be as integrated as a Tesla Powerwall or Qcells Q.HOME system, but technically, they’d work.
Step 5: Mounting the System
Most professional systems are roof-mounted, but we wanted to see if Amazon had ground-mount racking kits—and they did. These kits are simpler to set up in a backyard and are perfect for a DIY experiment like this.
Step 6: Wiring & Electrical Components
No system is complete without the little things: wiring, breakers, and disconnects. Unsurprisingly, Amazon had all of this covered. While you’d still need to size everything correctly for safety, sourcing the basics online is easy.
So… Did It Work?
The short answer: yes. We were able to piece together a full 5kW DIY solar system entirely from Amazon. Panels, inverters, batteries, racking, wiring—it was all there.
But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t that much cheaper than going with a turnkey system from a professional installer. By the time you add up the costs, deal with shipping, and factor in the risk of mismatched components, the savings aren’t nearly as dramatic as you’d think.
And remember—DIY doesn’t come with professional design, code compliance, or long-term warranties. Those are the things you get with a certified installer or through partners like Axia by Qcells, which add peace of mind and real long-term value.
Final Thoughts
Building a solar system from Amazon is possible, and it makes for a fun experiment. But if you’re serious about powering your home, protecting your investment, and maximizing energy savings, it’s better to work with professionals who can design and support a complete solution.
Products Featured in This Post (Amazon Affiliate Links)
Ready to Go Beyond DIY?
Building your solar system is one thing—making it safe, efficient, and long-lasting is another. That’s where we come in. At Renewable Innovations, we help homeowners and businesses design custom solar + storage solutions that maximize energy savings and reliability.
Schedule your free consultation today at www.reinnovations.org
Comments