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

[Howie Michaelson]

Having a relatively new installation business, after working as a lead
installer for years, I am definitely interested in an active trade
association for many reasons, not the least of which have been mentioned
here.  I would be willing to contribute $, though not time currently, to
the cause.  It feels not only appropriate, but essential both for
protecting the best interest of green distributed power, but also for
protecting the interest of everyone who has worked so hard to establish
this industry and all the small businesses that that represents.

One question I have about protecting readily accessible module wiring: 
While I haven't experimented, it seems to me that even flex conduit
attached to non-potted module junction boxes would be rather susceptible
to kids of any size using it for a playground or climbing wall.  I haven't
used them in a while, but my memory of those junction boxes is that they
would fairly easily pull off the module leaving just as much or perhaps
more exposed wiring than a disconnected MC connector.

I agree that there are too many rules in our country protecting against
lack of common sense, even while I believe in the value of things like the
seat belt laws.  There's no bright line separating over from under
regulation.  I also think that it would be in everyone's interest for a
solution, perhaps along the lines that William has generated, to be
developed (that doesn't add significantly to the per watt installation
cost).  In the end, common sense and reasonable, proportional solutions
will hopefully prevail.  While many good folks (with much more experience
than me) have spent a lot of time thinking about these issues, I would
agree that the broad "installer's perspective" seems to have not had
enough weight in the end results.  Which is why a newly formed trade
association (or resurrection of the previous one, or adaptation of
NABCEP's charter) seems like a very timely (perhaps even belated) idea.

Howie
-- 
Howie Michaelson
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™

Sun Catcher, LLC
Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service
http://www.SunCatcherVT.com
(cell) 802-272-0004
(home) 802-439-6096


On Mon, January 21, 2008 5:43 pm, Michael Welch wrote:
>
> Is it time to resurrect the group that was set up originally to represent
> installers in their efforts to keep the utilities out of the business of
> selling and installing systems?
>
> The Independent Power Providers seems like a useful vehicle for this newer
> purpose. But it is a bit moribund, and would need an influx of leadership
> and dues. www.i2p.org
>

> Jeff Yago wrote at 01:58 PM 1/21/2008:
>>We need to form some type of trade association of installers that can be
>> a collective voice for all solar installers from all states. I mentioned
>> this in the start of this thread and have not seen any comment. I would
>> really like for NABCEP to step up to the plate with a trade association
>> for installers after they are certified, maybe move licensed installers
>> over to a separate chapter or sub-group since they already have all the
>> contact information and web site, but if they do not or cannot, I am
>> positive we will find some organization that will represent us in these
>> major issues, or start our own asociation if that is the only way.
>>
>>What say ye?
>>
>>Jeff Yago


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