Comments on: Solar Power Installation DIY Training DVD – Any Interest?

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:10:34 +0000

BigVolt, you are right it works like a lot of work to do it right – perhaps that is why I haven’t started it yet.

I think it shouldn’t be a how to video series, more of a ‘this is how I did it and these are the mistakes I made a long the way’. Just a video of how I did it and then have the experts give review of what I did.

By: BigVolt

BigVolt — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:45:24 +0000

Having worked in the Solar PV industry for the last 3 years, I realize there’s no single source book for the DIYer. I did a search and came up with nothing more than “Dummies” books that told you nothing.

I then went and started to outline what a “real” DIY Solar PV book would look like and realized this is a major project to do it right.

My guesstimate is it would take a professional writer, a person experienced in Solar PV installation and a financial expert well over a year and 300 plus pages to write a DIY book that would be worth buying.

The best book I found is titled “Planning & Installing Photovoltaic System” written for Architects and Engineers by a German company. That book, although very good, doesn’t tell how to install a system. The book cost around $125.

Certainly videos are great way to go, but I think you need the videos and a book to do it right. A DIY Solar project is not like building a fence or deck, its level of difficulty is magnitudes greater when you factor in the financial justification, site survey requirements, rebate paperwork, equipment selection, as well as a host of other considerations that have to be accounted for before get up on a roof!

By: currrie1

currrie1 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:04:17 +0000

am interested in the video on solar

By: bernie

bernie — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:46:02 +0000

Dave,
I’m a DIY guy in Fla and am intrested in your video. Thanks, Bernie

By: mike

mike — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:24:25 +0000

hi, i am interested in the DIY solar course. thanks, mike

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:32:48 +0000

Thanks Don for you comment, I wasn’t aware if you did it yourself that you would not qualify for the rebate.

By: Don E

Don E — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:03:18 +0000

Dave, this is a GREAT idea…with only one minor glitch: To get a rebate from most states (and maybe even Uncle Sam), the entire system has to be installed by a trained and industry-certified installer. Just having it inspected by your town building and electrical inspectors won’t hack it in some places IF you need that rebate. And I understand there CAN be issues relative to homeowner’s insurance (a panel blows off and lands on your neighbor’s chihuahua) or roofing guarantees (you improperly penetrate it and create a lot of leaks).

I am not for a minute saying YOU or I could not do these things properly, I am certain I could, having renovated a house and worked for an electrical contractor, and anyone can read a book (or watch a DVD). I think the problem comes down to unions protecting jobs and big brother preventing Joe Tenthumbs from creating an eyesore that is a hazard to the neighborhood and the next guy who works on a power pole on his street!

I would check the regs for all states and the Gov’t and do a chart of where your DVD can still get the rebates.

By: abel_s

abel_s — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:05:42 +0000

Nice site and cool idea, when you do and have an spare extra copy maybe you can send me a copy of your course I know you will have great success!

By: Solar DIY

Solar DIY — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:43:22 +0000

Great idea. Right time and the right price – I’ll help you sell it! Cheers.

By: steve_b

steve_b — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:23:21 +0000

Hi from Canada – all of us up here would be interested