7.2KW Solar Installation Progress in NH

[peakbagger]

I used a similar Soladeck box on my roof. It really could have been a pass through the roof to the interior but it came with fuse clips so I have fuses in it and I hung a midnight solar surge arrestor off the bottom of it on a 45 degree elbow so mine is mounted next to the array so I can access the interior. With the new requirement for string inverters to have a automated shutdown device within 10 feet of the panels, I expect these Soladecks are going to include the shutdown relays.

[SunEagle]

I used a similar Soladeck box on my roof. It really could have been a pass through the roof to the interior but it came with fuse clips so I have fuses in it and I hung a midnight solar surge arrestor off the bottom of it on a 45 degree elbow so mine is mounted next to the array so I can access the interior. With the new requirement for string inverters to have a automated shutdown device within 10 feet of the panels, I expect these Soladecks are going to include the shutdown relays.

Good observation on the new shutdown requirement per the NEC. If it wasn't for the Micro inverters there will need to be another way to de-energize the wires inside that 10 foot boundary using string inverters.

I'm still not clear how a junction box can be covered by the solar panel that will inhibit easy access to examining spliced or terminated wires but I guess there is more leeway when it comes to solar wiring since it passed inspection on more than one installation.

[inetdog]

Good observation on the new shutdown requirement per the NEC. If it wasn't for the Micro inverters there will need to be another way to de-energize the wires inside that 10 foot boundary using string inverters.

I'm still not clear how a junction box can be covered by the solar panel that will inhibit easy access to examining spliced or terminated wires but I guess there is more leeway when it comes to solar wiring since it passed inspection on more than one installation.

1. Solar optimizers offer the same shutdown feature, going to 1V output when the inverter shuts down or loses communications.
2. The NEC requires "accessible", not "readily accessible". Accessible allows for needing tools and for removal of obstacles as long as they are not part of the building finish.

[SunEagle]

1. Solar optimizers offer the same shutdown feature, going to 1V output when the inverter shuts down or loses communications.
2. The NEC requires "accessible", not "readily accessible". Accessible allows for needing tools and for removal of obstacles as long as they are not part of the building finish.

I understand about being "accessible" but in these cases you have to get the solar panel off of the rails and out of the way while you get into the "box" which during the day has energized wires. How do you support the panel and keep it from sliding off the roof?

Also you really shouldn't disconnect the panel at the MC4 connectors while energized which means you can't safely remove the panel from the roof to gain access to the box. I guess you can flip the panel over onto it's neighbor as long as the panel wires allow for that.

I know there are ways to do it safely and you may never need to get access to those wires inside the box. IMO I just wouldn't be putting the "box" under a solar panel.

[peakbagger]

I thought about but really wanted the surge arrestor as close as I could before the wires enter the attic. I wanted the surge arrestor to use one of the covered knock offs on the Soladeck box and the only way it would work was a short nipple and a 45 degree elbow with the SPD screwed in the other end of the elbow. It sticks up just enough that a panel would not fit.

Generally when I install systems myself I go a bit overkill since I saved on paying for the installation labor. When I redid my roof prior to solar I covered the entire surface with Grace EPDM under the shingles and use Quick Mount flashed in mounts for my racking. Between the underlayment and the Quick Mount system I really shouldn't ever have to chase a roof leak.

[Ben25]

I understand about being "accessible" but in these cases you have to get the solar panel off of the rails and out of the way while you get into the "box" which during the day has energized wires. How do you support the panel and keep it from sliding off the roof?

Also you really shouldn't disconnect the panel at the MC4 connectors while energized which means you can't safely remove the panel from the roof to gain access to the box. I guess you can flip the panel over onto it's neighbor as long as the panel wires allow for that.

I know there are ways to do it safely and you may never need to get access to those wires inside the box. IMO I just wouldn't be putting the "box" under a solar panel.

It is accessible if you know what you are doing... Also, you can disconnect MC4 connectors while energized, just not under load.
We try to use the soladecks for pass throughs only, but there's nothing wrong with making connections in them and covering with a panel.

Ben

[SunEagle]

It is accessible if you know what you are doing... Also, you can disconnect MC4 connectors while energized, just not under load.
We try to use the soladecks for pass throughs only, but there's nothing wrong with making connections in them and covering with a panel.

Ben

I agree if you know what you are doing and have the proper PPE you can work on energized systems. But most people do not know better or even think about wearing rubber safety gloves around "hot" wires.

Working on a roof or ladder is dangerous enough. Throw in the chance of electrical shock and you increase the odds for an accident.

I wouldn't care about the aesthetics. I would still want to have easy and safe access to splice box with energized wires. Maybe I am being over cautious, but then again with over 35 years of hands on experience working on low to medium (120 to 4160) voltage systems I believe in taking a few extra steps in precaution because complacency is what gets even an experienced electrician killed.

[russ]

I agree if you know what you are doing and have the proper PPE you can work on energized systems. But most people do not know better or even think about wearing rubber safety gloves around "hot" wires.

And most forum members (like myself) are novices when it comes to electricity.

Working on a roof or ladder is dangerous enough. Throw in the chance of electrical shock and you increase the odds for an accident. For accidents you always have to plan for the one time in a thousand scenario

I wouldn't care about the aesthetics. I would still want to have easy and safe access to splice box with energized wires. Maybe I am being over cautious, but then again with over 35 years of hands on experience working on low to medium (120 to 4160) voltage systems I believe in taking a few extra steps in precaution because complacency is what gets even an experienced electrician killed.

SunEagle - You wrote it well! 100% correct!

[Carl_NH]

I don't anticipate having to go into that junction box unless to expand the system, and it is easily accessible about 10' off the ground and with the per panel monitoring, a loose connection would impact the entire string and be easy to troubleshoot.

While shading was #1 for the optimizers, meeting the NEC or fire code for not needing disconnect on the roof was part of that as well as output per panel is 1VDC when powered off.

So, if I were to work on my system - first power down, then proceed - pretty straightforward, but working on an Enphase system with AC right from the panel, and string inverters higher DC voltages these I agree - proceed carefully and with proper equipment - or let a professional handle it.

Long term, my concern the optimizer longevity 8-10 years from now, even with the 25yr warranty on the parts, having to replace 2-3 optimizers each year could start to eat into the savings (or profit at that point).

[Dkeane]

Currently in the process of contracting solar panels through Revision in Fremont - lots of good information here. Thank you everyone.

[Carl_NH]

Currently in the process of contracting solar panels through Revision in Fremont - lots of good information here. Thank you everyone.

They are a good group - I got several bids and they were the most professional, knowledgeable and cost was comparable. If you have any specific questions PM me.

Carl

[Dkeane]

They are a good group - I got several bids and they were the most professional, knowledgeable and cost was comparable. If you have any specific questions PM me.

Carl

Would love to PM you, but you need to have posted 10 times, and this one counts as #2!

As an FYI we are likely going with the LG 270W MonoX Black. My wife is a bit concerned about athletics, and these seem like a good compromise between looks and efficiency.



Dennis

[sensij]

My wife is a bit concerned about athletics, and these seem like a good compromise between looks and efficiency.



Dennis

My wife was concerned about athletics once, and fortunately, I was a volleyball player at the time. These days, not so much.

[Dkeane]

My wife was concerned about athletics once, and fortunately, I was a volleyball player at the time. These days, not so much.

Hilarious misspelling on my part!

[Carl_NH]

My wife was concerned about athletics once, and fortunately, I was a volleyball player at the time. These days, not so much.

Same here, volleyball on a court though, not on sand like you all in CA do - now that's exercise, and now I'd rather watch the ladies play