Yes Sonoma county requires 30' minimum from ground arrays for fire
setbacks. and by extension 30' from property lines (as an array owner
can't control a neighbors brush removal) More is surely advised! I
imagine other CA counties have similar requirements.
Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar wrote
I, second Jay's /no gravel/ sentiment. I saw a huge 160 acre solar farm
that they covered with hundreds of thousands of dollars of gravel.
Punch Line? Only the weeds came back. And only the nice 3 ft tall ones
that some might call brush.
Just use a weed eater or manually pull the
There is another aspect to the 10’ rule which is, its protection for the array
from wildfires. 10’ might not be enough for that though depending on where you
live.
In regards to what’s being discussed, I have many ground mounts (not talking
pole mounts)out there, I try to have them as high
Dan,
I think there should more discussions on ground-mounted arrays as an option
in addition to rooftop systems - to get out ahead of any issues. In
addition, any renderings for ground-mounted arrays and ground-mounted stuff
as ESSs.
1. By definition, a brush could mean a "slight and fleeting
In our area of California, when the green grass dies and turns brown,
the area under any type of array needs to be free of grass. An array could
ignite a wildfire if the array were emit sparks. This is a very rare
condition but it can happen to even the best design and module type.
There would
Hello esteemed Wrenches; I am trying to clear this up for a client and his
AHJ, which is also puzzled at how to interpret IFC 2018, Section 1204.4,
which states:
Setback requirements shall not apply to ground-mounted, free-standing
> photovoltaic arrays. A clear, brush-free area of 10 feet (3048
Glenn,
I've installed an 80+kW and a couple 10+kW systems using this Nuance
system. They are assembled fairly quickly and the legs are adjustable for
uneven ground, which is nice.
The ease of driving the cable anchors into the ground will, of course,
depend on the site. Luckily, i had no issue
Glen,
I just completed a three aray project. Call me @ 585-748-1870 and I'll tell
you all about it.
Christopher Schaefer
On Mon, Sep 9, 2019 at 3:31 PM Jerry Shafer
wrote:
> Wrenches/Glen
> I know nuance, they must be trailered or crained into position, leveled on
> site and cables are driven
Wrenches/Glen
I know nuance, they must be trailered or crained into position, leveled on
site and cables are driven in and pre-loaded and cable locks installed. I
have there products around California along with the predecessor. Delivery
can be an issue and there team does the cables so that's
Hello Wrenches,
We are looking at alternatives to pile driving and helical piles and
concrete piers for small residential ground mount systems.
I have just found Nuance Energy who makes a system that is basically set on
the grade, and with cables and pivoting duckbill earth anchors and
your
self.
Jerry
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an ATT 4G LTE smartphone
Original message
From: frenergy
Date:08/21/2015 3:31 AM (GMT-10:00)
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground mount for east-west slope
We recently did a job like this on a 17 degree
...@psln.com /divdivDate:08/21/2015 3:31 AM (GMT-10:00)
/divdivTo: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
/divdivSubject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground mount for east-west slope
/divdiv
/divWe recently did a job like this on a 17 degree slope, if it helps...
Bill
Feather River Solar Electric
Friends:
I am looking for a ground mount racking system that can be installed on a 15
degree slope down to the east. I'd like the verticals to be set in concrete or
driven vertically with the horizontals to slope at 15 degrees.
The racking we have used heretofore has required the horizontal
Colleagues:
I am in need of an authoritative source to provide criteria for wire
shielding on ground mount PV racking. Ideally this would be an industry
publication or learned professional like Bill Brooks that would provide some
specific information about the requirement for full coverage
-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] ground mounted systems
Message-ID: 69f1d6ab-a424-4bc9-a1df-9bef5d3c4...@gmail.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
William Miller has some nice ideas on his website regarding protecting
circuits. I've used his ideas on one project
-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] ground mounted systems
Message-ID: 69f1d6ab-a424-4bc9-a1df-9bef5d3c4...@gmail.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
William Miller has some nice ideas on his website regarding protecting
circuits. I've used his ideas
GROUND MOUNTED SYSTEMS NEC 690.31 REQUIRING FENCING OR SOMETHING TO PREVENT THE VILLAGE IDIOT FROM PLAYING WITH THE PV source and output conductor circuits . Besides fencing what raceways or guarding passes code and what manufacturers have a raceway , etc . to provide physical protection and
I have been using this product:
www.solarscrim.com
Its inexpensive, easy to install, and the inspectors in Santa Cruz county
like it.
