Hello wrenches
Does anyone have any photos or links to photos showing unanodized (not
anodized) aluminum racking systems in the field for a few years?
I have heard that such hardware may pit a bit and look ugly, but
wondering how much corrosion would actually take place, and if
structural integrity would be compromised.
Unanodized Al failing much faster in an environment <50 mi from the coast?
Any info here appreciated.
cheers
*Jim MacDonald***
Design + Engineering Dept.
Solar Energy Systems, LLC
Brooklyn, NY 11222
www.solarEsystems.com <http://www.solaresystems.com/>
*From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Jeff
Clearwater
*Sent:* Tuesday, September 27, 2011 5:13 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Salt & Aluminum vs Galvy
Thanks Daryl and Ray - I appreciate the info!
Other's concurr?
jc
penobscotso...@midmaine.com <mailto:penobscotso...@midmaine.com> wrote:
Thanks for reminding me Ray....Jeff, we use ss transition boxes instead of
pvc. You can find 6x6x4 or 4x4x4 boxes for a reasonable price considering
their superiority when it comes to longevity. Obviously use at least 3R
rated boxes at a minimum.
Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design
Galvanized does not do very well in Hawaii near the water. I haven't
seen much powder coated Al, but anodized AL with SS hardware seems to
work about as good as anything I've seen. We see SS J boxes, fiberglass
boxes seem to break down in the UV after several years, but painting
with the right paint helps a lot. The last job I worked on there, we had
2 guys paint all exposed J-boxes and PVC conduit with a heavy duty oil
based (messy cleanup) paint. I'll let you know in 5 years how it all
looks.
Also, be sure and get all your conduit clamps and unistrut in stainless.
More expensive, harder to find, and harder to cut, but you'll see the
difference in a couple of years for sure. Just a single washer that's
not SS will stand out like a sore thumb later.
Ray Walters
On 9/27/2011 11:40 AM, Jeff Clearwater wrote:
Hi Esteemed Wrenchies,
So for the project I'm working on in the Bahamas for ground mount
racking - have folks found Aluminum or Galvy to stand up against salt
spray better?
And if Al - powder coated or anodized?
And with mixing them - (like a typical Steel Pipe rack with Al Rails)
- are the junctions going to be a problem with lots of salt?
Any solution to AL framed modules not turning black and ugly? Do
black anodized module frames help?
Thanks!
Jeff
--
Jeff Clearwater
Village Power Design
Renewable Energy Consultant
32 Years in all Aspects of Renewables
www.villagepower.com <http://www.villagepower.com>
skype: jclearwater
413-559-9763
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