August, if there is an attic underneath, we’ve dropped down through with a SolaDeck and popped back up through another one. It’s a little expensive but there’s nothing to trip on and looks good. Labor is probably comparable to running conduit.
Bill Dorsett Manhattan, KS From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 5:20 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] wiring methods between arrays Hi Wrenches, I have another best practices questions: what are you doing to run your PV wire between arrays on a rooftops? This question has come up on this list in the past but I’m still on the hunt for a robust and faster lower cost method. We mostly install outdoor boxes on each sub array and then run EMT between these boxes. We use strain reliefs to enter the boxes and then either keep PV wire or transition to THWN-2 in the EMT depending on the layout. This method takes time and the outdoor boxes aren’t cheap. Alternatively, we can run open-ended EMT with ground bushings on the ends to bond the conduit. Since ground bushings are designed to be used in boxes we switch out the aluminum lug with a tin-coated outdoor rated lug and stainless hardware. This technically violates the listing but at least the materials hold up. The EMT needs to be carefully bent down at the ends so rain doesn’t enter. Lastly, we sometimes run our PV wires along strut or angle aluminum (this is the fastest method) which also needs to be bonded with a lay-in lug. Does anyone have other methods? Best, August Luminalt
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