rooftop wiring/grounding [RE-wrenches]

[Jeffrey Wolfe, Global Resources]

For wiring both between modules, as well as longer runs to a central 
combiner box, we are working with the multi-contact cables, made for each 
project for us by Kensington. To keep them in some sort of order, or at 
least away from abraision, we had been simply tie-wrapping to supports, 
etc., but I've not really been pleased with it.

We are now going to try out some plastic cable tray which we can fasten 
directly to the horizontal rack supports. This will give us a nice place to 
tuck all wires, let us get at them if we need to, and should proceed 
faster. At any rate, it keeps the wires out of harms way.

At the end of the rack, we'll transition to a piece of flex (through a 
multi-wire gland connector) unless the combiner box is within inches of the 
end, in which case we would simply let the wires come out the end of the 
tray.

The idea is to make the roof work fast and easy, and as fool proof as 
possible. (I can be a pretty good test for that some days....)

We'll let you know how it works after we do a few.

Jeff
Jeffery D. Wolfe, P.E.
Global Resource Options, LLP
A Woman-Owned Limited Liability Partnership
4 Kibling Hill Road
P.O. Box 161
Strafford, Vermont 05072
800-374-4494 Toll Free
802-765-4632 Phone
802-765-9983 Fax
global at sover.net
http://www.GlobalResourceOptions.com

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On Friday, April 12, 2002 12:31 AM, Brad Bassett 
[SMTP:bsbassett at earthlink.net] wrote:
> First, I would like to say that I had no intention of denigrating all
> California solar installers. Now that I've seen the responses, I assume
> that unprotected home run wiring is not the norm anywhere. That there
> are installers that do better work than others will always be true.
>
> My comment about Washington inspectors has mainly to do with the fact
> that outside of the cities, the inspection is done by a state agency,
> and they tend to be consistant sticklers. That's OK if you do it right
> (and can quote chapter), and have UL listed equipment (no UL = no
> acceptance).
>
> I agree that the wiring between modules is still a concern. I've seen
> wires sitting on the roof in many installations, and in the back of my
> mind am thinking that an entirely different wiring method needs to be
> designed for wiring between modules. The gears are whirring in my mind,
> maybe someday I'll be able to do something about it. I understand why
> some agencies are tending toward conduit used everywhere, but this can
> be quite a bit of overhead if done with conduit said to be rated for
> that use. And as pointed out, conduit can be poorly installed also. This
> leads to another question, what are some good methods for supporting
> conduit on a roof? (I will ask this within our company and get some more
> answers too, I'm sure)
>
> On the grounding of modules, I'm surprised to hear that grounding of
> individual modules is actually done! I figured this was skipped by most,
> I guess not. I'm used to working with ASE-300's which make it easier,
> both because they have a threaded insert in the frame with grounding
> hardware, and because there are fewer modules for a given size system.
> (Yes, star washers are made to break the anodized or painted surface for
> electrical continuity)
>
> Brad Bassett
> Schott Applied Power
> Tumwater, WA office
> bsbassett at earthlink.net
>
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