(Help Needed) Gathering Grid Tie and Net Metering Information and Regulations.

[J~wise]

It seems to be very difficult to get any substantial or creditable information for what exactly are the parameters of regulation for a alternative power grid tie system. It varies dramatically from state to state and even county to county. I would really like to get all the credible information (with sources) we can in one thread so that it is easily found, understood, and can be discussed freely.

For example Some are saying that you can not hook solar panels that you have assembled from solar cells to the grid anywhere in the US. In other words you would have to buy a assembled solar panel from a certified company. Which this is crazy considering that the solar panels power is going to be sent through an inverter before going into the grid. So to me this would mean that it would also be illegal to hook a home made wind turbine up to your house while you still have a connection to the grid. Here is a video of a guy claiming that if you do it the way he did it they will allow you to, but it seems pretty excessive.

DIY Solar Grid Tie: The Secret to Getting Approved! - YouTube

Here is an example of the fire that net metering and pretty much all of alt energy is coming under in some locations.

Solar Rights: Net Metering Under Attack | American Solar Energy Society

There are things that TPTB are much more conserned with that would probabily be much more usefull to mankind, but they are not even willing to let us have this watered down out dated version of alternative energy.

While i would perfer to have only extermely crediable info here on this thread any information for any state is welcome and would be greatly appreciated.

[wrtner]

You have to apply to your local Town Hall to find
out what your local regulations are and what
"Feed in Tarriff" they will offer to buy your power from you.

[J~wise]

You have to apply to your local Town Hall to find
out what your local regulations are and what
"Feed in Tarriff" they will offer to buy your power from you.

Have you done this? It sounds a little over simplified. I know that you do have to go through the power company and I don't believe the town hall has much to do with them. My local power company says on their website in the FAQ section that it will take a min of 10 years to get a return on your investment of solar panels if you go by their standards and could take up to 20 years. So I assume they are sating that their standards would not allow some one to use their own panels that they have assembled. But I really do appreciate the post though.

[wrtner]

Have you done this? It sounds a little over simplified. I know that you do have to go through the power company and I don't believe the town hall has much to do with them. My local power company says on their website in the FAQ section that it will take a min of 10 years to get a return on your investment of solar panels if you go by their standards and could take up to 20 years. So I assume they are sating that their standards would not allow some one to use their own panels that they have assembled. But I really do appreciate the post though.

In England, it is quite simple. You need their black box and I have heard
speak of a minimum "power in" requirement. But the Feed in Tariff
has just been halved.

It might pay you to work on the Bedini/Watson device instead of solar cells.
Have a look in Patrick's book:
http://www.free-energy-info.co.uk
.

[Twexcom]

It is probably best to request information from your local government. Regulations change periodically, and they vary on top of that.

I think an effort to gather all that information is futile, because it will change again.