[RE-wrenches] Separated frames on BP modules

[Joel Davidson]

The 1998 Solarex Solar Energizer PV System with Millennia MST43 amorphous modules had an interconnecting frame with space in the C-channel frame for the pigtails and quick-connects. In 2003, BP stopped the evolution of that product line and then closed the factory putting 260 Americans out of work.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: William Miller 
  To: RE-wrenches 
  Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 5:36 PM
  Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Separated frames on BP modules


  Joel:

  I am waiting for module manufacturers to incorporate a slim gutter along the short edge of the module.  In the gutter can be folded the PV cable with quick connects.  This tray would have KOs in the ends and sides, allowing snap bushed connectivity to adjacent modules and conduit to connect for PV feeders.

  William Miller



  At 04:15 PM 6/15/2009, you wrote:

    Most solar module designers have no field experience. Some design solar module long-rail angle or channel frames that bow unless you fasten them to the mounting structure with 4 bolts (2 per long-rail) in factory-drilled mounting holes. Some long rails are so weak that they bow under the module's own weight if you just lift the module by the long rail. Solec modules had a tube-frame that was the strongest in the industry, but I don't recommend Solec type frames. They were over-built and required threaded inserts and a special insert tool if you wanted make your own mounting holes (which you were allowed to do without voiding the warranty). There is no reason for poorly designed and weak angle or channel frame extrusions. A strong frame gives installers the freedom to drill their own mounting holes in both the long and short rails.
     
    Joel Davidson


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