Solar Panel Installation Jobs
What is the cost to Install Solar Panels?
I want to install five photovoltaic 200 watt solar panels on the roof of a home in Texas. It is a grid tie system and all the equipment has been purchased already. I received two quotes from Solar Installation companies and they both want about $20,000 just to connect the wires. Is that normal? Can I just hire a licensed electrician to do the job? Thank you for your reply.
Everything has been paid for already roof mounts, wire, inverters, panels..... everything. I just need someone to do the final connections to the grid. For that the solar installation companies want $20,000. Is there anyway I can get this done cheaper? Thanks.
I don't think its a waste of money getting Photovoltaic Panels. My electricity use is 2000 kwh per month at $0.15 per Kwh. So I pay $3600 per year for electricity.
I don't know about Texas, but in California, doing a self-install does not invalidate the rebate. And it certainly does not invalidate the Federal Tax Credit on form 5695 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/f5695--dft.pdf . Take a look at the form and instructions. I got both rebates installing myself. Florida requires professional installation for their rebate, I think.
You must still be compliant with your local building codes. What you could do is hire a roofer to put up the standoffs and panels, then later, an electrician to hook it up to your service panel. The electrician can run conduit as needed. Or you could do the physical job of putting up the panels, yourself, then call the electrician to hook it up. Just be sure to get all the necessary permits and inspections.
$20k is way too much for just installation. That should buy a 3 kW system, parts included, installed.
If you want to see roughly what's involved so that you can direct a roofer, you can see a video here: http://www.archive.org/details/DIY_self_installed_solar_photovoltaic_panels