u/kalyant125

Following up on my last post here.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Solarbusiness/comments/1wqigj4/weve_hit_a_wall_trying_to_enter_the_us_solar/

A lot of the feedback pointed us toward permitting being a major problem, and taking up time and effort for solar installers.

So I’ve been digging into it. I’ve learned that SolarAPP+ can actually generate the approval documentation and automate the code review, and Symbium is doing similar things in some jurisdictions. Also softwares like Aurora, and SolarGRAF are generating permitting docs.

But I am definitely missing something, cause the comments from you guys were pointing towards it still being a problem to be solved.

Because, say if I’m looking at California, for example, and a lot of jurisdictions are already using SolarAPP+, is permitting actually still a major problem there? Or is the remaining pain mostly in the jurisdictions that aren’t covered?

And why do I still hear that permitting is one of the biggest headaches for solar EPCs?

I have tried to identify some critical points, that might point towards the problem :

• AHJ-specific requirements
• preparing the extra documents
• revisions after rejection
• utility/interconnection
• tracking permits
• or something different, I am unable to point at ?

We’re seriously considering building around this at Reslink, but we are a small and focused team, and I don't want to spend six months solving the wrong problem.

I am also trying to figure out where to start. Would you rather have a really deep solution for one state/AHJ, or something that works reasonably well across many jurisdictions?

I’ll attach a few examples of what we already generate. If you work in US solar, I’d genuinely like to know where you think the biggest gap is.

Solar Design Output Sample

We’re also looking for a few US installers who’d be willing to try what we build for free and give us feedback as we iterate. If that’s you, let me know.

Thank you

Disclaimer : I am sorry if this reads as self promo, but my intention is really to get some ground level truths cause all AI models say the same things that doesnt work in a space like Solar.

Hi everyone, I am one of the founders of Reslink.

We’ve been building Reslink solar software for a few years now, and recently launched some new work around site positioning and 3D geometry.

The bigger challenge for us right now is the US market.

We’ve built a lot, have thousands of EPCs using Reslink, mostly in SEA regioms.

and the product has come a long way. But growth has started to plateau, and I think the next step is understanding what we’re still getting wrong.

To give you brief idea, the software is basically something that lets solar teams design in 3D, run shading, generate BOMs and proposals, and do the whole thing directly from an Android/iOS phone or tablet.

If you work in US solar, I’d genuinely like to hear it, what would make something like this valuable enough for you to switch from what you use today?

You can try it for free or book a demo if you want to see the full thing.

We’ve spent years building. Now we’re trying to get sharper about what’s actually worth building next.

Would love the honest take.

When I bought my A1 Mini I didn't get the AMS Lite combo because I wasn't really aware of it at the time. Definitely regretted that decision later.

The problem is that buying the AMS Lite separately here in India is around ₹25,000 (~$267), which felt pretty ridiculous when I really only wanted it for the occasional multicolor print.

I mostly just wanted to be able to do some simple 2-color/multicolor prints, so I ended up getting just the feeder unit + PCB separately for around ₹7,000 (~$75).

Honestly, this made way more sense for me. Got it set up and it's working great so far.

But the PTFE tubes I bought, I am unable to use with 1.75mm filament, although they were listed as that spec. So have to order new PTFE tubes, before I can end to end test this.

Got all the mounting models on maker world.

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EDIT 1:
Since some of you were asking for how this was done:

Here are the links to the products I bought:
(These are Indian links, you can copy paste the names in your browser or Claude and find a reseller nearest to you)
(Prices have increased since I bought them)

1)LEFT FEEDER UNIT :
https://robu.in/product/bambu-lab-ams-right-feeder-unit-3-and-4-for-ams-lite/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17427803012&gbraid=0AAAAADvLFWej0TUMdEmA3KHE8KBHuNL0t&gclid=CjwKCAjw48TUBhBREiwAK0GnQZKXBbDlkoIGWV0inBtUCmzL15ofX2BGjt1D2YgwERFwU_EpreXuhRoCRNMQAvD_BwE

2. Motherboard:
   https://robu.in/product/bambu-lab-ams-mainboard/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17427803012&gbraid=0AAAAADvLFWej0TUMdEmA3KHE8KBHuNL0t&gclid=CjwKCAjw48TUBhBREiwAK0GnQYE2dCARiQHAUQyBsZ35mGpkB-rXh1ZTiqlj4Zos3mlzaqdS1ZXE4hoCFyoQAvD_BwE

3. Connector cable:
   https://robu.in/product/bambu-lab-ams-lite-4-pin-cable-for-ams-lite/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17427803012&gbraid=0AAAAADvLFWej0TUMdEmA3KHE8KBHuNL0t&gclid=CjwKCAjw48TUBhBREiwAK0GnQYOFWkE7AH_PWOBZqqrDSVG4Sg1ZvtW2eJKYV4BnLAGZ5DnE9dO5OBoC3WYQAvD_BwE

Also buy some 1.75mm compatible PTFE tubes.

I mounted it on top of my Z-axis for which I used this:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/573381-slim-ams-lite-mount-for-use-with-dry-boxes#profileId-493612

A solid guide that helped me a lot:
https://note.com/taro_hayashi/n/n60a1e8597e90?hl=en
(You can also copy his design, which is better, I just had less time, so went with the previous one)

PS: Careful about the Feeder cables that plug into the AMS Lite motherboard those are not interchangeable, see the guide above to plug in cables properly

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EDIT 2:
You might face the issue where yours Feeder wont be able to pull filament from the spool holder, thats expected, because Torque on the Feeders is much lower than extruder and with a DIY version, you most probably will not have the motor rollers that come with stock AMS Lite, so I used these :

https://makerworld.com/en/models/1408486-gridfinity-stackable-spool-storage-system?appSharePlatform=whatsapp#profileId-2433545

or

https://makerworld.com/en/models/99533-cereal-box-dry-box-spool-and-dessiccant-holder?appSharePlatform=whatsapp#profileId-1911855

And for the the bearings, I used this:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/473167-608z-6000z-6001z-roller-bearing-v2#profileId-1062763

Trying to print this desk drawer on my A1 Mini and the first layer is coming out like this. Lots of rough/raised areas, gaps, holes.

I am very new to 3D printing. But never seen this issue before, neither have I printed this large of an object yet.

Using the 0.4mm nozzle, PLA, 0.2mm layer profile from the model page, on the textured PEI plate.

Attached pictures.

Thank you.