DIY Install in Florida. Need help with Engineering diagrams for Permitting

[eyyopomps]

Like I had mentioned before, I was looking at using channel struts since they're cheap and I can get them locally, however I dont think that'll pass considering they probably dont have wind ratings.

[eyyopomps]

The answer to your question is probably yes, at least for equipment that you can prove to the IRS is not used should an audit or question come up.

But, I'm not a CPA qualified and knowledgeable about the IRS code, and don't play one on TV, so anything I write or offer as information in the tax realm is purely speculation and not to be taken as fact. Consult your qualified tax advisor.

Right, well thanks for the info, i'll worry about the tax credits once I get this baby in operation!

Was wondering if you could give me any other pointers/ advice. I was looking at the iron ridge system, cause i'm also in hurricane county. I'm not really entire sure which mount id use for this system, I have a corrugated metal roof, so I dont think I need flashing and I cant use the clamp mount system.
My house is brand new with a hip style roof, so I can everything mounted south and the trusses should be adequate for the weight.

[J.P.M.]

Wouldnt I be able to still obtain the credit for all equipment purchased new? I got the panels for $100 a piece. and the inverter new for $400, so I figured even if I dont qualify the cost to do this myself will be much lower than having a company put a new array in. I figured with with the remainder of the stuff I still need the cost will be around 2500 for a ~3.5kw system so payback period should be pretty low.

The answer to your question is probably yes, at least for equipment that you can prove to the IRS is not used should an audit or question come up.

But, I'm not a CPA qualified and knowledgeable about the IRS code, and don't play one on TV, so anything I write or offer as information in the tax realm is purely speculation and not to be taken as fact. Consult your qualified tax advisor.

[eyyopomps]

I'm new to this forum, so im not sure if it notifies OP, so i'll tag you and post again in case.. @TundraLu Thanks for the response! I'm sure Volusia county probably has the same or similar. Did you still have to get the plans you created on solardesigntool.com stamped/ certified by an engineer? I found a few local placed to build the permit package but they're charging $850, so if I can avoid that paying more for a rated rack wont be so bad..

I started a project on the site, but they don't have my panel as an option, so i'm waiting for them to update the specs for that. Otherwise the permit package seems pretty straight forward, hopefully I get it right the first time so I don't waste money on creating a new packet.

[eyyopomps]

Wouldnt I be able to still obtain the credit for all equipment purchased new? I got the panels for $100 a piece. and the inverter new for $400, so I figured even if I dont qualify the cost to do this myself will be much lower than having a company put a new array in. I figured with with the remainder of the stuff I still need the cost will be around 2500 for a ~3.5kw system so payback period should be pretty low.

[J.P.M.]

I purchased them used.

Understood. Do you know that PV installs require new, that is, unused equipment to qualify for the federal tax credit ? Or is that not a consideration for this application ?

[eyyopomps]

Hopefully thats not an issue..

[eyyopomps]

An aside: Who did you buy the panels from ? Are they new ? In the past and as far as I know, S.P. doesn't let it's dealers sell S.P. equipment to DIYers, but maybe things have changed.

NOMB, but maybe worth a check ?

I purchased them used.

[J.P.M.]

TundraLu Did you have to get the plans you created stamped by an engineer? I just purchased 12 305W Sunpower panels with a Keco string inverter. I'm in New Smyrna area, getting ready to try and attempt to file the permit with Volusia County. My neighbor is a master electrician but not a solar contractor.. hopefully I can still use him as he said he'd help. Was hoping to use channel strut mounts like many do online, but I doubt they have the wind rating I would need, so i guess ill have to buy the iron ridge ones.. My house is brand new, so I still have all the copies of the load testing the truss company did on each truss.
'm glad I found this forum with others that did a diy solar array in FL. I was getting worried I had just wasted a bunch of money on panels and inverter that id never get to install.

An aside: Who did you buy the panels from ? Are they new ? In the past and as far as I know, S.P. doesn't let it's dealers sell S.P. equipment to DIYers, but maybe things have changed.

NOMB, but maybe worth a check ?

[eyyopomps]

Thanks for the response! I'm sure Volusia county probably has the same or similar. Did you still have to get the plans you created on solardesigntool.com stamped/ certified by an engineer? I found a few local placed to build the permit package but theyre charging $850, so if I can avoid that paying more for a rated rack wont be so bad..

[TundraLu]

TundraLu Did you have to get the plans you created stamped by an engineer? I just purchased 12 305W Sunpower panels with a Keco string inverter. I'm in New Smyrna area, getting ready to try and attempt to file the permit with Volusia County. My neighbor is a master electrician but not a solar contractor.. hopefully I can still use him as he said he'd help. Was hoping to use channel strut mounts like many do online, but I doubt they have the wind rating I would need, so i guess ill have to buy the iron ridge ones.. My house is brand new, so I still have all the copies of the load testing the truss company did on each truss.
'm glad I found this forum with others that did a diy solar array in FL. I was getting worried I had just wasted a bunch of money on panels and inverter that id never get to install.

I used ALL IronRidge mounting since where i am at in Florida is strict due to Hurricane laws. If you need any help I can point you the right direction.

[eyyopomps]

TundraLu Did you have to get the plans you created stamped by an engineer? I just purchased 12 305W Sunpower panels with a Keco string inverter. I'm in New Smyrna area, getting ready to try and attempt to file the permit with Volusia County. My neighbor is a master electrician but not a solar contractor.. hopefully I can still use him as he said he'd help. Was hoping to use channel strut mounts like many do online, but I doubt they have the wind rating I would need, so i guess ill have to buy the iron ridge ones.. My house is brand new, so I still have all the copies of the load testing the truss company did on each truss.
'm glad I found this forum with others that did a diy solar array in FL. I was getting worried I had just wasted a bunch of money on panels and inverter that id never get to install.

[CessnaTPA]

I just contacted them and asked for Panasonic N330 and Enphase Mirco Inverters and they do have good prices.

Yeah they have a huge warehouse and inventory of everything needed. They cater to contractors but will sell to the public. I dealt with Josh who was very helpful.

[tng5090]

I bought majority of the equipment from CED Green tech in Sarasota. They had really good prices, better than I could find online. http://www.cedgreentechse.com/

I just contacted them and asked for Panasonic N330 and Enphase Mirco Inverters and they do have good prices.

[CessnaTPA]

I'll be glad to talk to him. Where do you get your panels and inverters in Tampa?

I bought majority of the equipment from CED Green tech in Sarasota. They had really good prices, better than I could find online. http://www.cedgreentechse.com/