I'm looking to set up a small solar system in my unit in San Francisco. I have some brand new 100AH lithium batteries that I plan to use mainly for camping, but for most of the year they'll just sit there. I'm considering using them to power my entertainment center and maybe my TV. I'm in the process of getting a 40A controller and have stuff like an inverter, 6ga wire, outdoor boxes, and fuses ready. I'd only be installing one or two panels, around 300-400W total, and it will be completely isolated from any existing house wiring. Before diving in, I want to make sure the city won't give me a hard time about this—like fining me or making me take it down. I can't find clear guidelines about having panels that don't hook up to the grid. Would the city even notice or care about these small panels?
3 Answers
It really depends on where you live and how you set them up! If it’s just temporary and not touching any existing home wiring, it’s typically considered small enough to not attract any issues. Ground-mounted panels are often seen as less of a structural change, which could work in your favor. Remember, there are plenty of small battery setups out there that aren’t making waves with the regulations!
Usually, it's that one neighbor who gets curious and reports things they're unsure about. Just a heads up! They might think you're up to something in their eyes.
I’m not entirely up to speed on California laws, but from what I gather, the city probably wouldn’t be too bothered unless it's tied to your home’s wiring. Just be mindful of potential neighbor complaints, especially in apartments or if you’re in an HOA community.
Agreed! As long as you keep everything isolated, it shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure you don’t have any neighborhood rules that might trip you up.