Safety First! is the mantra of companies and training videos across the spectrum of manufacturing and construction. While do-it-yourselfers may not watch some low-budget film before starting a project, it is always important to handle tools, products, and activities with personal well-being in mind. Solar electric DIY projects take that to another level. Not only is safety vital, but there is a wide skill set necessary to properly complete the installation.
With the full knowledge of the increasing popularity of solar PV and the hands-on approach that is an American tradition, Solar Today magazine (see page 66) has formulated a list of 10 questions that every solar do-it-yourselfer should be able to answer before tackling a solar electric project. The list, authored by John Wiles and C. Byron Winn, addresses the wide array of knowledge that should be ingrained in the minds of anyone attempting to install a solar system.
- Are you familiar with volts, amps, and watts?
- Can you find the tangent of 22.6 degrees?
- Can you determine the maximum open-circuit voltage of a PV module at your home?
- What size lag screw will resist 350 pounds of up force in fir lumber?
- What do the symbols THWN, USE, and RHW mean?
- Are you a skilled do-it-yourselfer with a wide assortment of hand and power tools?
- Have you bent and installed EMT?
- Do you have a torque screwdriver?
- How do you seal roof penetrations that will last for 40 years?
- Can commonly available DC-rated circuit breakers be used at 600 volts?
If you can’t answer each of these questions with ease, then they strongly recommend hiring a solar contractor. Again, this is not to diminish our excellent tradition of doing it ourselves, but to ensure safety and quality when the job is done.
Furthermore, in many states, a solar PV system must be installed by a licensed contractor in order to qualify for incentives and/or rebates. In some cases, these discounts may offset the savings garnered by doing it yourself…not to mention your blood, sweat, and tears.
This post was written by Dan Harding of CalFinder Solar Energy, a leading provider of solar information and contractractors for residential homes.