Besides, code compliant, the size of the conductors, sized for cost or sized for energy with distance as a factor – voltage drop -> power loss. If residential, if string inverters most may use #10 AWG on the DC side ~<2%-3%. With micro-inverters conductors sized on the AC side at ~1%.

Solar Power = Current * Voltage.
Solar Energy = Power * Time.

The primary source of current would be sunlight.

"You’re paying for expertise as well as the value of your own time." Correct. If you empower an individual with maximum empower, the solar energy system prevails with a not only with the sunlight tranformity to energy, but the embodied energy to complete the project ~ $6/Watt?

Solar Emergy = Empower * Time

"We love consumers to be educated" Over time, consumers would explicate the meaning of solar energy systems as prosumers at a mean size of ~4kW. Average available roof or ground area code compliant to NEC 690.64(B) ~20 amps for current. Since the first time using solar energy for most, knowledge would be a factor of time. In time, the wisdom to use renewables as knowledge plus experience, results in one thing – an epiphany – climate change @ ~387.27 ppm

An epiphany, equal to a greater impact than mother nature * father time combined. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future."

We love consumers to be educated. That’s one of the main reasons why we’re here. On topic, however, these home made DIY solar panel kits aren’t worth a Twinkie. Not even a half a Twinkie. There are real DIY kits that some companies offer, however, but these are composed of manufactured solar panels and components. They are safe, but if you want net metering and all of the other incentives that go with solar, it’s going to be a lot of extra time and work. I think that’s the value in professional installers. You’re paying for expertise as well as the value of your own time.

Thanks for commenting.

http://news.google.com/news/search?aq=f&cf=all&ned=us&hl=en&q=Andalay+DIY

It’s at the point of connection NEC 690.64 – that’s the issue

“Get ‘yourself’ quotes from solar installation companies!”

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/solar-group-purchasing/

There are various articles http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/ with regards to the use of licensed contractors to do it ‘right’ (DIR)?

In addition, not only UL 1703, but UL 790, … also consider IEC 61215, …

The substantial issue is current which is directly proportional to sunlight. As a result, body currents greater than ~0.1 to 1.0 A may result in ventricular fibrillation – dangerous – depending on the time of day, azimuth, tilt and the duration of the shock.

Not only parallel is an issue, but series to increased voltage. Not only practical safeguarding would be a requirement, but also PPE – Personal Protective Equipment.

The issue is not only NEC, but NFPA 70E, and safety training. Suggest the NJATC National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee as a resource for additional information.

A qualified person is ‘one who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.’