Re: [RE-wrenches] Publicity rights?

2014-04-29 Thread Will White
We had a new competitor take a video of one of our installs (with owner's permission) and post it on the front of their web page. I believe it's still there almost two years later. It's a shady thing to do but I don't think there was anything we could legally do to stop them. From:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Publicity rights?

2014-04-29 Thread Daniel Young
We had this happen a few years ago. The installer in question was NABCEP certified. The use of other installers systems as promotional material, as well as other less than ethical practices on the website were in breach of the NABCEP code of ethics. So we notified NABCEP and they approached the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Article 690, or The Haves Vs. Have Nots

2014-04-29 Thread Jason Szumlanski
690.9(D) is not applicable to the original discussion because we were talking about an Inverter output circuit, not a PV Source or Output circuit.. 690.34 may apply if you call a SolaDeck with breakers a junction box, but I can see that being a stretch in the mind of many. My and Ray's question

Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

2014-04-29 Thread Jason Szumlanski
Setting aside code issues for a moment, I wouldn't hesitate to put an OCPD under a module if strategically located such that only one module needs to be removed and there is adequate working space (i.e. the last module in a row). How often are OCPD service issues encountered, especially AC

Re: [RE-wrenches] Article 690, or The Haves Vs. Have Nots

2014-04-29 Thread Dave Click
I think 240.24(A)(4) allows the installation of the inverter OCPDs in the SolaDeck hidden under a module. ** *240.24 Location in or on Premises.* ** National Electrical Code 2008 Edition *(A) Accessibility.* Overcurrent devices shall be readily accessible and shall be installed so that the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Article 690, or The Haves Vs. Have Nots

2014-04-29 Thread Bill Hoffer
Dave I agree, in the case of microinverters, you already have a main PV System disconnect at the Load Panel to shut down the system that is readily accesible. I would consider the disconnect on the roof as a supplemental disconnect for the purposes of maintenance by authorized personal that only

Re: [RE-wrenches] Radian picture

2014-04-29 Thread Ray Walters
This may apply to the other string on using photos, etc. but I hereby grant full rights to all registered users of the wrenches list to use any of my posted photos for educational purposes. I was trying to figure out the DC wiring myself. Its possible there is a homemade bussbar connected

Re: [RE-wrenches] Article 690, or The Haves Vs. Have Nots

2014-04-29 Thread Jason Szumlanski
Not just microinverters. This could apply to multiple string inverters with combined output in a suitable panel under a module. That scenario is probably rare, but I have seen it on a commercial flat/low-pitched roof installation. Jason Szumlanski On Tue, Apr 29, 2014 at 12:43 PM, Bill Hoffer

Re: [RE-wrenches] Article 690, or The Haves Vs. Have Nots

2014-04-29 Thread markf
Any idea what the two silver cylinders in the upper left of the photo are (sitting on top of the battery box)? Hi Bill; The 2014 NEC (coupled with rampant misinterpretation) is accelerating an ever widening gap between those that have code and those that can't afford it. On one side, US

Re: [RE-wrenches] Article 690, or The Haves Vs. Have Nots

2014-04-29 Thread Ray Walters
I'm glad everyone is having so much fun with that pic, as scary as it was. We could make a contest out of it: How many code violations can you find in this picture? and let Bill judge the answers. Believe me, there are more pictures, where that came from. Sorry, I do not know what those

[RE-wrenches] Shade for Inverters on a flat roof

2014-04-29 Thread Allen Frishman
Hey Wrenchers, I am looking for suggestions for building a shade structure on a flat roof for inverters and load center.There is no bulk heads on this flat roof and it is a zero lot building so there is no exterior wall available to hang the inverters. No space inside the building either

Re: [RE-wrenches] Setbacks for fire responder protection

2014-04-29 Thread Solar Energy Solutions
William,   Please feel free to add this link to your site.  The Oregon Code is precedent setting and should be copied and improved upon regarding rooftop access.  When I say improved, I mean that 60% or more of an entire roof be available to firefighter access leaving 40% for solar.  This

Re: [RE-wrenches] Shade for Inverters on a flat roof

2014-04-29 Thread Benn Kilburn
Al, Not sure what you mean by zero lot building? Can you design/construct a ballasted wall/structure at the back of the array that could accommodate the inverters and load center on its 'out-of-the-sun' side. It could be a covered/vented cabinet. Are micro-inverters an option? That would make

Re: [RE-wrenches] high efficiency modules in U.S.

2014-04-29 Thread jay peltz
Dan, Are they assembling or actually making cells as well? jay peltz power On Apr 28, 2014, at 8:52 PM, Exeltech wrote: There's also 1Soltech Dallas, Texas. Made in the USA. (Confirmed. I visited their plant on a field trip with a solar energy club not long ago and saw their production

Re: [RE-wrenches] Article 690, or The Haves Vs. Have Nots

2014-04-29 Thread jay peltz
Follow up to Bill's point. For Micros I've installed a disconnect on the roof, but never a breaker or fuse Why install a breaker? jay peltz power On Apr 29, 2014, at 9:43 AM, Bill Hoffer wrote: Dave I agree, in the case of microinverters, you already have a main PV System disconnect at

Re: [RE-wrenches] high efficiency modules in U.S.

2014-04-29 Thread Exeltech
Hello Jay, They're assembling, using cells from domestic and international sources. Their other components are domestic to the maximum extent possible. Problem is .. like the domestic PV firms mentioned in another post, domestic component manufacturers are also going out of business, forcing

[RE-wrenches] Flexible stranded Connectors

2014-04-29 Thread Ray Walters
Hi All; In order to avoid any of my work showing up in someone's slideshow of horrors, I'm trying to find the correct way to wire 3 Sunny Islands with Cobra X flex cable. While it doesn't actually mention it in the SMA manual, a call to SMA tech support confirmed my suspicions: the DC lugs in