Connecticut Help needed in choosing a Photovoltaic System

[Bob Smith]

Connecticut Help needed in choosing a Photovoltaic System

I am having trouble trying to find a good solar power system to
install in my residential home in Connecticut.

I called several Solar companies and got a run around,they
wanted to do the install and told me that you must be a Professional
Licenes Installer or you cannot do the work.

I am not interested in selling power back to the power company,I
will be using commercial batteries, and storing the power for
my own use only.

I am an Iron worker by trade ,I will be making a structure in my
backyard to mount the photo cells on , I will be able to move
the cells to keep them in the direction of the sun during the day.


I have a welder and heavy equiptment for doing the job myself.
This is somethign I want to do myself for my own personal reasons.

I am looking for a good Photovoltaic System to choose, I know
this is a fast changing field , I do not want to get some older stuff
ubloaded on to me . I have gotten the run around by many contractors
that are against me doing the job myself.

Any suggestions would be great. Please reply here or you can email
me at <<<<<nikonls8000@comcast.net>>>>>

Thanks Bob

 

[dold@XReXXConne.usenet.us.com]

Connecticut Help needed in choosing a Photovoltaic System

I am having trouble trying to find a good solar power system to
install in my residential home in Connecticut.

I called several Solar companies and got a run around,they
wanted to do the install and told me that you must be a Professional
Licenes Installer or you cannot do the work.

If you want the $5 per watt rebate, that's true.
"Installation must comply with all federal, state, and local codes; Must be
grid-connected and installed by a pre-approved contractor."

On my solar project, there was one lump sum on the contract, to comply with
state laws to avoid sales tax on the equipment, but my invoice had pricing
for major components and installation.

My installation component wasn't bad. The cost of the installation
materials was bundled in with the labor, so it looked like a good hourly
rate for the three guys doing the work.

Maybe you should have someone propose a system to you. You building the
mounting framework would then be discussed as a knock off from the price.
Once they have you on the hook for a system, some negotiation is probably
going to happen before they let you walk away.

Don't neglect the cash advantages of connecting to the grid.
http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/map2.cfm?CurrentPageID=1&State=CT
There are rebates, grants, and low interest loans.
Connecticut looks like a friendly place for solar.

 

[Edward Lomax]

If you want the $5 per watt rebate, that's true.
"Installation must comply with all federal, state, and local codes; Must be
grid-connected and installed by a pre-approved contractor."

Earlier this week, I attended a PV Design and Installation workshop in
New York.

From that workshop I learned that, in order for a homeowner to qualify
for a grid-interconnected PV system rebate on Long Island (approximately
50% of the system cost), the homeowner was required to use an approved
installation contractor.

My sense was that many of the electricians who participated in this
workshop did so with the aim of getting on the list of approved
contractors.

It appears that there is increasing momentum toward licensing and
certification for PV systems installation contractors nationwide.