Hey guys...
After much research and back/forth... my wife and I have decided to install an 8.4kw grid tied solar system on our home. I contacted a local installer and their out-the-door cost was quoted at $23k.
We just sold our other home which gives us a bit to play with.. but $23k is a big pill to swallow. After contacting our power provider and going over the paperwork for their interconnect requirements, they allow for customer installations as long as everything meets code and passes their inspection.
With that said, I'm leaning heavily towards doing my own installation (possibly hiring an electrician for the final hook-up).
Here is the plan currently. My shop has a dedicated 100a circuit from the meter (100a in the shop, 200a in the house with disconnects at the meter for each all installed by an electrician prior to us purchasing the home). The shop only has a circuit for lighting, wall outlets, and my welder so the panel has plenty of room left (space and ampacity). I'm looking at 8400w of panels (28-300w panels, possibly Canadian solar) on the roof with an unobstructed south/east face. For the inverter, I was leaning towards the Sunnyboy 7.0 or 7.7 (both have a peak output of 32a at 240v). Feed through the 100a service panel in the shop. Although my provider doesn't require a disconnect for this style of system, the shop does have one in place just off the meter base.
I can build racks... mount panels.. run wiring and mount the inverter myself. I can also do the panel work but can hire that out if it is necessary to meet their requirements (although from what I've read and been told by them, it isn't required. Just has to pass their inspection prior to net meter install) I'll pull permits as well.
Am I missing or overlooking anything?
Now.. I've been looking at kits such as those from BluePacific but had also priced out individual components. Seems to be cheaper to buy components from Renvu or others then buying the kit. Only thing I'm not sure about is drawing up the required diagrams that my power provider needs. May have to hire that out too or do a bit of research on the requirements for it.
Anyways.. What would you do? I admit, I don't have a lot of knowledge other then research on here and from what I've been provided from the power company. The idea of a package deal is nice... but it comes with a ~$1500 premium.
I'm also waiting to hear back from the solar contractor as they also do "material only " builds for those wanting to do their own installs.
So.. kit or piece it together? The kit seems to just come with panels, inverter, and pv cable. Are there any requirements beyond that (besides electrical fittings, mounting, etc).
Thanks for any input.
After much research and back/forth... my wife and I have decided to install an 8.4kw grid tied solar system on our home. I contacted a local installer and their out-the-door cost was quoted at $23k.
We just sold our other home which gives us a bit to play with.. but $23k is a big pill to swallow. After contacting our power provider and going over the paperwork for their interconnect requirements, they allow for customer installations as long as everything meets code and passes their inspection.
With that said, I'm leaning heavily towards doing my own installation (possibly hiring an electrician for the final hook-up).
Here is the plan currently. My shop has a dedicated 100a circuit from the meter (100a in the shop, 200a in the house with disconnects at the meter for each all installed by an electrician prior to us purchasing the home). The shop only has a circuit for lighting, wall outlets, and my welder so the panel has plenty of room left (space and ampacity). I'm looking at 8400w of panels (28-300w panels, possibly Canadian solar) on the roof with an unobstructed south/east face. For the inverter, I was leaning towards the Sunnyboy 7.0 or 7.7 (both have a peak output of 32a at 240v). Feed through the 100a service panel in the shop. Although my provider doesn't require a disconnect for this style of system, the shop does have one in place just off the meter base.
I can build racks... mount panels.. run wiring and mount the inverter myself. I can also do the panel work but can hire that out if it is necessary to meet their requirements (although from what I've read and been told by them, it isn't required. Just has to pass their inspection prior to net meter install) I'll pull permits as well.
Am I missing or overlooking anything?
Now.. I've been looking at kits such as those from BluePacific but had also priced out individual components. Seems to be cheaper to buy components from Renvu or others then buying the kit. Only thing I'm not sure about is drawing up the required diagrams that my power provider needs. May have to hire that out too or do a bit of research on the requirements for it.
Anyways.. What would you do? I admit, I don't have a lot of knowledge other then research on here and from what I've been provided from the power company. The idea of a package deal is nice... but it comes with a ~$1500 premium.
I'm also waiting to hear back from the solar contractor as they also do "material only " builds for those wanting to do their own installs.
So.. kit or piece it together? The kit seems to just come with panels, inverter, and pv cable. Are there any requirements beyond that (besides electrical fittings, mounting, etc).
Thanks for any input.
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