Your Own Off the Grid Solar System in California

[SunEagle]

Well, all want a piece of your bank account. POCOs, cities, politicians, etc. are fighting very hard to avoid people going off grid.

Maybe. For some cities their first priority is the safety of the people. Someone not connected to a sewer system could cause pollution that affects others. The same goes for collecting rain water for consumption. That can lead to disease which could spread to others when a city connection is safer and wells aren't a good idea due to ground water contamination.

As for a solar pv system. I still don't understand why someone would disconnect from the grid since it will be much cheaper to purchase electricity from the POCO then to generate it yourself. A better solution would have been to install a grid tie pv system. Those will at least pay for themselves while an off grid system is a black hole with the money going down the drain.

So while I fell bad for that person I don't understand why they would even consider being totally on their own when they could have easily connected to utility services to provide them what they need to live on.

[john95]

that would be a 7kW system (no h).

but to answer your question. No you don't need a permit or inspection for a portable system.
But what is the goal? provide power for camping?

Thanks for correcting me about the 7kW.
Well, for the moment being I just want to provide electricity to my garage (tools, lights, small TV, FM radio, laptop, small stuff, etc). Just for testing purposes. Once I get to know how everything works reliable I'll take it to my camping cabin in the middle of nowhere.

[john95]

It is sad that some towns will not allow someone to disconnect from the grid.

We had a person here in Florida that owned a couple of acres and was producing all of his power, collected rain water and safely eliminated any waste. Yet the city stated that he was violating town ordinances which required being connected to the sewer system, city water and power grid. He was fined and instructed to reconnect or be displaced from his property. Almost as bad as some HOA's around here.

Well, all want a piece of your bank account. POCOs, cities, politicians, etc. are fighting very hard to avoid people going off grid.

[ButchDeal]

Do I need permits, inspections, EE certification for installation, even for a portable solar system? I'm not talking about a full blown 22x 320 watt panels on the roof, a 7 kWh system.

that would be a 7kW system (no h).

but to answer your question. No you don't need a permit or inspection for a portable system.
But what is the goal? provide power for camping?

[john95]

Assuming you get permits, and pass inspections, sure its legal.
financially viable, thats a different question though.

Do I need permits, inspections, EE certification for installation, even for a portable solar system? I'm not talking about a full blown 22x 320 watt panels on the roof, a 7 kW system.

[SunEagle]

It is sad that some towns will not allow someone to disconnect from the grid.

We had a person here in Florida that owned a couple of acres and was producing all of his power, collected rain water and safely eliminated any waste. Yet the city stated that he was violating town ordinances which required being connected to the sewer system, city water and power grid. He was fined and instructed to reconnect or be displaced from his property. Almost as bad as some HOA's around here.

[ButchDeal]

Hello,

I was wondering if it is illegal to install your own (DIY kind of thing) Off the Grid solar system in California.
Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Assuming you get permits, and pass inspections, sure its legal.
financially viable, thats a different question though.

[john95]

Hello,

I was wondering if it is illegal to install your own (DIY kind of thing) Off the Grid solar system in California.
Any info will be greatly appreciated.