Legal Issues for Small Off Grid Battery Solar Systems

[natel]

Is there anything illegal about mounting a couple solar panels on my roof if I'm not a licensed electrician? Can the neighbors complain and ask me to remove them?

[Naptown]

The answers depend on where you live and what you are mounting.

[natel]

Has anyone here ever got in trouble and feels like sharing what happened?

[peakbagger]

The electrical code applies to "off grid" installations as much as a grid tied installation. In theory you need a permit for a permanent installation of anything on a home, in practice unless the alterations add tax value to the property, most jurisdictions dont worry about small stuff. So if the neighbors dont like it they can call the building inspector and he most likely can tag you. Generally its not a fine you get issued a warning that says you either have to make it legal or take it down. If its a small system thats not a major issue. One thing to keep in mind are Homeowner Associations and deeded covenants, all bets are off in those communities as there is usually one difficult person with nothing better to do that gets their kicks out of being the local enforcer and frequently they are on the board.

Do note if there is an insurance claim and the damage is related to an uninspected electrical installation, the company can elect not to cover the damage. This also means that if someone gets injured on your property due to a fault with your system, the insurance company can also decide not to pay.

[Ian S]

One thing to keep in mind are Homeowner Associations and deeded covenants, all bets are off in those communities as there is usually one difficult person with nothing better to do that gets their kicks out of being the local enforcer and frequently they are on the board.

Many states such as Arizona now have laws that over rule HOA restrictions on solar.

[natel]

fires

Has anyone here ever started a fire? How common are fires? It seems you've had to do something pretty dumb to start a fire with a solar panel.

[Naptown]

Has anyone here ever started a fire? How common are fires? It seems you've had to do something pretty dumb to start a fire with a solar panel.

Yes there have been fires. for the most part from DIY home made panels.
Doing anything electrical in your home without a permit or inspection if they are required (many places do not have permits or inspections, Maine comes to mind)
However if a permit was required and not obtained and inspected and something happened then your insurance co will not pay a claim.
Now in the rare instances where you can do the work yourself, permitting and inspection are not required go right ahead there is nothing stopping you.
However for the insurance co you will still have to meet every code including UL listed equipment proper installation and bonding etc etc.

[billvon]

Has anyone here ever started a fire? . . .It seems you've had to do something pretty dumb to start a fire with a solar panel.

All you have to do to start a fire with a lead acid battery is to drop something at the wrong time. And lead acid batteries are pretty common.

With panels themselves it's more difficult since you have a current limited source. But even a current limited source can create a lot of heat if you use the wrong gauge wire, have high resistance connections etc.

[peakbagger]

A comment Re Maine not requiring inspections or permits. Possibly in rural maine you may be correct but most of developed areas of Maine do require permits and inspections. The state passed a law to require permits and inspections in the unorganized rural areas last year but I beleive implementation has been delayed as figuring out the logisitics is proving difficult.

[Naptown]

A comment Re Maine not requiring inspections or permits. Possibly in rural maine you may be correct but most of developed areas of Maine do require permits and inspections. The state passed a law to require permits and inspections in the unorganized rural areas last year but I beleive implementation has been delayed as figuring out the logisitics is proving difficult.

The parts of Maine I am familiar with are the rural parts. I go there to get away from the city and burbs.