[RE-wrenches] Attaching to 5V metal roof

Wrenches, I have an project for 18 modules mounted with Unirac Sun Frame on a 5V metal roof. Typically we drill through the metal and lag L feet to blocking or rafters if they are accessible. Does anyone know of a better solution for this situation? I have looked at the Ejot fasteners by

[RE-wrenches] Split-bus panel: load/line side connection?

Wrenches, The thread about supply side overcurrent protection got me thinking about the old split-bus panels. I don't see any theoretical difference between landing on a breaker in the top section of a split-bus service panel and making a line side tap. For example, if you have a 200A split-bus

[RE-wrenches] Using Metal Roof as conductor

I am installing a PV array at about 400Vdc on a metal roof. The inverter is located a very long way from the array. I am contemplating just running a positive conductor for most of the run. I was thinking about connecting the negative PV conductor to a lug solidly bonded to the metal roof

Re: [RE-wrenches] Using Metal Roof as conductor

I've oft wondered why we didn't use this time tested automotive wiring method more in PV; especially at higher voltages. An energized roof is a happy roof as they say. You go Solar Guru. R. Walters r...@solarray.com Solar Engineer On Apr 1, 2010, at 10:53 AM, Jason Szumlanski wrote: I am

Re: [RE-wrenches] Using Metal Roof as conductor

I'm thinking 250.161(A)2 might apply.Dan BrownPresidentFoxfire Energy Corp.Renewable Energy Systems(802)-483-2564www.Foxfire-Energy.comNABCEP #092907-44 Original Message Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Using Metal Roof as conductor From: Chris Anderson cander...@borregosolar.com

Re: [RE-wrenches] Using Metal Roof as conductor

I see absolutely no Code compliance issues with this method. The April Fool's Code that is... Brian Teitelbaum AEE Solar -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jason Szumlanski Sent: Thursday,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Using Metal Roof as conductor

Besides saving copper you've also solved the squirrel chewing conductors problem!! Anyone have good recipes for char-broiled squirrel? From the Solar, Wind and Hydro powered office of Jeff Oldham/Regenerative SOLutions Penny

[RE-wrenches] Utility Transformers (was Outback Grid Problems)

Ray, I think Daryl is on to something. I would suspect a line problem (under-sized feeder, bad connections, failing transformer, trees rubbing wire, someone else on the feeder with noisy or large intermittent loads, etc.). Utility transformers can degrade for a long time before they fail. In

Re: [RE-wrenches] Utility Transformers (was Outback Grid Problems)

Thanks Joel. I would also add that the utility also ran a much larger feeder line from the transformer to my house, likely to cover all their bases. Daryl Ray, I think Daryl is on to something. I would suspect a line problem (under-sized feeder, bad connections, failing transformer, trees

Re: [RE-wrenches] Using Metal Roof as conductor

Very good idea for the cost-conscious consumer and installer! It could also lower PV module cleaning and maintenance costs by dramatically reducing pigeon, squirrel and other avian or rodent populations that foul PV arrays and chew wires. My consulting client at our meeting this morning said

[RE-wrenches] Fwd: Outback Grid Problems

Daryl (penobscotsolar at midmaine.com) writes: I saw the fault high ac input voltage at least three times. I changed out the boards in the inverter TWICE, both times freebies from OutBack. I checked battery spec. grav., programmed it and re-programmed it, talked ad nauseum on the phone with

[RE-wrenches] windenergy7

Check this out: this company claims to have patented a mounting system which will allow their 1.4kw machine (or multiples thereof) to be mounted on a roof ridge. I cannot find a power curve of their product on their website, amongst other things. Opinions, experiences please, thanks.

Re: [RE-wrenches] windenergy7

HI all my last posts have not shown, heres hoping. I have seen two of these installed on roofs.  I have and one of my students now a solar installer,(NABCEP) has been called to repair.  he moved the turbine and placed the turbine on a bergey tower, and it appears to perform like a XL0.1 (1kW)

Re: [RE-wrenches] windenergy7

Hi Kirk, There are far too many words needed to describe the problems associated with a roof mounted system like this. I will summarize it: Today is April 1st (but don't you be fooled)!! Here's a list of all kinds of DIY, tinkerers dreams and wishful thinking systems.

Re: [RE-wrenches] windenergy7

Their patented mounting system (!) will not make up for the laws of physics. And even if it worked as claimed (small wind turbine systems never do, especially if roof mounted) it is still pretty expensive. They claim 1400 watts, but typically such an install would get around 1/4 of that for