| I was asked that question last week, and my | | | | Proper technique here is crucial. And when tying |
| answer was, "I don't know, can you?" The real | | | | the system to your house wiring, an electrician is |
| answer is, "It depends." There are so many | | | | absolutely required, no question. Skimp on this and |
| factors involved, and the difference between a | | | | you might find yourself with a damaged house |
| well-constructed, safely built and operating | | | | and no insurance because code wasn't followed |
| system, and a potential disaster, rests mainly on | | | | and the final installation wasn't inspected. If you're |
| your abilities with tools, your ability to follow clear | | | | working at the circuit breaker box, get someone |
| but detailed instructions, and your comfort level | | | | with a license. It'll save you big in the long run. |
| around electricity. Oh, and heights - don't forget | | | | Also, realize that not all systems need to tie into |
| about working on a rooftop. | | | | the grid - that's always optional - and a non-tied |
| Before you begin, you must be aware of the | | | | system is much simpler to build. |
| hazards and rewards of a home-built power | | | | 4. You must know how to orient your system |
| project. These include (but are not limited to): | | | | for best results. Systems are being developed |
| 1. Power and hand tools: safe operation of tools is | | | | that are less critical about sun angles and variable |
| a skill that's gained through experience; the more | | | | wind direction, but those improvements will not |
| you do, the more you'll understand the work | | | | overcome the need for a well-sited and properly |
| needed to construct a solar panel frame, a wind | | | | positioned and mounted system. |
| turbine blade and mounts, and all the other pieces | | | | 5. Easy maintenance is a must for any power |
| and tasks. You'll work with saws, cutters, sharp | | | | system. Make sure that all of the components, |
| edges, fragile parts, drills, and some specialized | | | | panels, circuit breakers and fuses, batteries etc. |
| tools. Don't neglect your local hardware store and | | | | are accessible for regular checks and repairs |
| big-box experts; they have good information and | | | | when needed. Most important: be sure that there |
| they'll share it freely. | | | | is a single switch that will disconnect the entire |
| 2. Carpentry skill for system construction is a | | | | solar and/or wind electrical input from your house, |
| given. But don't forget that all the power you | | | | and make sure it's someplace that you can get to |
| generate outside the house eventually has to | | | | quickly in the event of an emergency. |
| come into the house, and that means holes to run | | | | All this said, there is still nothing quite like looking |
| the wires through. Do this right, or you'll be living | | | | up at a system you built and installed, which is |
| with leaks and insects and chafed wires forever. | | | | generating free electricity for you, with maybe |
| 3. Electricity: if you start with a small system of | | | | some left over to sell into the grid. You needn't |
| solar panels, this isn't a big issue. But as you start | | | | be intimidated by the challenge of owner-built, but |
| to piece together panels to increase your | | | | you must be aware in advance of what can go |
| capacity, the voltages and currents can get quite | | | | wrong. Assess your skills, improve them as |
| high, hundreds of volts at several amps. You need | | | | needed, plan accordingly, seek good advice, and |
| to make the proper connections so they won't | | | | begin. The end product will pay you back in many |
| loosen and cause drops in voltage, or worse, heat | | | | ways, many times over. |
| that could damage the system or the house. | | | | |