DIY Solar

[B1GEast]

I don't know much about solar regulation in CT.

Can this be done DIY if you find the right contractor or are you forced to work with the big companies?

I only need about 5k watts.

Thinking Solar panels, controller, inverter, battery, cables, wiring , mounting equipment and monitoring system.

Anyone here do this without the big companies?

 

[bluestreak]

I'm just starting to look into solar myself. I had the same question as you so I am interested in the reactions to the post. I can't offer much but I sat down this morning with one of the big companies and asked about the cost to buy the panels and have them installed. The answer was designed to make it sound more expensive. Although they did say that the state rebates and contributions are not available if you enter into the lease contract.
I have more questions than answers at this point.

 

[Platt81]

It will be very difficult to do on your own, not necessarily impossible. But between permitting and interconnection approvals with utility they will make it VERY difficult for the small man to do it on their own. I work for a local company (Southington based) and would be willing to talk over with you the best options. It may be more economical to have someone do it, especially down the road for servicing.

 

[Kathy]

Delaware is good - 20 panels- installed with screens to prevent pigeons from nesting underneath the panels, inverter, new meter from Delmarva Power - cost 18k but after Delmarva Power rebate and Federal tax credit cost to me about 5K. Not a lease, I own.

 

[Kathy]

Fyi - my electric bill this month - $22 with Christmas tree and outdoor Christmas lights

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Fyi - my electric bill this month - $22 with Christmas tree and outdoor Christmas lights

Had one month last summer when our bill was $9. That was with a pool pump & heater and AC.

 

[Excalibur]

Had one month last summer when our bill was $9. That was with a pool pump & heater and AC.

I build up about $1,500 in credits and burn through them in the winter. I have electric heat and a 15.6 kWH system. Monthly Loan payment is $375. Electric bills prior to install averaged about $500 monthly.

 

[UCSouth]

I don't know much about solar regulation in CT.

Can this be done DIY if you find the right contractor or are you forced to work with the big companies?

I only need about 5k watts.

Thinking Solar panels, controller, inverter, battery, cables, wiring , mounting equipment and monitoring system.

Anyone here do this without the big companies?

I did a 5.3KW off grid, ground mount DIY in Tennessee for under $4k. Not sure if I can say the company on here or not. But, message me and I'll give you the details.

 

[temery]

I Had solar installed in Jan 2020, along with electric heat/AC (Mini splits). No more electric bills and no more oil deliveries. I do get gas every once in a while, but that's on Taco Bell.

Only drawback to mini-splits in New England is they don't do a great job in sub zero temps. I have a pellet stove in the basement to supplement mini split heat when it's really cold, and the underfloor heating does a great job too.

Once back-up batteries comedown in price, that'll be my next purchase.

To date, I have a credit.

 

[temery]

I did a 5.3KW off grid, ground mount DIY in Tennessee for under $4k. Not sure if I can say the company on here or not. But, message me and I'll give you the details.

no reason you shouldn't be able to say the name.

 

[drayenob]

I Had solar installed in Jan 2020, along with electric heat/AC (Mini splits). No more electric bills and no more oil deliveries. I do get gas every once in a while, but that's on Taco Bell.

Only drawback to mini-splits in New England is they don't do a great job in sub zero temps. I have a pellet stove in the basement to supplement mini split heat when it's really cold, and the underfloor heating does a great job too.

Once back-up batteries comedown in price, that'll be my next purchase.

To date, I have a credit.

View attachment 106294

If you don't mind me asking, who is your electric provider?

 

[CONN78SEJ]

I build up about $1,500 in credits and burn through them in the winter. I have electric heat and a 15.6 kWH system. Monthly Loan payment is $375. Electric bills prior to install averaged about $500 monthly.

We heat with propane, the burner is phenomenal,and very economical compared to oil. The panels on the roof almost covers 100% of our electric bill. We live on top of a mountain in Litchfield and I’m thinking about a vertical axis wind turbine.

 

[UCSouth]

I don't know much about solar regulation in CT.

Can this be done DIY if you find the right contractor or are you forced to work with the big companies?

I only need about 5k watts.

Thinking Solar panels, controller, inverter, battery, cables, wiring , mounting equipment and monitoring system.

Anyone here do this without the big companies?

Tom gave the ok. Check out Sungold Power. Look at the Cabin & Tiny Home Kits. Stay with a 48v system because they are more efficient than the 24 & 12v systems. They are expandable if you choose to do so in the future. The systems are pretty much plug and play.