Alternative to Ground Mount Fence?

[Spiffy Solar]

More attractive than chickenwire

In the past, in certain areas, we have been able to get away with simply attaching chicken wire to the back of the array to keep things inaccessible, unsightly...Yes, however it is fairly inexpensive.

You might like this, which is more attractive than chickenwire. More expensive, I'm sure, but still cheaper and faster than a chain link fence.

Under-Panel-Scrim.png

It comes from www.solarscrim.com

[Spiffy Solar]

Ground mount barrier, fencing alternative photos

Does anybody have a picture of a ground mount with some sort of fencing wrapped around it?

Here are photos of a couple of approaches. Surrounding the entire racking system, while more attractive, is a lot more work and expense. It is much easier to simply cover the back of the panels, only where there is wiring.

These examples are from www.solarscrim.com which makes this custom solution.

If this is acceptable, is totally up to your permitting authority. There are more and more places which are accepting this sort of solution, especially on smaller systems where fencing can add a big chunk to the bill.

[Spiffy Solar]

Alternative to Fencing to make wiring not "readily accessible."

You would have to check with your local authorities. I think more than the type of power leaving the array, the problem is the exposed wires and inverters on the back of the panels. You need to prevent anyone from being able to access the exposed electronics.

Green

The National Electric Code reference for this is 690.31. All it says is that the wiring can not be "readily accessible." Of course, the local authority gets to interpret that, but it makes no distinction between AC or DC.

One solar specific solution has now appeared on the market. It's more attractive than plastic snow fence and custom-made to your specified size.

Those reading this thread may want to check out www.solarscrim.com.

[russ]

Look at what Jim's comment was about where I asked pardon - the idea in question was not very bright as best I can tell.

[mapmaker]

Pardon?

Maybe Jim1 wants to view an attachment and is posting noise to get up to 10 posts. I think I see a lot of this. What is the rationale for requiring 10 posts?

--mapmaker

[Jim1]

Alternative to ground mount fence?

Pardon?

Does anybody have a picture of a ground mount with some sort of fencing wrapped around it?

[russ]

Great idea.

Pardon?

[Jim1]

Alternative to ground mount fence?

I've been trying to find an alternative to installing an ugly chain link fence around our ground mount installs. I looked at the UniSolar product but it doesn't quite work for what we need. I found a plastic product that is intended for poultry fencing that might work. it comes as 3' wide by 25' long. We usually mount our ground mounts in a landscape orientation. If we install all the cables end to end we could run this material up that section on the bottom of rails, then route the cabling between the sections at the top of the array where it will be out of the accessible range. The material is sunlight resistant as well and comes in black or green. What are everyone's thoughts on this?

Great idea.

[SolarCenTex]

posting my first post because I want to see this

Would like to see this answer

[peakbagger]

The new code has a expanded definition of accessible wiring.

On my pole mount I have two rows of 5 panels. The top row has the junction boxes facing down so all the wiring is along the horizontal centerline of the array. I have welded galvanized mesh screwed onto the rack in this area to make it "inaccessible" Even the wires are visible through the mesh, a screw driver and a ladder is needed to get at the wiring.

[Elliot]

Trying to post first post to view download (again)

[Elliot]

[QUOTE=Gordy;75953]Just making a first post so I can see the download[/QUOT
I am too

[Gordy]

Also interested in fence alternatives

I created this pdf to illustrate what I intend. The holes in the fencing would be much smaller. If its not readily accessible, it doesn't need to be in a raceway. The wiring along the top would be above the 6'-6" mark.

Just making a first post so I can see the download

[chrissilich]

Cables are UL approved normally - what Helios has done is make up a special set they can charge more for - just a normal screwing of the customer.

Normally I'd say you're right, but in this case I found the Helios trunk cable to be under $2 a foot, so about $6 a panel if they're vertical. Compare that to Enphase trunk cables, which run about $25 per panel, and I'd say at least Helios might be trying to do right by us and make a cable for easy installation, not extra profit. I sound like a Helios cheerleader. I swear I'm not on their payroll.

[russ]

Cables are UL approved normally - what Helios has done is make up a special set they can charge more for - just a normal screwing of the customer.