Solar, PVC, EMT and Corrosion

 

You have to use the right equipment for the job that is suitable for the environmental conditions that it will be installed in.

With electrical equipment you have many options that are perfect for the job that you are doing. On the other hand, you have unlimited options for equipment that will get the job done, but will not last long enough to get your money out of it.

I’ve installed a lot of solar in many different environmental conditions. The main thing to keep in mind when doing electrical work is that cheap is almost never the way to go. Sure, it will work! But most likely you will be right back out to do maintenance on the equipment you just installed a short time ago, and you will have very unhappy customers.

Some companies will think that it is job security to install the cheaper equipment. They often can under bid their competition by using cheaper equipment also. I personally will not work for any company who uses this type of philosophy, nor will I do that on my own projects around the house.

I work with electricians who think that using PVC conduit instead of EMT conduit is somehow cheap or substandard. This simply is not true; they both have a place. PVC isn’t just for underground either. Now I’m not saying that using PVC all over the outside of buildings is good either. Like I said at the beginning you need to use the right products for the location that they are being installed.

For example, in salty environments EMT just does not hold up to the corrosion and will rust out in a years’ time. PVC works great underground but when its installed on the side of a house ran horizontally in direct sunlight it will warp, expand, shrink and all the glued joints will pull apart over time.

So, what do you do if you do need to use PVC on the side of a building because it’s a salty environment and you don’t want to use EMT fearing it will rust out quickly? You just need to install it properly with the knowledge that it is being installed exposed on the outside of a building. One way is running it tight up under the eaves out of the sunlight for horizontal runs and strapping it at no more than 24” intervals.

 

Then when exposed to direct sunlight try to only run it vertically for short distances.  More straps with PVC is usually better in most cases. Painting the PVC conduit after install will also help make it blend in and stops the discoloration from the sun.

 

The main thing is to plan your install so that you have the least amount of exposed conduit possible.

 Unfortunately, when it comes to electrical disconnects and service equipment, corrosion is a big problem. Stainless equipment is expensive and not always an available option.

With combiner boxes and J-boxes they come in all sorts of weather/environment ratings. You can get them made from fiber glass, stainless and PVC. So, make sure you get the right one for the job.

Residential Solar, Utility Interconnects

I have spent years working on electrical systems in multiple states, counties, cities and small towns. The most interesting thing is the fact that they all follow the NEC, but the truth is that  none of them interpret it the same and they all have their own specialty code or just have decided that they have certain installation methods they allow or don't allow regardless what the code says.

Residential solar production

If you are a homeowner just doing work on your home then this isn't really problem most of the time. But if you are an electrician in the trade moving to another area or even another state to do electrical work, then you will need to find out what the latest electrical installation methods are and what the local inspectors like to see. I have found out the hard way that just because the code allows it, this doesn’t always mean that the inspectors will allow it.

Utility Interconnect for Solar

Sometimes this is because they interpret the code differently, or sometimes its due to that specific geographic location requiring different environmental considerations. This can make certain wiring methods not expectable in that region or area.

Residential Solar Inverter

For example, say you work primarily inland in the pacific northwest but you decided to go to any number of the little beach towns to replace an old service for your brother. You may be in for a surprise. You installed that new meter main on the house, but when the inspector comes to inspect your work they inform you that you can only use stainless steel service equipment. For some of you that may be common knowledge but for others you don’t know what you don’t know.

Save time and money by asking a few questions before you purchase materials, equipment and start a project outside your knowledge area.

None of us know everything. I personally find that the electrical  trade and just technology in general changes so rapidly that I feel like I’m always in a constant state of learning.

 

T.P.O. Chem-Curb Residential Roof Solar Install

There is a wide variety of roof types on homes all over the word, with this being said no matter what style roof you have there is a solution to install solar on your home. In some cases it may be best for it    not to be installed on your roof in the first place!

                                                                                                   

Chem-Curb TPO/Membrane Roof

In the case that you have a T.P.O. roof composite or similar, there are always some great options on the market to choose from. The methods and materials are always changing. The products that I may have used on projects five years ago in some cases may not even be recommended now due to new and improved products that are now available on the market.

 

Chem-Curb TPO/Membrane Roof

If you are a homeowner looking to have solar installed don't worry too much about whether or not you are getting the newest solar products on the market. As fast as the solar industry is changing, solar companies don't have much choice but to be on the cutting edge of the newest solar products. If for some reason they aren't keeping up with the latest products, industry trends and installation methods then most likely if they aren't already out of business, then they soon will be!

Residential Solar on Metal Roof

Corrugated metal roof

With a good solar company you should be satisfied and pleased with the finished project on your home. It goes without saying that it should function properly,  be code compliant and pass inspection when finished. 

In addition to that, as a  homeowner making an investment as big as solar, the finished product should also compliment your home, add value to it and you as the homeowner should like the way it looks on your home.  As with most construction projects attention to detail and great craftmanship usually translate to a better functioning and longer lasting system. 

Inverter, Disconnect, Utility connection

   

Solar does not have to look good to function properly. 

In my 20+ years in the electrical trade, it has been my observation that when the company takes the time to also make sure that the job looks great, then in most cases it also tends to hold up to the elements better, perform at peak efficiency, and in a lot of cases it cost you as the homeowner less in maintenance expenses later on. 

Bad installation practices, unqualified installers, cheap equipment can also lead to a long list of problems including roof leaks and even fires. Any of these problems will cost you a lot of money.  

Residential solar, Hilo Hawaii

Residential Solar on Copper Standing Seam Metal Roof

No matter the roof type you have, there is always a product solution to fit your home. Not all these methods are priced the same. For instance on a copper roof the price can really go up! You have to be sure that you have the correct attachment method that is approved to be installed on your roof type. If it not an approved method for your roof type, then it will cause all sorts of problems later and cost you lots of money to fix it.  

Copper roof  Kukio Hawaii

Utility tie in  Kukio Hawaii

   

When it comes to solar projects, there is a vast amount of companies to choose from. They all have a preferred method of installation and all have certain equipment that they like to use.  As you would expect not all companies are created equal nor is the equipment they install on your home. Do your research before you hire a solar company to install your project. Solar can be a big investment and you should get the best installation possible with good equipment. If you shop around you will find the right company for your job at a competitive price.  

Kukio Hawaii

Kukio Hawaii

Kukio Hawaii