[RE-wrenches] getting PV modules up to the roof

[Jeff Wongstrom]

I second using scaffolding.  It comes to almost every job tucked into the front of the trailer.  We have had good lifting performance with a pulley fastened to the underside of a scaffolding plank which is sitting on the very top of 4 sets of scaffolding(scaffolding strapped to the building of course), a rope, and a glazier's vacuum cup.  Relatively fast, safe, and effective in tight quarters.  Glaziers hang their life on vacuum cups regularly.  Much better than walking a module up a ladder.

Jeff


Jeff Wongstrom
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Licensed MT Residential Electrician
406.291.3416
thirstylakesolar.com

On Feb 10, 2013, at 7:47 PM, Gary Willett wrote:

> Here's a product from Kee Safety for hoisting modules.
> http://keesafety.com/images/uploads/us/documents/%28D3%29ASSEMBLYSOLARplatform_NA.pdf
> 
> Regards,
> 
> 
> Gary Willett, PE
> Icarus-Engineering LLC
> Icarus Solar Services LLC
> 
> Gary at Icarus-Engineering.com
> Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com
> On 2/10/2013 4:35 PM, Solarguy wrote:
>> We started buying scaffolding in 2007 after renting it for our first 3 years.
>> One man can lift one module 7 feet up to where one more man can grab then stack it on a solid platform 4 deep on each end of the walkboards. 8 panels stacked 8 feet off the ground in under 10 minutes.
>> Step off the walkboard onto a 2nd story roof.
>> Yes it’s a significant investment and is bulky to transport but it makes roof access way easier, provides a place to keep tools & equipment within reach and is just plain easier to climb than ladders. And safer.
>> Not to mention it’s a great assembly platform for trackers.
>> http://www.ntrei.com/scaffold.pdf
>>  
>> Jim Duncan
>> North Texas Renewable Energy Inc
>> www.ntrei.com
>> NABCEP PV 031310-57
>> TECL-27398
>> ntrei at 1scom.net
>> 817.917.0527
>> <Mail Attachment.jpeg>
>>  
>>  
>>  
>> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers
>> Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 12:44 PM
>> To: RE-wrenches
>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] getting PV modules up to the roof
>>  
>> Hi Wrenches,
>>  
>> I imagine that all of us working in rooftop PV have put some good hard thought on the best way to get the modules up to the roof. There are various lifts on the market, you can hoist them with ropes manually, or walk them up a ladder (sling them over your back). I find that the majority of our competition in the Bay Area walks panels up the ladder for residential projects. What is your feeling about OSHA compliance of doing this?
>>  
>> Best,
>>  
>>  
>> August
>> 415.559.1525
>> 

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