City of Phoenix DIY System Install

[photolimo]

I am planning on doing a DIY install in PHX and wondering if anyone has any advice on the application process? I have APS as a power company.

Are you allowed to do a DIY racking system made with u-channels? Do you need a contractor to get the system inspected?

[Spektre]

Have you read these yet?

Residential PV Guidelines: https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Docu..._pdf_00367.pdf
Residential PV Permit Application: https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Docu..._pdf_00463.pdf

If you're doing a roof mount, I doubt you're going to save anything by using u-channel as a racking system - sounds like more headache than it's worth. Stuff like the Iron Ridge XR series is already pretty inexpensive, and the time you'll save with mounting and grounding is likely more than worth it.

Not sure of your background or what you do for a living/have done in the past, but the city does the inspection, and unless you've done this stuff before you're going to need to have someone who knows what they're doing bless everything or you won't pass.

JPM will post soon about the necessity of conserving in other places first, and he's spot on - not trying to be pedantic, just helpful!

There are many helpful posters on here as well to help you figure it all out.

[sensij]

In some parts of CA, the fire rating of the system is only certified for specific racking and module type pairings, usually provided by the racking manufacturer. Without those certifications, generic U-channels would not be approved for use, even if you were able to generate the required engineering analysis to justify your chosen span between attachments and cantilever lengths on the ends of each row.

[photolimo]

Have you read these yet?

Residential PV Guidelines: https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Docu..._pdf_00367.pdf
Residential PV Permit Application: https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Docu..._pdf_00463.pdf

If you're doing a roof mount, I doubt you're going to save anything by using u-channel as a racking system - sounds like more headache than it's worth. Stuff like the Iron Ridge XR series is already pretty inexpensive, and the time you'll save with mounting and grounding is likely more than worth it.

Not sure of your background or what you do for a living/have done in the past, but the city does the inspection, and unless you've done this stuff before you're going to need to have someone who knows what they're doing bless everything or you won't pass.

JPM will post soon about the necessity of conserving in other places first, and he's spot on - not trying to be pedantic, just helpful!

There are many helpful posters on here as well to help you figure it all out.

Thanks Spektre, I have been using those documents and the fire dept. one as guidelines. Thanks for the tip on the mounting, probably not worth it.

I have some experience with off grid PV systems and have done extensive work on my home AC electrical situation (old house). I feel pretty comfortable around electricity and installing systems. Always check for voltages, polarity, ext. but I am in no way an electrical contractor.

We have done a bunch of things to the house to minimize our electricity consumption even to the point of completely redesigning our HVAC with a variable setup.

[Spektre]

Ok then, onto the 'fun' stuff!

What type of roof do you have, what size and type of system are you looking at, and what vendors have you been looking at to purchase from?

My plan is to utilize the design service of the vendor I buy my equipment from for the plans, and use those plans as my basis for permit submission to the city.

I've done my initial load calculations, and I'm well under the 5 psf that would trigger the need for a structural analysis. I plan to mount the racking and panels myself and sub an electrician to do the inverter install and panel connections.

[J.P.M.]

Ok then, onto the 'fun' stuff!

I've done my initial load calculations, and I'm well under the 5 psf that would trigger the need for a structural analysis. I plan to mount the racking and panels myself and sub an electrician to do the inverter install and panel connections.

More fun stuff: How about wind/seismic/combination loading estimates and strength calcs. Are and required ?

[Spektre]

More fun stuff: How about wind/seismic/combination loading estimates and strength calcs. Are and required ?

Hmm, your idea of 'fun' doesn't quite match mine, but anyways...

Of course we're no longer talking about home-brewed racking (I think we convinced the OP to use the pre-made stuff anyways). Make sure to do your load and strength calculations based on your wind load, exposure, etc. Mount your racking according to the manufacturers instructions and fasten it correctly to your roof.

[photolimo]

Ok then, onto the 'fun' stuff!

What type of roof do you have, what size and type of system are you looking at, and what vendors have you been looking at to purchase from?

My plan is to utilize the design service of the vendor I buy my equipment from for the plans, and use those plans as my basis for permit submission to the city.

I've done my initial load calculations, and I'm well under the 5 psf that would trigger the need for a structural analysis. I plan to mount the racking and panels myself and sub an electrician to do the inverter install and panel connections.

I have a single line peak that is 12' long x 6' tall. The Southern side is mostly open with a chimney towards the front. I am required by historic preservation to keep the panels towards the back anyways. See attached sketch.

I am looking for a 3-4 kW system. Currently weighing the pros and cons of the different setups; micro's or string, potential emergency backup, and monitoring systems.

I have been looking at a lot of sources and I am open to any idea you may have. The suppliers that have been the most helpful/best prices have been amerescosolar.com solar-electric.com and bluepacificsolar.com

Because I am in an urban area surrounded by homes/trees wind load should be minimal. I do live in a house built in 1924 with the original rafters. They are 24" OC and 3.5"x1.5" actual dimensions. When I ran my system weight originally I was way under the 5 psf so maybe that is fine. Not sure. There used to be a complete packaged 3TON AC system and swamp cooler mounted where I want the panels mounted. If that did not cave in the roof I am not sure why panels would.

[sensij]

I have been looking at a lot of sources and I am open to any idea you may have. The suppliers that have been the most helpful/best prices have been amerescosolar.com solar-electric.com and bluepacificsolar.com

Might want to give Tandem a try too, they are SoCal based so shipping to AZ might not be too bad. They mostly supply installers, but seem willing and able to support the DIY types too.

[Spektre]

Might want to give Tandem a try too, they are SoCal based so shipping to AZ might not be too bad. They mostly supply installers, but seem willing and able to support the DIY types too.

Renvu also looks to be quite good - they have a DIY system builder tool and excellent prices.

[photolimo]

Might want to give Tandem a try too, they are SoCal based so shipping to AZ might not be too bad. They mostly supply installers, but seem willing and able to support the DIY types too.

Tandem is giving me the best quote thus far in terms of $/watts for a turnkey system shipped to my door. They are using Jinko JKM290M-60 Mono Panels, anybody have any input on that brand? They are also using SolarEdge Inverter/Optimizers, I am not very familiar with this brand either but most on this forum seem to like/use them, right?