Yet Another SD Install 4.5Kw LG 300's SE 5000 in La Costa CA

[J.P.M.]

I would not expect to see any bare wiring on my roof, whether the wires are insulated or not. Conduit color-matched to tile if in an exposed area at a minimum.

As a follow-up to my scheduling annoyance, the project manager replied to my requests for an install timeline, asserting they did such a great job putting in the standoffs (took about 2 hrs), and confirming they should be done by the end of next month.

My speculation from the business perspective is that the installers try to ink as many contracts as possible, allowing them to buy more panels in greater bulk to get better prices and increase their profit margin by pooling them together. I suppose from an economic standpoint, so long as the job is done properly, I shouldn't care, but I'd suggest people look at their contract end date and shorten it considerably going into the winter season. All signs for a significant El Nino season tell me this glorious sunshine isn't going to last too much longer. . .

You're in San Diego. There are sunnier places, but believe me, you are in one of the best all round climates on the face of the earth. A bad winter around here is a good summer for a lot of places. If you've ever lived in the northeast, you have an idea of what I mean.

[JBinCBad]

I would not expect to see any bare wiring on my roof, whether the wires are insulated or not. Conduit color-matched to tile if in an exposed area at a minimum.

As a follow-up to my scheduling annoyance, the project manager replied to my requests for an install timeline, asserting they did such a great job putting in the standoffs (took about 2 hrs), and confirming they should be done by the end of next month.

My speculation from the business perspective is that the installers try to ink as many contracts as possible, allowing them to buy more panels in greater bulk to get better prices and increase their profit margin by pooling them together. I suppose from an economic standpoint, so long as the job is done properly, I shouldn't care, but I'd suggest people look at their contract end date and shorten it considerably going into the winter season. All signs for a significant El Nino season tell me this glorious sunshine isn't going to last too much longer. . .

[sensij]

\

These are under the panels not exposed to elements - there is a total of 18' of these wires and they are #8AWG outdoor THHN/THWN sunlight wiring rated.

Be careful... colored THHN/THWN is not sunlight rated. Outdoor wiring under panels that is not in conduit needs to be PV wire, or RHW-2.

[paul65k]

That is PV wire into a Soladeck. The insulation is designed and rated to be used as pictured.

\These are under the panels not exposed to elements - there is a total of 18' of these wires and they are #8AWG outdoor THHN/THWN sunlight wiring rated.We have service entrance overhead wire that lasts for 50 years or more exposed to the elements. I don't expect any wire issues however the wire ties in 15 years may be another story!

Like I said....I'm no electrician

[Carl_NH]

Maybe it's just me but I can't see those exposed wires holding up through the years.......while I'm not a licensed electrician I wonder how the installer was able to get this passed a local building inspector's review!

\

These are under the panels not exposed to elements - there is a total of 18' of these wires and they are #8AWG outdoor THHN/THWN sunlight wiring rated.

We have service entrance overhead wire that lasts for 50 years or more exposed to the elements. I don't expect any wire issues however the wire ties in 15 years may be another story!

[sensij]

Maybe it's just me but I can't see those exposed wires holding up through the years.......while I'm not a licensed electrician I wonder how the installer was able to get this passed a local building inspector's review!

That is probably PV wire into a Soladeck. The insulation is designed and rated to be used as pictured.

[paul65k]

It seems to be common - here is the combiner / junction box they used on our garage roof, under the first panel on the row, and the conduit went into the knee wall space and down to the inverter. In our installation there is no conduit visible on the roof, or inside except at the panel as they routed the conduit above the dropped ceiling then into the inverter/power panel.

Maybe it's just me but I can't see those exposed wires holding up through the years.......while I'm not a licensed electrician I wonder how the installer was able to get this passed a local building inspector's review!

[Carl_NH]

It is interesting that a lot of the installs I see penetrate the roof. My guys penetrated my garage roof and my roofer flashed the penetration. Is this common for installs?

It seems to be common - here is the combiner / junction box they used on our garage roof, under the first panel on the row, and the conduit went into the knee wall space and down to the inverter.

