DIY solar panels

[russ]

Jill - Unless one is a very determined and capable DIY type building panels is NOT the way to go. Even then it is only good as a hobby thing for fun.

Connecting DIY panels to your home or the grid will most likely either not be permitted or will invalidate your homeowners insurance.

The solar calculator is pretty much useless - just a way for them to get a hook on you.

Not to mention that much of the information on the site is pure green BS.

[JillC]

For those who aren't the habitual DIY-er, is a solar panel kit the way to go? I'm encouraging my boyfriend to go that route, but admittedly I don't know much about the quality of kits, what all they include, how complicated they are to put together, etc.-- in theory seems like a good option for someone who may not be the quintessential "handyman", and who is looking for a less expensive option for a smaller project that doesn't require a huge amount of energy. In researching solar panel kits, I did come across this solar calculator-- seems to be a helpful tool for those looking to build a solar panel system and asking themselves how much power is needed and what the payoff is: http://www.solarcontact.com/solar-calculator

Regardless, my question is whether solar panel kits are really worth the buck?

[FloridaSun]

I made up a bunch of labels, beyond those on the PV equipment. A custom label with tough
stickum on the back, can be made up on line as a 3" X 10" bumper sticker, about $3. I put
what fits on them, cut them up. Bruce Roe

That's a great idea, Bruce! Thanks

[bcroe]

Labels

ya, I know I do.... everything (but panels) is in it's own lil room behind a chain link door in shop but I don't even have panel disconnect labeled yet. Switch locations are obvious to anyone with solar knowledge but.... 21 year old grandson will be here tomorrow and get a cram course in safety.
Do you have a good source for labels? Been awhile since I looked.

I made up a bunch of labels, beyond those on the PV equipment. A custom label with tough
stickum on the back, can be made up on line as a 3" X 10" bumper sticker, about $3. I put
what fits on them, cut them up. Bruce Roe

[tjames]

Makes great sense for me.

[SunEagle]

Two good answers. Thanks.

I will say that I can't see why everyone is not doing this. The price keeps dropping, rebates still going. This is such a sweet deal in my mind.

There are a lot of reasons a lot of people are not running out to install a solar pv system. As Sunking stated each area has different local loopholes for the customer to jump through. Some can be costly. Add the up front cost to purchase and the small amount of the monthly savings makes a payback a little long.

I am one of those on the fence. As much as I want to install a full grid tie system I just can't financially justify it. I do not plan to stay more that 5 more years in this house so any long term payback will not work for me.

I did talk to a person in my town that recently installed a 6kw system using the Canadian panels. I found out that our Utility is now accepting Net metering which makes the payback shorter since out electric costs only about $0.12/kWh. The Utility has a small rebate but the State of Florida's $2/kw rebate system has run out of money. So except for the Utility and Fed tax incentive the installed cost will still be around $4/kw which is too much for me at the present.

Maybe when I build my retirement home I will install solar but that is a few years out.

[tjames]

Two good answers. Thanks.

I'm just looking at various options from extreme DIY to call-me-when-it's-done. I will say that I can't see why everyone is not doing this. The price keeps dropping, rebates still going. This is such a sweet deal in my mind.

Green- sounds like you have a reasonable crew there.

[Sunking]

Sunking- What are your thoughts on a guy buying factory panels, installing himself?

I do not have a problem with it, and it might save you a coin or two on contract labor. But there are a lot of hoops to jump through with local code enforcement.

If you are rural and your local inspector has time and willing to talk, he might be helpful and walk you through the problems. Or he might just write a Pink Slip stating code non compliance, hand it to you and let you figure it out and charge you another inspection fee when you think you have it fixed. Then repeat as often as necessary till you figure it out or go broke.

Some cities like Detroit, Chicago, and NYC DIY is out of the question and will not issue you a permit. In my city you can DIY, but with the permit application you have to submit engineered stamped drawings and material list to be reviewed and approved.

There is no One Size Fits All answer. Every jurisdiction has its unique policy, and local contractors know it inside and out. When I do work outside my territory I am not familiar with (90% of all our work) I hire local contractors. It saves me and my clients lots of money and time. Something you might want to think about having an EC do all the connections and wiring at the house.

[SunEagle]

Sunking- What are your thoughts on a guy buying factory panels, installing himself? In a field like I've been talking about? M215 Enphase micro inverters, etc.

You support this aspect of DIY or no?

I would say that type of DIY system is very doable. As long as the permits are pulled and the final connection is done by a licensed electrician the rest is pretty much plug and play. If you are building a structure to support your panels you may need to make sure it is anchored per local wind requirements otherwise have fun.

[FloridaSun]

After reading through this post and some of the NEC, I'm thinking I need to do some more labeling on my small DIY systems.

ya, I know I do.... everything (but panels) is in it's own lil room behind a chain link door in shop but I don't even have panel disconnect labeled yet. Switch locations are obvious to anyone with solar knowledge but.... 21 year old grandson will be here tomorrow and get a cram course in safety.
Do you have a good source for labels? Been awhile since I looked.

[green]

Sunking- What are your thoughts on a guy buying factory panels, installing himself? In a field like I've been talking about? M215 Enphase micro inverters, etc.

You support this aspect of DIY or no?

This is the route I will be taking with the micro inverters and pole mounted, not for another year or so though. I needed to upgrade my energy usage efficiency first.

I've already talked with my electrician and he doesn't have a problem doing the final connection and the wiring for the disconnect and everything real technical. I will erect the pole, build the racking , and mount the panels. My local inspector with AHJ doesn't care who does the mounting as long as it meets code, and there are quite a few pertaining to pole mount. They do however require a licensed, insured electrician do and sign off on the connection.

[tjames]

Sunking- What are your thoughts on a guy buying factory panels, installing himself? In a field like I've been talking about? M215 Enphase micro inverters, etc.

You support this aspect of DIY or no?

[green]

After reading through this post and some of the NEC, I'm thinking I need to do some more labeling on my small DIY systems.

[tjames]

I appreciate the sarcasm. I really do.

I more appreciate the labels. That's very helpful. Thanks.

[Sunking]

I'm curious what a proper panel has for a label.

Something like this that leaves no question in the AHJ mind.



Or if a Global distribution they pay for a lot of certifications to satisfy any inspector world wide:



Any questions?