I use the under array version just to cover the conductors.
Bob Evans
Evans Energy Systems
Santa Cruz, CA
831-345-3459
On Aug 8, 2014 2:50 PM, t...@ecs-solar.com
William Miller has some nice ideas on his website regarding protecting
circuits. I've used his ideas on one project and the inspector liked it.
Silicon Energy makes a module with raceways for output circuits. Their module
is expensive comparatively speaking and I've never seen one of their
.
Look close at some of the touches and it is impressive.
Bob Ellison
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf
Of t...@ecs-solar.com
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2014 2:14 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] ground mounted systems
and it is impressive.
Bob Ellison
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of t...@ecs-solar.com
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2014 2:14 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] ground mounted systems
GROUND MOUNTED SYSTEMS NEC 690.31
How large an array are you needing?
Jay
Peltz power
Sent from my iPad
On Apr 17, 2013, at 9:23 PM, Jesse Dahl dahlso...@gmail.com wrote:
Hello,
I've been asked to put together a proposal for a local community and the only
option is a ground mount (pole mount would work too). I've
They want two sizes proposed to them so I was going to go with a 40kW and a
11kW-15kW.
Jesse
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 18, 2013, at 9:01 AM, jay peltz j...@asis.com wrote:
How large an array are you needing?
Jay
Peltz power
Sent from my iPad
On Apr 17, 2013, at 9:23 PM, Jesse
: [RE-wrenches] ground mount options?
Hello,
I've been asked to put together a proposal for a local community and the only
option is a ground mount (pole mount would work too). I've looked at a few
options today and was wondering if anyone has any opinions on the DPW Power
Peak mounting
Schletter has a nice small kit package if you are looking for something in
AL.
Terrasmart is also a favorite of ours for challenging soil conditions -
their ground screws go through anything. Great team over there too.
Sunlink LGMS flies up if you have good flat soil. Pricey at small sizes but
hit a nerve. Good luck.. let us know. dbDan BrownFoxfire Energy Corp.Renewable Energy Systems(802)-483-2564www.Foxfire-Energy.comNABCEP #092907-44
Original Message
Subject: [RE-wrenches] ground fault
From: mac Lewis maclew...@gmail.com
Date: Tue, October 02, 2012 8:54 am
To: RE
I agree with Ray. The best ground clamp I have found for the money ($1600)
is the Fluke 1630 ,its real easy to use and work well.
On Sat, Oct 1, 2011 at 1:41 AM, Ray Walters r...@solarray.com wrote:
I'm a big fan of grounding at the array, and was sorry to lose 690.47D
(which also clearly
The requirements listed in 250.52(3) were changed in 2011. The rebar
used is allowed to be near the bottom of the footing or in vertical
foundation walls that are in direct contact with earth. If there was in
doubt in the past that the rebar in the concrete of a pole mount was a
suitable
Todd,
Article 250.52(a)(3) from the 2008 Code states this
(3) Concrete-Encased Electrode. An electrode encased
by at least 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete, located horizontally
near the bottom or vertically, and within that portion of a
concrete foundation or footing that is in direct contact with
I've also used 250.52A(7) defining plate electrodes. A 6 Sch 40 pipe 4
ft in the ground has more than the required 2 sq ft of surface metal,
and is at least the required 1/4 thickness.
Also, the 2011 NEC dropped 690.47 D which required a grounding electrode
at the array. Are you sure you still
Ray,
I believe that a pole-mounted or grounded-mounted PV array is considered
a structure and requires a ground electrode per 250.32. Perhaps the
exception would cover the possibility a installing very small system
without a ground electrode.
