OFFGRID SOLAR INSTALLATION-What Can homeowner install in Coconino County

Thaddeus
Thaddeus Registered Users, Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 2 ✭
in PV Installers Forum - NEC, Wiring, Installation #1
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  
Tagged:
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • cleancurrent002
    cleancurrent002 Registered Users Posts: 14 ✭✭
    #2
    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.
    · Share on Twitter
  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 7,075 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    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 !
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

    · Share on Twitter
  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 479 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
    I think it depends on where you live, zoning, and State and local restrictions. Also if you're near any populations where nosy neighbors gather. A biggie is if you are going to be grid connected because permits and inspections WILL be required. An even bigger biggie is your confidence in your own design skills including workmanship.

    In my off grid project on 'open land' (remote & forested), Inspector Hector would be quite annoyed just getting here. I'd probably have some consequences as a result not the least of which would be getting Hector to show up. Some people wagged fingers at me and said I'd never get insurance coverage and that was totally false but I'd better not have a claim resulting from my solar.

    But one thing is for sure: since you have already gotten the permits you are gonna have to follow through. Lastly, I'm not advocating someone do something 'illegal'.
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
    · Share on Twitter
  • SumPower
    SumPower Registered Users Posts: 125 ✭✭
    #5


    Arizona Revised Statutes has an exemption in the state licensing laws that allows residential property owners to do the work themselves.

    As long as it is not a rental and will be occupied for one year prior to being a rental or being sold.


    Some of the larger Cities have thier own codes that do not allow this.

     So check with your local building department to be sure. They will give you the current answer.



    · Share on Twitter

Categories