**enphase Energy does NOT endorse this video, and they do NOT recomend installing this micro inverter in this way as it void the warranty**
This video shows the only known DIY solar panel array to be approved for grid interconnection. By recreating what is seen here, you can have a grid tie solar system for HALF the cost!!
Main parts of this array-
1.) Evergreen Solar Photovoltaic cells
2.) enphase Micro Inverters
3.) Butt-load of wood from Big Box hardware store
4.) Time
Take advantage of the 30% federal Tax Rebate before it is gone! By doing this project alongs side my other project (my DIY Geothermal Heating and Cooling System using a heat pump AC unit) I was able to pay for BOTH projects with my tax return!!
This video is a suggestion… a starting point for you to DO LOADS OF RESEARCH before attempting to create such a project. I spent a couple months looking at diagrams and schematics on Google Images before attempting either of my projects. Unless you are a trained professional (who should ALWAYS be the one to install any grid tied system!) you should read untill you feel comfortable with the materials, then make your decision.
ALWAYS secure all applicable permits and approvals from appropriate government departments and utility companies BEFORE starting any project to reduce loss of $$$. Permits and approvals required by my local gov’t were ‘Board of Zoning’ for a zoning variance for its unique placement, and ‘Building Inspections’ for an electrical and mechanical inspection. After verifying that I adhered to all NEC codes, my utility company made a final inspection and approved interconnection!!
Now I am waiting for the contract I have to sing in quadruplicate. Hooray for government nightmares!
Credits-
Music: “Year of the Snow” by Ruffle The Teacher (c) 2001
All images property of “‘Publius’, AKA ‘Ruffle The Teacher’” and permission to reproduce is granted as long as credit is given and “Geothermal Water Cube” is recognized as copyrighted intellectual property.
Posted in the interest of independance for all who are willing to fight for it.
Keep your head up!
Duration : 0:6:5
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
building inspectors …
building inspectors could knock you down because the conduit and fittings are not weatherproof
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
@ …
@KeyWordBiblePrecepts I would also take not of the high priority circuits like hot water, cooking, internet and communications
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
@RuffleTheTeacher …
@RuffleTheTeacher do you have a DC system setup? I would have inverters powered off the DC power source with the DC powersource being charged by the solar panels! I know that will be extra money of course and you need a location for the batteries and a distribution system. If you add more panels and have the DC system setup, you might not need to be connected to the grid at all. You also need ventilation for the battery room and deep cycle marine type batteries connected in parallel.
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
nice setup. I would …
nice setup. I would have used liqui-tight fittings and conduit. It is weatherproof! Also steel beams with the ability to rotate the panels. Beautiful set up though. Is it too late for the 30% federal Tax Rebate? I can tell my brother and he can file an ammended tax return for 2010. But that is a beautiful setup though and very reasonable cost I assume. I applaud you! I have wanted to build a solar house for number of years now but I wouldnt be on the grid.
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
@RuffleTheTeacher …
@RuffleTheTeacher thats awesome that you making you own solar panels..i am in kansas city myself..I would love to build my own solar panels
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
I wouldn’t even …
I wouldn’t even have noticed the power company other than to completely shut off my power.
I am guessing because since you probably don’t generate enough power for everything in your house to warrant leaving city power yet thats why you stay with them?
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Update:
…
Update:
Interconnection approved and hooked up to grid end of March, making this the first homemade solar panel system approved for interconnectivity! And the first grid tie system in the state of Kansas!
I have seen a 25% reduction in my electricity bill and am on the road to self reliance.
It’s not huge…. but it is a start!
Keep your head up!!
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
**enphase Energy …
**enphase Energy does NOT endorse this video? Typical. Sounds like the little problems that came up in our major hassles with a totally legal Solar Installation and City Permitting. We might be the only ones on our block with this crazy stuff too!
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Your music is good, …
Your music is good, Crazy Guy!
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
I used plexiglass …
I used plexiglass to cover the PV cells. Lots of caulk on both sides of the glass and once complete, three layers of external paint to seal. It took some practice and preplanning to ensure the right method, but Polyseamseal caulk is amazing stuff! I used it as a undecoat before the paint, too.
I made this vid with the idea in mind that after watching this, you should be able to recreate what I’ve built. Any Q’s I’ll be happy to answer.
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
This easily is the …
This easily is the best video (of stills) of solar energy on the tube. Your supports look like an ancient catapult war machine. I guess you can choose to eject those panels when they don’t work anymore.
As I’m building my own panels, I’d like to know how to encapsulate your cells. Sylgard, EVA? What in your opinion is a cheap and somewhat durable technique? You can see my amateurish way of making solar panels by clicking on my user name. Thanks for the eyeopener.
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
very good. look …
very good. look forward to your next video!
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
very interesting. …
very interesting. very cool!
congratulations!
July 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
This system will …
This system will produce approx 550 watts at 5 amps. The inverters are all 220 volts. The panels are adjustable to follow the Sun thru seasons. The reason for mounting on a rack in my driveway was the weight of each panel. They are made with 2x4s, 4x4s, one by’s and plywood so they weigh about 125 lbs each!
Each panel has 36 PV cells, bridged together to make one 72 cell Evergreen 110 watt panel. One enphase micro inverter per 72 cell panel.
Connects to sevice panel with a 15A, 2 pole breaker.