The connectors seem so cheap to me.
Hook stick operated plug at each set of panels... (That was my first idea - short of a tree pruner...
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Some roof top commercial systems can be pretty big. And asking the fire department to identify which array the fault is in is probably asking too much.
Residential systems vary. It maybe easy to throw a trap over the whole array or there could be multiply array's on a number of roof surfaces. On large high end houses, you could have an obvious array on the front of the house. Then another array on a section not obviously visible.
In my experience in talking to Fire Chiefs regarding safety and solar. They generally don't want to leave safety up to a firefighters critical thinking skills. In that first adrenalin filled moment when they show up the Chief wants them doing what they are trained to do.
I think the simplest solution would be some kind of disconnect in the module.
You're right!
The fire Dept should not have to be trained in figuring out the fault - they should also not have to be subjected to a source of energy that lacks a disconnect or means of de-energizing. Nor should the owner of said system. It should be installed with a means if not to completely de-energize - isolate. Think big red button - or handle - 'break glass in case of emergency' etc.
If solar were held to the basic standard for other sources - it would need to be less than six throws of the hand... At least one of those being the AC utility.
If a UPS system is any example - many of those are available with easy to identify - or even automated means to de-energize - not just the inverter - but the batteries feeding it as well. The dreaded EPO switch... :roll:
If worse comes to worse - to offer sequential and safe shut-down - cont actors to drop out isolating the panels. From what little I understand of solar - many of these can be wired in series to get rather high voltages of DC, then paralleled to obtain the necessary amperage capacity. IMO since shutting off the sun is not feasible - there should be a means in which to break these series and paralleled connections to to limit voltage and capacity to a level acceptable by the fire official, to render the system safe - or safe enough -
and make it a standard. And either accessible at the roof - or better yet - from the ground right next to the utility service disconnect.
IMO - it could be easily done by simple design of a branch series connected and paralleling switch...