no safe modules for ground-mounted arrays[RE-wrenches]

[William Miller]

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Bill:

Great idea, but this one sounds like one of those easier-said-than-done 
concepts.  Let's see-- a 5 kilowatt system has a panel area of about 400 
square feet.  The modules are mounted on some kind of rack or rail, meaning 
the module backs are not a wide open area but are obscured by structural 
members.  Your suggestion sounds like a lot of material, a lot of cutting 
and fitting and a lot of ugly.  The options are either the flimsy plastic 
lattice like you put around your deck or chain link fencing.  Neither 
sounds good to me.

Instead, I think we are asking that module manufacturers design PV modules 
like... like... like electrical equipment.  You know, with knockouts and 
all of that.  That way, we can go down to the local electrical supply and 
get the right, listed stuff to safely interconnect our high voltage 
modules.  This in lieu of special ordering a constantly changing version of 
the proprietary, expensive and hard to obtain wire and connectors that 
ironically, offers little protection.

Instead, most of us are becoming glorified stereo system installers, just 
plugging and playing.  And hoping no one gets bit.

Respectfully,

William Miller


At 10:32 PM 1/21/2008, you wrote:

>All,
>
>I guess I'm wondering why everyone is getting worked up about the issue of
>protecting wiring. It seems to me that if you prevent access to the back of
>the modules with a non-conductive material (wood lattice or PVC) that you
>have met the intent of the NEC. I may be wrong on this, but many inspectors
>agree with me on this. If you build a ground-mount structure, enclose the
>back sides of the array with something that allows airflow, but does not
>allow kids getting into it.
>
>Bill.


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