[RE-wrenches] PV solar powered light poles

[Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems]

Wrenches,

I'm looking for commercially produced PV solar powered light systems, the type 
that would be used to illuminate a parking lot. I would appreciate any 
recommendations or warnings.

Email me directly: la...@starlightsolar.com

Thank you,

Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems

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[RE-wrenches] Engineered rafters

[William Miller]

Friends:

 

I am designing an installation on a roof built with engineered rafters.
These are wood I-beams with 2X4s (or smaller) on flat, dadoed to accept an
OSB flange in between.  On top is sheeting and then sheet metal.  I have
never attached to engineered rafters

 

I checked on DPW easy Feet and they look like my best option so far. .  Has
anyone else done this before?

 

Thanks in advance for all the great idea I you professionals are willing to
share.

 

William Miller

 

 

cid:679355323@23072013-1054

17395 Oak Rd. Atascadero, CA 93422

  www.millersolar.com

805-438-5600 voice

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Engineered rafters

[Ray Walters]

  
  
We just did one, and I used some fairly
  short Timberlok type lags (thinner and stronger)  I wasn't super
  excited about only having an inch of wood to grab, but the edge
  wood is stronger and denser than regular 2x material it seemed.  
  I predrilled the holes, and got solid anchors, without splitting.
  
  R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer, 
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
  On 11/6/2013 11:14 AM, William Miller wrote:


  
  
  
  
  
Friends:
 
I
am designing an installation on a roof built with engineered
rafters.  These are wood I-beams with 2X4s (or smaller) on
flat, dadoed to accept an OSB flange in between.  On top is
sheeting and then sheet metal.  I have never attached to
engineered rafters
 
I
checked on DPW easy Feet and they look like my best option
so far. .  Has anyone else done this before?
 
Thanks
in advance for all the great idea I you professionals are
willing to share.
 
William
Miller
 
 

17395
Oak Rd. Atascadero, CA 93422
www.millersolar.com
805-438-5600
voice
 
  
  
  
  
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Hidden Freight Damage

[Allan Sindelar]

  
  
Luke,
  When you first posted I forwarded your request to our warehouse
  manager, who's quite experienced. He didn't receive any of the
  responses from other Wrenches, but sent this to me this morning:
  

  Inspect it immediately for obvious signs of damage. This
means walking around the whole delivery or moving the boxes
around to view all sides for potential damages.
  Compare the number of shipping units received to the
number listed on the delivery receipt. 
  
Sign the delivery receipt. I always sign the papers or the
scanner with the number of handling units (or boxes if its
parcel) then my signature.
  While the driver is there, compare the pieces you are
receiving to the delivery receipt. If the condition and
quantity of your shipment is acceptable, the driver will ask
you to sign the delivery receipt. The driver will give you a
copy and take the original signed copy with him/her (as
proof of delivery).
  A signed delivery receipt with no exceptions is called a
"clear delivery." Clear deliveries mean there were no
shortages or visible damage at the time of delivery.
  A shipment invoice will be sent to the paying party soon
after pickup or delivery, depending on whether the shipment
is prepaid or collect.
  If a shipment is short or damaged, you can still accept
the delivery with notes on the shipper papers.  If the
shipment is too damaged and will require extra resources in
time and reshipment - refuse the whole shipment.
   
  It's the duty of the shipper and the consignee to
mitigate the loss. After you accept the shipment, take steps
to protect it from further loss and promptly file a claim
for the actual shortages or damages involved.

  
  






  

  

  
  
  
Allan Sindelar
  al...@positiveenergysolar.com
  NABCEP Certified PV
Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.
A
Certified B CorporationTM
3209
Richards Lane
  Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
www.positiveenergysolar.com
 
  

  On 11/5/2013 8:58 PM, Luke Christy wrote:


  Wrenches, 
Thanks to everyone who responded to my Freight Damage post. 

