Renvations Team
You must already be aware of the benefits of solar energy to the planet, the country’s security, the quality of the air we breathe, and your monthly electric cost if you’re interested in solar power. And that it’s one of the best ways to cut down on the amount of global warming your home causes. You may have also heard that going PV can be cheaper than paying for power from the grid. Is it legal to install your own solar panels? This article will shed light on this question.
You may be wondering if this is true. Well, it’s true most of the time. It just takes time for the savings to cover the cost of the first investment (moreover, solar power is free). If you build your PV system, you may reach this tipping point far sooner – in certain situations, in half the time.
Is It Legal to Install Your Own Solar Panels?
Can you put solar panels up on your own? Again, yes is the answer. You can install your own solar system on the roof by driving lag bolts and putting together prefabricated pieces. Just don’t mind spending a day or two up on your roof (or not if you’re putting your panels on the ground). You don’t have to know how to connect solar panels for home to the electricity in your home or the utility grid. You’ll need to hire an electrician to connect your home, but the utility provider should do the rest for free. In a completely off-grid system, the utility company has nothing to do with it.
DIY Solar Panel Kits
Some companies sell do-it-yourself PV kits with all the necessary parts (PV modules, generation meter, brackets, cabling etc.). However, the project must be managed by an MCS-accredited plumber or electrician to be eligible for FiTs. The overall cost of this option may not be substantially cheaper than the cost of a complete installation of solar panels on metal roof by a PV firm.
Suppose you plan to use all of the energy generated by PV systems, or your property is off the grid. In that case, you can still build and install grid PVs yourself. However, the financial benefits will be much lower without the FiT generation and export tariffs.
How to Get Solar to Work Legally Off the Grid
Here’s how to stay off the grid legally:
- As much as possible, use a low-voltage DC system.
- Use wiring that is “temporary” and not a permanent installation.
- Do not connect any part of your home or property to the grid.
One simple approach to accomplish this goal has a residence that can be moved about easily, such as an RV or a small house. But it is also possible to semi-permanently install PVs off the grid and solar roof vents alongwith them.
Can I put my own photovoltaic (PV) system together? A DIYer’s Checklist
It’s time for something like the litmus test that will tell you if you should go ahead as a do-it-yourself PV installer or give the job to a pro. Most of you will have to decide based on the rules of your local building authority (likely your city, county, township, or even state) or your utility provider. Both may require that rooftop PV be done by a professional with the right license.