In our installation there is no conduit visible on the roof, or inside except at the panel as they routed the conduit above the dropped ceiling then into the inverter/power panel.

[hcubed]

It is interesting that a lot of the installs I see penetrate the roof. My guys penetrated my garage roof and my roofer flashed the penetration. Is this common for installs?

[hcubed]

Also hcubed, when you are able to PM could you please provide the name of your installer? Thanks!

Have to get my post count up.

Wouldn't you know, after I posted that last reply things started to go wonky. Let's just say that I am working with my installler to ensure that the cabling is aesthetically pleasing (as much as possible). They are using Carflex and looping it over my fascia just doesn't work. I need them to follow the contours of the fascia with rigid conduit.

If anyone has some pics of good looking conduit coming over the fascia, I would appreciate it.

[NMB333]

My contract just spells out the high level details of the system. No timeframe beyond what I initially discussed with my installer. They started install this Tuesday and the panels are up and wiring is almost complete. They are just working on the last run to the panel. Looks like that run will actually penetrate my new roof on the garage and then the wiring will be run to the panel inside the garage. My solar guy is working with my roofer (who has finished) to get that penetration flashed up correctly. Amazingly awesome in my opinion.

I guess this really comes down to who your solar company is and how they operate. I went with mine for a combination of price, knowledge and their communication. I am sorry JB that you seemingly are 180 degrees off of my experience. Hope it works out soon.

Also hcubed, when you are able to PM could you please provide the name of your installer? Thanks!

[NMB333]

Another week, 0 communication (or response to my last request for an update). I guess they just don't want to admit they haven't done anything, and don't have to until the end of the contract period. Its only a day or two of work, but they gave themselves 3 mos. in the contract, I suppose they are in no hurry. Instead of all the glorious sunshine I'm not capturing now, I should have the system in place just in time for El Nino. woohoo. I should have asked others re the timing before I committed, but I"m still hoping they do a good job when/if they do it.

Could you please PM me your installer. I am in the process of getting quotes and would appreciate the information.

[hcubed]

Another week, 0 communication (or response to my last request for an update). I guess they just don't want to admit they haven't done anything, and don't have to until the end of the contract period. Its only a day or two of work, but they gave themselves 3 mos. in the contract, I suppose they are in no hurry. Instead of all the glorious sunshine I'm not capturing now, I should have the system in place just in time for El Nino. woohoo. I should have asked others re the timing before I committed, but I"m still hoping they do a good job when/if they do it.

My contract just spells out the high level details of the system. No timeframe beyond what I initially discussed with my installer. They started install this Tuesday and the panels are up and wiring is almost complete. They are just working on the last run to the panel. Looks like that run will actually penetrate my new roof on the garage and then the wiring will be run to the panel inside the garage. My solar guy is working with my roofer (who has finished) to get that penetration flashed up correctly. Amazingly awesome in my opinion.

I guess this really comes down to who your solar company is and how they operate. I went with mine for a combination of price, knowledge and their communication. I am sorry JB that you seemingly are 180 degrees off of my experience. Hope it works out soon.

[JBinCBad]

Another week, 0 communication (or response to my last request for an update). I guess they just don't want to admit they haven't done anything, and don't have to until the end of the contract period. Its only a day or two of work, but they gave themselves 3 mos. in the contract, I suppose they are in no hurry. Instead of all the glorious sunshine I'm not capturing now, I should have the system in place just in time for El Nino. woohoo. I should have asked others re the timing before I committed, but I"m still hoping they do a good job when/if they do it.

[JBinCBad]

Thanks for all the anecdotal assurances guys, I'm not trying to be a total A-hole, and I agreed to the later date understanding they'll get to it when they can. I don't have to pay until the install, so I'm not really out of pocket, just hoping, because of the relative simplicity of my install (one roof, good orientation, no HOA, relatively small job) it could move forward quickly. Communication is a good thing, and I know most contractors loath dealing with clients (especially the squeaky ones).

I'm still providing referral info, and not asking for a dime in return, but will still disclose my concerns and bitches along the way, as we all benefit from communication.

Cheers,
J.