Honestly not bad for a solo guy learning as he goes. As an installer, I will say some of these steps are a little over the top. Such as the leveling of rail. Theres no need for string lining parallel across. Once the rail is snapped into the L-feet, max the height of the rail. Then when it comes to actually paneling, you can adjust height as you see fit and as you stack up. Also for wire management and this is crucial for long term; DO NOT USE ZIP TIES. Use the retention clips that comes with SnapNrack. Zip ties will not last more than 3-5 years with constant temperature changes, they will become brittle and eventually break, then your wires will be vulnerable to your roof. Other than that not bad
Right on, man! I just finished mounting 28 panels on my own house. Always stoked to see others with the same DIY spirit. I'll be doing more panels in the future on my garage and I picked up a few tricks from your video. Great job and keep up the good work. Appreciate you documenting your processes and spreading the DIY knowledge. 😎
Is there a reason to bother running the wiring into the roof and then right back out the side of the attic? That short distance hardly seems worth it to put the additional holes in the house.
Well it looks better then going off the side off the roof. But no you don’t have to. If you don’t go through the roof you still need to put holes in the roof. You will need to run conduit and they will need hangers.
Thank you you were very helpful, sir. I hope if I have problems down the line, I can come back and ask questions or see some more of the same repeat and see if I can figure out where I mess up. Thank you. 21:1521:20
My house has hipped roof on all sides, so no worries on squaring up the rows. However, I have 190 roof mounts over four different roof planes to install. My almost 60 year old body is not looking forward to this project.
Nevermind my other reply. I hadn't seen the part where he ran the liquid tight down the side of the house. I definitely agree, metal conduit there all the way.
All of the site keeps selling kits and required so many info. Many of us just want to by certain part to DIY not the whole system that taken apart and we need to put back the same way.
Helpful video, thanks for posting. I see how you tied all the neutral lines together in the roof junction box, but where did you run the ground wire? Did you go directly to the ground stake for lightning protection?
How is it some people have so little fear? At a mimimum I would use the best OSHA fall prevention and definitely not work alone in case of some kind of accident (how long would it take for someone to find you?) What if the ladder slipped and you could hold on for 60 seconds while someone on the ground restored your ladder etc.
Thank you for sharing the video and the great details!! You gave us 10 - 4 for the first day to install the Roof rail clamps... How many panels and size / did you end up installing? What was the approx total hour count for install. Trying to see how long a first timer take..
arning: Replace your shingle roof before you install solar panels, neighbors had solar panels installed two years ago, shingle roof had to be replaced this year, it cost them $11,500.00 to have the solar panels removed and installed again....
We are in the process of installing our system from Solar Wholesale. Having some issues. The solar panels obtained were a different size than our plan set drawings. Trying to get the plan set rewritten to accommodate the larger panels. We have 5 strings, some ending midroof. Not sure how the trunk cables end to the junction box 20 ft away! Anyway, if you could address the wiring of the trunk cables I would be very appreciative.
By chance are in the in Virginia area and looking for a weekend side job? :) I just bought some REC 400 Alpha panels and have been testing them out just in the back yard to charge up some battery banks, but my plan is a bit different, in that I was going to use a string inverter and I was just going to go 'off grid' just to power some circuits in my house. Making it work isn't the issue, it's more the paperwork/permitting and meeting all code, but having second set of hands is always a plus.
As a homeowner you can pretty much pull any permit. For codes I have a friend that I ask. I live in the Hampton roads area. If you need some help let me know.
@@javansheneman3659 depending on the state you will need a neutral. The ones that call for is California and Oregon I believe. Do not bind the neutral and ground. The only time you bond the neutral and ground is in your main panel.
Love my system from Solarwholesale. But there costumer service is complete trash if you need help or have any questions 2 years later. Awesome product though.
I’m assuming that the Micro inverter replaces the inverter you install normally right near your charge controller and your battery storage system right? How many watts can this micro inverter convert into AC to the battery? I was thinking on getting a 12k Growatt inverter. Would this micro inverter be able to match a 12k Growatt ability to convert a 9.5 to 10k charge input to a battery?
I could be wrong, but using a micro inverter sounds counter productive if you are charging a battery. Batteries are DC, and so are solar panels. The micro inverters will spit out AC at some level of efficiency (say 95%? Check spec) then it would need to go through another inverter to be made back into DC to charge the battery. I think micro inverters are mainly for grid tie setups without energy storage.
@@SetTheCurveexactly, and micro inverters for problem shading areas. Otherwise, much more efficient and cheaper to go with string inverter near battery. Lastly, if any malfunctions, micro inverters much harder to work on..removing panels and troubleshooting multiple inverters.
