Considering i do not own this equipment and its a direct relation to the smoke damage, am i able to deduct this from the security deposit?

Was the unit damaged and you couldn't collect rent?

IF THE BUYER DOES NOT WANT SOLAR, I WOULD BE REQUIRED TO REMOVE THE SYSTEM AND REPAIR THE DAMAGES OUT OF MY POCKET.

The cost of the water, and possible damage to the foundation was in the sphere of the unknown, so I’m grateful for similar costs. 

It's somewhat close to a window but I've always been very good about not letting any rain get in so I don't see how it could be attributed to water damage.

The crap a few short term rental owners are pulling here currently is absurd and a few bad eggs are damaging the reputation of investors on the whole - regulations will help everyone.

My experience has been (and there are always exceptions) that section 8 tenants GENERALLY don't take care of the properties as well, and leave them with more damage and dirtier than other tenants.Assistance programs will require more of your time too.

I had one tenant who came to us when the carport buckled from snow and damaged her car pretty badly. 

Most of my clients do this on their own (landlord friendly state of Iowa) and I handle the collections portion (e.g. past due rent and property damage).

They've admitted to that but not to doing any damage.