Re: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

[dan]

Mud Wasps can move in pretty dern quick up here. I fish the little squatters out as best I can (Yes, with a sheet rock screw), dose them roundly with contact cleaner (or isopropyl from the old unisolar install box), and finish things up with a Qtip and a good eyeballing.. If I don't like what I see and can't clean it, I just replace it.Yes, I have seen factory made connections fail (I have several fused together specimens on the wall of shame). If I can, I try to set up connections so's I can see them with an IR camera. (Resistance = VD = Heat)dbDan BrownFoxfire Energy Corp.Renewable Energy Systems(802)-483-2564www.Foxfire-Energy.comNABCEP #092907-44


 Original Message 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors
From: benn kilburn 
Date: Sat, November 24, 2012 12:55 am
To: RE-wrenches 

Wrenches,Considering the (sometimes redundant) details that some areas of module and micro-inverter install manuals describe, I have never read mention of paying attention of the condition of the (connector type) regarding moisture or dirt/dust prior to connecting. Perhaps this just gets thrown into the 'common sense' department, but considering the probability of these connectors being exposed to the elements (morning dew/rain/snow, blowing dirt/dust, bugs…) prior to being connected, and the fact that these connections will most likely be then sealed for years to come, does it not warrant pointing out that one should make efforts to protect the connectors if they are not being connected promptly after removing the modules from their shipping packaging?When we have a project and we have installed the (micro-inverters and/or modules) and did not get to making the MC connections that day and have to go back, I always make sure that any un-made connectors are protected.  It used to be with whatever plastic parts bags we had on hand and some electrical tape to hold them on, then I started keeping on the truck a small roll of packing shrink wrap which works great.  I wonder, am I the only one who does this, or is this a common practice amongst Wrenches?Why do I bring this up???  I was recently asked to complete an installation where modules had already been mounted to a ground mount rack, and left unconnected.  I'm not sure how long they have been sitting on the rack, I didn't ask but would guess a month or three.  Upon inspection I noticed that the inside of the module connectors have accumulated a distinct layer of dust and by the amount of snow we have on the ground they have surely been exposed to some level of moisture.This leaves me with some hesitations and questions…Obviously the layer of dust will inhibit the electrical connection and result in some level of resistance, so what methods are available to thoroughly clean the contact points?(think getting inside/around both the "+" and "-" connector pins).I don’t think that compressed air alone would be sufficient, but perhaps compressed air and a pretty small hose brush might work? Have any of you used contact cleaner in a situation like this?  Comments/suggestions….Cheers,bennDayStar Renewable Energy Inc. www.daystarsolar.ca  *  Ph: 780-906-7807 Construction Electrician Solar Photovoltaic Systems CertifiedCertificate # 0007SHAVE A SUNNY DAY ___
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[RE-wrenches] power washers

[Nik Ponzio]

Hey Gang,

What does the hivemind think about using a pressure washer on solar PV
modules? Any experience or insights would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Nik
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Re: [RE-wrenches] power washers

[dan]

Not sure about power washers specifically, but I have seen frame damage from water collecting in frame voids and freezing.. splitting the frame. Seems I've had to create (Drill) weep holes.. can't recall the manufacturer.dbDan BrownFoxfire Energy Corp.Renewable Energy Systems(802)-483-2564www.Foxfire-Energy.comNABCEP #092907-44


 Original Message 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] power washers
From: Nik Ponzio 
Date: Sat, November 24, 2012 8:07 am
To: RE-wrenches 

Hey Gang,What does the hivemind think about using a pressure washer on solar PV modules? Any experience or insights would be appreciated.Cheers,Nik ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

[Solarguy]

We've always used canned air for cleaning any connectors left exposed even
overnight since condensation's always up before me. 

And since connecting them causes a metal-to-metal interference fit a layer
of dust would seem to be of little consequence unless disconnected and
re-connected. Moisture of some sort might cause a problem too but the tin
plating should be resistant to a corrosive reaction unless its electrical in
nature.

But all bets are off if it's non-compatible brands [MC compatible etc] like
so many modules claim to be now. 

And while on the topic, Photon magazines article on connector testing a year
or two ago shows we do have reasons to worry. It's a shame that some of the
connector manufacturers haven't come forward on this site with more
information on use and misuse of their products. Does MC.com  still have
their downloadable installation video that offered "certification" training?


