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

[TundraLu]

Make sure you do that and document with pics on the truck if there is any damage. And do not sign off on the wavier if there is any damage. My seller told me specifically it becomes much more complicated to prove once you have signed off and the driver has left with no proof of damage in shipping.

Everything arrived perfectly. Went up on the roof and mounted a Guardian Fall Protection Anchor on the ridge to work safely as my house is 2 story. Man that thing works awesome. I can now walk anywhere on the roof with confidence. Before i was crawling around hahaha.

[Syberdog]

Explore the Ironridge site or call them- many times the OEM has stamped Engineering letters on file for various states but of course you have to use their complete racking system. Be sure to check the tilt angle etc to match up with yours. Some of them sel the letter but most time I found it as a free pdf download.

[Matrix]

Material is being dropped off from freight in a few. I am excited. haha I will inspect all the panels to ensure everything is good.

Make sure you do that and document with pics on the truck if there is any damage. And do not sign off on the wavier if there is any damage. My seller told me specifically it becomes much more complicated to prove once you have signed off and the driver has left with no proof of damage in shipping.

[TundraLu]

Material is being dropped off from freight in a few. I am excited. haha I will inspect all the panels to ensure everything is good.

[TundraLu]

When I did mine, I needed to calculate the uplift at the design speed and show that the roof mounts could withstand that plus a margin that I can't recall. Since my rack manufacturer didn't have any sort of engineering tool, I used the calculations in ASCE 7-05 which I think has been superseded by 7-10 to determine the uplift loads. You could ask the building department if they would accept calcs based on that book's "Components and cladding" section, I bet they would go with that and you'd have a clear path to getting it done. If you don't have engineering data for the roof attachment, you might need to prove that the screws will carry the uplift load. I'll post my drawings if you need another example.

Steve, I will let you know if i need your example and thank you very much for offering. This is an exciting project for me as this is my Early Xmas gift to myself .

[TundraLu]

Are you using ironridge feet?
If not, I would think they'd want specs for those.
(I ask because I used quickmount's E-mount, rather than what ironridge had)

Yes i am using the whole IronRidge system for feet, rails, optimizer mounting etc.. Man it is not cheap haha.

[sdold]

When I did mine, I needed to calculate the uplift at the design speed and show that the roof mounts could withstand that plus a margin that I can't recall. Since my rack manufacturer didn't have any sort of engineering tool, I used the calculations in ASCE 7-05 which I think has been superseded by 7-10 to determine the uplift loads. You could ask the building department if they would accept calcs based on that book's "Components and cladding" section, I bet they would go with that and you'd have a clear path to getting it done. If you don't have engineering data for the roof attachment, you might need to prove that the screws will carry the uplift load. I'll post my drawings if you need another example.

[foo1bar]

The IronRidge railing system if installed per engineering specs can withstand 170MPH.

Are you using ironridge feet?
If not, I would think they'd want specs for those.
(I ask because I used quickmount's E-mount, rather than what ironridge had)

[TundraLu]

Do you know if you will need wind calcs for the permitting ? If so, that will require more than checking just the racking for strength/suitability.

I went yesterday and they told me they needed Wind speed certification for the IronRidge railing system due to the Florida Hurricanes. Per Florida Building Code for my area i will need to be able to withstand 110 MPH. The IronRidge railing system if installed per engineering specs can withstand 170MPH. So i updated my engineering plans with the necessary specs fron Iron Ridge and went and filled for the permit today. Fingers crossed that my permit is approved as material is en route to me and will be here this week.

[TundraLu]

If your utility is FPL they limit the system size to 10kwh so you may want to check who your provider is to make your plan. I planned a larger system until I found that out.

I only need a 7KW system to satisfy my needs.

[Crash]

If your utility is FPL they limit the system size to 10kwh so you may want to check who your provider is to make your plan. I planned a larger system until I found that out.

[TundraLu]

Do you know if you will need wind calcs for the permitting ? If so, that will require more than checking just the racking for strength/suitability.

I am going to the central permitting office Monday morning. I am meeting up with my Master Electrician friend tomorrow to go over specifics. So i will respond with the answer then..

[J.P.M.]

Yes i am also using Ironridge XR100 due to the hurricanes here Thanks Again.

Do you know if you will need wind calcs for the permitting ? If so, that will require more than checking just the racking for strength/suitability.

[TundraLu]

I would not expect the electrical diagram to be different.

Florida may have extra requirements for showing how it'll withstand strong winds (ex. hurricane)

There are some that you can find searching "florida photovoltaic permit example" or florida photovoltaic permit guidelines"
ex:

http://www.capecoral.net/department/community_development/permitting/docs/Photovoltaic_guidelines__Solar_DCD_70551.pdf

Whatever you use for feet the manufacturer probably will have info you can just copy into your permit package.
I used quickmount PV for my feet, and I put their installation guide in my permit. That includes the lag pull-out capacity.
Since I was attaching to the rafters every 4ft (or less) the permit office had a "streamlined" process where they didn't need a full mechanical engineering analysis of the racking.

Thanks i just downloaded solardesigntool and it gave me like 90% of what i needed. Yes i am also using Ironridge XR100 due to the hurricanes here ...


Thanks Again.

[foo1bar]

Thank you. I searched and found a ton in California. Unfortunately i am in Florida so things i would assume are different.

I would not expect the electrical diagram to be different.

Florida may have extra requirements for showing how it'll withstand strong winds (ex. hurricane)

There are some that you can find searching "florida photovoltaic permit example" or florida photovoltaic permit guidelines"
ex:

http://www.capecoral.net/department/community_development/permitting/docs/Photovoltaic_guidelines__Solar_DCD_70551.pdf

Whatever you use for feet the manufacturer probably will have info you can just copy into your permit package.
I used quickmount PV for my feet, and I put their installation guide in my permit. That includes the lag pull-out capacity.
Since I was attaching to the rafters every 4ft (or less) the permit office had a "streamlined" process where they didn't need a full mechanical engineering analysis of the racking.