Agreed. $1/watt is low, I was just trying to keep the numbers easy. Materials are under $2/watt for a microinverter install and yet turn key installations are in the $3.20-$4.00/watt range based on the posts I see on here. I was quoted in excess of $4.00/watt less than a year ago in NH. $1.50/watt for turnkey installation would be a more accurate number.
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Self install... To attempt, or not to attempt?
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Did you consider the cost of tools, insurance, permitting, etc. to perform the installation that would come out of that $8400 you are saving?
You also need to add up all of your "man-hours" for the job to determine what a true hourly rate would be.
I am not saying people shouldn't look into a self install. I am saying that most people do not do all the math on what it costs a person to perform a self install and what they think they will be saving.
Remember that any equipment or installation issues down the line would become "your problem" and not the Contractor's. That cost can add up.
I'm comfortable fixing anything I messed up in the first place. Replacing an inverter I installed is also not much of a concern and I purchased a spare so I could go up on the roof once to do a replacement. Even if it takes be a few months to get up there, I'm only down ~3% in production.
While I believe solar will continue to grow each year, I believe that many installers will fold once the ITC goes away, so having someone install it and be (in theory) responsible for it is of little value if the company is no longer around when I need service.Comment
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My total man hours for the install was 80. The only tools I purchased were a few drill bits and safety lines and harnesses for working at heights. Permitting is included in the 80 hours and was very very simple. Worst case I could have had full plans drawn up for around $300, but in my case my town did not require it.
I'm comfortable fixing anything I messed up in the first place. Replacing an inverter I installed is also not much of a concern and I purchased a spare so I could go up on the roof once to do a replacement. Even if it takes be a few months to get up there, I'm only down ~3% in production.
While I believe solar will continue to grow each year, I believe that many installers will fold once the ITC goes away, so having someone install it and be (in theory) responsible for it is of little value if the company is no longer around when I need service.
Unfortunately the requirements to install a pv system vary greatly across the country. Each local may even have a specific set of regulations to meet to get approved. It seems you live in an area that is both easy and less regulated so I admit a DIY is a better way to go.
For others, like me in Florida, we have our hands tied and must jump through the flaming hoops and use a certified solar installer or our POCO will red tag the install. PIA but unless I go live totally off grid my grid connection would be turned off if I didn't abide by their rules.Comment
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