Master Electrician Needed for Solar Project
Master Electrician
Description
I’m a homeowner planning a DIY solar installation. My goal is to perform the portions of the installation that I can legally and safely do myself, while having a licensed electrician handle the permitting, review, installation, and connections that need to be performed by an electrician.I’m not looking for someone to simply put their name on my work. I’d like to establish with you up front which portions you’re comfortable with me doing and which portions you want to perform yourself.The basic system is:Approximately 24 solar panels (currently planning three strings of eight, although I may add a few panels if the design allows)Sol-Ark 18K hybrid inverter Battery storage Connection to the existing load center My thought for dividing the work is roughly:Work I would perform:Roof mounting/racking and installation of the panels Conduit runs from the roof into the garage Other non-electrical/preparatory work that you're comfortable having me perform Work I would hire you to perform/review:Review the electrical design and permit package Submit/pull the electrical permit Service disconnect work Installation and connection of the Sol-Ark inverter Battery connections Connection to the load center Final PV wiring/connections and any other work you believe needs to be performed by the electrician of record Any inspections/corrections necessary to get the electrical work approved I have already spoken with Howard County regarding permitting and am working on the permit drawings now. I have a draft package that I can send you. It still needs the final panel layout, string configuration, and some supporting documentation.My tentative sequence would be:I finish the initial permit package.You review it and tell me what needs to change from an electrical/code standpoint.I make the drawing/document corrections, with you reviewing as necessary.You submit the electrical permit when you're satisfied with the design.Once permitted, you install the inverter, batteries, disconnect, and load-center connections as appropriate.I obtain the building permit and install the roof racking/panels. Because I'm doing the roof work myself and will be taking my time, this portion may take a few months.Once the array is complete, you return to make the remaining electrical connections, address inspection requirements, and complete the electrical portion of the project.I'm completely comfortable paying your normal hourly rate for consultation, design/permit review, site visits, and electrical work. If you'd prefer to quote certain portions as fixed-price jobs—such as the initial permit/design review or inverter installation—that works for me as well.I also understand that, as the electrician pulling the permit, you need to be comfortable with the design and with any work that ultimately falls under your responsibility. If there are portions I've proposed doing myself that you need to perform or inspect instead, I'm open to discussing that.My main goal is to find an electrician willing to work collaboratively on the project rather than turn over the entire solar installation as a turnkey job.If this is something you'd be interested in, I'd be happy to send you the current permit package and drawings so you can see exactly what I'm proposing before committing to anything.Thanks,
