Want to DIY a 6000w system - Where to start? Parts list?

[SunEagle]

He said "law in the US" and "National Electrical Code".

I made those statements in post #99. If you go read my post #102 you will see that I recanted the statement that the NEC requires a licensed electrician to perform work.

I also stated in that post that while I was not familiar with places that the local authorities allowed non licensed electricians to perform work it was possible but they would be in the minority compared to the rest of the US.

If you have successfully gotten your permit and approval for the installation by your local inspectors, then I would say congratulations. That type of work is not easy for most people regardless of their background.

While I have hands on experience with electrical installations I am still not allowed to perform certain work since I am not a licensed electrician. This has been the case in all the places I have lived and worked in the US.

If you live where you can perform that type of work then you are lucky. Although hopefully other people that live in the same town are as diligent as you following safe electrical installation practices. If not and they install something not safe and the inspectors don't red tag it, I would be afraid of being hurt by someone that could do the work but didn't do it correctly or safe.

[sdold]

Thanks for the update. I was reading quickly and thought your second post was someone arguing with you. I think the smartest thing would be to require an electrician to not only make the final connection, but to inspect the system first. It seems odd to me that this is not required in every case/jurisdiction, but I don't think it should be part of the NEC.

[russ]

We don't have that nasty code or NEC here - what a mess things can be!

The first guy that shows up is a "licensed" electrician - he may have even seen someone use a screw driver before.

I, for one, believe in standards, codes etc.

[SunEagle]

Thanks for the update. I was reading quickly and thought your second post was someone arguing with you. I think the smartest thing would be to require an electrician to not only make the final connection, but to inspect the system first. It seems odd to me that this is not required in every case/jurisdiction, but I don't think it should be part of the NEC.

The NEC is a good "guideline" for a safe and proper electrical installation. If everyone followed the latest approved version for their state (not all have approved the 2014 version yet) then there would at least be some type of consistency for the the local authorities to follow during their inspection and approval process. Training for a licensed electrician will include knowing the current approved NEC for their location.

Without some formal guideline you end up with a lot of interpretation and misunderstanding of what a proper and safe installation should be. Of course you still have to get past the human side because even with a formal guideline each inspector may have a slightly different interpretation of the code and rule on that version.

I believe it has been said in this forum before and is something like: Rule 1: The inspector is always correct. Rule 2: Even if the inspector makes a mistake refer back to rule 1.

[sdold]

Without some formal guideline you end up with a lot of interpretation and misunderstanding of what a proper and safe installation should be.

Agreed, what I meant was that the requirement for an inspection shouldn't itself be written into the NEC.

[Dumbcluck]

confused

so, let me get this straight, if you are a homeowner and install your own system, you are not entitled to federal and/or state rebates?
this is news to me.
i am in the beginning stages of planning such an install. i am a state licensed electrician and member of the ibew for 25 years. am i unqualified?

[russ]

Agreed, what I meant was that the requirement for an inspection shouldn't itself be written into the NEC.

Which would mean there is no code. If there is no inspection then all is meaningless.

[russ]

so, let me get this straight, if you are a homeowner and install your own system, you are not entitled to federal and/or state rebates?
this is news to me.
i am in the beginning stages of planning such an install. i am a state licensed electrician and member of the ibew for 25 years. am i unqualified?

A starter point http://www.dsireusa.org/

[Dumbcluck]

from what I see I shouldn't have a problem receiving applicable rebates. am I missing something?

[sdold]

Which would mean there is no code. If there is no inspection then all is meaningless.

To me it would make more sense for the AHJ to require inspections for code compliance (in the same way that they require code compliance itself) instead of putting that requirement in the code itself.

[russ]

To me it would make more sense for the AHJ to require inspections for code compliance (in the same way that they require code compliance itself) instead of putting that requirement in the code itself.

And if the AHJ is lazy as they are in some places? This is just a bigger hammer. Try living places with no code or enforcement - it is a good thing.

[Robert1234]

from what I see I shouldn't have a problem receiving applicable rebates. am I missing something?

In my state, "For photovoltaic systems, the State Energy Office recognizes any solar interconnection agreement between a utility and a taxpayer as a certification that the system has been reviewed by an appropriate entity. Taxpayers seeking the Solar Energy System Credit for a photovoltaic system should keep a copy of their utility interconnection agreement and receipts for equipment and installation with their tax records for documentation in case of an audit."

Doesn't matter if it's a home install or contracted install:
No interconnect agreement = No tax rebate.
If you pass PoCo inspection and get approved for interconnect = Approved for rebate.

P.S. The interconnect requires that you adhere to the current version of NEC in force.

[Dumbcluck]

yeah it looks like something very similar here in long beach, ca.
homeowner is fine as long as everything gets approved.

[sdold]

And if the AHJ is lazy as they are in some places? This is just a bigger hammer. Try living places with no code or enforcement - it is a good thing.

I think ultimately the requirements for code compliance and inspections belong in the administrative rule section of the state's building code (in the US) that deals with permits, inspections, local jurisdiction guidelines, etc.

My original point was that I think that a licensed electrician should perform the inspection, and he should look over enough of the system to make a good judgement as to the safety of the installation. To me, not requiring that is like letting an airplane owner remove and replace aileron cables and not have a licensed mechanic inspect the work afterward. I never suggested that codes should not be required to be followed.

Steve

[russ]

I think ultimately the requirements for code compliance and inspections belong in the administrative rule section of the state's building code (in the US) that deals with permits, inspections, local jurisdiction guidelines, etc.

My original point was that I think that a licensed electrician should perform the inspection, and he should look over enough of the system to make a good judgement as to the safety of the installation. To me, not requiring that is like letting an airplane owner remove and replace aileron cables and not have a licensed mechanic inspect the work afterward. I never suggested that codes should not be required to be followed.

Steve

1) I am from the US and still a citizen

2) You are saying one can inspect themselves - that works for a few honest individuals. It would mean the code would be enforced by the courts only. When there is a problem because someone cheated off to court you go - not a good solution.

3) I just don't believe people are honest enough to police themselves. An airplane is a bit different story - any screwup by the owner hits a lot closer to home.