Panel protection.... [RE-wrenches]

[Matt Lafferty]

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John,

Try some strong 2"square (50mm) or smaller netting strung some distance from
the PV panel surface and in a reflective trajectory oriented plane.  That
way the rocks will not only hit the netting, but be repelled immediately
back in the direction to the source.  You will likely be required to install
some support structure but in addition to being relatively simple, you might
find some payment in the form of testing it as you adjust the tension and
dodging the rocks you throw.

Another option may be to install recording video equipment that will provide
for the prosecution of those (likely kids) responsible.

Since I hate lawyers and vandals, t almost seems like a toss-up (or down in
NZ terms).  I like the netting in concept and have used & seen it used as a
bird-perch repellent, but never as a "stone stopper".

Peace to our Under Brothers!

Matt Lafferty
Universal Energies Institute
mlafferty at universalenergies.com
(916) 422-9772
(916) 628-7694 Cell
(916) 914-2247 Fax
www.universalenergies.com


-----Original Message-----
From: John Veix [mailto:john at gosolar.co.nz] 
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 9:02 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Panel protection.... [RE-wrenches]


Hi all,

I've a remote local government body installation that uses 3 of BP4160H
panels for the control of a water race. The panels are mounted on top of a
small concrete building that has raised metal sides seemingly built to
military standards. Very heavy metal, indeed.

However, within a month of installation, the panels were wrecked by vandals
throwing huge rocks at the panels surface.

Although I will be installing 6mm (approx 1/4") thick polycarbonate over the
panels to protect against the rock damage, is there anything else that can
be done to avoid this happening.  Short of installing a minefield or
machine-gun nest, of course.

Any known manufacturers that make a protective surface for panels?

This is such a really good application, I don't want the local govt body
becoming discouraged by idiots destroying it. 

                    thanks in advance,                    John Veix,
Christchurch, N.Z.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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