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  1. How do you recommend attaching a solar array to an asphalt roll roof?

    Asked 01/10/2013

    Additionally, the HOA requires the solar panels lay flat on the roof so I believe ballast mounts are out.

    Question

  2. Yes, you can wire the

    Answered by mhamon on 01/08/2013

    Yes, you can wire the controllers in parallel unless there is something in the manual that says you can't. Many battery banks have multiple sources for charging. 

    Answer

  3. Grid tied inverters are not

    Answered by mhamon on 01/08/2013

    Grid tied inverters are not designed to operate with a generator. You run the risk of damaging the micro-inverters or the generator. 

    Answer

  4. Todd, the anodized surface of

    Answered by mhamon on 01/08/2013

    Todd, the anodized surface of aluminum has a very high resistance.

    Answer

  5. Many people want to find a

    Answered by mhamon on 01/08/2013

    Many people want to find a way to have their grid tied inverter keep running when the grid is down but there is no easy or inexpensive answer.

    Answer

  6. A supply side interconnection

    Answered by mhamon on 01/08/2013

    A supply side interconnection is an option if your utility and AHJ allows it, not all do.

    Answer

  7. Keep in mind that there is a

    Keep in mind that there is a

    Added by mhamon on 01/08/2013

    Keep in mind that there is a difference between a direct strike on the PV system and a strike that is close enough to induce a voltage spike in any metal in the area.

    Comment

  8. As many modules as will

    Answered by mhamon on 01/08/2013

    As many modules as will provide up to 25A of current at the MPP.

    Answer

  9. 50% Bonus Depreciation Lives on in Solar through 2013

    50% Bonus Depreciation Lives on in Solar through 2013

    Added by mg on 01/08/2013

    Great news, the fiscal cliff deal that is currently in place will have a significant positive impact on the solar industry.  Primarily, th

    Article

  10. Suggestions to replace an antiquated 35kW inverter for an off-grid system with a scalable system made up of smaller inverers?

    Asked 01/07/2013

    208/120 volt, wind-solar hybrid, generator backup.

    Question

  11. How can you connect two similar inverters to a single phase panel?

    Asked 01/07/2013

    Question – 2 comments

  12. Interesting article!I found a

    Interesting article!I found a

    Added by Emmett on 01/04/2013

    Interesting article!

    Comment

  13. How many 100 Watt solar panels can you run with a 25 Amp MPPT controller?

    Asked 12/27/2012

    Question – 2 comments

  14. Here is a utility grade meter

    Answered by wmckenna on 12/27/2012

    Here is a utility grade meter that uses modbus over ethernet and I believe they have software available. http://www.electroind.com/shark200s.html  

    Answer

  15. OK, here's the deal with

    Answered by don hughes on 12/27/2012

    OK, here's the deal with module bonding: No it would not be acceptable to use star washers as module bonding, NEC articles 110.3 and 690.4 both require equipment t

    Answer

  16. Here's a good primer on

    Answered by SF_Solar on 12/27/2012

    Here's a good primer on Lightning Protection:  http://www.civicsolar.com/node/12342

    Answer

  17. How do I protect my solar panels from lightning?

    Asked 12/27/2012

    Question – 2 comments

  18. Verne,You should read our

    Answered by SF_Solar on 12/26/2012

    Verne, You should read our article o AC Coupling:  http://www.civicsolar.com/resource/ac-coupling This will give you some good background.

    Answer

  19. Do I need a service panel upgrade?

    Asked 12/26/2012

    I'm installing 68 modules as 4 strings of 17 with Enphase M215s. My 200 amp service panel does not have any more spaces.

    Question – 1 comment

  20. A Move Towards AC Modules

    A Move Towards AC Modules

    Added by leventbas on 12/26/2012

    Grid-interoperability has been a main focus of the solar industry since it first emerged as a competitive option for generating

    Article

  21. What is the replacement battery for PSG-12105 solar gel cell battery?

    Asked 12/24/2012

    I currently have two batteries of this model number that are still good and I'm looking to expand the system.

    Question – 1 comment

  22. 24V panels to a 12V system

    Asked 12/20/2012

    Hi, I have 4 Perlight PLM-230P-60 and am wondering what I would need to use them on a 12V system. Thanks

    Question – 1 comment

  23. I have a grid tied 2500w kaco inverter and 12- 245w bosch pv panels.

    Asked 12/20/2012

    What can be done to divert power to power my fridge and a couple of lights in the event of a power outage.

    Question – 2 comments

  24. Todd,We sell a lot of

    Answered by SF_Solar on 12/19/2012

    Todd, We sell a lot of these:  http://www.civicsolar.com/node/19297 If you need a meter socket, then the panel you linked to is a good one.

    Answer

  25. According to NEC you need to

    Answered by toddbailey on 12/19/2012

    According to NEC you need to over rate by 125 %  of  the max amps that the array / inverter(s) can produce,  in addition to a wire size that provides less than a 2 % volt

    Answer