Hello from Michigan!! Wanting to install a system!

[jeffegg2]

Trying to find information on Building codes and Electrical codes here in michigan and how to get a homeowners permit approved for a 1 - 3kw system on my roof. Wanting to install Sharp 250 or equivalent using enphase 215's with unistrut racking system.

I am a Master Electrician and will be using homeowner permit.

How to know the building codes with reference for the above??? Been searching for a while, so could use some mentoring!!

Thanks!
Jeff.

[Sunking]

Go to Mike Holts Code Forum to the PV section. This is a DIY site. Mike is a professional site with over 40,000 members all professionals in the trade where you will get the right answers concerning codes and permits from EC's in your area. You will not find that here.

What I find strange is you claim to be a Master Electrician and never heard of NEC 690. Makes one wonder.

[jeffegg2]

Go to Mike Holts Code Forum to the PV section. This is a DIY site. Mike is a professional site with over 40,000 members all professionals in the trade where you will get the right answers concerning codes and permits from EC's in your area. You will not find that here.

What I find strange is you claim to be a Master Electrician and never heard of NEC 690. Makes one wonder.

I'm well aware of all the ELECTRICAL codes, what I need are the BUILDING codes......

Thanks...

[Mike90250]

The building code will involve weight load, wind load and snow entrapment/heavy load. rooftop panels will impede snow shedding.
There may also be firefighter access codes (3' walkways) and emergency shutdown control points ignorant city / states impose.(can't be too safe you know, arc fault breakers.......)

You may have to come up with the original roof rafter plans, or make new plans and have them engineered & stamped to handle the expected loads.

But the biggie is, is it worth it, to install panels. Do you get enough sun over a year, to get a reasonable payback, or will you break even at year 23 ? And you know that Grid Tie systems do not generally provide any power in the case of a grid failure.

[jeffegg2]

The building code will involve weight load, wind load and snow entrapment/heavy load. rooftop panels will impede snow shedding.
There may also be firefighter access codes (3' walkways) and emergency shutdown control points ignorant city / states impose.(can't be too safe you know, arc fault breakers.......)

You may have to come up with the original roof rafter plans, or make new plans and have them engineered & stamped to handle the expected loads.

But the biggie is, is it worth it, to install panels. Do you get enough sun over a year, to get a reasonable payback, or will you break even at year 23 ? And you know that Grid Tie systems do not generally provide any power in the case of a grid failure.

I find it hard to believe that a Solar installer will have to come up with so much information.... There must be "canned" engineering plans that account for most roof styles... it seems that by the time I hire an engineer to analyse the roof, I will be paying the same to have it installed...

Isn't there anyone out there that has installed their own system that passed the building code as well as electrical code??? I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel here, just install a standard grid tie system with 250W panels and grid tie microinverters. Also the unistrut site documents their products for solar panel install.

Does every Solar panel installer have an engineer on their payroll to analyse each and every roof???

Jeff.

[Sunking]

Does every Solar panel installer have an engineer on their payroll to analyse each and every roof???

Yes Jeff they have retainers with PE's with cookie cutter designs, but in Michigan snow load is a significant factor and most jurisdictions will require an Engineer to stamp the drawing for the Permit which you have to pull.

[jeffegg2]

Ok, well, where do I find an engineer to stamp the design?

It's no wonder I see so few start-ups in solar install.....

[Mike90250]

It's a pain. I had recent blueprints for my addition that I planned to put roof panels on (2000'ish) and had to go back to the original engr, and get a new stamp for the new static weight load, and then was able to get a permit from the building department.
Los Angeles county, no wind, snow, just earthquake !

[Shockah]

Go to Mike Holts Code Forum ....

Found this link on Mike Holt's FaceBook page...

Holy Crap!
Many innocent victims of Electrocution.

[KRenn]

Ok, well, where do I find an engineer to stamp the design?

It's no wonder I see so few start-ups in solar install.....

Start calling up local engineers/firms...etc. If you want to go bargain basement, hit up Craigslist, be sure to check licenses.

[Sunking]

Well Jeff having stamped drawings is not the reason why you see so few installs in Michigan. The reason is Michigan is just NOT a good candidate for solar with extremely long ROI. You just do not have good Solar Insolation.