[RE-wrenches] module / panel

[boB Gudgel]

On 2/8/2011 3:40 PM, David Brearley wrote:
> However, the term "panel" does appear in the NEC in the context of Article
> 690 "Solar Photovoltaic Systems." (You'll have to submit a proposal to the
> Code Making Panel to change the name of the Article, Michael.) Panel is
> defined a "collection of modules mechanically fastened together, wired and
> designed to provide a field installable unit."
>
> The third photo down in this article shows modules being panelized (bottom
> left) and a panel being lifted into position by a crane (top right):
>
> http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP3_4_pg26_Bray&search=
>


I would say, good luck in trying to change the world's useof these words...

Kind of like the usage of   "Bulk Voltage"    vs.    "Absorb Voltage" 
which we tried
to change years ago at OB.    (I'm not totally sure if that worked or not ?)

It's very hard for the majority of users/people to change old habits, 
even if
they are technically incorrect.

I find myself trying very hard to NOT say "solar panel", but to use the 
correct terminology.

Maybe an HP and/or SP article would be good on this and  world will then 
all use
the correct terminology from that point on.

boB





> On 2/8/11 5:19 PM, "Michael Welch"<michael.welch at re-wrenches.org>  wrote:
>
>> FYI, gang (and for what it is worth), Home Power magazine settled on the
>> following long ago, and it seems consistent with other uses:
>>
>> A panel can be used to refer to something that captures heat energy, but does
>> not use the photovoltaic effect. (Like SHW panel, but even SHW "collector" is
>> what we usually use.)
>>
>> A single framed set of PV cells with said connecting method is a PV module.
>> More than one PV module wired together in a set is an array (or a sub-array,
>> which can also refer to mechanical connection).
>> All the sub-arrays in a system constitute an array.
>>
>> Admittedly, there is some arbitrariness in there, but we wanted the magazine
>> to be consistent.
>>
>> There is no such thing as a "solar PV" module or panel -- but if there was it
>> would capture twice the amount of energy due to redundance.
>>
>> benn kilburn wrote at 02:49 PM 2/8/2011:
>>
>>> Wrenchers,
>>>
>>> Which term do you to describe a single framed unit with either a j-box or two
>>> wire leads on the back, module or panel?
>>> Which term do you believe to be correct and why?
>>>
>>> My interpretation is that a single framed unit is a module.  Any number of
>>> modules attached to a single detached 'rack' is a panel, and a group of
>>> panels with the same orientation or mounting location/type is an array.
>>>
>>> If you agree with my interpretation, what are your thoughts on the widespread
>>> use of the term 'panel' to describe a module.
>>>
>>> thanks,
>>> benn
>>>
>>> DayStar Renewable Energy Inc.
>>> benn at daystarsolar.ca
>>> 780-906-7807
>>> HAVE A SUNNY DAY
>>