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Tech Help
Got a question? Take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of other CivicSolar members. Have a special skill or tip to pass on? Consider posting an article and adding to the depth of the CivicSolar knowledge base.
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How to find rafters on a roof for a solar installation
Added by onur on 01/03/2012
Safety Note: Whenever working on a roof, use adequate fall protection. An essential part of installing PV racking
Article
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Electrical Noise Emissions from a Solar PV Inverter / Charger
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Using the WEEB solution for grounding in solar applications?
Added by SunGuy on 12/22/2011
Grounding PV modules to reduce or eliminate shock and fire hazards is necessary and required by the National Electrica
Article
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How do you space a ground-mounted array?
Added by SunGuy on 12/19/2011
Here are some pointers for a well designed ground-mounted array.
Article
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What are the major roof types for installing solar?
Added by onur on 12/13/2011
As long as there is enough space and enough access to the sun, solar panels can be installed on just about any roof.
Article – 4 comments
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Can an inverter be installed outdoors?
Added by waco on 12/13/2011
There are many inverters for PV systems that can be installed outdoors.
Article
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Solar Powered Water Pumping
Added by waco on 12/05/2011
Any renewable energy source can make the electricity needed to power various appliances, including pumps.
Article – 2 comments
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Key Elements Of Solar Energy Payback Period
Added by waco on 11/29/2011
Calculating the payback on an investment in a photovoltaic (PV) system is not as easy as it seems at first glance.
Article
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String Inverter or microinverter, which is the right way to go?
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How Heat Affects Solar Panel Efficiency
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How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Added by waco on 11/01/2011
The number most often referenced for the lifetime of a Silicon (Si) based solar panel is about 25 years. Solar panels are an expensive up
Article – 2 comments
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How does Ontario MicroFIT program work?
Added by SunGuy on 10/28/2011
The Ontario microFIT Program is available to small renewable energy projects located specifically in Ontario, including residential and sm
Article
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What Happened to the PACE Program?
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Solar Power for Charging The Electric Car
Added by SunGuy on 10/21/2011
Many people forget that most electric cars are recharged by plugging into an electric grid which is customarily fueled by coal, nukes or o
Article
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Sizing the DC Disconnect for Solar PV Systems
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Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC)
Added by Camilla Jacks on 10/13/2011
In a grid-tied Solar PV System unused energy can be sent back to the utility at the grid connection. Solar PV system owners receive utilit
Article – 4 comments
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Balance of System (BOS) for Solar PV
Added by Dave Sesler on 10/10/2011
A Solar PV Balance-of-System or BOS refers to the components and equipment that move DC energy produced by solar panels through the conver
Article – 1 comment
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Microinverter Application for Off-Grid PV Systems
Added by Solar Peter on 10/06/2011
Approximately 5%-30% of collected energy is lost or wasted while an inverter converts DC power from solar PV to AC power. Inverter efficie
Article – 6 comments
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Federal Tax Credits for Solar PV Systems
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Solyndra’s Bankruptcy and the Future of US Solar Manufacturing
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Transformerless Inverters for Solar PV
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Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Certification
Added by Martha on 09/22/2011
NRTL certification means your solar panels and solar modules conform to safety, health, and environmental standards as required by: NEC
Article – 3 comments
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Pros and Cons of Battery Backup PV Systems
Added by Solar Peter on 09/14/2011
Since PV systems produce electricity directly from sunlight and maximize the efficiency of energy collection, it may seem like adding or c
Article – 1 comment
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Solar Arrays and Lightning Protection
Added by Solar Peter on 09/12/2011
Photovoltaic arrays are typically installed on rooftops, near power transmission lines, constructed of aluminum frames, and must be free f
Article – 6 comments
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Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Added by kevintai on 08/25/2011
Mono means one while poly means many - just as in romantic relationships. But what do they mean in terms of solar panels? The
Article – 10 comments