For the photovoltaic modules, the roof rail system takes the most time to install. The rail mounts are bolted through the roof into the rafters for structural soundness. There's rubber washers above and below the bolt, so we're not concerned about leaks.
Rails are installed on both the upper and lower roofs.
Carol, the electrician from Sunergy, has combined a couple circuits, moved around curcuit breakers, and eliminated an unused spare to accommodate a new double switch (240-volt, between the solar production and the utility net meters).
A new production meter will eventually be installed, and the existing meter will be changed by Snohomish PUD (so it can go backwards for "net metering"). We were approved without exterior AC disconnect switch because the SMA inverter will safely auto-disconnect when utility power is out (not backfeed into the grid when lines are being worked on). [Clarification 6/26/09: The PUD handbook says: "The PUD does not require an AC disconnect."]
Our inverter (with DC disconnect switch) is installed in the garage, which should extend its life (instead of being exposed to hot sun on the exterior south wall).
The solar water heater tank is in, plumbing connected, and the electric element is working. The solar heat transfer system is not yet finished or connected. This 80 gallon tank is bigger than our old 50 gallon tank, but still fit in nicely. The small blue tank on top is an expansion tank for safety.
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