2.1kWp PV System Installed on Cliplock Roof
24 February 2008
Grid Connect class after installing 14 x 150W Suntech modules on flat roof. Time taken = 5 hours.
Finished installation. Spacing of modules (150mm) helps reduce wind loading on a tilt frame set-up.
Modules are secured on roof in case of sudden gust of wind blowing them off.
RPC aluminum frames (4) are assembled and attached to mounting rails on steel deck roof.
Galvanic insulation washers are installed between aluminium frame and zinc coated mounting rails.
Mark vacuums up all the metal filings and drill swarf to prevent rust spots.
PV array is located at the southern end of a large flat roof. The array is angled for optimum true north orientation.
Each module is attached and tighten to array frame to prevent wind gusts from damaging loose modules.
Array frame is angled across the run of the steel decking. Sub frame is attached to hardwood battens below by 100m galvanized roofing screws and self taping metal screws where no batten is available.
"Tyco" connectors are secured in place with black cable ties (UV resistant) and exposed array cable is protected from UV by short lengths of conduit.
Roof top isolator (as required in Victoria only) is clearly labeled to indicate that the inverter must be off before operating. A cable tie has been inserted into lever to prevent accidental operation while system is under load. "Solar DC" sign attached to all junction boxes that contain LV DC.
In "protected" locations, "Solar DC" sign is made using self adhesive label tape smeared with a thick coating of silicone sealant.
String Voc is checked before closing up array isolator.
Brendan checks polarity and Voc before turning on solar supply to inverter.
Sunny Boy 1700 inverter attached to plaster board wall using a spanning piece of timber. PV array main isolator below inverter, AC output on short length of circular 2.5mm sq cable terminated with a ceiling rose (silicone sealed shut to prevent unscrewing).
Main switchboard with Clipsal "Cent-o-meter" current clamp installed. The Cent-o-meter allows the customer to monitor their instantaneous load usage in their house.
Glen Morris (me) looking very pleased with his students' work.