DIY and AL grid connect

[anderlan]

I know there are probably a lot of vendors in this group, so I apologize in advance for being pro-DIY.

One of the reasons for me being totally DIY is that I want to build my own raised platform (6x6x10 (or maybe 12) feet), so that I can get to more sun, and more easily take my array with me if I move, and maybe even move it as trees in the area fill out. I also want to do a platform because I want to have the array be 2-axis tracking. (To do that on a roof, you'd practically have to build a platform on your roof.)

This is what I want because I want to get every possible Joule I can out of the system for the money I'm putting in, and besides, building the tracking system looks to be the most fun and least expensive part of this endeavor.

I know there must be some folks who have done a lot of solar DIY here, so I was wondering:

How does the final grid-connection process work in Alabama? I've read that in some places you must get permitted via an application and a small fee. Then you have to get an inspection. Does this resemble the procedure in AL in any way? I imagine I would need to get another inspection when I add capacity. Is money required for the next inspection?

Thanks for any advice, input, links, rebukes, etc!

[macaw]

anderlan-

If you want to hook to the grid it depends where you live and what the building codes require. If you want to hook to the grid and get paid a premium for your PV power sold to TVA then you will need to follow every rule in the rulebook. In Huntsville City limits that means getting a building permit, getting a licensed electrician to get a building permit and meeting all applicable NEC codes and all applicable building codes regarding structures built on your property. In general the building code in non-coastal zones of Alabama require that all structures are built to withstand a 90 MPH breeze for a few minutes at least. So if you want to build a platform up 15 feet high off the ground then you might have to do a little analysis to prove it can handle 90 MPH winds and you might have to have a licensed professional engineer sign off on the design before the City Inspection Department would authorize your installation. So you need to buy the building permit and pay your electrician and engineers.

If you want to hook your UL approved grid-tie inverter to the grid out in the county or someplace where there are no building codes then you can probably get by doing it without all those building permits. You can hook up to the grid by patching directly into your home electrical system. But without the fully code compliant, city/county inspector approval process you will not be able to formally enter an agreement to sell your power for a premium. You will only be able to use the power you produce on your side of the meter and if you produce more than you consume your meter may or may not turn backwards. If you did produce more power than you consumed in any billing period and your meter did turn backwards for that period then you would be under investigation for stealing power from the utility. That probably would not be a problem in your case as it sounds like you are starting out with a small array.

As far as dual axis tracking system goes, many alternative energy and off grid energy users have adopted the attitude of simplicity first—If you can gain 20 % additional energy harvest by adding dual axis then it might be way cheaper and easier over 20 or 30 or 40 years to just add 20% more panels and never worry about all those mechanical moving elements up in the wind and the snow and the heat and the UV and the corrosion and the unknown failure modes while you are away on vacation or otherwise not paying attention…. 30 years of paying attention versus no moving parts… how does another panel cost versus all those brackets and hinges and pistons or drive motors… panels are cheap now… Then you could use your extra energy otherwise sapped by non-cost-effective dual tracking system design/fab for other efforts that still support your desire for self sufficiency and future financial independence.
So -- full speed ahead on your DIY project and I hope this helps!