[RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening

[Bill Brooks]

Drake,

I recommend using 4'x8' panels of lattice work that is either wood or PVC so
that you don't have worry about grounding the material. It is reasonably
attractive and can hide some of the ugly parts of the array. The panels can
be held on with battens that screw into the structural member and allow for
panels to be removed in case the array wiring needs to be maintained.

Bill.


-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Drake
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 9:35 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening

Hello Wrenches,

We are installing a ground mount system with Enphase 
inverters.  690.31 requires readily accessible source and output 
conductors OPERATING at over 30 volts to be installed in a 
raceway.  The Vmp of the REC230PE modules is 29.4 volts.  Of course 
it would go higher in cold weather.  Do I have any argument that 
would allow us to not install the DC conductors in a raceway?

The NEC Handbook comments "Most PV modules do not have provisions for 
attaching raceways. These circuits may have to be made "not readily 
accessible" by use of physical barriers such as wire screening".

I have heard of a green screening material that has been used on the 
E, W and N sides of ground mounts to render the area not readily 
accessible.  Does anyone know what this is?  What else would work 
that would be more cost effective than running a chain link fence 
around the array?

Thanks,

Drake 

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