Phoenix area DIY install with SRP

[Jdflyer]

Hi Everyone,

I am reaching out to get opinions on doing a selfinstall hear in metro Phoenix. I have done some light construction and feel very confident in my abilities to do things correctly and to code. Though it may take me 3 times as long . We are in the initial stages of looking a solaredge system with 30-34 panels. We are doing a design feasability study with sketchup to see if it will work with the shading issues surrounding our house.

I have spent sometime on the SRP website and have noticed that their checklist requires the system to be sold and installed by someone with an R-11 or B-11 license. Then the phoenix.gov website seems to indicate that I can install it under the handyman exemption. A call to SRP and the woman in the solar department confirmed that I can act as my own contractor and those portions of the checklist would not apply to me.

The equipment I am looking at is:
1. SolarEdge 10000 inverter
2. P350 Optimizers
3. Canadian Solar 310w panels
4. Ironridge racking system (Asphault shingle roof)
5. Tesla 7.6kw battery (when available)


My questions for you since you've been through most of this are:
1. Can I self install in Phoenix and interconnect with SRP?
2. Are there examples of the documents that need to be submitted for a permit.

I know that I need a three line drawing, roof plan and site plan.

3. Any advice or gotcha's that I should be aware of.
4. Thoughts on the equipment choices.


Thanks for your help!

[solarix]

SRP instituted a new "solar tax" this year - something along the lines of $50/month for the privilege of interconnecting a grid-tied solar system to them. I don't work (thank goodness) in their territory so do not have actual experience with this - but you should check into it. All the big solar companies have pulled out of southern Arizona. You would think the Arizona leaders would push for making us the solar capital of the country - but the utilities seem to be leading the way nationwide in how to oppose solar adoption.

[Jdflyer]

We figured that with out any credits for August for generation earlier in the year our bill would still be $200, but that's still 70% less then our bill was. The only way I can see it make sense is if you buy your system outright and try to get as close to 100% of your needs.

They have a demand charge based on your highest KWh usage during any 30 minute period between the hours of 1 and 8. So system will favor afternoon production. We uses about 900-1100 kWh in the fall-spring and 2300-3000 during the summer. Which is why we are looking at a 10-12k kWh generation per month.

I think SRP really would rather not have any residential solar in the valley.

[azdave]

I think SRP really would rather not have any residential solar in the valley.

You think ANY utility wants to deal with residential generation?



I am with SRP in the Phoenix area (Gilbert) and just got in under the previous solar rules by less than a month. I'm fortunate that I wasn't forced into the new E-23 plan as I could never face my panels west nor would I be happy to pay a demand fee just becuase I'm a solar user.

Wish I could help more on the self-install but I choose not to do that. I went with an established, locally owned company after good reports from several neighbors with panels. My purchased grid-tie came in at $2.71 per watt installed turn-key and I got it down to $1.68 after all the incentives paid back less than 3 months later.

After going to solar I changed from SRP's TOU plan to the basic plan. I've paid only the monthly connection through the winter and spring and since June have paid nothing due to winter credits they bought out at the end of April. Until I add on to the familt room and master bedroom, I'm generating more than I use so the basic plan works best for me.

One thing I like about SRP is they have very good reporting and data collection for customers. I could have dropped the inverter monitoring portion of my install as I rarely use it. SRP's data tells me all I need to know.