Installing Solar Yourself
In the past several weeks, I have had a number of people inquire about self installation. Our company occasionally sells a self installation package but there is a pretty steep learning curve. Most solar packages purchased from our company and/or the internet are not complete packages.
The packages generally include the major components:
Aluminum Racking
Stainless steel hardware
Solar Modules
Inverters
Some excess USE wire with a couple of connectors on the end
What they don't include
Copper Ground wire...Grounding clips are becoming popular but are often rejected by inspectors
Tin plated copper ground lugs with stainless hardware
Ground rods as required
J-boxes
Conduit
THWN-2 Wire in various required gauges
Conduit
60 Amp AC disconnect
240 VAC 2-Pole Breakers
Some of this can occasionally be found at a local hardware store. More often, you will need to get this specialty hardware from an electrical supply.
If your Electrical Service is undersized, you may need a service upgrade or may need to have certified electrician install a service tap. You should not attempt this without proper training and experience.
Another issue is working with DC. Many of these solar systems are wired in strings that range from 450 VDC to 600 VDC. Extreme care should be used when working with these voltages.
The last issue is one of total system cost. While a self install will allow you to save some money on installation, if you are lucky, it will actually cost more money in a number of areas.
You will not get a 10 year warranty from the installation company (you)
Your California Rebate will be Federally taxed
You will have to buy your solar modules at above volume distributor prices.
If you have good mechanical and electrical skills, you may be able to complete a self installation. Discuss this option with a solar professional and, as an option, pay for some design, installation and paperwork guidance.
