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Solar panel wiring

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skyline137
skyline137 Member Posts: 75
in Solar

I have a 15 year old 9.8kw system with 2 arrays and 2 inverters. 1 array is on racks tilted towards the South. For the last few years I’ve been picking up the plastic ties around my house. The ties are brittle and falling off and need replacing and wiring needs to be checked. Does anyone know of a solar contractor in Bergen County NJ .

IMG_5849.jpeg IMG_5855.jpeg

Comments

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 12,448
    edited April 16

    Just look up "electrician" in your area (I would say "In the Yellow Pages" but that doesn't work anymore) and read their info. Someone does solar in your area, I'm sure.

    image.png

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • skyline137
    skyline137 Member Posts: 75

    I’ve called a few of the solar companies including the one which sold me this system 14 years ago. They don’t return my calls. It seems all they are interested in is selling new systems. I would much rather deal with a small owner if they even exist. Even Angi didn’t call me back.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 27,705

    i would think any electrician could check the wires and replace ties? I find the local small contractors on the newspaper online marketplace, FB marketplace, etc

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • skyline137
    skyline137 Member Posts: 75

    I am waiting for response from a company that does “maintenance on solar panels.” I’m also getting some intermittent noises from 1 of my 2 inverters. Eventually I’ll get a response.

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 4,157

    Be advised there are different grades of cable ties. They will last longer for your application. I would also install more than actually needed.

    image.png
    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
    Larry Weingarten
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 20,391

    Not to throw a wrench in things but if I am not mistaken ty straps now need to be listed. Of course since this is existing if probably doesn't matter.

  • skyline137
    skyline137 Member Posts: 75

    The cable ties used to secure the wiring on my 47 x 200 watt panel, $70,000, 15 year old solar system now snap like dried spaghetti. I’ve picked up about 25 or thirty off the ground probably many more on the roof. Even with the Federal and State incentives and SREC’s I will be lucky if I break even. My cost after government incentives to date is about 35k, I should have put that 35k in my 401k. Not to mention when I need a new roof the cost to remove and replace the panels will be about $250 per panel. The panels will be 25 years old then and will probably need replacement too!

    kcopp
  • skyline137
    skyline137 Member Posts: 75
    edited April 20

    I got a quote of $$$ to inspect system and reattach wiring. I accepted that, hopefully that’s all they find.

  • HeatingHelp.com
    HeatingHelp.com Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 245

    @skyline137 Just a quick reminder that we don't discuss job quotes/pricing on here. I edited it out in your post above. Thanks!

    Forum Moderator

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