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

[Jason Szumlanski]

That's good news! I'd like to keep Zep in the arsenal, especially for
people that insist on a low profile look. One other thing that concerns me
a bit is the long-term availability and replacements down the road. We've
had this discussion in another thread about replacing 12V nominal modules.
That's an electrical compatibility issue, but Zep may create another
compatibility issue that can't easily be resolved. In the case of Zep with
microinverters, if a module fails or breaks in the distant future and there
is no replacement available, you can just say "oh well" and let it be.
That's my argument for only using Zep with micros, not string inverters.
Then again, that's a compelling argument for using micros in general.

There are definitely pros and cons to this unique mounting system.

*Jason Szumlanski** *

*Fafco Solar
*


On Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 12:01 AM, Andrew Truitt <atruitt at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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>****
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
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