Kent Osterberg
Blue Mountain Solar, Inc.
Ray
I'm a big fan of grounding at the array, and was sorry to lose 690.47D
(which also clearly allowed the structure to be considered an electrode) .
I think if you look at the sq ft. of metal in contact with the concrete,
you can make a credible case for the frame fitting the definition of an
Does anyone know if it is ok to use the rebar in a pole mount foundation as a
ufer ground? I need to ask the inspector too, but thought I'd ask here first.
Todd
Sent from Finest Planet WebMail.
___
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List
See NEC 250.52.
If there is 10 feet of pipe in the ground, that qualifies as a
grounding electrode. The foundation rebar qualifies as a grounding
electrode too, but it must have a length of at least 20 feet. If using
multiple pieces to get 20 feet they must be bonded (or simply wired)
Hi Wrenches
Is there a connection between lightening strikes and ground fault fuses
popping? Can lightening strikes energize the grounding electrode and thereby
pop a ground fault fuse?
Thanks for your input,
Rich
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
that it is not bothered by a breaker, open or closed.
Just my .02 worth,
Bob Ellison
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Rich Nicol
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 6:17 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Ground Faults
Colleagues:
I have been concerned with fundamental problems with how ground fault
detection is accomplished in PV systems. So much so that I wrote two case
studies. See: http://millersolar.com/case_studies/case_studies.html My
conclusions may not be accurate, but I belive the questions
, 2010 5:51 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
Bill,
I don't really want to call you out, but I also don't like you lording your
expertise over me, implying that I am stupid and I am going to get myself
killed someday, or worse yet kill someone else:
1 - 2008 NEC
-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Drake
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 9:35 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
Hello Wrenches,
We are installing a ground mount system with Enphase
Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Drake
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 9:35 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
Hello Wrenches,
We are installing a ground mount system
currently underway.
Bill.
-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mark Frye
Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 9:24 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
Thanks
Hello Wrenches,
We are installing a ground mount system with Enphase
inverters. 690.31 requires readily accessible source and output
conductors OPERATING at over 30 volts to be installed in a
raceway. The Vmp of the REC230PE modules is 29.4 volts. Of course
it would go higher in cold
How about hardware cloth along the back of the array beneath the rails?
I think that's been suggested on this list before.
Original Message
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
From: Drake drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org
To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re
Drake:
Who is manufacturing the racking? DPW has worked with us to develop some
screening options. WE have also developed our own screening (and wire
management) procedures. We spend a lot of time creating these procedures
we keep them to ourselves to prevent local competitors from
: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
Hello Wrenches,
We are installing a ground mount system with Enphase
inverters. 690.31 requires readily accessible source and output
conductors OPERATING at over 30 volts to be installed in a
raceway. The Vmp of the REC230PE modules is 29.4 volts
City, CA 95959
(530) 401-8024
www.berkeleysolar.com
-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bill Brooks
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 2:57 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground
] On Behalf Of Bill Brooks
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 2:57 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
Drake,
I recommend using 4'x8' panels of lattice work that is either wood or PVC so
that you don't have worry about grounding the material. It is reasonably
...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jason
Szumlanski
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 3:26 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
Maybe they should require that extension cords be in conduit. :) where do
you draw the line
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 3:37 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
You know, I can go down into my unfinished basement, through an unlocked
full height door. The wiring in this space is fully Code compliant. And
yet, I can walk over and put my bare hand right
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Drake
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 9:35 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
Hello Wrenches,
We are installing a ground mount system with Enphase
inverters. 690.31 requires readily accessible
www.berkeleysolar.com
-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bill Brooks
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 3:55 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount Screening
Mark,
The fact is you can't
Matt,
I agree with you on about 98% of this. You are 200% correct that a
faulted high-voltage or high-current PV array is a serious and
dangerous situation and that the person looking for the trouble in a
faulted PV array needs the proper tools and knowledge of how all the
components work.
