The Downside to DIY Solar?
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008Recently, Fount Hanson emailed CalFinder Solar wondering at the unavailability of solar rebates for self-installed solar systems. Mr. Hanson is a retired electrician, one who would likely pass the solar DIY quiz. Still, under most state laws, including California, solar systems must be installed by registered contractors. Systems are otherwise ineligible for state rebates.
There are a few reasons why I think such rules may be in place.
- For one, the vast majority of people are not qualified to properly install a complicated solar electric system. These rules are partially an attempt to discourage hackneyed systems which may not effectively produce electricity and be a subsequent waste of state funds.
- This rule has helped to create jobs and increased the number of people who are trained and certified to install solar systems.
Now, that doesn’t make it any easier to be an unrecognized exception to the rule. There are, however, some good reasons why Mr. Hanson and other qualified DIYers should go for it anyway. (more…)


