Success Stories and the not so successful ones (Maryland)....

[MDsolar]

Solarworld 320's
Ironridge racking and SolarEdge Inverter

[JFinch57]

Thanks for the insight Jeff. I wish I could do a self install, but I lack the comfort level to get on my 2 story roof and do the work. I was wondering did you have any issues pulling the electrical permit for your system, and if you did a regular grid install. Also, since you have shading issues did you consider the Solar Edge optimizers?

In Harford County they require that a homeowner take an open code book exam to get an electrical permit, but I informed the inspector that I'm an electrical engineer, sent him my line diagram and calculations, and he said that I was good. The building department for the ground mounting accepted the Unirac downloaded drawings for the ground but I needed to have an engineer certify the roof. My roommate from college just happened to be a PE in MD, so that was easy! I used Enphase M-190s on the ground since I had 10 left over from my last house then continued with M-250s on the roof so that took care of the shading issues. Grid-tie for a 20+KW system is a little involved, especially with my 400A service and generator transfer switch. I included a lot for future expansion so there is a 3/0 200A feed to the ground mounted solar load center, picture attached.

[ddunn712]

In Harford County they require that a homeowner take an open code book exam to get an electrical permit, but I informed the inspector that I'm an electrical engineer, sent him my line diagram and calculations, and he said that I was good. The building department for the ground mounting accepted the Unirac downloaded drawings for the ground but I needed to have an engineer certify the roof. My roommate from college just happened to be a PE in MD, so that was easy! I used Enphase M-190s on the ground since I had 10 left over from my last house then continued with M-250s on the roof so that took care of the shading issues. Grid-tie for a 20+KW system is a little involved, especially with my 400A service and generator transfer switch. I included a lot for future expansion so there is a 3/0 200A feed to the ground mounted solar load center, picture attached.

Thanks for the input Jeff, I also happen to be an engineer (chemical). The same is required for Frederick County too regarding the open code book exam. On another note I noticed that on my electrical bill that there is a distribution charge which is for using the grid. Did you notice if this fee increased or decreased when you added your solar. I would think that the fee would decrease, but since we are essentially putting electricity into the grid and then taking it back out, I could also see them charging for that too.