I agree on the remote or at least integral contactor within the module itself being a good idea for the future, but for now there is no way to shut off production as long as the sun is shining, short of covering the modules.
Shorting them only works if it's done at or within the modules themselves, otherwise the circuit is still 'hot' between the shorting device and the modules, so a fireman with a hose on the roof is still at risk should his spray make contact with a circuit.
A typical commercial string is between 550-600V and 7-11A and from my experiences with numerous FD's that I've dealt with, short of a life saving quest, they are content to fight a fire on a structure with PV from as far away as possible. They still want all of their access requirements met though.....
If you're using the manufacturer provided connectors for module stringing why are you shorting them when making connections, or better yet, how can you short a panel without making a connection to one of the leads?
Last edited by Vindiceptor; 07/20/11 01:27 PM.
