[RE-wrenches] RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 6, Issue 423

[David Brearley]

William,

Thanks for posting a link to that story.

Here's more background on the tile roof integrated PV system recall and warranty fiasco:

http://runonsun.com/~runons5/blogs/blog1.php/solworks/safety/suntech-recalls-solar-roofing-tiles

http://runonsun.com/~runons5/blogs/blog1.php/ranting/centex-clouds-solar-tile-repairs

http://runonsun.com/~runons5/blogs/blog1.php/solworks/safety/centex-suspends-solar-repairs

http://runonsun.com/~runons5/blogs/blog1.php/solnews/centex-steps-up-will-replace

It sounds like this could be a product design failure rather than a wire management issue. But wire management is certainly suspect until proven innocent. Regardless of the cause, since these are roof integrated systems, Centex basically needs to replace all of the TIPV systems with conventional rack-mounted PV systems—provided they can get the homeowners to sign the liability releases. 

Even though these are relatively unique installations, the general lessons would seem to apply broadly. Qualify your vendors carefully. Make sure your installers are properly trained. Put QC systems in place to catch problems. A small investment in quality wire management practices is cheap compared to the alternative.

Best regards,

David Brearley
Senior Technical Editor, SolarPro magazine


On Nov 11, 2013, at 1:02 PM, re-wrenches-request at lists.re-wrenches.org wrote:

> 
> From: "William Miller" <william at millersolar.com>
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] House fire news
> Date: November 11, 2013 12:09:08 PM CST
> To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Reply-To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> 
> 
> Friends:
>  
> This was brought to my attention:  http://on.aol.com/video/are-solar-panels-a-fire-hazard--518000682?hp=1&playlist=127173&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D403848
>  
>  
> I know this is an isolated scenario, but bad PR can spread like umm, wildfire.  We should all be aware of bad press so we can respond to questions about safety hazards.
>  
> I think this story is relevant in that as the number of PV installations continues to grow, the chance of an accident naturally increases. I believe we all need to do the best work possible to minimize this risk.  Even though some of the Code requirements seem illogical, I favor strict adherence to the code, including the more subjective judgments on good workmanship.
>  
> I look forward to the day when plastic wire ties of any type are not accepted for wire management – I think they are sub-standard practice and increase the likelihood of fire or shock hazards.
>  
> William Miller
>  
>  
> <image003.jpg>
> 17395 Oak Rd. Atascadero, CA 93422
> www.millersolar.com
> 805-438-5600 voice
>  

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