Arjun Pathria -
With all the options available ... for everyone ... when discussing 'opportunities' and 'permits' needed (or not) ... or necessary, (in your community), or not ! And just 'how much' money is involved with the practice and prejudice of 'Going Solar' ... the nation and the world may not realize that the 'certified' installer ... is only human ... and the 'electrician' is also, 'only human' ... and they gain their 'experience' through schooling and through 'on the job' training as an apprentice, journeyman, etc !
We worked with the gentleman who wrote the book on Solar, Dr. Richard Komp, 'Practical Photovoltaics', aatech Publishing, Ann Arbor, MI ! Now 'out of print' ... the book was a way for those who wanted to 'Go Solar', to accomplish the task without the aid of the 'certified', installers, the electricians, the banks, etc ! (Of course, those 'certified' folks, still 'Pooh-pooh' the DIY approach, to protect their jobs and 'your safety') !
In fact, Dr. Komp was instrumental in establishing a 'world wide' network of 'Do Yourself Solar' businesses and individuals, still functioning in many nations on almost every continent ! Using the 'discarded' (cosmetically blemished), solar cells available from the 'robotic factories', his network is well known for 'getting it done' with the low-income communities, in the 'developing world', where the residents were 'shut out' of the ability to use the 'solar options', by the costs of 'going solar' ... for a future, for all folks ... on the planet ! The fossil fools are still 'denying' the relation between 'Climate Changes' and the use of the 'polluting, deadly' fossil fuels ... that we all have become addicted to !
Dr. Komp was interested in ending the 'fossil fuel addiction' and worked tirelessly (with no personal gain), to share the necessary information, in detail, in writing, as well as 'in person', with the 'on-going' solar assembly workshops, at the Maine Solar Energy Association, Dadsolar.com, Downeast Solar Center, Jonesport, Maine ... The 'solar home' that 'Richard' built !
There are opportunities available for those who do want to 'Go Solar' .. without the 'attachments to the Grid' ! An 'off-grid' solar lifestyle is for those that want to know how to 'take care' of their own ! Their own difficulties, their own families and neighbors ! When there is a 'situation' that may need attention, they don't turn to the phone book, unless there is 'no other option' ! Self-reliance is the key ... for a satisfied mind, and a self-sufficient solar community is where you will find the folks, and neighbors that will 'be there' for each other ! I have heard that folks with a 'solar installation' problem have a hard time finding the company that did the original install, and therefore trouble getting the 'repair' or 'replacement' ! Of course when you 'do it yourself' there are the same possible 'disadvantages' involved ! You can decide just what it is you are comfortable with !
Peace -
John Burke
Maine Solar Energy Association; SEADS of Truth, Inc.
Do-Yourself-Solar
Downeast Alternative Design Solar, Inc. (DADS, Inc.)