DIY solar panels

[tjames]

I think it's compelling that the (National) NEC standard IEEE 1547 allows for this. So maybe this is a matter of some state by state ordinance. I have no idea.

You can do this in Michigan. In fact, they encourage it. I found the various government agencies to be extremely forthcoming and helpful.

[green]

I don't have the time right now but I'll find where it says DIY won't fly....like the pigs.

[SunEagle]

I just confirmed with our state's Net Metering department that you can use any method to generate electricity and build it yourself. You are NOT required to buy someone else's panel. No electrician or inspector can dictate otherwise. Code kicks in after the DC-AC conversion, and that of course is very reasonable.

So that makes the man who wrote the PV section of the NEC (IEEE 1547), the power company, and the state regulatory agency who all confirmed without question or hesitation that you can certainly build your own if you choose.

Well I guess there are states and townships that have different rules about pv installations. Since pigs now fly (per that insurance commercial) I guess it is possible.

Just to be safe you should check your insurance policy to see if it is ok to use homemade electrical power generating equipment connected to your house power.

[tjames]

I just confirmed with our state's Net Metering department that you can use any method to generate electricity and build it yourself. You are NOT required to buy someone else's panel. No electrician or inspector can dictate otherwise. Code kicks in after the DC-AC conversion, and that of course is very reasonable.

So that makes the man who wrote the PV section of the NEC (IEEE 1547), the power company, and the state regulatory agency who all confirmed without question or hesitation that you can certainly build your own if you choose.

[tjames]

Apparently that's supposed to help me. I'll noodle on it to divine the wisdom.

[russ]

Don't be silly, now Russ.

That is what I am telling you -

[tjames]

Don't be silly, now Russ.

[russ]

I can see where that might be an issue, but not in my case. In my scenario, much less wind would whip through a small gap between panels and roof vs. panels mounted a few feet off the ground. I have constant wind. Plus, I have way more panels planned than a roof will hold. Plus I don't want them on my roof. And my roof doesn't face south.

DIY panels - none made yet and design not frozen but way more than your roof will hold?

Get a tight grip - reality is running away from you.

[tjames]

I can see where that might be an issue, but not in my case. In my scenario, much less wind would whip through a small gap between panels and roof vs. panels mounted a few feet off the ground. I have constant wind. Plus, I have way more panels planned than a roof will hold. Plus I don't want them on my roof. And my roof doesn't face south.

[Sunking]

My panels will be downhill in my field. They'll run cooler with a constant breeze on them.

Closer to the ground = less wind currents = higher operating temps.

[tjames]

PV panels

[russ]

My panels will be downhill in my field. They'll run cooler with a constant breeze on them.

What does that have to do with solar thermal?

[tjames]

My panels will be downhill in my field. They'll run cooler with a constant breeze on them.

[russ]

The lack of moving parts really make this all the more desirable.

Depends - If I spend a million dollars on the house the last thing I want on the roof is an ugly wart.

[tjames]

The lack of moving parts really make this all the more desirable.