Request re Inspector Training [RE-wrenches]

[Matt Tritt]

Actually, MC connectors are legal and approved for this purpose even
though common sense would seem to dictate that this type of arrangement
would be better suited to sites that are not readily accessible to the
general public; like fenced areas on private property for instance.

We looked at a re-do job the other day where they had used solid
conductor # 12 for the module inter-connects, no means of disconnecting
the mod's at the array, wires spliced (like in twisted together and
taped with phase tape) out side of any enclosure, #6 battery "cables"
feeding the inverter!!!!!! (a 5548 SW), two banks of dis-similar age and
condition feeding the same inverter, no jumpers to tie the banks
together except at the disconnect, no conduit anywhere in the
inverter/battery room, the inverter sharing the same space with the
batteries, and, last but not least, the AC output connected to the run
to the house with no conduit, breakers, enclosure or other such niceties
with two un-taped wire nuts. Oh, I forgot to mention the elaborate mouse
house painstakingly constructed inside the SW disconnect enclosure.
(This was obviously an off-grid system)

This job was done by an individual who has built large government solar
systems (like in Navy) and lots of residential and commercial
installations, and was even on the board of directors of a well known
solar association. Go figure.

Matt T

-----Original Message-----
From: Jason Fisher [mailto:jfisher at nahbrc.org] 
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 6:31 AM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: Request re Inspector Training [RE-wrenches]


Mo,

I think Matt did the best job yet of laying out the fundamentals. He's
got the doughnut to inspector ratio dead-on.

I'm sure you all see more fast-bucks in CA then we do over on this coast
but I've sure seen a few examples of less than minimum installations.
Here's my top ten besides the typical electrical hack issues:

1) Auxiliary ground rods not bonded to building's grounding electrodes.
2) Modules and racks not grounded (which renders the GFI protection
ineffective)
3) Romex used to connect modules (true story!) or other improper
conductors.
4) Conductors and conduits not strapped on roof (out here this really
becomes an issue with snow and ice)
5) Improperly rated equipment and/or connectors, particularly for higher
voltage DC
6) Lack of adequate labeling on boxes, disconnects, etc.
7) Lacking or improper fusing of parallel module strings (tough one to
address in a quick session)

I couldn't reference the code on these but I think they illustrate
unjustified safety and reliability issues in PV installations. I expect
there will be some disagreement here:
8) Wood used as racking materials in roof-mounted arrays
9) Single conductor cables with plug connectors used on high-voltage
ground-mounted arrays accessible to general public.

And my personal favorite:
10) Using the homeowner's ladders when installing systems.


Keep up the good work!

Jason Fisher

Aurora Energy LLC
Annapolis, MD
410-268-3088
jason at aurora-energy.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Mo Rousso [mailto:mrousso at heliopower.com]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2003 2:41 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Request re Inspector Training [RE-wrenches]

Greetings all,
>
I¹m doing a gratis Grid-tied PV workshop (1-1/2 hrs) for some City
Inspectors in San Diego County.  I¹m soliciting input regarding what you
consider to be important points to cover with them.  Basically, what
differentiates a good code-compliant installation from the fast bucks
guys. I have my standard spiel, but want to make sure I don¹t miss
something important.

TIA,
Mo
--
Mo Rousso
President
HelioPower
Renewable Energy Systems
Remote Power Solutions
mrousso at heliopower.com
www.heliopower.com
760.451.9374

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