I agree with Bill. Am I the only one who sees this as a 240 VAC application, not a 29.5 VDC application? The AC will be run in cable, not conduit, under the array. Code and common sense say we don't want unqualified people walking up to it and grabbing cables.
If it's a conventional ground rack, lattice is an affordable, reasonably attractive, and effective physical barrier for people and large animals. This method also doesn't create an attractive nesting place around the wires for squirrels and other knawing critters like an expanded metal backscreen would. And it doesn't affect module warranties. $0.02001 Matt Lafferty On Oct 21, 2010 2:58 PM, Bill Brooks <[email protected]> wrote: Drake, I recommend using 4'x8' panels of lattice work that is either wood or PVC so that you don't have worry about grounding the material. It is reasonably attractive and can hide some of the ugly parts of the array. The panels can be held on with battens that screw into the structural member and allow for panels to be removed in case the array wiring needs to be maintained. Bill. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Drake Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 9:35 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening Hello Wrenches, We are installing a ground mount system with Enphase inverters. 690.31 requires readily accessible source and output conductors OPERATING at over 30 volts to be installed in a raceway. The Vmp of the REC230PE modules is 29.4 volts. Of course it would go higher in cold weather. Do I have any argument that would allow us to not install the DC conductors in a raceway? The NEC Handbook comments "Most PV modules do not have provisions for attaching raceways. These circuits may have to be made "not readily accessible" by use of physical barriers such as wire screening". I have heard of a green screening material that has been used on the E, W and N sides of ground mounts to render the area not readily accessible. Does anyone know what this is? What else would work that would be more cost effective than running a chain link fence around the array? Thanks, Drake
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