Comments on: DIY photovoltaics http://www.sun-volt.com/blog/2009/12/14/diy-photovoltaics/ earth, the final frontier Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:55:43 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Paul http://www.sun-volt.com/blog/2009/12/14/diy-photovoltaics/comment-page-1/#comment-127 Paul Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:31:04 +0000 http://www.sun-volt.com/blog/?p=488#comment-127 I helped a friend install an Andalay system on his house, it was okay, although I though the racking was a little cumbersome. Right now, the prices are still high enough that most potential customers don't want to DIY. Our utilities are also pretty restrictive in what they will allow interconnected, e.g. electrical inspections and permits required. I helped a friend install an Andalay system on his house, it was okay, although I though the racking was a little cumbersome.

Right now, the prices are still high enough that most potential customers don’t want to DIY. Our utilities are also pretty restrictive in what they will allow interconnected, e.g. electrical inspections and permits required.

]]> By: Eric http://www.sun-volt.com/blog/2009/12/14/diy-photovoltaics/comment-page-1/#comment-126 Eric Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:22:57 +0000 http://www.sun-volt.com/blog/?p=488#comment-126 I have predicted this for a while. In fact, I see the mass availability of Plug and Play modules as the downfall of the residential PV installation market. A few reasons: 1. How long before you see a crew of roofers or painters, for that matter, with electrical trainee cards and one electrician installing this equipment? (IE; easier technology, cheap labor = saturated install market) 2. Will we see a reoccurance of the 1970's "Solar Black-Eye". (Meaning: will cheap prices, good incentives and easy to install technology lead to poor siting and pissed customers?) Its a tough one to call but personally, I don't plan on being in the residential market after 2 years>>>>at least I don;t think I will. Time will tell. I have installed the Andalay system before... Not bad, has drawbacks too. I have predicted this for a while. In fact, I see the mass availability of Plug and Play modules as the downfall of the residential PV installation market. A few reasons:

1. How long before you see a crew of roofers or painters, for that matter, with electrical trainee cards and one electrician installing this equipment? (IE; easier technology, cheap labor = saturated install market)

2. Will we see a reoccurance of the 1970’s “Solar Black-Eye”. (Meaning: will cheap prices, good incentives and easy to install technology lead to poor siting and pissed customers?)

Its a tough one to call but personally, I don’t plan on being in the residential market after 2 years>>>>at least I don;t think I will. Time will tell.

I have installed the Andalay system before… Not bad, has drawbacks too.

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