 

Jim Duncan

North Texas Renewable Energy Inc

  www.ntrei.com 

NABCEP PV 031310-57

TECL-27398

  nt...@1scom.net 

817.917.0527

 

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of benn kilburn
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2012 11:56 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

 

Wrenches,

Considering the (sometimes redundant) details that some areas of module and
micro-inverter install manuals describe, I have never read mention of paying
attention of the condition of the (connector type) regarding moisture or
dirt/dust prior to connecting. 

Perhaps this just gets thrown into the 'common sense' department, but
considering the probability of these connectors being exposed to the
elements (morning dew/rain/snow, blowing dirt/dust, bugs.) prior to being
connected, and the fact that these connections will most likely be then
sealed for years to come, does it not warrant pointing out that one should
make efforts to protect the connectors if they are not being connected
promptly after removing the modules from their shipping packaging?

 

When we have a project and we have installed the (micro-inverters and/or
modules) and did not get to making the MC connections that day and have to
go back, I always make sure that any un-made connectors are protected.  It
used to be with whatever plastic parts bags we had on hand and some
electrical tape to hold them on, then I started keeping on the truck a small
roll of packing shrink wrap which works great.  I wonder, am I the only one
who does this, or is this a common practice amongst Wrenches?

 

Why do I bring this up???  

I was recently asked to complete an installation where modules had already
been mounted to a ground mount rack, and left unconnected.  I'm not sure how
long they have been sitting on the rack, I didn't ask but would guess a
month or three.  Upon inspection I noticed that the inside of the module
connectors have accumulated a distinct layer of dust and by the amount of
snow we have on the ground they have surely been exposed to some level of
moisture.

This leaves me with some hesitations and questions.

 

Obviously the layer of dust will inhibit the electrical connection and
result in some level of resistance, so what methods are available to
thoroughly clean the contact points?

(think getting inside/around both the "+" and "-" connector pins).

 

I don't think that compressed air alone would be sufficient, but perhaps
compressed air and a pretty small hose brush might work? 

 

Have any of you used contact cleaner in a situation like this?  

 

Comments/suggestions..

 

Cheers,

benn

 

DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 

www.daystarsolar.ca  *  Ph: 780-906-7807 

Construction Electrician Solar Photovoltaic Systems Certified

Certificate # 0007S

HAVE A SUNNY DAY

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

[Glenn Burt]

I wonder if a squirt of No-Alox into the connector when unpacked would
provide sufficient protection until mated?

Don't know if it would degrade the O rings providing the weather seal or
not, however.

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of benn kilburn
Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 12:56 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

 

Wrenches,

Considering the (sometimes redundant) details that some areas of module and
micro-inverter install manuals describe, I have never read mention of paying
attention of the condition of the (connector type) regarding moisture or
dirt/dust prior to connecting. 

Perhaps this just gets thrown into the 'common sense' department, but
considering the probability of these connectors being exposed to the
elements (morning dew/rain/snow, blowing dirt/dust, bugs.) prior to being
connected, and the fact that these connections will most likely be then
sealed for years to come, does it not warrant pointing out that one should
make efforts to protect the connectors if they are not being connected
promptly after removing the modules from their shipping packaging?

 

When we have a project and we have installed the (micro-inverters and/or
modules) and did not get to making the MC connections that day and have to
go back, I always make sure that any un-made connectors are protected.  It
used to be with whatever plastic parts bags we had on hand and some
electrical tape to hold them on, then I started keeping on the truck a small
roll of packing shrink wrap which works great.  I wonder, am I the only one
who does this, or is this a common practice amongst Wrenches?

 

Why do I bring this up???  

I was recently asked to complete an installation where modules had already
been mounted to a ground mount rack, and left unconnected.  I'm not sure how
long they have been sitting on the rack, I didn't ask but would guess a
month or three.  Upon inspection I noticed that the inside of the module
connectors have accumulated a distinct layer of dust and by the amount of
snow we have on the ground they have surely been exposed to some level of
moisture.

This leaves me with some hesitations and questions.

 

Obviously the layer of dust will inhibit the electrical connection and
result in some level of resistance, so what methods are available to
thoroughly clean the contact points?

(think getting inside/around both the "+" and "-" connector pins).

 

I don't think that compressed air alone would be sufficient, but perhaps
compressed air and a pretty small hose brush might work? 

 

Have any of you used contact cleaner in a situation like this?  

 

Comments/suggestions..

 

Cheers,

benn

 

DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 

www.daystarsolar.ca  *  Ph: 780-906-7807 

Construction Electrician Solar Photovoltaic Systems Certified

Certificate # 0007S

HAVE A SUNNY DAY

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

[Glenn Burt]

Probably silicon gel would be a better choice.