Colleagues:
I have been saying for some time that we need to rethink PV ground fault
indicator systems. The fundamentals of existing GFI systems is for the
bond between the grounded-conductor and the grounding-conductor to be
opened upon a ground fault. This bond is important for safety
Hi, I'm Looking for products or techniques that have been used as a raceway
for wire protection on the back of a ground mount array. The local AHJ is
not accepting a fence. We are required to cover or shield our USE module
wiring below 8'. Side question: if we directly attach (self tappers) a
, 2010 5:12 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Ground mount wire shielding
Hi, I'm Looking for products or techniques that have been used as a raceway
for wire protection on the back of a ground mount array. The local AHJ is
not accepting a fence. We are required
hello Wrenches,
We recently had an interesting (amusing?) experience that I thought might be
worth sharing and to get some feedback.
I received a call from a fellow contractor that had a ground fault in his PV
system (Wattsun DA tracker, 24 Siemens (Shell?)110, 1 string, Sunny Boy 2500).
: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Tom DeBates
Sent: Monday, April 05, 2010 7:04 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] ground fault troubleshooting
hello Wrenches,
We recently had an interesting
Has anyone had any experience with a Magnum 4024 inverter
(sine wave) and breaker box mounted ground fault breakers?
A customers fellow just wired a ground fault outlet and it flashes on and
off with the inverter on, not in sleep mode.
I don't know if it's wired correctly or the brand but
Wrenches,
For a ground mounted PV array I do NOT see where 690.13, 690.14 mandates a
DC disconnect at the array itself. My question is what do you do as best
practice for safety, or for service of inverter disconnect. I have been
using 600VDC SQ-D disconnects at our ground mounts and I'm
to use the 361RB
disconnect per its UL listing. Per Schneider Electric's Self-Certified
method you'd be fine breaking it just once (the 30A disconnect can take
a 12.8A Isc).
Original Message
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount PV DC Disconnects and 690.13
From: Dave Palumbo
Hi
I have a solar friend who is looking for some feedback on cost per footing for
a small residential ground mount system in Northern CA. Do any of you have a
cost estimate/assumption for each sonotube and concrete mix? What have been the
general requirements for diameter and depth of the
Keith,
We have had good success with TechnoMetalPosts for ground mounts
No excavation, no concrete work and almost no disturbance to the site
They have been running about $225-250 per post installed and a
stamped engineering report for the local Building Department
Larry Brown
Sun Mountain
Hi All,
Unistrut makes a telescoping set called get this telestrut.
Pretty close to what you are discussing.
But does anybody know if Powerstrut makes the same?
My supplier only carries Powerstrut?
Thanks,
jay
On Jun 30, 2009, at 5:47 PM, R. Walters wrote:
I just looked at the Techno Metal
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Brown
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 8:23 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ground Mount
Keith,
We have had good success with TechnoMetalPosts for ground mounts
This issue came up here about a year ago and my rant then is the same as now. We need a solar module manufaturer to provide an "optional" conduit box on their module for those situations where we need to put array wiring in conduit for better protection, like ground mounted arrays.
One size does
http://mpandc.com/practices/Technical_Procedures/PV_wiring/PV_wiring.html
At 02:24 PM 1/27/2009, you wrote:
Wrenches,
In regards to 690.31 (A) which requires readily-accessible PV source and
output circuits above 30 V to be installed in a raceway, have any of you
come up with a method you
www.CreativeEnergies.biz
307.332.3410 Lander, WY
208.354.3001 Victor, ID
From: William Miller wrmil...@charter.net
Reply-To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:45:05 -0800
To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] ground
Jan 2009 14:45:05 -0800
To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] ground mount wiring non-accessibility
http://mpandc.com/practices/Technical_Procedures/PV_wiring/PV_wiring.html
http://mpandc.com/practices/Technical_Procedures/PV_wiring/PV_wiring.html
At 02
Jan 2009 17:44:44 -0800
To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] ground mount wiring non-accessibility
Phil:
In which code version is the passage below found? I have the 2002 and the
2005 on CD Rom and it is in neither. As such, local inspectors
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