DIY Solar Integration: Money-Saving Genius or Reckless Gamble? 🔌

[Leo Breydon]

So, I'm all about saving money where I can (who isn't?!). And after reading about integrating solar panels into your existing electrical system, I'm seriously tempted to tackle it myself.

Anyway, messing with electricity is kinda scary, right? 😬 I'm no electrician, and the thought of frying my entire house (or myself!) is less than appealing.

Here's my internal debate:

DIY could save a TON on installation costs. 💰 Cha-ching!

BUT, one wrong move could be disastrous. 🔥 Not so cha-ching…

Where's the line between ambitious DIY and reckless endangerment? 🤔

Help me weigh the risks and rewards, experienced solar DIYers! 🙏

What's your take on integrating solar yourself?

Success stories? Horror stories? (Let's learn from each other's triumphs and mistakes!)

Essential tips for a safe and successful DIY integration?

At what point should you just call in the professionals? (Be honest!)

Let's discuss the realities of DIY solar and make sure I don't end up as a crispy critter. 😂

[OperaHouse]

Forget living, will it be legal?

I have an off grid system which was ultra cheap to build because electronics is my field.  The system would invalidate my insurance.  It is pretty hard to go legal and save that much money. 

[tanner0441]

Hi

In the UK the amount of work you can do on domestic wiring unless you have the appropriate qualifications you can't do it legally. My background is electronics and many years ago commercial electrics Including working on 11KV electric pumps, but because I don't have the correct bit of paper I'm not supposed to work on my domestic wiring. I  would imagine the US is similar.

You don't mention if you are doing it as a stand alone off grid system, What size you are considering or if you want to integrate it as a grid tied system. If it is to be grid tied leave well alone without the correct qualification you won't be able to certify the installation meets you code, so any insurance you may have will be void. If it is a large off grid system the same could apply, and whether it is the grid or an inverter it is still a lethal AC voltage. If your panels are in series it is a lethal DC voltage and all the switch gear has to be designed for High voltage DC or you won't switch it off..

From you post I would advise strongly against going down the DIY road. I am sure someone in the US will advise you better than I can I don't know your regs or codes

Brian.

[Bruce S]

Here is Missouri, USA if you DIY it and don't have a licensed pro sign off on it, your insurance company can cancel you straight up with no recourse but to have a licensed pro come out and do the work.
I have a smallish off-grid setup for doing "stuff".
Insurance company inquired about it I sent them a signed paperwork having been inspected by Fire Marshall's and building codes.

I now have a rider on my policy for that setup alone. This is not for the faint of heart.
IF you're not cozy with working with power that can kill you, hire it out and claim the tax breaks.

Just my 1/2p worth

Bruce S

[dnix71]

I had an off-grid setup in the back yard. The insurance company threatened the owner/my landlord. He didn't care but didn't want to have to go to court over it. Technically anything under 60v is "low voltage" under the NEC and therefore exempt from the usual code requirements. As long as the setup is not connected a code structure no one can make you take it down for electrical reasons. Unfortunately there is also the issue of water, sewer and garbage. Because pretty much all of the state has been wrecked by hurricanes in recent times, you will have to meet wind codes for your panels. Mobile homes here now have to have 190 MPH roofs. If you put wings on a mobile home you could fly it in less than that.


But that doesn't mean you can put panels on your legally licensed motor vehicle, as long as you can park it at home. I have done that and no one cared.

[MattM]

In Florida you pay a fee and take a standardized test.  And 80% of the test is publically available.

[JW]

Where's the line between ambitious DIY and reckless endangerment? 🤔

Engineering...    I found the comment about 60v as safe very interesting. there are many 48 volt systems that have there advantages and are used and work.

[tanner0441]

Hi

If the voltage goes down the current goes up 3000W, not a big inverter for off grid is 62.5A so you still have to select the correct cables not for the insulation but for the current handling.

They are all related, drop to a nice cheap 24V system so you can use truck and bus lighting equipment that goes to just over 120A even fatter cables

I can only sugest you do a lot of reading and watch some you tube videos Watch some of Will Prowes videos, he does some basic teaching videos on solar instalations.

Brian

[JW]

How many of you guys have fried a 3kw inverter by just turning it on.