[RE-wrenches] Wire management dual axis tracker

[Jerry Shafer]

Wrenches
For some of our off grid customers we have installed the combiner on the
array right behind the gimble and then only run the home run wire down,
fewer wires is better. We try to keep the run in a loop  720` real close to
the gimble, the loop reduces wire stress and we have had no failures.
Jerry

On Mon, Nov 30, 2015 at 5:35 PM, Ray Walters <ray at solarray.com> wrote:

> We used to  just bundle the PV cables and secure them close to the pivot
> point at both the rack and the pole with insulated wire loom clamps.  We
> always made a big enough loop to handle full articulation, but not too long
> so they wouldn't catch on the Combiner box, etc.  We also started using
> braided ground strap, instead of stranded #6.  Braided is made for
> movement, stranded #6 would strain harden and break off at the connector.
> I'm not sure how flex conduit would do.  It definitely could break out of
> a plastic J box, I would think.  The back and forth motion eventually wears
> out things not really made to move.  I had lots of trouble with this issue.
> Finally, don't be greedy on tracker settings, I'd keep the total range of
> motion to less than a full 180 degrees Azimuth, and probably limit the tilt
> some too.
>
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer303 505-8760
>
> On 11/30/2015 8:21 PM, Mac Lewis wrote:
>
> Hi Wrenches,
>
> I'm looking for advice on the best way(s) to secure PV source circuit
> wiring on a dual axis tracker.  I've never wired one up before and it seems
> tricky.  This particular tracker is 12 modules, 3 strings.  Is it best to
> run a flexible conduit up the pole and leave plenty of excess conduit to
> create large loops that fluctuate in size throughout the day?  What are
> some other ideas?  How do you avoid abrasion over time?
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> --
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> * "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates *
>
>
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