[RE-wrenches] Best Ground Racking?

Wed Feb 5 22:42:32 PST 2014

Thanks, Andrew.  I have a stack of SolarPro waiting for the rain to hit.  Looks like we are getting some soon.  (Thank goodness)

Blessings,
Kelly

On Feb 4, 2014, at 11:02 PM, Andrew Truitt wrote:

> 
> Kelly - Here are a couple of SolarPro articles that you might find helpful:
> 
> 
> http://solarprofessional.com/articles/design-installation/ground-mounted-pv  
> 
> http://solarprofessional.com/articles/products-equipment/racking/ground-mount-pv-racking-systems/page/0/1  
> 
> 
> 
> For a brighter energy future,
> 
> 
> Andrew Truitt 
> 
> Principal
> Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting, LLC
> 
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> "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
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> 
> On Tue, Feb 4, 2014 at 9:58 PM, Kelly Larson <solarwrench at asis.com> wrote:
> Wow, William.  Thank you for all the details.  One size clearly doesn't fit all!  I like the page with all the different wire management options you've used.  Somebody tell me why we still don't have this taken care of WITH the racking...  Shesh.
> 
> Blessings,
> Kelly
> 
> 
> 
> On Feb 4, 2014, at 8:47 PM, <william at millersolar.com> <william at millersolar.com> wrote:
> 
>> Kelly:
>>  
>> Ground mount racking choice is determined on a case-by-case basis.  If the ground is flat and area plentiful, we use ballasted on gravel (Dyno-Raxx).  If you need to seasonally adjust, we like the DPW MPM.  If the ground is sloped other than gradually south, top of pole mounts may be your choice.  For flat ground, low tilt (grid-tied)  “fence post” arrays like the DPW LGM work well.  For high wind areas, consider the DPW TTRGM on piers spanned by strut.
>>  
>> Lest anyone think I am the cheering section for DPW, I suggest you avoid the DPW P6 or P8 “Tilt Kit” assemblies.  The brackets are flimsy.  Also, avoid DPW’s L-feet.  They are bent aluminum and come pre-stress cracked at no extra cost.  For L-feet, use Unirac “Serrated L-feet.”
>>  
>> It is refreshing to hear someone ask about wire management upfront.  All too often this is an afterthought.  In the industry vacuum we have been developing wire management systems on an ongoing basis.  Below is a link that depicts some of our ideas.
>>  
>> http://www.millersolar.com/public_html/MillerSolar/practices/PV_wiring/_PV_Wiring2.html
>>  
>> The Code now requires wire shielding on “readily accessible” PV which means ground mount. Just managing the wire is not enough, you must shield it from touch.   One option is to enclose the PV in chain link, which ramps up the ugly factor (I don’t think three rail pasture fence or even barbed wire complies). Once you fence the array you can dispense with shielding, but you still don’t want the leads dangling in a year or two, so avoid any flavor of plastic wire ties.  There have been studies proving they don’t last (US Navy is one source).
>>  
>> We have looked at racking members with larger interior cross section (i.e. Pro-Solar) with the intent of running AC and DC leads inside and we have even mocked up a few, but fitting leads and the proprietary nuts into the same channel has proven impractical.
>>  
>> Good luck.
>>  
>> William Miller
>>  
>> PS:  Speaking of racking systems, did anyone get the news that SnapNRack and indeed the entire REC Residential juggernaut has been sold?  Read the rest of this story
>>  
>> Wm
>>  
>>  
>>  
>> 
>> On Feb 4, 2014, at 4:45 PM, Kelly Larson <solarwrench at asis.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Thanks, Aaron.  How are you handling wire  management and connection to the ground?
>> 
>> Blessings,
>> Kelly
>>  
>> On Feb 4, 2014, at 2:41 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn wrote:
>>  
>> I like SnapNrack 200 Series as well as DPW Solar Multi Pole Mount.
>>  
>> On Feb 4, 2014, at 3:28 PM, Kelly Larson <solarwrench at asis.com> wrote:
>>  
>> 
>> Hi,
>>  
>> We are looking to install some 4KW ground mounted arrays.  What racking are you using?  Best ground connection?  Wire management?  The shows have so many choices, and I keep doing the same ol thing...
>> 
>> Blessings,
>> Kelly
>>  
>> Kelly Larson
>> Electrical Engineer
>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional
>> IREC Certified Master Trainer
>> CA Electrical Contractor# 868189
>> SolarKelly.com
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