Want to DIY a 6000w system - Where to start? Parts list?

[sdold]

Different states enforce code differently. California, homeowners ca do nearly anything as long as it passes code inspection.

He said "law in the US" and "National Electrical Code".

[Mike90250]

Different states enforce code differently. California, homeowners ca do nearly anything as long as it passes code inspection.

[sdold]

It is the law in the US that requires someone to use a licensed electrician to make a connection between a solar pv system and your house panel.

What law?

So unless you are a licensed electrician or plan to use one your connection would be illegal.

According to who?

I have been in the electrical field for close to 40 years and while I may not know everything I do understand the National Electric Code.

What part of the code says this? I have copies of the last several years worth of NEC and CEC (CA elec code) here at my desk, I would like to see this.

So if your town and Utility say you can perform the work yourself I would like to know where that is and if you are licensed.

Dixon, CA, and I just finished my permitted, fully inspected and approved system and no, I am not licensed.

[bukzin]

Expat-

Have you looked here

http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/PV/pv.htm#Grid

First thing to check with is the PoCo to learn the net meter and interconnection agreement. Then find out if the you local regulations will allow you to do the work yourself. Some areas allow it some don't.

WWW

Wow. Thanks for posting that link. Tons of useful info for us DIYers (and everyone)

[haarvik]

I'm in the same boat

I've been researching DIY as well. I havean HVAC background, so doing the electrical part is nothing. I came across this site for kits after getting sticker shock from installation companies:

Mod note - do not post links to other sales organizations - our sponsor supports the site so we should be courteous to them.

About $12k for a complete 6kw system. Includes everything except for an optional meter and base (some utility companies require these). They include instructions and assist in any permitting. They also have quite a few how-to videos. I have priced out a similar system going piece mill, and this is cheaper than me buying everything separate. Worth looking into anyways.

[wellfused]

solar electricity handbook 2013 has a website, which has detailed direction of how to plan, design, set up, troubleshoot the PV system, more like a training materials for entry level professional. Like other mentioned, a constructor license and electrician license will be needed for at least inspection and permission of being tied to the grid. You can do it yourself and get licensed guys inspect for you. But I don't know how to claim incentives for the labor part if you do it yourself.

[wellfused]

solar electricity handbook 2013 has a website, which has detailed direction of how to plan, design, set up, troubleshoot the PV system, more like a training materials for entry level professional. Like other mentioned, a constructor license and electrician license will be needed for at least inspection and permission of being tied to the grid. You can do it yourself and get licensed guys inspect for you. But I don't know how to claim incentives for the labor part if you do it yourself.

[aldem]

Alex - Be very cautious on this type of deal - connection. There are a few legit ones but far more are going to cost you big time.

Russ, thank you for the warning. I got the impression that Rich is one of those few legit ones.

[russ]

Rich,

I am currently on the market and would like to talk to you. I am in Owings Mills, MD - this is my first post here so can't PM.

Alex

Alex - Be very cautious on this type of deal - connection. There are a few legit ones but far more are going to cost you big time.

[aldem]

Nothing wrong with a diyer if you have the skills and knowledge to do the task and can do it legally.
I have a problem with someone coming on and bashing the pros thinking they are making a killing on their job. Not happening at least around here by the reputable guys.
I had one tonight that had a quote of 25K for a 2.8 KW System.
Had not heard of the guy who was from PA
I priced out a system with discontinued panels at a bargain price of 26K for 9.8 KW.
So yes there are shysters out there.

Rich,

I am currently on the market and would like to talk to you. I am in Owings Mills, MD - this is my first post here so can't PM.

Alex

[solarlover]

I am considering moving into solar, but I will be the 1st to admit that I am not up to snuff regarding what is considered competitive pricing. I also don't have a full idea of what exactly is required to construct a full kit. I have calculated that I need at least a 6000w system to achieve (hopefully) $0 electricity bills using net metering. I have received quotes from professionals for a full install, but it is my opinion that it's still too expensive for it to make financial sense - when calculating the ROI. However, it is my understanding that doing it yourself can yield a ROI in as little as 4-5 years (maybe even less).

So, before I get started, I have a few questions:

* Do any of you have a parts list you are willing to share?
* Is there a list of recommended vendors with competitive pricing?
* Is it feasible to order directly from manufacturers? (China?)
* What would be a reasonable total kit cost for my demand?
* What are some less obvious things I should be considering?

Thanks in advance!

I bought from this website for my panels and racking/mounting system, and they were the cheapest I could find, for Kyocera solar panels and micro inverters. Their website is
They sell brand new and fully warrantied Kyocera panels for $1.06/watt. When I asked them why they were selling their panels so cheaply they said they are a new and young company and are just trying to get their name out. I loved buying from them and would do it again in a heart beat.

[SunEagle]

And what specifically does one get for their $1.50 a watt
Panels, inverters, racking, BOS?

You get a list of installers that will do everything in their power to rip you off.

Sounds like an insurance salesman to me.

[Naptown]

Everyone seems to have an opinion and a few of them are almost close to true....

I am a wholesale solar distributor and you can put solar on your own roof for about $1.50/w. As an added value to my customers, I often help them with the design work (IE. rail lengths, number of midclamps, string sizing inverters, and general knowledge). If you're interested in pricing out what you will need or discussing your system design, shoot me an email. I am passionate about putting solar on as many roofs as is possible.

The real money in solar is not in distribution, but rather in installation. The installers purchase from us, mark up the product cost, and still charge for labor. I have heard of people easily paying $4.00/w for a company to come an put solar on their roof.

And what specifically does one get for their $1.50 a watt
Panels, inverters, racking, BOS?

[DrewH]

I can help

Everyone seems to have an opinion and a few of them are almost close to true....

I am a wholesale solar distributor and you can put solar on your own roof for about $1.50/w. As an added value to my customers, I often help them with the design work (IE. rail lengths, number of midclamps, string sizing inverters, and general knowledge). If you're interested in pricing out what you will need or discussing your system design, shoot me an email. I am passionate about putting solar on as many roofs as is possible.

The real money in solar is not in distribution, but rather in installation. The installers purchase from us, mark up the product cost, and still charge for labor. I have heard of people easily paying $4.00/w for a company to come an put solar on their roof.

[Beanyboy57]

Perhaps I am just misreading your statement, but are you suggesting installing a kit will run about the same as ordering/having installed from a professional?

Here in the states, it's easily 20-30k+ (sometimes MUCH more) to have a system installed. In contrast, a friend of mine just installed a kit himself and has a little over $10k invested into it. If I'm not mistaken, his system is currently putting out right around 6,000w at peak daylight and averaging 1.7kWh.

Nothing I have seen regarding the install requires excellent skills, but I suppose that is subjective and depends on ones experience and comfort level. I spose these days men seem to be a lot less handy than in the past, eh? lol. Only outsourcing I'd need to do is to hook up to the existing electrical panel (that requires a licensed electrician by law).

If you know how to wire a house then you should have no problems installing your system. I have no electrical license but I read some manuals, watched some youtube videos and was able to install my own off-grid setup that is working quite efficiently in my shed and has been for the last two years.
I had professionals install my 3kw system on my city home, I saw what they did and its not rocket science even for a non-electrically trained person like myself. It sounds like you know a bit about electrical installation and I am sure you could save yourself a heap of money by doing most of it yourself.