[RE-wrenches] Utility Dis-connect
Jeff Blick
jeff.blick at sunlightsolar.com
Mon Oct 6 15:01:24 PDT 2008
Hi Jeff,
Here in the state of Oregon Pacific Power has given us permission to install
systems without the use of an AC disconnect. A small co-op known as central
electric co-op has also waived the need to install the AC Disco. Steps in
the right direction........
Jeff Blick
PV installer
Sunlight Solar Inc.
4 NW Franklin
Bend, OR 97701
direct: 541-306-4196
fax: 541-322-1911
jeff.blick at sunlightsolar.com
www.sunlightsolar.com
-----Original Message-----
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Subject: RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 1, Issue 197
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Today's Topics:
1. MC Cable tool (marco)
2. Re: Utility Dis-connect ( Jeff Yago)
3. Re: Utility Dis-connect (Allan Sindelar)
4. Re: Protection of Conductors (Geoff Greenfield)
5. FW: : Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits andInvestment
Tax Credits Extended (Paul Israel)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 21:08:52 -1000
From: "marco" <marco at pvthawaii.com>
Subject: [RE-wrenches] MC Cable tool
To: "'RE-wrenches'" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Message-ID: <EBCC3DB142EC4D36833912E988D95449 at marcohp>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I'm looking for a gently used MC cable M/F connector tool set for the
non-locking connector type. Anybody have one that they'd like to sell me?
Thanks,
marco
Marco Mangelsdorf, Ph.D., President
Electrical Contractor License C-26351
69 Railroad Avenue, A-7
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
(808) 969-3281, 934-7462 facsimile
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 4 Oct 2008 06:24:38 -0700
From: " Jeff Yago" <jryago at netscape.com>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Utility Dis-connect
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Message-ID: <20081004062438.BA731B94 at resin15.mta.everyone.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
I know installing the totally useless exterior lock-able dis-connect has
been a bone of contention for us all, but was a necessary evil to get many
utilities to sign onto net metering in their state back in the late 90's.
However, now that we have had a few years of showing these are never used,
are not needed, linemen would not know if there were in their work area, and
are a waste of money, has there been any states or utilities that are giving
up on this requirement?
If not, any interest in trying to make this requirement go away?
Jeff Yago
_____________________________________________________________
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 4 Oct 2008 09:01:47 -0600
From: "Allan Sindelar" <allan at positiveenergysolar.com>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Utility Dis-connect
To: <jryago at netscape.com>, "'RE-wrenches'"
<re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Message-ID: <E817BD76015247B685FE3149F54F9A02 at AllanLaptop>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Jeff,
"Put simply, the utility-accessible EDS (External Disconnect Switch) is
increasingly viewed as redundant and unnecessary for residential and
small-commercial PV systems with UL-listed inverters. Eight state PUCs
(i.e., Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New
Hampshire, and Utah) have reached this conclusion and eliminated their EDS
requirements for systems that meet criteria, and nine state PUCs have
decided to leave the EDS decision up to individual utilities. In the states
with utility choice, at least five utilities have eliminated the EDS
requirement. These states and utilities accounted for more than 80% of total
installed PV capacity in the United States in 2006." Evaluating the
Rationale for the Utility-Accessible External Disconnect Switch
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/42675.pdf
-----Original Message-----
I know installing the totally useless exterior lock-able dis-connect has
been a bone of contention for us all, but was a necessary evil to get many
utilities to sign onto net metering in their state back in the late 90's.
However, now that we have had a few years of showing these are never used,
are not needed, linemen would not know if there were in their work area, and
are a waste of money, has there been any states or utilities that are giving
up on this requirement?
If not, any interest in trying to make this requirement go away?
Jeff Yago
_____________________________________________________________
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
_______________________________________________
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Message: 4
Date: Sat, 4 Oct 2008 08:28:30 -0700 (PDT)
From: Geoff Greenfield <geoff at third-sun.com>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Protection of Conductors
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Cc: 'Randy' <Randy at third-sun.com>, 'Kent Phillips'
<kent at third-sun.com>
Message-ID:
<14150053.3888291223134110373.JavaMail.root at zimbra4.mindcentric.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
thanks for input Bill, and also for tip on zipties. We have dealt with
intermittent groundfaults caused by faulty xlp! Had to spray water on array
to "find" it. PITA! Almost makes me want to submerge the spool next time
and do my own test.
For a brighter energy future,
Geoff Greenfield
President
Third Sun Solar & Wind Power Ltd.
340 West State Street, Unit 25
Athens, OH 45701
740.597.3111 Fax 740.597.1548
www.Third-Sun.com
Clean Energy - Expertly Installed
----- Bill Brooks <billbrooks7 at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Geoff,
>
> SS zip ties are good, but you must be very careful not to pull them tight.
> They should only be snug, not tight. These SS zip ties have been shown to
> cause ground faults in many cases. Commercial rooftops are accessible, but
> not readily accessible. Conductors must be supported properly and
protected
> from physical damage. The conductors must follow structural members. If
they
> leave structural members, they must be in a raceway of some kind. A
variety
> of options there.
>
> Bill.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Geoff
> Greenfield
> Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 7:19 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Cc: Randy; Kent Phillips
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Protection of Conductors
>
> Hey wrenchers... we have an internal debate going about a code section
> interpretation... "subject to physical damage". Code compliance is a
must,
> best practice is an expectation (...weighed against material and labor
cost
> (prevailing wage job)).
>
> Application is a flat roof with no public access (locked hatch). We are
> using DP+W "Power-tube" flat roofing system for the first time... the
> question is how to deal with the inter-row N-S wire runs... about 100 gaps
> about 24" between the E-W rows of panels. There are plenty of 2"x2" strut
> members running under the array N-S. We will "exit" the array field in
> ridgid conduit to combiner boxes.