I,m in the UK,, I had 14 375w panels weighing 40lbs each ,I am 66 and weigh 166lbs ,By myself I got all the panels on the roof,, I lifted on my garage roof first .. What I did was first planned the job..Then made a ramp and lifted each panel half way up ,then got on the roof and pulled up from the top,, it turned out easy.... Good planning and you can conquer the world...
I'm finding that impossible. At least here in central FL. They all want to use their overpriced and many times inferior equipment. I just want someone to put the panels on the roof and leave the wires hanging - I'll do the rest of the wiring and battery integration. However, it's kind of like trying to sell your house without a realtor - they want their cut and any going around the system is frowned upon.
You can't use more than 6ft of flexable non metalic conduit (seal tight) so you won't pass inspection on that run coming down side of house! Should of used pvc!
@@SetTheCurve I got a 24 hour ban for telling you about the galvanized steel struts at home depot lmao.. let's see if this one works. But they are good, I use them and if you get 8 or more they cut out a big chunk of the price
I couldn't find your email. I am in the process of getting a new property in Alexandria and was wondering if you would be able to help me install the solar panels on my home. I liked the work you did, however, I don't have all the tools you used or experience. Can you help me if I pay you for your services?
How much was that system you just installed And is it all made in China? What kind of warranty does it come with? If you the homeowner install it yourself
This was not my home. The other video is. The panels and inverters come with a manufactured warranty. Solar Wholesale will have more information on your questions.
Honestly i believe you should have elaborated more becuse for the mounts and wiring ,i understood nothing . U should have explained it little more . Because u are making video for the beginners and i dont think i will able to install it .
I would love to put a 5 Kilometer high wind powered generator on my roof. Do you imagine i'm allowed to? Of course not! Bloody buerocrats! Bloody neighbors! Bloody mayor! Bloody FAA! Bloody Military! Bloody EU! They all tell me its ugly! It endangers bloody useless birds! It endangers bloody inefficient airplanes! I don't care! Ugly is not important! Making my own energy and selling and making bucks from it is more important!
@@scottssolutions3849 ignore him. I applaud your use of a waist harness. I too just picked one up. Prefer to have the attachment in front. Actual roofing safety harness have the attachment between your shoulder blades which leaves you, hanging if you actual go over the side. Ask me how I know... while building my shed.
Honestly not bad for a solo guy learning as he goes. As an installer, I will say some of these steps are a little over the top. Such as the leveling of rail. Theres no need for string lining parallel across. Once the rail is snapped into the L-feet, max the height of the rail. Then when it comes to actually paneling, you can adjust height as you see fit and as you stack up. Also for wire management and this is crucial for long term; DO NOT USE ZIP TIES. Use the retention clips that comes with SnapNrack. Zip ties will not last more than 3-5 years with constant temperature changes, they will become brittle and eventually break, then your wires will be vulnerable to your roof. Other than that not bad
Right on, man! I just finished mounting 28 panels on my own house. Always stoked to see others with the same DIY spirit. I'll be doing more panels in the future on my garage and I picked up a few tricks from your video. Great job and keep up the good work. Appreciate you documenting your processes and spreading the DIY knowledge. 😎
Thank you
As an electrician that runs a small company you have my respect doing this install by yourself…
Thank you
Awsome job sir 👏
Can you elaborate more how you find the center of the rafters? Tapping with hammer puts you in the area but how did you ensure being centered?
Great job Scott. I'm getting close to be doing the exact same thing here in Texas, but won't be installing them until it gets a little cooler.
nice work Scott , you certainly know your work ill give you a shout out when i install my 16 panels from SOLAR WHOLESALE
crazy to use microinverters now with split panels, split cells and 3 diodes per panel but a nice rail installation
Is there a reason to bother running the wiring into the roof and then right back out the side of the attic? That short distance hardly seems worth it to put the additional holes in the house.
Well it looks better then going off the side off the roof. But no you don’t have to. If you don’t go through the roof you still need to put holes in the roof. You will need to run conduit and they will need hangers.
@@scottssolutions3849 Thanks Scott!
Thank you you were very helpful, sir. I hope if I have problems down the line, I can come back and ask questions or see some more of the same repeat and see if I can figure out where I mess up. Thank you. 21:15 21:20
Nice professional install..I like how you did it right and used siding j blocks..
My house has hipped roof on all sides, so no worries on squaring up the rows. However, I have 190 roof mounts over four different roof planes to install. My almost 60 year old body is not looking forward to this project.
How do you avoid water going inside the roof wood with those big screws? Thanks
All your wiring is very neat, I would opt for metal conduit for a heater and more durable install though.
