Joel, The problem is not with the rating of the modules. It is with the way we install them. The air gap is a problem. If HVAC systems were installed like PV modules, they would have the same problem. There will be changes of some sort coming in the next year or so. The IBC in 2012 will require "PV systems" to have a fire rating. Module fire rating may become irrelevant. Time will tell. This is in a very preliminary stage. All we know is that changes are likely with this new IBC language.
There is a group working on this issue that includes several representatives from the PV manufacturing and PV installing industries. If this is something you want to put a lot of personal effort into, there are ways to accommodate good input. The SolarABCs will be helping coordinate ongoing efforts. Bill. -----Original Message----- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Joel Davidson Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 7:12 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV and Roof Flammability Wrenches, See http://www.solarabcs.org/flammability/ and the report at http://www.solarabcs.org/flammability/Flammability_Interimreport.pdf Is there any flammability difference between PV equipment on a roof and HVAC or air handling equipment on a roof? My concern is whether PV is being singled out as a flammability concern while other more established industries with more powerful lobbyists are not. Joel Davidson _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
