Uni-Solar Self-Install Kits

Uni-Solar produces factory-direct kits for homeowners nationwide. They can either be installed by the customer himself or installation can be contracted out. Kit sizes are 1.8kW and 2.5kW and are not sold through any Uni-Solar dealers or distributors. Pricing can be obtained at dbrands@cox.net. Before writing, please try to estimate the size of system you would need. My postings "Sizing Your System" Parts I and II will help you do this.

J.J. Fenton, a San Diego home improvement contractor, decided to purchase a 5kW system (two 2.5kW kits) last winter and installed it with two members of his construction crew this summer. J.J. built his house himself which has a panoramic view of the University of San Diego and Mission Bay. With a combination flat and south-facing roof he knew he had good solar orientation--probably from the day we met by chance while having lunch at a popular Mexican eatery nearly two years ago.

J.J. chose a framed module system to sit on his composite shingle roof none of which is visible from the street. Most of the 80 US-64 watt panels went on the southeast pitched area and the remainder were slightly tilted southward on the flat area of the roof. He offers some sage advice for self-installers.

"The first attempt at any task takes time," says J.J.,"so follow the manual and take time laying out your array. Since the kits are intended to be grid-tied, it's a good idea to get a handle on the local electrical code by asking questions when getting permitted.

"The racking hardware [which hold the panels] is well designed and virtually leakproof. All-in-all, it's a pretty nifty system that gives you every chance to make it work," noted J.J. who has been impressed with Uni-Solar's output even during this mild summer with a rather unusual amount of overcast.

This 5.1kW system will produce an average 8643 kWHrs per year which is about 2/3 of his household demand. However, because he is on SDG&E's tiered system and his PV system always pays the top portion of his bill, he is saving 71% on normal charges with solar. At this writing J.J. is awaiting his rebate from the California Energy Commission and will take his 7.5% state income tax credit when he makes his 2005 tax filings next year.