calimurray

Has anyone installed solar panels and panels before. Id like to install solar panels and a back up power system on my roof.

I was wondering if its worth the investment!

Ecopat

It is worth it in my opinon & you can get them for free, I have a link for a guy in the states which I will try to find & post up for you.

__________________
"Quid non Resolutio"

brian john

NO help here in 1984 I worked on and tested one of the first large arrays, Cost was in the millions for 145 KW array pay back period exceed 100 years. But this was a university and research that hopefully leads to new higher output panels.

Ecopat

I cant find the link, but the guy states that you can get them from the suppliers of roadside SP's, as these get damaged & are deemed unsafe.
But on the roof of your house they will be fine, do a search see what you can find.

__________________
"Quid non Resolutio"

micromind

One thing to watch out for is the local building department. Most, if not all, require permits for solar installations, and very few are even slightly competent with new technology.

A couple of years ago I looked into a solar array, researched the components, got a few quotes from suppliers, and talked with the POCO. All was well until I called the local building department. Due to their obvious arrogant incompetence, I decided not to risk them turning my $40,000 three week project into a $200,000 six month nightmare.

Sadly, I don't have a solar system and consequently, have lost all interest in anything green.

Rob

Kletis

That is too bad. I would love the opportunity to install a solar system. I think it would be a great learning experience!!!

__________________
Kletis...

randomkiller

Other than a solar battery charger or garden lighting I don't think the systems out there are worth the investment at this point in time.

__________________
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life."

"One Nation Under God"

aricsavage

We sub for SolarWorks inc., they sell, design, and install the panels we do everything from the j-box on the roof down. We've done a 33kw, a 25kw and probably 25 residential systems ranging from 2kw up to a 10kw next tuesday.
Boss had the opportunity to start doing turn key service but we both don't see a point in installing the panels ourselves... its easier to let somebody else do all the paper work for the rebates too.

As for cost/benifit, average resi system (utility interactive, not stand alone) will cost the H.O. about 25 grand so they can expect a 7 to 10 year pay back.
With a stand alone all the extra cost of batteries and extra invertes isn't part of the rebates and tax credits so that can add up quick. but I recently heard about an interactive/stand alone we did last year that worked perfectly when the guy lost power for 3 days. between the panels and batteries he never lost power.

pics of a few I've done

33KW Solar install

Ecopat

Nice work there aric, are residentials only up to 10Kw or can you go higher up the scale?
I ask because I want to build my own house one day and want to be totally off the grid, not even selling any surplus back to the local.

__________________
"Quid non Resolutio"

aricsavage

above 10kw... if you can afford it. I know in CT the state rebates only go up to 6kw for resi, H.O. just picks up the rest.
and if your going stand alone I don't think you'd need to go any bigger than 6kw with batteries.

Ecopat

Really,that is very interesting news indeed, thankyou aric.

__________________
"Quid non Resolutio"

headrec

Here are a few pics from the job I helped on. Its pretty cool stuff. And sorry for the crappy camera phone pics.

surfbh

I'd look into a home wind turbine instead of solar for you since you get a good amount of wind and they are cheaper. Look at the helix type units.

aricsavage

nice looking work headrec, those SMA inverters?

randomkiller

Definetly a cool looking job there bud.

__________________
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life."

"One Nation Under God"

headrec

I am pretty sure they were SMA inverters.

heel600

Can't find that other thread, so.....

Someone put up pictures of some solar installs they did.

It shows a small meter pan, and what looks like 3/4" EMT running to it.

So my questions are:

Is there another meter (say 200A) somewhere else?

Does anyone have a diagram how they are wired (where disconnects, inverter, meter, etc go)

Just curious, never even saw one in person

aricsavage

the meter we put next to the inverter is to keep a hard record of production.

no one line but,

solar panels -> DC disco -> fused DC combiner -> inverter -> meter -> AC disco (some states require an outside disco too) -> service (either a breaker in panel or fused line tie)

aricsavage

headrec is that DC and AC in the same trough?

Ecopat

I like this thread, a lot of good installs & very good questions & answers.

__________________
"Quid non Resolutio"