Grid Tie DIY system help

[Frank Leal]

Hi all,
I'm wanting to design my own DIY Grid Tie system. I would appreciate asssistance with resources for design drawings, and materials(panels/micro inverters/etc) and where to buy(from a company that will sell to an individual DIY like myself). I would appreciate advise from those who have done this as to what you'd do different from your experience. Thank you in advance for your help
-I own an EV -Tesla Model 3
-1000 sq ft home
-California/ Bay Area

 

[kernel]

What is the purpose and function of the system?
Your consumption figures from past utility metering is most helpful in
Next you would want to know where you are at as far as, are you going to use more or less power in the future than you do now?
If you cannot afford to do the whole thing, how much would you do?
What/where is the area to mount, what is the path back to the interconnection point?
What work would you want done before solar?, Re-roof, service upsize, backup generator, addition to building or addition of a building, etc.

 

[Frank Leal]

What is the purpose and function of the system?
--system will be used to power daily house usage and charge my EV.

Your consumption figures from past utility metering is most helpful:



Next you would want to know where you are at as far as, are you going to use more or less power in the future than you do now?
---I'm pretty sure that I will be using more power into the future especially with an EV. The EV is new, have had it three months now.

If you cannot afford to do the whole thing, how much would you do?
---I will do the whole thing

What/where is the area to mount, what is the path back to the interconnection point?
---system is to be mounted on the roof of the house and I have a 900 sq/ft shop behind the house that might be used for solar. I would like to mostly install the system on the house.

What work would you want done before solar?, Re-roof, service upsize, backup generator, addition to building or addition of a building, etc.
---I don't think I need a re-roof yet. My main power panel was replaced about 10 years ago and is currently a 200 amp service.

 

[Craig]

Are you looking at battery back up as well or pure grid tied with meter spinning backwards?

How are you planning on handling the permit process?

 

[Frank Leal]

I'd initially want to go Grid tied to hold off the cost on the battery but would like a system that gives me the option to add a battery back up at any time.
for permitting I need help drawing up the design and then will submit plans to the city and handle inspections on my own.

 

[Frank Leal]

Where is a good place to order materials from?
I'm thinking of a system with micro inverters such as enphase. What do you guys think?
Am I correct in that a micro inverter installed on the roof below the panels takes dc from the panels and converts it to ac electric back to a solar dedicated breaker panel?

 

[Craig]

Check out ML solar in Campbell. I have purchased many panels from them and they are quite helpful.

Honestly I'm not too up on the microinverter stuff so if you find anything out let us know.

Also if you get to the point of dealing with the city let's us know about that too.

 

[Frank Leal]

ok will do. thanks

 

[peterwareing]

Facebook: SunG Grid Tie Inverter with Limiter - very very helpful. The GTIL models have a good track record and the guy who runs the FBpage was involved with design and manufacturer. I have a small 2kw system which has knocked a third off my bill. Added batteries this year and knocked bill down another third at least.

 

[Frank Leal]

Facebook: SunG Grid Tie Inverter with Limiter - very very helpful. The GTIL models have a good track record and the guy who runs the FBpage was involved with design and manufacturer. I have a small 2kw system which has knocked a third off my bill. Added batteries this year and knocked bill down another third at least.

I’ll take a look into this info. Thank you

 

[Knighthawk]

I have nothing really to add here but I want to say, Go for it! Glad folks want to take this on themselves. Please keep us updated on your progress. If anyone tells you not to take this on yourself tell them to take a hike!