OFFGRID SOLAR INSTALLATION-What Can homeowner install in Coconino County

Thaddeus

Hi I'm new to solar be gentle. I have a 12 acre offgrid property in Coconino County Az. I made a simple in series design for a 10kw system being installed in a 10 x 16 storage shed (pre-built and delivered). I just got both permits issued from the county.  Can I mount the AC Panel, Inverter, switches, disconnects and panels the (16) 695watt panels-ground mounted myself? I would like to do the trenching, cable running, wall penetrations etc. but I don't know what licensed electricians need/want to accomplish or are required to accomplish for the permit inspection. Any referral ideas for solar install experts would be great too. 

Thanks Thad  

cleancurrent002

Congrats on the permits! You can likely do the mechanical work yourself, mounting panels, trenching, running conduit, and cable pulls. But all AC wiring, inverter connections, disconnects, and final panel hookups must be done by a licensed electrician to pass inspection. You can prep everything to save on labor.

Dave Angelini

Thad, you should ask the building department if you as an "owner/builder" can do all of the work and be inspected. They typically will charge you a fee for different permits. You will need to speak with someone in the office that is really the top of the list. How many time I have heard you can't when it really is the oposite. 

When I first did this I was told by the front desk person, "yes you can do this but you can;t live there"

Many times all the County wants is the fees and tax. As the above post, they may want a pro to take a peak. They may not care as long as you passed the different inspections and have the certificate of occupancy.

It just depends on the county and I do not know Coconino. Good Luck !