Solar install turning out really bad - looking for some help/advice please.

[HX_Guy]

That is strange, I don't know why the wires go from black to red and red to black in the middle terminal block. It came pre-wired from SolarEdge like that.
As for using a white wire for the DC-...well, that's my installer for you...I guess he didn't have black 6AWG wire to use? Guess we'll see what the inspection says, if they even open the disconnect. It would REALLY suck if they say it needs to be changed.

As for the combiner box, I'm not saying to make changes to the box itself...I'm saying to basically just put a fuse between the DC- coming in from the string and the DC- terminal block...I mean isn't that all it is? Isn't that the only difference between the DC+ and DC- setup right now?

[sensij]

That is strange, I don't know why the wires go from black to red and red to black in the middle terminal block. It came pre-wired from SolarEdge like that.
As for using a white wire for the DC-...well, that's my installer for you...I guess he didn't have black 6AWG wire to use? Guess we'll see what the inspection says, if they even open the disconnect. It would REALLY suck if they say it needs to be changed.

As for the combiner box, I'm not saying to make changes to the box itself...I'm saying to basically just put a fuse between the DC- coming in from the string and the DC- terminal block...I mean isn't that all it is? Isn't that the only difference between the DC+ and DC- setup right now?

Where are you going to put those fuses? If it is inside the existing combiner box, then it is a modification to that box. If it is in a different box, then yeah, that could be ok.

Regarding the fuse size, it does look like 20 A would be justifiable. Your permit probably got approved on the basis of 10 panel strings with an Isc of 9.08 AMP, which isn't really correct in a SolarEdge system, but whatever. With 16 * 310 W panels in a string, the rated current for that circuit would be 4960 W / 350 V = 14.2 A, which would require 20 A fuses min. Your 13 panel string would be 4030 W / 350 V = 11.5 A * 1.25 = 14.4 A, so 15 A fuses looks OK for those. The 11 panel string could be sized with 15 A fuses as well.

Also, your permit called out the SolarEdge inverter with the integral AC/DC safety switch, and yours has only the DC switch. You've got AC disconnects that make it compliant, but it is just another thing the inspector could pick on if he gets the vibe this job was not done right. I'd really roll out the red carpet for the guy.

[HX_Guy]

Where are you going to put those fuses? If it is inside the existing combiner box, then it is a modification to that box. If it is in a different box, then yeah, that could be ok.

I feel like that's really splitting hairs now. I mean installers a lot of times don't even use one of these pre-assembled boxes like I used...they build their use a generic outdoor box and fuses I side.

Also, your permit called out the SolarEdge inverter with the integral AC/DC safety switch, and yours has only the DC switch. You've got AC disconnects that make it compliant, but it is just another thing the inspector could pick on if he gets the vibe this job was not done right. I'd really roll out the red carpet for the guy.

yeah, not sure why my inverter only has a DC disconnect. As for the permit, if you notice, it has two AC disconnects and my installer only put in one...that maybe be the bigger issue. I think the permit designer figured one disconnect one one side of the tense and one on the other...but the inverter was originally supposed to be inside the garage so maybe that's why my installer didn't put one in since there is a disconnect literally like 8 ft away.

[HX_Guy]

Whew!! 1 inspection down, 2 to go.

[HX_Guy]

The installer...err I should say...his kids? Literally a couple high schoolers, came out to put on the two missing labels that we needed.

Apparently they didn't know how to rivet the sign on the disconnect because they just double side taped it on there. They were actually on the phone with the installer who said to just tape it and he'll come back out after the inspection to secure it. WTF.

Oh, and the red tag, is supposed to say the DC conductors are ungrounded, not UNDERGROUND. SMH.



The other label they got right, and even riveted it. I think I should black out his info though, he's getting no free advertising from me...or any credit for how the job came out looking in the end.

[Ben25]

59.38V?
240 A?

I think they messed that one up too...

[HX_Guy]

59.38V?
240 A?

I think they messed that one up too...

Oh jeez I didn't even notice that. Yeah, it's backwards.

[Ian S]

Isn't that supposed to be "Interconnection" and not "Innerconnection"?

[HX_Guy]

Isn't that supposed to be "Interconnection" and not "Innerconnection"?

LOL...where's that facepalm picture of Picard...

I'm hopeful these will go unnoticed by the inspector tomorrow. The use of a white cable wire instead of black and now the unriveted sign are my two biggest concerns, if we can get passed those I think we're in the clear.

[Ian S]

LOL...where's that facepalm picture of Picard...

I'm hopeful these will go unnoticed by the inspector tomorrow. The use of a white cable wire instead of black and now the unriveted sign are my two biggest concerns, if we can get passed those I think we're in the clear.

You could always cut the heads off a couple of new rivets and super glue the heads to the sign.

In a similar vein, prolly before your time but I recall during the CB craze of the 1970's, J.C. Whitney sold a fake stick-on CB antenna for cars with the caption "give your car that CB look."

[solar pete]

Oh jeez I didn't even notice that. Yeah, it's backwards.

Hi HX Guy and well done on salvaging what was a bloody mess. I think the world should know how bad your installer is, as it might save others a heap of pain, imagine what they will do to someone who doesnt have your resolve. Please will you go to www.solarreviews.com and do a review when you have a couple of minutes and please dont try to be nice just be honest, cheers and well done on saving the install.

[Alisobob]

solar f2.jpg

Hey everyone... FYI... there is a HUGE difference between what the code says is legal, and what your inspector wants to see.

Every state and county is different , but this is my story.

The inspector wanted engraved placards... engraved roof maps and diagrams.... system info... on and on....

Whats LEGALLY required in Orange County Ca?

These two reflective stickers.... and nothing more.

I didnt want my solar install to be an eyesore. All the extra added stuff , boxes, conduit, decals, placards, really bummed me out.

Good thing my installer knew what the code required...

Dont let the inspectors boss you around. They are there to enforce the code.... and nothing more!!

[russ]

Dont let the inspectors boss you around. They are there to enforce the code.... and nothing more!!

Right! You tell them! The inspector rules Sunking has posted many times.

1) The inspector is right
2) The inspector is always right
3) In the event the inspector is wrong (according to you) see rules 1 & 2.

Bob - You are blowing smoke.

[SunEagle]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5561[/ATTACH]

Hey everyone... FYI... there is a HUGE difference between what the code says is legal, and what your inspector wants to see.

Every state and county is different , but this is my story.

The inspector wanted engraved placards... engraved roof maps and diagrams.... system info... on and on....

Whats LEGALLY required in Orange County Ca?

These two reflective stickers.... and nothing more.

I didnt want my solar install to be an eyesore. All the extra added stuff , boxes, conduit, decals, placards, really bummed me out.

Good thing my installer knew what the code required...

Dont let the inspectors boss you around. They are there to enforce the code.... and nothing more!!

That is their job but in real life,
Rule #1 - the Inspector is always right.
Rule #2 - even if the Inspector is wrong refer to rule #1.

I have lost a few arguments with the local inspector concerning the NEC and local codes I was correct but in the end what he said is what I needed to do to get my installation approved. Not fair but life is sometimes like that.

[Alisobob]

Whatever... I've been a contractor for over 10 years... I dont bow to anyone.