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I'm curious how much skill it currently takes to install a panel and if some system can be designed which is only 50% more difficult/dangerous to install than a new set of gutters.

I suspect I'm probably wrong since I've not done anything more complicated on a roof than tarpaper and shingles.

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The big hazard with photovoltaics is the lack of circuit breakers on the sun. Part of the system is live with sufficient current for useful work whenever there's daylight.

Safety is why there will always be a base level of regulation...keeping in mind that my faulty installation can kill my neighbor or a utility worker.

Why can't you just cover them?

i have heard that half covering a cell means that the current flowing through the shaded part has more resistance and can heat up and become damaged.

...then build it up to regulations (which you should in any case) and have a law to require an inspection before being allowed to connect to the grid (and earn money from it).

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