I wouldn't wish freight nightmares on anyone, but it is somewhat comforting to hear that most folks have run into this problem over the years. 
The major takeaway seems to be that there is no substitute for a thorough inspection of every delivery, even though that's often logistically difficult. Also pushing back on the denied claim to see if the carrier will come around to some kind of settlement. Given that the carrier in question is Con-way and they are generally surly even at the local office, I don't have a lot of hope for that, but it seems worth a try. 
I'm thinking in the future it may be worth it to pay extra for lift gate service with a call-ahead so that I can receive the deliveries personally at my shop. It has been convenient to have my friends with a loading dock take delivery of my shipments, but there is only so much I can ask them to do in terms of looking for damage. In the past I have tried the tactic of having the person signing for the freight put something like "Subject to Inspection for Damage" on the BOL, but it's hard for that to work well when you never know who will actually sign for the item. Of course, with this latest broken shipment, the disclaimer didn't get on the BOL. 

Thanks again.  May all your pallets arrive intact. 

-Luke


Luke Christy

NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional™: Certification #031409-25 
NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer™: Certification #ST032611-03   
CoSEIA Certified PV Installer 

Solar Gain Services, LLC
PO Box 531
Monte Vista, CO. 81144
sgsrenewab...@gmail.com
719.588.3044
www.sgsrenewables.com

   







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Re: [RE-wrenches] Engineered rafters

[Benn At DayStarSolar]

William 
For what it's worth, you may want to check with the rafter  mfgr and/or Eng as 
it is possible they will not allow holes being drilled into them and you could 
open yourself up to liability issues. 
I have a structural eng who is insisting I squeeze a construction adhesive 
(such as LePage PL400) into pilot holes before screwing in the lags when 
attaching to engineered trusses. Yes, an adhesive, not a sealant. It is to 
reinforce the strength of the engineered truss that you have just drilled into. 

Easy feet or other attachments that have multiple lags per attachment point 
(kinetic flashings have two lags each) are good because they have better/more 
holding strength if your lag bolt passes thru the structural attachment (a 
typical lag bolt will stick out about an inch or more past a 2x4 rafter/truss 
when laid flat, so your lag has less pull-out strength (thread depth). Multiple 
lags per attachment remedies this. 
Or consider installing backboards between the rafters and attaching to them. 

benn
Sent from a 'smart' phone, with touch screen keys. Please excuse shortcuts and 
typos. 

> On Nov 6, 2013, at 11:14 AM, "William Miller"  wrote:
> 
> Friends:
>  
> I am designing an installation on a roof built with engineered rafters.  
> These are wood I-beams with 2X4s (or smaller) on flat, dadoed to accept an 
> OSB flange in between.  On top is sheeting and then sheet metal.  I have 
> never attached to engineered rafters
>  
> I checked on DPW easy Feet and they look like my best option so far. .  Has 
> anyone else done this before?
>  
> Thanks in advance for all the great idea I you professionals are willing to 
> share.
>  
> William Miller
>  
>  
> 
> 17395 Oak Rd. Atascadero, CA 93422
> www.millersolar.com
> 805-438-5600 voice
>  
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> 
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[RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

[Kirk Herander]

Hey folks,

 

I'm in the middle of re-commissioning properly(megger, curve tracer, etc.) a
45 kw system that I installed using BP SX170B panels in the Spring of 2006.
I have found 5 strings so far with 0 Voc, and 2 strings with a good Voc but
0 current when the inverter is operating. I have noticed small brown burn
marks on the face of a few panels where the junction box and/or bypass
diodes are (haven't looked at every panel yet).

I understand that these panels are now showing problems elsewhere in the
field. If one of you familiar could pass me the present BP warranty contact,
that would be great. Also any real-life experience / two-cents worth with
your dealings with BP and this problem would help also. Thanks.

