[RE-wrenches] RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 7, Issue 29

[Dan Fink]

This is where my gripes on signage originate. Discos module level vs remote
string vs rooftop string vs battery backup. How to label? How to educate
firefighters?
On Jan 23, 2014 5:50 AM, "Glenn Burt" <glenn.burt at glbcc.com> wrote:

>  "They can safely shut down any electrical system in a building—except
> for PV systems."
>
> Not completely true, as batteries are stored energy systems and while they
> may be disconnected, are still energized regardless of the state of other
> systems.
>  ------------------------------
> From: David Brearley <david.brearley at solarprofessional.com>
> Sent: 1/22/2014 22:48
> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 7, Issue 29
>
> Drake,
>
> As far I know you are correct. There have not been any firefighter deaths
> due to solar.
>
> However, a fire chief in New Jersey did suggest that he let a warehouse
> burn down due to the presence of a PV system on the roof:
>
> http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/23313172/multiple-alarm-fire
>
>
> http://www.theatlanticcities.com/technology/2013/09/why-firefighters-are-scared-solar-power/6854/
>
> That suggests to me that while there is no crisis today, there is
> certainly the potential for one down the road. Imagine the insurance
> industry's response if fire fighters make a habit of not responding to
> structural fires due to the presence of PV systems. Fire fighters want
> touch-safe PV modules. And they have a reasonable complaint. They can
> safely shut down any electrical system in a building—except for PV systems.
>
> SEIA and SEPA are the solar industry lobby. Please do engage and support
> them. SEIA even has a political action committee, the SolarPAC. Part of the
> way that I try to stay on top of evolving Code issues is by attending SEIA-
> and SEPA-sponsored events.
>
> Also, over the past 4 or 5 years, the Solar America Board of Codes and
> Standards has scheduled annual meetings that coincide with Intersolar.
> Those are very informative sessions. I think the sessions are even archived
> online at solarancs.org.
>
>   David Brearley
> Senior Technical Editor, *SolarPro* magazine
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> david.brearley at solarprofessional.com
> Direct: 541.261.6545
>
>
>  On Jan 22, 2014, at 8:18 PM, re-wrenches-request at lists.re-wrenches.orgwrote:
>
>
> *From: *Drake <drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org>
> *Subject: **Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 2014 690.12 Rapid Shutdown*
> *Date: *January 22, 2014 2:16:18 PM CST
> *To: *RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> *Reply-To: *RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>
>
> David,
>
> My sincere thanks to all of you who worked to keep the module level
> disconnect requirement out of the 2014 code cycle. That ruling would have
> amounted to a knockout punch for string and central inverters on buildings.
>
>
> What was the driving force behind this push for immediate module level
> disconnection? There has clearly *not* been a rash of firefighter deaths
> due to PV systems. Although PV needs to continue evolving safety standards
> that take into account the concerns of firefighters, there is no crisis
> that would justify thwarting one of the few growing sectors of our economy.
>
>
> The PV track record has been amazingly good. So far, I've found no
> accounts of solar related firefighter deaths or injuries. The NFPA
> statistics show that the highest cause of firefighter death is heart attack.
>
> http://www.nfpa.org/newsandpublications/nfpa-journal/2013/july-august-2013/features/firefighter-fatalities-in-the-united-states-2012
>
>
> This push for crippling regulation bears the earmark of ALEC’s extensive
> and effective war on solar. As you can read in the following links, the
> massively funded, Koch brothers-linked ALEC is lobbying heavily, on every
> level, to derail solar. All who are associated with the solar industry need
> to be aware of this powerful lobbying campaign.
>
>
> http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/04/alec-freerider-homeowners-assault-clean-energy
>
>
>
> http://www.salon.com/2013/12/05/alec_freeriders_with_solar_panels_must_pay_for_robbing_the_system/
>
>
>
> http://beforeitsnews.com/environment/2014/01/alec-gain-an-inside-track-on-colorado-solar-2490132.html
>
>
> Is there any way that the solar community can be alerted when threats to
> our industry are being put before the NEC? Although few contractors have
> the time or money to walk away from their businesses and attend code
> writing committees, a substantial number might have the time to make phone
> calls and send letters or emails to code writers.
>
> The solar industry needs a strong lobby of its own.
>
> Drake
>
>
>
> [The entire original message is not included.]
>
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