I'm looking to build out a small, 400 to 600 watt max, off-grid and ground mounted system but have no idea if I need permits (I won't build it if I do). The panels would be mounted on the ground and the other equipment would be in a deck box or shed. Nothing touching my house. I live in Los Angeles CA, so any specifics on LA or CA would be great, but just generally speaking do people anywhere need to get permits for this kind of system? My use case for the system would be to power outdoor stuff (lights, fountain, etc.) and in the event of a power outage be able to run an extension cord and use it as a backup for lights, computer, and and maybe a fridge for short periods of time (half day or so) in my home. This system would include battery backup too. Because my lot is on a hill, the panels mounted on the ground would be visible from the street, so anyone doing code enforcement would see it driving by.
I've been doing lots of searching online and have come up empty, so any thoughts would be super helpful. I'm ready to buy and build, but want to make sure I'm not getting myself into trouble.
I've been doing lots of searching online and have come up empty, so any thoughts would be super helpful. I'm ready to buy and build, but want to make sure I'm not getting myself into trouble.