Re: [RE-wrenches] AC modules verses codes and safety

Hi Jeff, We were contacted the other day by Lowes, who asked if we would be interested in installing their (highly overpriced) "plug and play" systems. They are selling Andalay Solar's 3kw package (they us Enphase). I told them we would at an installed price much higher than we usually charge. T

Re: [RE-wrenches] AC modules verses codes and safety

The major diy difficulty I see is in anchoring the systems to the roof. They are plug and play, with DC voltage limited to that of only one module, not a series string. A home owner could get into trouble crossing conductors in the array j-box (duct-taped interior), or installing the breaker in

Re: [RE-wrenches] AC modules verses codes and safety

One key requirement for the installation of grid-tied PV is that it be connected to a dedicated circuit.  This is mandatory to prevent circuit conductor overloading under certain fault conditions.  A DIYer may be inclined to connect his PV into an existing circuit.  We even get inquiries about

Re: [RE-wrenches] DC wire sizing

I have seen 1360 w/m² when cloud edge effect took over. We usually measure 1100 to 1150 w/m² on a cold clear day here in Truckee. Sincerely, Chris Worcester Solar Wind Works NABCEP Certified PV Installer Phone: 530-582-4503 Fax: 530-582-4603 www.solarwindwor

Re: [RE-wrenches] AC modules verses codes and safety

Yes But I think we are missing one point.  AC modules are a source of power, they are overcurrent protected unlike DC wiring, But if you add electrical energy it is like increasing the breaker size without increasing the wire size.  If a DIY takes and puts 16 amps of solar on a 20 amp circuit th

Re: [RE-wrenches] [Fwd: Re: DC wire sizing]

Forwarding a message from Robin Gudgel... Robin Gudgel wrote: The CBI QY series of DC breakers have an arc shoot that is required to quench a DC arc. This breaker would work just fine as an AC breaker although is not marked as such. I am not sure if the AC breakers (QL, QZ and QZD series) have

Re: [RE-wrenches] AC modules verses codes and safety

DIYers and experimenters have plugged and will continue to plug AC solar modules into wall outlets. See Michael Welsh's Home Power "Ask The Experts" reply about OK4U inverters at http://homepower.com/article/?file=HP116_pg12_AskTheExperts_2 Joel Davidson - Original Message - From:

Re: [RE-wrenches] CBI Breakers (was DC wire sizing]

Regarding the first part: yep, it let me keep the customer's system working on a job in the middle of nowhere using what I had on the truck (famous cop-out words, I know). Regarding the 100% rating, Robin, isn't that provided by the manufacturer, determined through the listing process? If CBI

Re: [RE-wrenches] [Fwd: Re: DC wire sizing]

Thanks Robin.  I've long been suspicious that the CBI circuit breakers should not be run at 100% for a couple reasons: 1) I've seen too many 60-amp CBI breakers on charge controllers trip habitually.  But a replacement 60-amp breaker works fine. 2) Nothing in the CBI literature that is availabl

[RE-wrenches] Overcurrent Protection on a Subpanel

When we use a sub-panel to combine the output of two or more inverters, we buy the sub-panel without a main breaker. A wrench who is working with us now, recommends buying sub-panels with the main breaker, which increases cost by about 50%. Is this a code requirement? Does it depend on the distance

Re: [RE-wrenches] [Fwd: Re: DC wire sizing]

Kent Osterberg wrote: Thanks Robin. I've long been suspicious that the CBI circuit breakers should not be run at 100% for a couple reasons: 1) I've seen too many 60-amp CBI breakers on charge controllers trip habitually. But a replacement 60-amp breaker works fine. 2) Nothing in the CBI litera