However, the term "panel" does appear in the NEC in the context of Article 690 "Solar Photovoltaic Systems." (You'll have to submit a proposal to the Code Making Panel to change the name of the Article, Michael.) Panel is defined a "collection of modules mechanically fastened together, wired and designed to provide a field installable unit."
The third photo down in this article shows modules being panelized (bottom left) and a panel being lifted into position by a crane (top right): http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP3_4_pg26_Bray&search= On 2/8/11 5:19 PM, "Michael Welch" <michael.we...@re-wrenches.org> wrote: > FYI, gang (and for what it is worth), Home Power magazine settled on the > following long ago, and it seems consistent with other uses: > > A panel can be used to refer to something that captures heat energy, but does > not use the photovoltaic effect. (Like SHW panel, but even SHW "collector" is > what we usually use.) > > A single framed set of PV cells with said connecting method is a PV module. > More than one PV module wired together in a set is an array (or a sub-array, > which can also refer to mechanical connection). > All the sub-arrays in a system constitute an array. > > Admittedly, there is some arbitrariness in there, but we wanted the magazine > to be consistent. > > There is no such thing as a "solar PV" module or panel -- but if there was it > would capture twice the amount of energy due to redundance. > > benn kilburn wrote at 02:49 PM 2/8/2011: > >> Wrenchers, >> >> Which term do you to describe a single framed unit with either a j-box or two >> wire leads on the back, module or panel? >> Which term do you believe to be correct and why? >> >> My interpretation is that a single framed unit is a module. Any number of >> modules attached to a single detached 'rack' is a panel, and a group of >> panels with the same orientation or mounting location/type is an array. >> >> If you agree with my interpretation, what are your thoughts on the widespread >> use of the term 'panel' to describe a module. >> >> thanks, >> benn >> >> DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. >> b...@daystarsolar.ca >> 780-906-7807 >> HAVE A SUNNY DAY > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > David Brearley, Senior Technical Editor SolarPro magazine NABCEP Certified PV Installer david.brear...@solarprofessional.com Direct: 541.261.6545 Fax: 541.512.0343 Visit our Web site at solarprofessional.com (Sample copy available for download at: solarprofessional.com/sample) _______________________________________________ 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