DIY Self-Install in San Diego - 7.84 kW for < $1.30 / W

[blulegend]

No, my rafters are generally continuous and not overlapped or staggered. There is some sub-structure framing that causes a substantial change in rafter pattern in a couple of spots. I can post some pictures for those interested.



Nope, no roofer's cement or other sealant on these nails. 100% of protection for these penetrations is provided by the tile layer above.



I was cautious my first few trips up a month or two ago to take measurements for the permit application, using the techniques you've described here, but at this point I just walk freely (but not stupidly). I keep looking for a crack, but the next one I make will be the first one.



I think my roof will be a good test for how long it takes for that condensation to do damage here. Thousands of holes protected only by the nail filling them. Clearly, the roof is better protected with paper than without (I'm not questioning that at all). It is just that it is hard to look at all those tile nails and think of the roof as having been impervious until I came along with my lag screws and PV mounts.



No holes are visible when the concrete tiles are installed. With the tile removed, I bibbed with paper over the few new nails I put in when I was first following the instructions after step 5, but I have stopped putting in new nail holes to avoid this problem completely. Their function isn't so clear... there is nowhere for the aluminum flashing to go, even if the sealant that adheres it to the paper eventually lets go. Maybe the nails are needed for a steeper roof with more clearance between the deck and the tile? Here is the pic from the manual that shows them. nails.JPG








It is a weird use of screws... the screwhead isn't the functional end... the tip is. The quickhook mates with the mounting base like a slide and gib. The screw works sort of like a set screw in that once you drive the screw in far enough, the tip pushes on the base and forces the hook up against the gib, securing it. In other words, if the head were tightened against its mating face like a normal fastener, the screw wouldn't be doing anything at all (for that matter, the mating face in this case isn't even flat). A screw that is twice as long would be just as functional (but would interfere with the flashing). The picture from the instructions below, hopefully I'm describing this clearly enough. I'm sure they aren't supposed to shear, and the instructions warn against using an impact gun, but I'd rather have them too tight than not tight enough, you know? Medium torque on my drill doesn't drive them at all. screw.JPG








From a common sense perspective, the concrete tile nail holes worry me much more than what I'm doing with these mounts, but I don't think I'm going to lose sleep over any of it. I'll definitely post some more pictures soon, but I understand better now why Solarix has taken the position he has on the suitability of some of Quickmount PV's competitors.

Edit: In any case, J.P.M., thanks for the comments.

Sorry for digging up this old thread. These are really some of the only pictures and description I could find of someone's first hand experience with the Quick Mount Quick Hooks. Are you still happy you went with this product? Do you think you could've "gotten away" with just backfilling the pilot holes vs adding the flashing? What about just adding sealant to the tops and sides of the bases?

Any opinion of the UniRac SolarHooks? They are bent/stamped stainless S-hooks with 2 lag points.

[mdalysd]

I'm considering a DIY solar project in San Diego and looking for help with the permitting process for City of San Diego. Does anyone know of a consultant or service that can help me put my plan together using the City's template? https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/defau...antemplate.pdf

[clavius]

Old thread, but to answer mdalysd, yes there is a service in San Diego that creates your solar plans AND submits them for approval to the city (or county) of San Diego for approval.
solarpermitspecialists.com
I'm using them for my DIY ground mount project in San Diego County. Cost is very reasonable considering how much time and stress they save you. They even provide the engraved warning placards that must be mounted on the breaker box and inverter.

Steve

[SunEagle]

Old thread, but to answer mdalysd, yes there is a service in San Diego that creates your solar plans AND submits them for approval to the city (or county) of San Diego for approval.
solarpermitspecialists.com
I'm using them for my DIY ground mount project in San Diego County. Cost is very reasonable considering how much time and stress they save you. They even provide the engraved warning placards that must be mounted on the breaker box and inverter.

Steve

You do understand this thread is 2 years old.

[clavius]

Sure, I answered mdalysd's question for the benefit of others (like myself) who are searching for someone to perform plan submittals.

[SunEagle]

Sure, I answered mdalysd's question for the benefit of others (like myself) who are searching for someone to perform plan submittals.

I understand but that person only had one post back in 2019. I seriously doubt they are still around to see your post.

As a Moderator I have to respond to possible claims of Spammers which are usually someone that makes a post on an old thread.

[J.P.M.]

I understand but that person only had one post back in 2019. I seriously doubt they are still around to see your post.

As a Moderator I have to respond to possible claims of Spammers which are usually someone that makes a post on an old thread.

Sure looks like SPAM to me.

Solar Pete ?