Most home construction projects have some sort of permitting process that is regulated by the city or county where you live. If you are planning a DIY Solar project, check with your local government to make sure you have complied with any law or ordinance. There is usually a cost involved for a construction permit.
Depending on the project, there may also be a need for a Professional Engineer to determine if the structure (roof, barn, etc) can hold the weight of a solar array. In addition, electrical wiring additions may need an engineer approval.
Since we are talking about electricity, safety factors are very important. Make sure you have proper safety measures for yourself and your family in place. This is also for anyone that may have contact with your solar array, such as utility workers or fire protection personnel. Make sure you have automatic shut-offs and other fail-safe procedures.
For a Grid-tied system, your utility will require an application and process. Each utility has their own set of regulations and approvals that must be met.
Interested in learning more about how to DIY SOLAR? Check out the white paper that gives you in-depth, step-by-step details on what to do. We can provide you all the support help you need!