Ron:
I apologize if I am underestimating your level of skill or experience. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong. However from the extent of the questions you are asking, it seems like some solar design and vocational courses might be in order. Without a solid background, no one should be designing and installing electrical systems with any voltages greater than 50, AC or DC. Below is my take on the subject of training. I apologize if I am on a bit of a rant, but I feel the subject gets overlooked. When I started in solar there were no training resources. As time passed a few became available: I took one of Bill Brooks’ early 3 day courses in Sacramento. I went to a very bizarre lecture that John Wiles presented. There was an outfit called High Sun Engineering that had a multi-day course. I also went to every inverter manufacturer’s 1-3 day course I could find including Outback’s factory certification course. I went to every trade show I could get to. I read every manual and I kept the all of the solar equipment manufacturer’s tech support numbers on speed dial. All of these are still valid methods to improve your knowledge. There are now many good training options. Community colleges offer courses. I never pursued the NABCEP training because there was never a job I failed to get or complete due to lack of that certification. I have reviewed the NABCEP training material and the curriculum seems very thorough. The industry is much more complicated now than it was in the mid-80s-- If back then someone had tried to explain AC coupling to me it would have blown my mind, as just one example. Further complicating the solar-electric industry is the evolution of the NEC, the rigors of permitting and improved safety protocols that have to be followed. Training is more important now than ever. Here is another concept that I think applies to this mini-rant: Before one can become a skilled solar electrician one must first become a competent electrician. You need to know electrical theory, electrical and building codes, the hardware, practices and construction in general, particularly roofing. To become a solar designer, you have to have expertise in the above trades and have additional skills in math, spreadsheets, research and CAD. Here is an option for those interested in getting started in the solar electric trade: Before I got my contractor’s license I worked with a buddy that was licensed. I already had a few years as an apprentice and I had electronics training and experience. I brought the customers and the designs. My pal supervised the work and put his name on the permits. Eventually he signed for my hours and I got my own license. The bottom line is: I could not in good conscious coach someone on how to design any electrical system if I were not confident they were experienced enough to install the resulting system safely. The overriding principal is simple enough: electrical systems, when installed improperly, can kill. I mean no disrespect… William Miller Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Ron Young via RE-wrenches *Sent:* Tuesday, April 12, 2022 7:42 PM *To:* RE-wrenches *Cc:* Ron Young *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark install Hi Wrenches, trying to wrap my head around a first time Sol-Ark install. Because the max DC voltage is 500v at 18a and the PV I’m using is 40v DC each I will have to create three strings each 480v. What would be the best choice for a home run wire? I’ve always used smaller strings with micro inverters, a combiner at the array and a single Teck home run cable but the string inverter presents a different scenario and it looks like I’ll need to use three home run cables, one for each string. Ron Young earthRight Products - Solareagle.com Alternative Energy Solutions ~ Renewable Energy Products
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