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Glenn Burt
Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 10:38 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

 

I wonder if a squirt of No-Alox into the connector when unpacked would
provide sufficient protection until mated?

Don't know if it would degrade the O rings providing the weather seal or
not, however.

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of benn kilburn
Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 12:56 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

 

Wrenches,

Considering the (sometimes redundant) details that some areas of module and
micro-inverter install manuals describe, I have never read mention of paying
attention of the condition of the (connector type) regarding moisture or
dirt/dust prior to connecting. 

Perhaps this just gets thrown into the 'common sense' department, but
considering the probability of these connectors being exposed to the
elements (morning dew/rain/snow, blowing dirt/dust, bugs.) prior to being
connected, and the fact that these connections will most likely be then
sealed for years to come, does it not warrant pointing out that one should
make efforts to protect the connectors if they are not being connected
promptly after removing the modules from their shipping packaging?

 

When we have a project and we have installed the (micro-inverters and/or
modules) and did not get to making the MC connections that day and have to
go back, I always make sure that any un-made connectors are protected.  It
used to be with whatever plastic parts bags we had on hand and some
electrical tape to hold them on, then I started keeping on the truck a small
roll of packing shrink wrap which works great.  I wonder, am I the only one
who does this, or is this a common practice amongst Wrenches?

 

Why do I bring this up???  

I was recently asked to complete an installation where modules had already
been mounted to a ground mount rack, and left unconnected.  I'm not sure how
long they have been sitting on the rack, I didn't ask but would guess a
month or three.  Upon inspection I noticed that the inside of the module
connectors have accumulated a distinct layer of dust and by the amount of
snow we have on the ground they have surely been exposed to some level of
moisture.

This leaves me with some hesitations and questions.

 

Obviously the layer of dust will inhibit the electrical connection and
result in some level of resistance, so what methods are available to
thoroughly clean the contact points?

(think getting inside/around both the "+" and "-" connector pins).

 

I don't think that compressed air alone would be sufficient, but perhaps
compressed air and a pretty small hose brush might work? 

 

Have any of you used contact cleaner in a situation like this?  

 

Comments/suggestions..

 

Cheers,

benn

 

DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 

www.daystarsolar.ca  *  Ph: 780-906-7807 

Construction Electrician Solar Photovoltaic Systems Certified

Certificate # 0007S

HAVE A SUNNY DAY

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Protecting/Cleaning un-connected MC Connectors

[Ray Walters]

I would think good old CRC contact cleaner, as the connectors have a 
grease coating that collects dust if left unconnected.

Follow up by regreasing with silicon gel as Glenn suggested.
I've been playing around with using unterminated connectors to 
temporarily seal up the dangling connectors.  This is not just for dirt/ 
wasps. etc, but to avoid someone making connections before they're 
ready.  (array lockout tagout)   I had a case I consulted on, where an 
900 VOC string was inadvertently short circuited.  When the guy came 
back to disconnect it, he got exposed to a fairly eye opening arc flash. 
(No gloves, no tinted safety glasses)  It ended up becoming an OSHA 
recordable for the company he worked for.


Ray

On 11/24/2012 10:11 AM, Glenn Burt wrote:


Probably silicon gel would be a better choice.




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Re: [RE-wrenches] power washers

[Chris Daum]

Nik:
 
I suspect with some modules a pressure washer could cause problems and
possibly damage module's integrity.  There's a product (which I do not sell,
by the way) called PowerBoost (http://www.solarframeworks.com/powerboost/)
which you stick on a hose like a lawn fertilizer squirter; you spray it on
the modules and it foams up, then you rinse it off after 10 minutes or so.
It keeps a coating on it that sheds dirt, dust and bird doo readily.  I had
a great opportunity to test it up here; I sprayed the stuff on my 5.7KW
array early in the summer, then 8 weeks of fire season deposited a
significant amount of dust and ash on the modules.  When I finally drug the
hose up to the third story to rinse the modules off, they were amazingly
clean.  And my array output jumped appreciably.
 
Best,
 
Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.

  _  

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Nik Ponzio
Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 6:08 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] power washers


Hey Gang,

What does the hivemind think about using a pressure washer on solar PV
modules? Any experience or insights would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Nik

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[RE-wrenches] Suntech

[Jeremy Rodriguez- All Solar Inc.]

Just returned from Phoenix where I saw an article in one  local paper that 
Suntech is cutting production down to 1 MW and laying off 50% of the work force 
at the Goodyear AZ facility. Too many tariff fees they claim...  Another one 
bits the dust

Jeremy
All Solar 
Colorado
Sent via BlackBerry. Sorry for typos and shorthand!
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