PV Grounding [RE-wrenches]

[Bill Brooks]

A quick note:

Although star washers may be acceptable to many inspectors, it is not
necessarily a code-accepted method of grounding. The only technically
accepted method is the one in the install manual.

This is a real problem on a variety of fronts: aesthetically as well as for
ease of installation. The PV manufacturing industry has some homework to do
here. They need to have UL-tested grounding approaches in their system
manuals that show a much better approach.

One rack manufacturer is approaching UL on a scheme to make their rack the
grounding system. Until this happens, the install manual is the most
technically correct, and I would agree with Graham that flat braided #10 is
the most aesthetic.

Bill.


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kirk Herander [mailto:kirk at vtsolar.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 9:43 AM
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Subject: Re: PV Grounding [RE-wrenches]
>
>
> Hello,
>
> If the module array rack is metal, when bolting the modules to
> the rack you
> can use star washers between the module frame and the rack,
> tightening well
> to assure the washers bite into both surfaces. Then just ground the array
> rack itself. Codeman John Wiles told me years ago this is legal.
> If a module
> is removed, the other module frames will still be grounded through their
> respective star washers.
>
> Kirk
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: info at backwoodssolar.com <info at backwoodssolar.com>
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
> Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 11:23 AM
> Subject: Re: PV Grounding [RE-wrenches]
>
>
> > grounding, only slightly better than the bare copper loops
> under screws is
> >to attach a small al/cu wire lug to each module oriented in the direction
> of
> >ground wire. Thus a straight bare wire can be passed straight through the
> >lug on each module in the row and secured.  A little faster and
> neater roof
> >labor, same wire path.
> >Steve Willey
> >Backwoods Solar Electric Systems
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: <mrousso at urbanrefuge.com>
> >To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
> >Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2001 11:02 AM
> >Subject: PV Grounding [RE-wrenches]
> >
> >
> >> Fellow wrenches,
> >>
> >> I have been growing dissatisfied with the equipment
> >> grounding method we have been using on roof top
> >> arrays.  It is the basic green wire whose bare copper
> >> loops have been screwed to the panel frames and racks.
> >>  While this method is code compliant and works, I find
> >> that it leaves me aesthetically void.  With more of
> >> our projects being on high-end homes, I am open to
> >> more elegant solutions.
> >>
> >> Does anyone use a system that facilitates an
> >> efficient, yet "clean" install?  We have been
> >> considering pre-loading the panels in the shop with a
> >> quick-connect type system.  Thanks in advance.
> >
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