Hey everyone! I'm considering starting a small solar setup on my covered patio, which is a good spot for solar panels. I'm thinking of getting a couple of 200w panels, a battery, and a controller initially, then gradually adding more as I go along. While I can manage most of the installation myself, I'm not comfortable wiring up the inverter to my electrical panel. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure for what it might cost to hire an electrician for just that part, including any necessary permits? I know costs can vary by location, so I'd love to hear your experiences!
7 Answers
As a solar electrician in UT, I can offer some insight: If you have a net metering agreement, connecting a compatible inverter should be pretty straightforward and could take just about 1-2 hours, costing around $100-$200 for labor, not including materials. But if your setup isn't compatible with the grid, you’ll need a transfer switch, which is usually more involved—expect 2-4 hours minimum. Definitely get familiar with local permit requirements, as they can be a game changer.
If you're using smaller inverters, you might not even need to hook up to your main panel. Many smaller systems have easy plug options for your loads. So, if you're going for two panels with microinverters to sell power back, that could simplify things. Just check with your utility company first to get the green light before bringing in an electrician!
The cost could vary significantly! You might need a permit, which comes with engineering drawings (often around $1500). Then, if an electrician spends a day installing and another for inspection, you're looking at about $400 total there—just make sure to consider the extra costs that might arise!
In the US, many electricians won't take on small jobs like this because of liability concerns with permitting. It's more common to find people willing to help with minor connections, but they often won't put their name on the project, which is a big deal legally. If you want to do things properly, be prepared that most licensed pros may turn your request down.
From my experience here in Birmingham, AL, most electricians or solar companies are hesitant to take on these types of projects. You're likely going to need to budget a decent amount since they don’t want to deal with the potential hassle of a partial installation. Just saying, they profit by selling complete systems!
Most systems need to be installed completely before you can add more components down the line. It's tough to piece it together with electrical laws—notably in the US. If you're considering this small system, think about a more complete setup since adding pieces later can become a hassle. I would also recommend starting small with something like a 400-800w system for practice, but you shouldn't expect it to expand significantly. Remember, everything needs to match and be correctly sized—wiring, batteries, etc.
I'm in the same boat, and it's tough to find electricians who actually advertise solar services. It sounds like we're both looking for the same answers here! Let me know if you find any leads.
Same here! I avoid contacting solar companies because I want to explore my options first. It's frustrating!
Good point about permits! It's important to check with your local building department about what’s required. You might even be able to find someone online to help you with the plans.