Posts Tagged ‘commercial pv’

I’d Rather Prevent A Solar PV Fire Than Put One Out

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are some of the safest types of ways to generate electricity. Once installed, there are few (if any) moving parts, no need for extracting fossil fuels from the earth, no danger of meltdowns or spills…the array just sits there soaking up the sun. As with any type of electrical system, though, there is always the danger of dealing with high voltage going somewhere it wasn’t intended.

The biggest risk for PV is a ground fault, which under certain circumstances could potentially start a fire. It is, however, extremely rare. A 2010 study by the National Fire Prevention Association found only a handful of incidents over more than 30 years (more…)

“The Student Has Become The Teacher”

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

Last weekend I discovered a sure-fire cure for the alumni blues. It’s been just over five years since I graduated from the Appropriate Technology Program at Appalachian State University, and I’ve remained close with Dr. Dennis Scanlan, the program’s coordinator. He invited me back to ASU to give a presentation on commercial-scale solar photovoltaic systems as part of the 2011 Appalachian Renewable Energy Workshop Series. So this past Saturday I found myself standing in front of 24 men and women, with the roles reversed a little…and I loved it. (more…)