Solar install turning out really bad - looking for some help/advice please.

[HX_Guy]

Congratulations. Looks like your hard work paid off.

Interesting the inspection sticker states that some parts of the project were "not inspected" and therefor compliance is the responsibility of the Contractor who maybe by now is "in the wind".

The city told me it's an OSHA thing, they aren't allowed to go up on the roof. Really sucks for 2 story houses, they don't even get a visual inspection from a ladder that one story houses at least get.

[SunEagle]

The city told me it's an OSHA thing, they aren't allowed to go up on the roof. Really sucks for 2 story houses, they don't even get a visual inspection for a ladder that one story houses at least get.

I can understand not wanting to put their employees into harms way but by not inspecting the complete project doesn't that open the door for an unsafe or non Code installation?

I guess if a fire breaks out it then becomes the responsibility of another city department. Talk about passing the buck.

[Ian S]

Great news, man! When does APS give their blessing?

[HX_Guy]

Great news, man! When does APS give their blessing?

Don't know. I checked online and the installer hasn't completed the "Certifications" online (I guess they need to log in and fill something out online?). Plus APS needs to be given notice from the city that it was approved, not sure how long that process takes either.

System is kicking though...err I mean testing.

http://goo.gl/bNhUXs

[SunEagle]

Don't know. I checked online and the installer hasn't completed the "Certifications" online (I guess they need to log in and fill something out online?). Plus APS needs to be given notice from the city that it was approved, not sure how long that process takes either.

System is kicking though...err I mean testing.

http://goo.gl/bNhUXs

Did you ever get an answer about that 131 F reading on the heat sink of the Inverter?

Is that within spec or approaching a shutdown condition?

[HX_Guy]

Yes sorry, just updated the other thread.

[Mb190e]

Congratulations! HX_Guy. Now that it's all over and you had to do it all over again, would you do it the same way?

[HX_Guy]

Congratulations! HX_Guy. Now that it's all over and you had to do it all over again, would you do it the same way?

Well, probably...for three reasons.

1. I saved roughly $21,000 cash (though that figure is hard to really pinpoint if you start looking at time lost doing work where I could have been making money etc)

2. I learned A LOT and the learning process I actually enjoyed. Though I'd love to have learned just as much but without the frustrations.

3. You guys are going to think I'm nuts, but I'm considering opening a solar company after this whole ordeal.

[SunEagle]

Well, probably...for three reasons.

1. I saved roughly $21,000 cash (though that figure is hard to really pinpoint if you start looking at time lost doing work where I could have been making money etc)

2. I learned A LOT and the learning process I actually enjoyed. Though I'd love to have learned just as much but without the frustrations.

3. You guys are going to think I'm nuts, but I'm considering opening a solar company after this whole ordeal.

Why not. You certainly have the experience with the technology, installation issues and permit requirements. Sounds like a solar expert to me.

[silversaver]

Well, probably...for three reasons.

1. I saved roughly $21,000 cash (though that figure is hard to really pinpoint if you start looking at time lost doing work where I could have been making money etc)

2. I learned A LOT and the learning process I actually enjoyed. Though I'd love to have learned just as much but without the frustrations.

3. You guys are going to think I'm nuts, but I'm considering opening a solar company after this whole ordeal.

Congrat!!! Finally!!!

1. agree. I'll probably making more money at work

2. I learn a few thing from this post

3. Why not? if you have the market/interest.

[sensij]

3. You guys are going to think I'm nuts, but I'm considering opening a solar company after this whole ordeal.

Yes, nuts. I hope that you subcontract out all of the electrical design and installation, and stick with the mechanical aspects only. Your whining about "nitpicking" from the inspector shows a lack of respect for electricity and how to design and install a system safely. Although the standard you need to meet to operate a company is pretty low (ASL = Exhibit A), it is installations like yours that push me towards J.P.M.'s view that buying a house with a PV system already installed is less desirable than buying one without it.

You had complained about getting kicked while you were down, so I hope you don't mind as much now that you are up.

[russ]

Bad idea - You have shown you are the type to try to be cute - too clever by half.

Open a solar business and try to screw your customers similar to what you were?

You were warned about picking questionable contractors at the very first but you wanted the super deal.

[HX_Guy]

Bad idea - You have shown you are the type to try to be cute - too clever by half.

Open a solar business and try to screw your customers similar to what you were?

You were warned about picking questionable contractors at the very first but you wanted the super deal.

Actually it was a great learning experience and I would never treat any customer like that in my life. I put a lot of effort toward attention to detail and pride in work that I do.

[HX_Guy]

Yes, nuts. I hope that you subcontract out all of the electrical design and installation, and stick with the mechanical aspects only. Your whining about "nitpicking" from the inspector shows a lack of respect for electricity and how to design and install a system safely. Although the standard you need to meet to operate a company is pretty low (ASL = Exhibit A), it is installations like yours that push me towards J.P.M.'s view that buying a house with a PV system already installed is less desirable than buying one without it.

You had complained about getting kicked while you were down, so I hope you don't mind as much now that you are up.

If I were to pursue this, I would actually need to partner with a licensed electrician. AZ law doesn't allow unlicensed contractors to do solar installs, it's actually a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

[Ian S]

Still a few around here LOL!

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2476/3975167029_cc949b8077_z.jpg?zz=1