Part of point of Snapnrack is that the rail is your wire chase.
Nevermind my other reply. I hadn't seen the part where he ran the liquid tight down the side of the house. I definitely agree, metal conduit there all the way.
Is there a reason you can just use a level to set the height of the rail feet? That's what I did with mine.
You can. I am a bit of an overachiever you can say.
good vid. most vids dont discuss grounding stuff
All of the site keeps selling kits and required so many info. Many of us just want to by certain part to DIY not the whole system that taken apart and we need to put back the same way.
Hey From Virginia. Scott! My kit came with a neutral wire to go from the combiner panel to the main breaker. How come yours doesn't?
Helpful video, thanks for posting. I see how you tied all the neutral lines together in the roof junction box, but where did you run the ground wire? Did you go directly to the ground stake for lightning protection?
There are no neutral wires in the roof junction box. It is two hots at L2, L2 and the ground.
How did you hook up your safety harness? and what did you use for the safety?
Yes, I just used a climbing harness. I added all the safety equipment I used in the description.
How is it some people have so little fear? At a mimimum I would use the best OSHA fall prevention and definitely not work alone in case of some kind of accident (how long would it take for someone to find you?) What if the ladder slipped and you could hold on for 60 seconds while someone on the ground restored your ladder etc.
Have you ever hook up solar with a Generac generator with the auto switch box?
Yes, I have a video on that on my channel.
Thank you for sharing the video and the great details!! You gave us 10 - 4 for the first day to install the Roof rail clamps... How many panels and size / did you end up installing? What was the approx total hour count for install. Trying to see how long a first timer take..
It was 33 panels and I believe they were 330w panels. I think it took me about 5 half days. This was my second install.
Just watched your other video, like the man lift better then the wood crane ;), again thanks for the share.@@scottssolutions3849
Gotta love that plane at 2.06 spraying and stoping the sun from hitting the panels..Just imagine the sun we would get if they didnt ....
arning: Replace your shingle roof before you install solar panels, neighbors had solar panels installed two years ago, shingle roof had to be replaced this year, it cost them $11,500.00 to have the solar panels removed and installed again....
We are in the process of installing our system from Solar Wholesale. Having some issues. The solar panels obtained were a different size than our plan set drawings. Trying to get the plan set rewritten to accommodate the larger panels. We have 5 strings, some ending midroof. Not sure how the trunk cables end to the junction box 20 ft away! Anyway, if you could address the wiring of the trunk cables I would be very appreciative.
Yes I can help you. I believe you should have my number. Give me call
By chance are in the in Virginia area and looking for a weekend side job? :) I just bought some REC 400 Alpha panels and have been testing them out just in the back yard to charge up some battery banks, but my plan is a bit different, in that I was going to use a string inverter and I was just going to go 'off grid' just to power some circuits in my house. Making it work isn't the issue, it's more the paperwork/permitting and meeting all code, but having second set of hands is always a plus.
As a homeowner you can pretty much pull any permit. For codes I have a friend that I ask. I live in the Hampton roads area. If you need some help let me know.
Running into the same issues the permitting process is designed to discourage the DIY solar installs.
I’m in Virginia as well, looking to find a contractor that will install equipment I purchase
So these inverters output 220 AC with a ground correct? That's why you have the red and black going to breakers?
Yes.
@@scottssolutions3849 do you also bond the neutral and ground in the combiner box?
@@javansheneman3659 depending on the state you will need a neutral. The ones that call for is California and Oregon I believe. Do not bind the neutral and ground. The only time you bond the neutral and ground is in your main panel.
How long did the install take you to do by yourself?
Great job. What's the name of the fall harness you used for the install?
I have those links in my first video.
Love my system from Solarwholesale. But there costumer service is complete trash if you need help or have any questions 2 years later. Awesome product though.
Good video, I need more information needed So what brand and specification of the solar panels in the DIY Kit? what brand are they? model #
Solar Wholesale manly use NEA American assemble panels. Give them a call to get more details.
I’m assuming that the Micro inverter replaces the inverter you install normally right near your charge controller and your battery storage system right? How many watts can this micro inverter convert into AC to the battery? I was thinking on getting a 12k Growatt inverter. Would this micro inverter be able to match a 12k Growatt ability to convert a 9.5 to 10k charge input to a battery?
I could be wrong, but using a micro inverter sounds counter productive if you are charging a battery. Batteries are DC, and so are solar panels. The micro inverters will spit out AC at some level of efficiency (say 95%? Check spec) then it would need to go through another inverter to be made back into DC to charge the battery. I think micro inverters are mainly for grid tie setups without energy storage.
