Design fee for a repetitive solar panel assembly (structural)

[mcr07]

Fellow engineers:

I was approached by a current solar panel client with the following proposal.
Currently, my client purchases pre-manufactured solar panel steel assemblies which he installs on residential projects.
I've been his structural engineer in reviewing his proposal plans and verifying structural compliance of these systems in existing structures.
He wants to manufacture his own assembly and would like me verify this structural integrity (provide test criteria, and stamp and signed the final product). His estimates are that by manufacturing these assemblies himself, he can save about 20% in cost.
However, this product will be used repetitively for all his installations. And I'm a little lost in term of what would be an adequate fee for something of this nature.
Should a one time design fee and a % of it as a royalty be the best way to approach it?
I've done work with and without professional liability insurance. In this case, i believe professional liability becomes a big factor.
I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

 

[GregLocock]

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Greg Locock


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