[RE-wrenches] Bypassing a broken PV module

[Glenn Burt]

If it will be removed electrically from the system, perhaps you can come up with a way to apply a clear sealant coating across the face of the module to decrease further degradation by the elements.

-----Original Message-----
From: "Jason Szumlanski" <jason at floridasolardesigngroup.com>
Sent: ‎7/‎22/‎2016 7:26
To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Bypassing a broken PV module

I came across shattered glass on an Evergreen PV module while doing a new
homeowner system evaluation. My inclination is to remove the panel and
bypass it, which would still leave the array well within the operating
parameters for the inverter. However, the owner wants to just leave the
panel physically in the array because it actually looks better that way,
which I agree it does. You can hardly tell it's broken from ground level.

I explained that there is a risk of a ground fault if the module is left
physically in the array, but the owner who is pretty astute, mentioned that
the fault voltage if a ground fault were to occur from that module would
only be at 22.5V potential (he didn't mention the actual voltage, but he
did correctly state that the maximum fault would be limited to the single
module, which in this case is 22.5V @ 12A). While it may trip an inverter,
it would probably not pose a safety risk.

While he may be technically right, for now I have reused to do the work,
but I told him I would think about it.

Anyone been through this scenario?

​Jason Szumlanski
​
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