[RE-wrenches] copper roof

Chris Worcester chris at solarwindworks.com
Mon Sep 16 22:14:06 PDT 2013


What I am getting is the birds are dumping on the modules too, which washes
off in the rains, dripping on the copper below, staining the roof from the
acidic nature of their droppings.

Chris Worcester
Solar Wind Works
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Office 530-582-4503
Cell 530-448-9692
Fax 530-582-4603
www.solarwindworks.com
chris at solarwindworks.com

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Richard L
Ratico
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 5:08 PM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] copper roof

Nik,

Looks to me like there may be a major bird flyway between the dormers
directly over the bottom row of modules. A google search seems to confirm a
correllation between between bird droppings and copper roof staining. I
agree with August, this doesn't seem to be an issue caused by dissimilar
metal electrolysis. It is interesting that there are "hot spots" below the
long sides of the module frames. How are the modules grounded, WEEBS or lugs
and bare copper?

I would recommend installing devices to prevent the birds from roosting in
the dormers and continued monitoring to see if things stabilize.

Dick Ratico
Solarwind Electric



--- You wrote:
Hi Nik,



This is an interesting one. What is going on along the bottom edge of the
modules? Is that corrosion or lichen or bird poop remnants? The racking and
sides of the modules look fine. I suppose moisture might be collecting along
the bottom module lip and something is happening to the black anodizing
there. It looks like you have a piece of rubber separating the brass S5
clamp from the L-foot? The only thing that I can think of that might be
dielectric related might be making sure there is a good bond between the
module frame, racking, and roof but that doesn't really seem to be the issue
here.



Looks like a nice building!



Best,



August





*August Goers*

Luminalt Energy Corporation

o: 415.641.4000

m: 415.559.1525



*From:* re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Nik Ponzio,
Building Energy
*Sent:* Monday, September 16, 2013 2:10 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] copper roof



Dear Wrenches,


We installed a PV system on a copper roof several years ago. We used brass
S5!-U clamps on standing seam and aluminum racking. We are now noticing some
discoloration at the drip-line below the modules. See photos here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/109634809794570027207/CopperRoof?authuser=0&aut
hkey
=Gv1sRgCMv8n6rCl8e8Sw&feat=directlink



There is also a fair amount of discoloration from bird droppings but that
doesn't seem to be the cause of the spots under the modules.



Does any know what's happening here, whether to be concerned about
corrosion, and how to prevent this in the future?

--- end of quote ---
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