Ahh the Evil empire, I could see Ngrid do that.
What are the actual FINES for unpermitted solar installations?
- Thread starter Clipper81
- Start date
k490
Solar Enthusiast
According to this forum post of someone who lives in California he got fined $1000 for an unpermitted system install. He said some solar contractors on another roof reported him after they saw he had laid out some panels on his roof were not bolted down.
https://diysolarforum.com/threads/g...ollar-9-panel-system-i-lay-on-the-roof.66735/
https://diysolarforum.com/threads/g...ollar-9-panel-system-i-lay-on-the-roof.66735/
That’s a pretty darn good idea…especially if ya live in normal area..…
,,…My plan for the last 10 years has been mtn land at the end of a dead end road where I cannot see another house or person anywhere.…. Not easy to do but no one bothers ya …
The best best neighbors are no neighbors…..It solves so many problems in life…
J.
HighDesertOffgrid
Solar Addict
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2022
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- 628
featherlite
Solar Enthusiast
No sh*tIf you can't piss off the front porch the neighbors are too close.
Why shucks ….I do it everyday…If you can't piss off the front porch the neighbors are too close.
Partimewages
Solar Addict
I bet Google earth will catch you some day!If you can't piss off the front porch the neighbors are too close.
Summer time is clothing optional around here.If you can't piss off the front porch the neighbors are too close.
That is my place for the last 26 years. Though about 10 years back I did get a neighbor around a 1/4 mile from me. Turned out to be a good friend. I don't see him or his wife but once a week or so. But it is handy to have someone around for when doing it myself becomes difficult. I am at the end of a 2/3 mile road that I built off the County dirt road (3.5 miles to the highway). That road has about 3 cars that travel it in the morning as more distant neighbors head to work and again in the afternoon when they come home. If I walk in between those times I am likely to not see a soul.
Not for everyone to live remote. Some folks need others around them.
I go for days and never hear another voice or see a car …..unless their lost..
I like that…
J.
This is exactly what I would recommend. Get a small system professionally installed then add more to it later. Just make sure what they're installing will be expandable easily. And make sure they put in the contract regarding up sizing wires, etc. The solar industry has slowed down a lot in California. They're desperate for customers so they'll give you what you want. Don't pay more than $2.60/watt installed
Eber
Student of MacGyver
If you can't piss off the front porch the neighbors are too close.
Agreed. A major location point for my home. And a liberty exercised.
I have never angered my front porch... i didnt even know they had feelings...If you can't piss off the front porch the neighbors are too close.
Usually peeing on them makes them upset
That’s why I drain the main vain off the back deck, the woods don’t seem to mind as much.
schmism
Solar Addict
dont forget fine you, then lean the property when you refuse to pay the fine, then take the property after its determined to be abandoned and sell it for back taxes/lean
Yeah... i can see that causing a stink...
I dont see why a HOMEOWNER couldn't purchase and mount their own panels (without wiring them up). There are requirements from NEC and State/residential codes.
Mine includes "Panels shall be anchored to the roof framing at a maximum of 4’ on center vertically and horizontally." Which is different from most locations that require 6' by 6'.
Roof Access and Pathways (2019 CRC R324.6)
•PV panels shall be located to provide the following roof-top clearances (except for roofs with aslope of 2:12 or less)
•At least two pathways, on separate roof planes from lowest roof edge to ridge and not less than36 inches wide, shall be provided on all buildings. Not fewer than one pathway shall be providedon the street or driveway side of the roof. For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array, apathway not less than 36 inches wide (914 mm) shall be provided from the lowest roof edge toridge on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array, on an adjacent roof plane, or straddlingthe same and adjacent roof planes. Pathways shall be over areas capable of supporting firefighters accessing the roof. Pathways shall be located in areas with minimal obstructions such asvent pipes, conduit, or mechanical equipment. (2019 CRC R324.6.1)
•For PV occupying 33% or less of the roof, an 18” setback is required on both sides of the ridge.
•For PV occupying more than 33% of the roof, a 36” setback is required on both sides of the ridge.(2022 CRC R324.6.2)
It doesn't take a licensed electrician to drill screws into the roof.
Mine includes "Panels shall be anchored to the roof framing at a maximum of 4’ on center vertically and horizontally." Which is different from most locations that require 6' by 6'.
Roof Access and Pathways (2019 CRC R324.6)
•PV panels shall be located to provide the following roof-top clearances (except for roofs with aslope of 2:12 or less)
•At least two pathways, on separate roof planes from lowest roof edge to ridge and not less than36 inches wide, shall be provided on all buildings. Not fewer than one pathway shall be providedon the street or driveway side of the roof. For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array, apathway not less than 36 inches wide (914 mm) shall be provided from the lowest roof edge toridge on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array, on an adjacent roof plane, or straddlingthe same and adjacent roof planes. Pathways shall be over areas capable of supporting firefighters accessing the roof. Pathways shall be located in areas with minimal obstructions such asvent pipes, conduit, or mechanical equipment. (2019 CRC R324.6.1)
•For PV occupying 33% or less of the roof, an 18” setback is required on both sides of the ridge.
•For PV occupying more than 33% of the roof, a 36” setback is required on both sides of the ridge.(2022 CRC R324.6.2)
It doesn't take a licensed electrician to drill screws into the roof.
k490
Solar Enthusiast
Most AHJ's allow DIY installs just have to submit plans, and have it inspected. The issues are everything has to be UL certified, and if you increase it in size, or change things around have to get it all inspected again. Same thing with the utility my utility requires 3 meters if you have a battery. One meter tells them how much you're sending them, one for battery charging, one how much power you're sending to the critical load panel. I don't know exactly why they are doing this maybe to keep people from upsizing later on their own, or maybe in the future they will charge you for generating your own power with solar. The idea of taxing you based on how much solar you generated was discussed in California, but the idea was dropped.
