Why I Chose to do a DIY Solar
What Was My Motivation?
When I first started planning my 8 kW solar system, my goal was simple: send the electricity my panels generated back into the grid using what are called grid-tie inverters.
A grid-tie system would eliminate the need for a large battery bank to store electricity. At the time, that would have cut the cost of my solar project by nearly 50%.
There was one major downside, though.
If the utility power went out, my solar system would also stop producing usable power. Here in Oklahoma, where severe storms can knock out electricity with little warning, that was a deal-breaker.
That’s when I started looking at other options.
What Is a Grid-Tie Inverter?
A grid-tie inverter converts the DC (direct current) electricity produced by your solar panels into AC (alternating current) electricity that your home and the utility grid can use.
The inverter synchronizes with the utility grid and sends any excess solar power back to the electric company.
One important thing to understand is this:
Every grid-tie inverter is designed with a built-in safety feature. It will only send power to the grid while the utility grid is operating normally.
If the utility power goes down, the inverter immediately shuts off and stops producing power.
Why Does It Shut Off?
This is done for one very important reason: to protect utility workers.
If your solar system continued sending electricity into power lines during an outage, it could energize lines that workers believe are de-energized, creating a serious—and potentially deadly—hazard.
This safety feature, called anti-islanding protection, is required on all grid-tie inverters.
So while a standard grid-tie solar system can reduce your electric bill, it will not keep your lights on during a power outage unless it includes battery backup or a properly designed hybrid system.
My Electric Meter:
After I’d finished the construction phase of the DIY Solar project, I Just had one more obstacle …
The electric meter.
In my area, my utility company required me to apply before connecting a grid-tie solar system. Depending on the type of meter installed and the utility’s requirements, a meter upgrade or replacement may be necessary so the utility can accurately measure electricity flowing both to and from your home.
Then came the paperwork.
The application wasn’t exactly designed with the do-it-yourself homeowner in mind.
I was asked to submit a wiring schematic of my entire solar system and answer several technical electrical questions that were well beyond my experience at the time.
Fortunately, my next-door neighbor is an electrical engineer.
He patiently walked me through the application and helped me answer nearly every question.
Nearly…
There was one question we couldn’t answer.
It required information about one of the major components in my system.
Because I’d purchased several generic, no-name components, the documentation simply didn’t include the information the utility company wanted.
That single unanswered question stopped my project in its tracks…
…or so I thought.
My Next Surprise: The Utility Company
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, I discovered another hurdle…
The electric meter.
With my utility company, I couldn’t simply connect my DIY solar system to the grid.
I had to submit an application before I could legally connect everything.
Depending on your utility and the type of electric meter you have, you may need a meter that’s approved for measuring electricity flowing both to and from your home.
Then came the paperwork.
The application wasn’t exactly written for the average do-it-yourself homeowner.
I had to draw a complete wiring schematic of my solar system and answer several detailed electrical questions that were far beyond my level of experience.
Fortunately, my next-door neighbor is an electrical engineer.
He helped me work through almost every question on the application.
Almost…
There was one question we couldn’t answer.
The answer depended on technical specifications for one of my solar components.
Unfortunately, I’d bought several generic components, and the documentation simply didn’t include the information the utility company wanted.
My project had hit a wall.
Looking for Answers
So I did what most of us do…
I started searching online.
I called one solar company after another, hoping someone could answer a single technical question.
Instead, most of the companies I contacted seemed far more interested in scheduling a FREE in-home estimate than helping a DIY builder.
I have to admit…I found that pretty frustrating.
After all, I had built my entire 8 kW solar system for roughly $4,000 (not including batteries).
The comparable systems I was being quoted were typically $25,000 to $30,000 before installation.
I wasn’t looking for someone to sell me a solar system.
I just needed one answer.
Finally, after making more than ten phone calls, I found one gentleman who actually understood the technical side of solar. For a reasonable consultation fee, he answered the question I’d been chasing for weeks.
Putting the Project on Hold
By then, winter was approaching.
My electricity usage always drops during the colder months, and honestly, I was tired of fighting paperwork and utility requirements.
So I pressed the pause button on the project.
Looking back, I’m glad I did.
Over the last year and a half, LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) batteries with built-in heaters have dropped dramatically in price.
That completely changed my plans.
Instead of building a standard grid-tie system, I’ve decided to build a battery bank and convert my project into a hybrid solar system.
My goal is to install a second electrical panel that’s powered by my solar array and battery bank.
All of my 120-volt household circuits will be moved onto the solar-powered panel, while my high-demand 240-volt circuits will remain connected to the utility grid.
Those include:
- My central air conditioner
- My deep-water well pump
- My electric water heater
Actually…that last item won’t be staying.
I’m replacing my electric water heater with a propane tankless (on-demand) water heater, which will dramatically reduce my electrical load and make my solar system even more practical.
That’s the next step in my DIY solar journey…
My New DIY Solar Plan
After a lot of research—and a few unexpected surprises—I’ve decided to change the direction of my DIY solar project.
Instead of building a traditional grid-tie solar system, I’m going to build a hybrid solar system with a LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) battery bank and a new off-grid/hybrid inverter.
My goal is simple:
I want my solar system to keep working even when the utility power goes out.
Choosing the Right Inverter
Right now, I’m thinking about using multiple smaller inverters instead of one large unit.
For example:
- Three 3 kW inverters, or
- Two 4 kW inverters
Why would I do that?
There are two reasons.
First, it spreads out the cost.
Buying several smaller inverters lets me build the system over time instead of spending a large amount of money all at once.
Second, it provides built-in redundancy.
If one inverter ever fails, I won’t lose my entire solar system. The remaining inverter(s) can continue powering part of my home while I make repairs or replace the failed unit.
For me, that’s an important advantage.
Locating the Power Equipment
Another change I’m making is where I’ll locate the inverter and battery bank.
I’m planning to build a small “power house” directly behind my solar array.
That keeps the high-voltage DC wiring from the solar panels under 10 feet long, reducing voltage loss and simplifying the installation.
Once the inverter converts the solar power to 120/240-volt AC electricity, I’ll use the 12/2 cable that I installed earlier to carry the power approximately 150 feet to my home’s electrical panel.
Why I’m Staying Connected to the Utility Grid
Even though I’m building a battery-backed solar system, I have no plans to disconnect from the utility grid.
In my opinion, the best solution is a hybrid solar system that combines solar power, battery storage, and the electric utility.
Here’s why.
I’ll continue using grid power for my larger 240-volt loads, such as:
- Central air conditioning
- My deep-water well pump
- (For now) my electric water heater
Everything else—my lighting, outlets, electronics, and most of my everyday household circuits—will eventually be powered by my solar array and battery bank.
There’s another advantage to staying connected to the grid.
If we experience several cloudy days in a row and my batteries become depleted, I can simply recharge the battery bank from the utility instead of relying on a generator.
For me, that’s the best of both worlds.
I get the security of battery backup during power outages, the savings of DIY solar power, and the reliability of the electric grid whenever I need it.
That’s the system I’m building—and I’ll be documenting every step along the way so you can learn from both my successes and my mistakes.