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 he wants to
install a large PV array to power his off-grid home; however he is
located on a north-facing slope deep in a canyon, so the array must be
mounted over 1/2 mile from the house. We have decided to run all power
at 600 volts from the array to house via the existing electric fence,
saving money and also thus mitigating wildlife damage problems on the
property, including bears, moose, and pumas.
DAN FINK
Bucvkille Energy Consulting LLC
Jason Szumlanski wrote:
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 material. Then at the bottom of the roof, near the eave, I
would attach another lug and continue with a negative PV conductor. At
junctions of the roof material, I would drive a self-tapping stainless
steel screw for continuity (with sealant, of course). This would save
lots of copper. And since the negative conductor is bonded to the module
frame by way of the metal roof, the negative PV conductor would also
serve as the ground wire.
What do you think? Would this pass inspection? What NEC sections would
apply?
Thank you for your time,
Solar Guru
P.S. April Fools
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