Is there a DIY Solar for dummies?

[KernersvilleDIY]

I am sure if I dug enough and watched hundreds of videos I might learn this info over time, I want to shorten that learning curve by hoping you guys can direct me to the info I need.

I know nothing about electrical or solar, I watched my first video by Will today and I am blown away!
I just assumed if I wanted solar at my house I would have to spend $20,000 and wait 15 years to recoup that investment.

I have a big backyard and I want to DIY 8-10 400w panels, not to go off grid, really just to drop our electricity bill.
Our bill here in central NC has been climbing and could double in the next few years.

Is this worth doing as a DIY'r?
A list of all the equipment I need to buy.
Equipment I can cheap on and equipment you should not cheap on.
Just basic solar for dummies kind of stuff.

Thanks for any help!!

 

[TechRider]

There are a ton of resources out there. You said you know nothing of electrical and solar but didn't mention any of your other skills. I just went through the same thing but I also re-wired my house when I remodeled so I didn't find it challenging. The basics are the same but there are many ways to accomplish what you want.

I started my journey looking to run my existing well pump off a "solar kit." I ended up installing an 18kw system that has me nearly offgrid.

The main thing you'll want to understand is your local rules and your loads. Some people do a sub panel for critical loads, others get a large AIO (All in One) and run their whole house through it. (That's what I did.) If you go the 2nd way, you'll probably want to get an agreement to sell back to your power company if that's an option. It's the safest way so you avoid potential fines. You will send small amounts of power back to the grid even if you don't want to.

Ground mounts can be easier than roof mounts and generally affect your house less and it looks like you have the room to do that.

As for a list of equipment, I built my own batteries and bought/installed everything myself. I started an excel spreadsheet and included everything I bought, every nut/bolt/cable/etc. It's at 61 lines. As long as your comfortable with DIY and detail and have a good understanding of electricity or have a friend / good electrician that can help you with that, I think it's totally doable. Just find and follow the rules, they're there for a reason.

 

[Sergio95050]

And use Search and read, read and read here ....

 

[hwy17]

There's lots of us dummies here ready to give you the wrong answers you need.

What's your budget? If it's flexible then just double it right now or we can double it for you.