Module grounding [RE-wrenches]

[graham at solarexpert.com]

Hey Michael,

Thanks for the kind works about posting the photo's, I was hoping it 
would be OK.  I have been taking digital pictures of almost all of my 
installations at various stages of completion and I am more than willing 
to share this information.  I want to show how easy it really is to 
install a quality residential PV grid tie system.  There seems to be a 
big push at this time to have PV installers certified as being capable.  
I have seen the most recent draft from NABCEP and it appears to me that 
many accomplished Wrenches would not qualify.  The committee drafting 
the NABCEP certification might be making the requirements to technical 
in nature.  I am currently helping the Mayor's office in L.A. develop a 
PV training course for a local college and everyone on the committee has 
to add something, even if may seem unnecessary to others.  I remember 
the old saying that "a camel is a horse that came out of a committee".

Personally I think residential grid-tie solar installers should consider 
installing PV systems pre-designed by manufacturers engineering staff.  
Let them study fill factors and IV curves and be familiar with the 
technical engineering knowledge that is needed to design effective PV 
systems. It should be the systems not the installers that need rigorous 
approvals.  PV installers need to know how to work safely with tools, 
how to locate roof rafters, be familiar with electric code issues and to 
take pride in their workmanship.  Workers with good electrical skills 
can properly install PV systems when manufacturers present comprehensive 
installation manuals with well-matched components including guidelines 
for determining proper wire gauges, grounding and orientation.  I fully 
realize that every job site presents different challenges and no two 
systems are completely identical.  Installers need to focus on how to do 
the best installation possible at each jobsite and how to choose the 
best-packaged system for their customer.  I have been installing Siemens 
earthsafe systems for a number of reasons, inverters have an extended 10 
year warranty, I like the mounting hardware, they are available locally 
and my customers have confidence that a system designed by a large 
multi-national corporation will be well designed and will stand behind 
their products.


I have been thinking about making a comprehensive installation manual 
and putting it on my website.  The time it will take is the only 
obstacle.  I would love to see L.A. have 100,000 solar rooftops and I 
have no desire to try and do them all.  But I would be willing to share 
my experience if it helps newcomers to install quality systems.


Graham F. Owen
GO Solar Company
12439 Magnolia Blvd. #132
N. Hollywood,  CA  91607
phone 818.566.6970
fax 818.566.6879
www.solarexpert.com 

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