[RE-wrenches] Best racking systems (was Awkward Mid-clamps & jigs for installing or removing modules?)

Thu Jan 24 21:01:13 PST 2013

Jason - This is from Nate Colman, PE and Director of Technical Development
at Zep:

Zep Solar will be providing updated span tables and compliance letters
based on ASCE-10 in the next few weeks.  Regarding removal of modules for
service - it is common practice to remove up roof modules in order to gain
access to a module requiring service, regardless of the mounting system.
Zep’s recommended practices for module removal are detailed within our
installation manuals.  Please note that Zep Solar does not promote walking
across arrays in order to remove a module for servicing, as this may result
in damage to the cells.  Regarding microinverter installations - Zep Solar
continues to design innovative products for the installation of module
device electronics that will simplify the integration and mounting of these
devices in Zep arrays

For a brighter energy future,

Andrew Truitt
NABCEP Certified PV Installer™ (ID# 032407-66)

Principal
Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting, LLC

(202) 486-7507

LinkedIn Profile <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-truitt/8/622/713>

Company Website <http://truittreconsulting.weebly.com/>
<%28202%29%20486-7507>

"Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion
to fission. And it just so happens that there's an enormous fusion reactor
safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could
ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless!"

~William McDonough

On Mon, Jan 21, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Jason Szumlanski <jason at fafcosolar.com>wrote:

>
> Despite the fact that Unirac has not updated its manual for ASCE 7-10, the
> span tables are still useful and there is adequate engineering information
> from them to get the job done. Solarmount is still our product of choice,
> despite several lower cost options like Ironridge. That could change if
> competitors move to lower cost options.
>
> *Jason Szumlanski*
>
> *Fafco Solar*
>
> *
> *
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 21, 2013 at 10:05 AM, Chris Mason <
> cometenergysystems at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Jason,
>> What are you using now? We look to Florida for standards, as he Caribbean
>> doesn't have any.
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 21, 2013 at 9:10 AM, Jason Szumlanski <jason at fafcosolar.com>wrote:
>>
>>> That's based on ASCE 7-05. If your AHJ requires ASCE 7-10, that is no
>>> longer the case. Florida Building Code 2010 requires use of ASCE 7-10, and
>>> ultimate design wind speeds have changed dramatically, so it's important to
>>> consider the method, not just the wind speed.
>>>
>>> We liked Zep, except when you have to remove a module for service.
>>> Microinverter installations are a little clunky with Zep, even with module
>>> frames specifically designed for Enphase. Unfortunately, we stopped using
>>> the product for a variety of reasons, not the least of which were new code
>>> requirements in Florida.
>>>
>>> *Jason Szumlanski** *
>>>
>>> *Fafco Solar*
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sat, Jan 19, 2013 at 5:52 PM, Andrew Truitt <atruitt at gmail.com>wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Chris - The Zep system can be installed in up to 150mph wind zones in
>>>> most cases.  See the span tables on the Zep engineering documentation:
>>>> http://www.zepsolar.com/images/files/general/pdf/ZS_Compliance_Letter.pdf
>>>>
>>>> Todd - Ground snow loads of up to 70 psf are allowable.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> A free design tool can be found at zepulator.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>  For a brighter energy future,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Andrew Truitt
>>>> NABCEP Certified PV Installer™ (ID# 032407-66)****
>>>>
>>>> Principal
>>>> Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting, LLC****
>>>>
>>>> (202) 486-7507
>>>>
>>>> LinkedIn Profile <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-truitt/8/622/713>
>>>>
>>>> Company Website <http://truittreconsulting.weebly.com/>
>>>>  <%28202%29%20486-7507>****
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Fri, Jan 18, 2013 at 10:07 PM, <toddcory at finestplanet.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> or heavy snow... the supports are clear out on the ends.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> todd
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Friday, January 18, 2013 5:09pm, "Chris Daum"
>>>>> <chris at OasisMontana.com> said:
>>>>>
>>>>>  So how does the Zep stuff's testing do in winds in excess of 100 mph?
>>>>>  I saw a nice demo and display of their goods in at the Anaheim 2009
>>>>> SPI, but still am reticent to switch suppliers and modules to accomodate
>>>>> racking....
>>>>>  Chris Daum
>>>>> Oasis Montana Inc.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>
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>>
>>
>> --
>> Chris Mason
>> President, Comet Systems Ltd
>> www.cometenergysystems.com
>>  Cell: 264.235.5670
>> Skype: netconcepts
>>
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