@@SetTheCurveexactly, and micro inverters for problem shading areas. Otherwise, much more efficient and cheaper to go with string inverter near battery. Lastly, if any malfunctions, micro inverters much harder to work on..removing panels and troubleshooting multiple inverters.
Nice work dude. Planning on batteries? Like a powerwall?
This isn't my house. My other video is. I would if Lion Energy would give me a good deal and I would do a video for them.
how did you get the panels on the roof?
Man Lift
I mean… it’s shown in the thumbnail… and the time lapse video at the end…
I,m in the UK,, I had 14 375w panels weighing 40lbs each ,I am 66 and weigh 166lbs ,By myself I got all the panels on the roof,, I lifted on my garage roof first .. What I did was first planned the job..Then made a ramp and lifted each panel half way up ,then got on the roof and pulled up from the top,, it turned out easy.... Good planning and you can conquer the world...
How do you find a contractor that will do the install on customer bought equipment ?
I do installs customers bought equipment. Where do you live?
@@scottssolutions3849 Amissville Va
I live outside of Norfolk. Send me email. We can talk more
Virginia 😢😢I live in Missouri
I'm finding that impossible. At least here in central FL. They all want to use their overpriced and many times inferior equipment. I just want someone to put the panels on the roof and leave the wires hanging - I'll do the rest of the wiring and battery integration. However, it's kind of like trying to sell your house without a realtor - they want their cut and any going around the system is frowned upon.
Does the kit come with the grillons?
Not sure what you are talking about.
You can't use more than 6ft of flexable non metalic conduit (seal tight) so you won't pass inspection on that run coming down side of house! Should of used pvc!
Different states have different rules, hopefully wherever he is that is code and good to go
Hello Scott, great video. how many Watts are these panels and what's the total KW combined?
They are 330w panels, so its an 10.89kw system.
@@scottssolutions3849 how much does it costed you
This job was a customer of mine. I believe kits from Solar Wholesale are ~$1.90-$2 per watt and that is BEFORE the tax credit.
@@scottssolutions3849 is that on the DC side of the 10kw. How much is it on the ac side of it's peak production.
@@scottssolutions3849 labor included?
Very nice work Mr Scott, what kind of inverters are you using,I can't find this type of inverters in my country anymore.👍🇬🇷
AP Systems. apsystems.com/
Wow.......I have 500 sq ft flat roof what do you that would cost??
I am not sure give Solar Wholesale call.
virtually any solar is easy to do yourself. Hardest part is dealing with dumb permit stuff
Just finished mine about a month ago and can confirm this is true.
Or finding the damn parts. Finding racking has been extremely frustrating
@@SetTheCurve I got a 24 hour ban for telling you about the galvanized steel struts at home depot lmao.. let's see if this one works. But they are good, I use them and if you get 8 or more they cut out a big chunk of the price
Dope ... nice work bro! What was the cost?
I couldn't find your email. I am in the process of getting a new property in Alexandria and was wondering if you would be able to help me install the solar panels on my home. I liked the work you did, however, I don't have all the tools you used or experience. Can you help me if I pay you for your services?
Scott.solarsolutions@gmail.com
The links don't work
Are you sure? They worked for me.
props :)
How much was that system you just installed
And is it all made in China?
What kind of warranty does it come with? If you the homeowner install it yourself
This was not my home. The other video is. The panels and inverters come with a manufactured warranty. Solar Wholesale will have more information on your questions.
Works great with the Ecoflow Delta Max portable power station
So 18 bucks a clamp and 4 needed per panel then if you have 10 panels thats .... drum roll! 720 then tax and skirting is extra...
$18 clamp?? They rage from ~$3 to ~$5 depending which type you use.
Honestly i believe you should have elaborated more becuse for the mounts and wiring ,i understood nothing . U should have explained it little more . Because u are making video for the beginners and i dont think i will able to install it .
what is wrong with our world when we have to beg the governemt for the right to put solar on our roofs?
I would love to put a 5 Kilometer high wind powered generator on my roof. Do you imagine i'm allowed to? Of course not! Bloody buerocrats! Bloody neighbors! Bloody mayor! Bloody FAA! Bloody Military! Bloody EU! They all tell me its ugly! It endangers bloody useless birds! It endangers bloody inefficient airplanes! I don't care! Ugly is not important! Making my own energy and selling and making bucks from it is more important!
This is not DIY this is death waiting to happen
It’s safer then driving.
@@scottssolutions3849 ignore him. I applaud your use of a waist harness. I too just picked one up. Prefer to have the attachment in front. Actual roofing safety harness have the attachment between your shoulder blades which leaves you, hanging if you actual go over the side. Ask me how I know... while building my shed.