>
> The flat roof system we usually use has built in wire trays... using this
> new system has brought up this question... Our options include dressing
the
> XLP bundles with SS zip ties alongside the N-S struts, or using Galv. RMC,
> strapped, with bushings (or S-80 PVC) at all these walkways... or using
> Unistrut (w/cap) as a lay in wireway (to speed up labor (debatable)).
>
> Below are some of the code references... the basic question seems to be:
> does the limited access of this roof keep us out of "subject to physical
> damage"? What is a "Readily accessible location?"
>
> Thanks everyone.
>
> For a brighter energy future,
>
> Geoff Greenfield
> President
> Third Sun Solar & Wind Power Ltd.
> 340 West State Street, Unit 25
> Athens, OH 45701
>
> 740.597.3111 Fax 740.597.1548
> www.Third-Sun.com
>
> Clean Energy - Expertly Installed
>
>
> >
> > Next, one might argue, I suppose, that the racking system itself, acts
> > as
> > protection and that the conductors should therefore, not be considered
> > to
> > be exposed. I disagree based on NEC definition. That stated, I
> > would
> > consider these NEC references for more perspective:
> >
> > Pretty straightforward NEC 100 Definitions Exposed (as applied to
> > wiring
> > methods): On or attached to the surface...
> >
> > NEC 300.4 gives various cases for protection against physical damage
> > requirements. Long article. Worth a read. Does not address our
> > exact
> > case, but I would say that the following methods would be appropriate
> > based on similar cases...
> >
> > NEC 344.10 (A)(1) Galvanized steel and stainless steel RMC. ...shall
> > be
> > permitted under all atmospheric conditions and occupancies.
> >
> > NEC 352.10(f) Exposed. PVC conduit shall be permitted for exposed
> > work.
> > PVC conduit used exposed in areas of physical damage shall be
> > identified
> > for the use. FPN: PVC conduit, Type Schedule 80, is identified for
> > areas
> > of physical damage.
> >
> > Also,
> >
> > NEC 690.31(A) ...Where photovoltaic source and output circuits
> > operating
> > at maximum system voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in
> > readily
> > accesible locations, circuit conductors shall be installed in a
> > raceway.
> >
> > One might argue, then, why don't the module interconnects have to be
> > protected, also...
> >
> > NEC 690.31(B) is really the key to all of this: Single-Conductor
> > Cable.
> > Single-conductor cable type USE-2, and single-conductor cable listed
> > and
> > labeled as photovoltaic (PV) wire shall be permitted in exposed
> > outdoor
> > locations in photovoltaic source circuits FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE
> > INTERCONNECTIONS within the photovoltaic array.
> >
> > So, I suppose that if our source circuit interconnections extend from
> > row
> > to row, then we can leave those exposed. I don't like it, but it
> > would
> > probably have to be accepted.
> >
> >
> _______________________________________________
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------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 4 Oct 2008 12:32:50 -0400
From: "Paul Israel" <paul at sunlightsolar.com>
Subject: [RE-wrenches] FW: : Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits
andInvestment Tax Credits Extended
To: "'RE-wrenches'" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Message-ID: <99E6A21AD49644C793316F58EF35EB7D at HPNoteBook>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
File was rejected ... because I added the SEIA Tax guide. Contact me or
go to seia.org if you want the tax guide.
Paul N. Israel, President
paul at sunlightsolar.com
www.sunlightsolar.com <http://www.sunlightsolar.com/>
541/389-3480 (Oregon)
203/878-9123 x103 (CT)
860/617-6527 (Cell)
_____
From: Paul Israel [mailto:paul at sunlightsolar.com]
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 9:20 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: RE: [RE-wrenches] : Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits
andInvestment Tax Credits Extended
Kirpal,
Q. Anyone know if the tax credit is able to be carried forward if not able
to consumed entirely in one year?
On the Commercial side here is the SEIA Tax Manual "bible" passage.
7.2 Carryback and Carryforward of Credits
A commercial solar tax credit that a taxpayer cannot use because of the
floor can be
carried back one year and forward 20 years. However, it appears that only
10% of the
30% solar credit can be carried back before 2006. The remaining 20% of solar
credits
arising in 2006 cannot be carried back. If a taxpayer ends up carrying
unused energy
credits forward for 20 years and is still unable to use them, the unused
credit can be
exercised in the year after the carryforward period ends. However, only half
the credit
can be used in this situation - the rest is lost.
The Residential is "amorphous" at best. Probably best to use it in the
year earned.
6. Project Timing Issues, Transition Issues, Progress Expenditures
Unlike the commercial solar tax credit, the residential credit is a new
credit beginning in
2006. The residential credit rewards spending on solar equipment for the
home during
2006 and 2007. The full tax credit basis for the residential credit becomes
eligible in the
year that installation of the equipment is completed; there is no provision
for credits
against progress payments, as described in Section 5.2 of the commercial
credit
section. Thus, it is important for the installation to be completed by
December 2007.
Since individuals tend to use cash accounting for payment of taxes, it would
be a good
idea for an individual to also have paid for the equipment by December 2007.
Paul N. Israel, President
paul at sunlightsolar.com
www.sunlightsolar.com <http://www.sunlightsolar.com/>
541/389-3480 (Oregon)
203/878-9123 x103 (CT)
860/617-6527 (Cell)
_____
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirpal
Khalsa
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 6:40 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] : Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits
andInvestment Tax Credits Extended
Big relief to have that bill pass......
Anyone know if the tax credit is able to be carried forward if not able to
consumed entirely in one year?
Thanks!!!
Cheers,
--
Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
Renewable Energy Systems
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