Lesson 1
Solar Module Wiring Tips!
Upside-Down Tips and Techniques: Rail-less Solar Wire Management on Metal Roofs
Installing solar PV on metal roofs is easier and less costly with a rail-less mounting solution compared to rail-based systems. With 85% less racking material, simpler logistics and reduced time on the roof, you’ll gain savings and ease of installation. However, there are a few nuances, such as wire management, that may differ from rail-based systems and must be planned out in advance.
Some webinars and media coverage offer tips and techniques for wire management, but it can be challenging to relate their insights to real-world experiences on the roof. Often, they emphasize the mechanical aspect of the installation, leaving much of the wire clipping and connecting conductors beneath the modules out of sight.
In today’s S-5! training session, we will focus exclusively on wire management and offer you a unique perspective for visualizing hands-on installation. We’ll achieve this by installing solar modules upside-down, allowing the precise wiring details to be easily seen. Welcome to S-5!’s upside-down world of solar on metal roofs.
Lesson Objectives
- Fundamental best practices for wire management of rail-less solar on metal roofs, including strategic string design and module preparation.
- Straightforward examples of strategic string design.
- A hands-on look at preparing and sequencing modules for a quick and efficient installation.
Mark Gies
Mark joined S-5! in 2019 and is responsible for the business development of S-5!’s solar product line along with managing a number of distributor, EPC and solar installer accounts. In addition, he provides leadership and support to product management and new product development initiatives.
He is an out-of-the-box thinker who is passionate about renewable energy, especially solar energy, and enjoys bringing new and innovative ideas to the table. He is also passionate about doing his part to evolve the solar industry through involvement in numerous industry-wide committees and events.
Mark has an extraordinary ability to understand complex issues and translate them into laymen’s terms. He especially enjoys troubleshooting and problem solving, from helping customers tackle technical hurdles to developing new products that solve problems in the marketplace. When he is not at work, Mark enjoys outdoor sports including alpine skiing, backcountry skiing, mountain biking and hiking.