I'm gearing up to jump into solar energy after thinking about it for six years. The installer costs have held me back, but I'm ready to tackle this as a DIY project now. I'm an electrical engineer and have some electrician experience, so I understand the basics. I'm based in Michigan and would love to connect with someone who's done a similar project to discuss the ins and outs of getting started, managing permits, and any tips you have. I could really use some guidance—maybe just a 15-20 minute chat?
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I’m currently navigating the same path! I checked out the opensolar/iron ridge website for info on sizing and selecting components. They even help you create a permit pack if you use the equipment they feature. However, I had to go through Green Lancer for a custom pack with battery storage which ended up costing about $250. DTE’s approval process was a hassle too, with a lot of back and forth, and they require a disconnect within five feet of the meter. Don’t stress too much about the city’s requirements; I just submitted my permit pack for both a building and an electrical permit for $500. I went with a GridBoss/FlexBoss system and am still waiting for an electrician to finish the wiring. If you’re not including batteries, it should be a smoother process! Let me know if you need more specific advice!
Great advice! How much time do you think you’ve put into this so far, and how much did you save compared to hiring a pro? The best quote I got was around $22K, but I'm estimating I can get this done for about $12K with maybe some teenage help. Thinking a 7-year payback period is feasible.