Solar Start up

[solargoodness]

I'm a contractor for a very successful roofing company in the southeast. I do installations and repairs and also have a small business of my own on the side. Solar energy is obviously becoming bigger and bigger, but more so seemingly out west than the east. Being that I have such a large exposure to a clientele dealing with roofing issues, it seems like a perfect opportunity to start up a solar panel installation business (obviously small scale). I'm curious as to maybe the top 3-5 things (ie, permits, most common misconceptions, most common issues with poor installs, general education required, etc) that are going to be most important to know before I get started. I'm just starting to do my research and obviously wouldn't do anything until I have my ducks in a row. My first install would likely happen on my parents home (father is a roofer as well). Any advice or help to my noobie behind would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Mike90250]

You will need to locate a friendly electrician (licensed) that will work with you, and a structural engineer and inspector. Adding a solar array to a existing roof, the structure must be strong enough to hold the load, and any added wind load. (Florida is a bad state to install in.) You will need solar parts suppliers too.

[Morris]

I would say look into getting your NABCEP certification or at least the Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge. Any kind of certification usually gives people a higher sense of trust and ease knowing that you had to go through some kind of process/testing to obtain the certification... I would also just familiarize myself with Photovoltaic technology so you know what you're dealing with.

[solargoodness]

Thanks for the responses.

[Sunking]

Well having roofers is part of the equation, but you are going to need to have a structural and electrical engineer on retainer. Structural engineer will have to sign off on the roof structure, and a electrical PE to sign off on the electrical drawing/design.

On the electrical PE side what I have done is cookie cutter designs. A contractor basically offers say 8 different sized systems using brand x equipment and components. When they select the system, they send their drawings and plans over, I look at it, make any corrections I need to a sign off for the permits.

Lastly you will need to have some sort of partnership with a electrical contractor to do all the electrical work. They will pull the permits, roofers put up the panels, and the electricians come in and do the electrical, commission, test, have it inspected, and send the as-built drawings back to the engineer on record for final stamps if needed.