subject: Things to Consider Before Buying a DIY Solar Power System for the Home [print this page] Things to Consider Before Buying a DIY Solar Power System for the Home
Solar power projects for the home are becoming more viable. The price of solar power technologies is decreasing each day as technologies and manufacturing techniques improve.
Despite all the warm fuzzy feelings we may get from doing our part to protect the environment, solar power projects can be some mighty expensive propositions for the average home owner. Even when considering rebates from utilities and tax credits, pay back on these system can be 15 or more years. For a do-it-yourself type person, this pay back can be reduced to a more palatable tolerance.
As a do-it-yourself projects, there are many things that need to be considered prior to the purchase of a system. A mistake could cost the home owner dearly. So, it's important homework (research) be done prior to purchasing a system. Here are some of those things that need to be investigated.
Home owners association rules. Some home owners association rules may prohibit the installation of solar power system on the home and / or property. Some states have enacted laws that basically override these rules and allow their installation.
Covenants and deed restrictions. There may be covenants and deed restrictions on the home owners property that can either limit or prohibit the installation of a system.
Easements and property line set backs. Check on easements going through the property and the property boundary set back requirements. Building a system within an existing utility easement could be a potential problem if utility work had do be done on the property. The utility could come in an literally tear the system out without the homeowners permission in the event the system was in the way of work. And the bad part about this is that they would not be required to reinstall, replace broken components or reimburse the owner for other damages. If the system is a ground mounted system, ensure it does not infringe upon the property boundary set back requirements defined by each locality.
For roof mounted systems, make sure the roof will handle the additional weight of the system. If the system is a large one, the roof should be reinforced to handle not only the weight, but also wind loads.
Permits and inspections. Most likely a DIY project will require permits such as electrical and pluming (if a thermal system). The permitting process will require inspections by local/county/state inspectors to ensure safety is being maintained.
Net Metering. Utilities have net metering arrangements. Check with the local utility on what their requirement will be if the system is grid tied. The utility may have its own set of standards that must be complied with in order to grid tie into their system.
Rebates. Many utilities will pay rebates on solar power systems. However, the utilities will probably have conditions that must be met in order to receive rebates. For example, they may require the system to be installed by a certified contractor, the components must be certified under standardized test procedures, components must have warranties, etc.
Solar Resources. Check on the solar resources of for the part of the country where the system is going to be installed. What may work in one part of the country may not work as well in another due to weather conditions and solar intensity.
The economics. Make sure the system makes sense economically. Do the math. Consider system cost, rebates, utility rates, tax credits, and maintenance costs. Let the neighbors know what is planned.
As much as we all like solar power systems and know the good they can provide, other property owners may not think the same thing. Solar power/thermal systems can be pretty unsightly and neighbors may have objection to them being installed. The unsightliness of these systems can be perceived as hurting other property owners' property value. Things like this have ended up in law suits. Get feedback from the neighbors and let them know what is planned. A little good will goes a very long way.