 

Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM Certified Inaugural Certificant

NYSERDA-eligible Installer

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

802.863.1202

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Hidden Freight Damage AND theft

[Kirk Herander]

And watch out for theft...I once had ordered -12- two-volt cells from by
battery dealer but only -11- were on the pallet. They were delivered to a
neighbor business who has a forklift and signs for me. No damage was noticed
but somewhere along the way a battery was removed(most likely to sell for
the lead) and the pallet re-wrapped. There was nothing I or my distributor
could do for recourse. 

 

Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM Certified Inaugural Certificant

NYSERDA-eligible Installer

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

802.863.1202

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan
Sindelar
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 1:43 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Hidden Freight Damage

 

Luke,
When you first posted I forwarded your request to our warehouse manager,
who's quite experienced. He didn't receive any of the responses from other
Wrenches, but sent this to me this morning:

.  Inspect it immediately for obvious signs of damage. This means walking
around the whole delivery or moving the boxes around to view all sides for
potential damages. 

.  Compare the number of shipping units received to the number listed on the
delivery receipt. 

.  Sign the delivery receipt. I always sign the papers or the scanner with
the number of handling units (or boxes if its parcel) then my signature. 

While the driver is there, compare the pieces you are receiving to the
delivery receipt. If the condition and quantity of your shipment is
acceptable, the driver will ask you to sign the delivery receipt. The driver
will give you a copy and take the original signed copy with him/her (as
proof of delivery).

A signed delivery receipt with no exceptions is called a "clear delivery."
Clear deliveries mean there were no shortages or visible damage at the time
of delivery.

A shipment invoice will be sent to the paying party soon after pickup or
delivery, depending on whether the shipment is prepaid or collect.

If a shipment is short or damaged, you can still accept the delivery with
notes on the shipper papers.  If the shipment is too damaged and will
require extra resources in time and reshipment - refuse the whole shipment.

 

It's the duty of the shipper and the consignee to mitigate the loss. After
you accept the shipment, take steps to protect it from further loss and
promptly file a claim for the actual shortages or damages involved.

Allan Sindelar
  al...@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.

A Certified B CorporationTM
3209 Richards Lane
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
  www.positiveenergysolar.com

On 11/5/2013 8:58 PM, Luke Christy wrote:

Wrenches, 
Thanks to everyone who responded to my Freight Damage post. 
 
I wouldn't wish freight nightmares on anyone, but it is somewhat comforting
to hear that most folks have run into this problem over the years. 
The major takeaway seems to be that there is no substitute for a thorough
inspection of every delivery, even though that's often logistically
difficult. Also pushing back on the denied claim to see if the carrier will
come around to some kind of settlement. Given that the carrier in question
is Con-way and they are generally surly even at the local office, I don't
have a lot of hope for that, but it seems worth a try. 
I'm thinking in the future it may be worth it to pay extra for lift gate
service with a call-ahead so that I can receive the deliveries personally at
my shop. It has been convenient to have my friends with a loading dock take
delivery of my shipments, but there is only so much I can ask them to do in
terms of looking for damage. In the past I have tried the tactic of having
the person signing for the freight put something like "Subject to Inspection
for Damage" on the BOL, but it's hard for that to work well when you never
know who will actually sign for the item. Of course, with this latest broken
shipment, the disclaimer didn't get on the BOL. 
 
Thanks again.  May all your pallets arrive intact. 
 
-Luke
 
 
Luke Christy
 
NABCEP Certified PV Installation ProfessionalT: Certification #031409-25 
NABCEP Certified Solar Heating InstallerT: Certification #ST032611-03   
CoSEIA Certified PV Installer 
 
Solar Gain Services, LLC
PO Box 531
Monte Vista, CO. 81144
  sgsrenewab...@gmail.com
719.588.3044
  www.sgsrenewables.com
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

[Chris Daum]

Kirk:
 
My last warranty contact was Tracy Cox at 301-698-4307, cox...@bp.com, but
I'm not sure how current that information is.  I've had regular BP/Solarex
warranty problems over the years (since 1990 or so), and it's seemed like
they were generally slow to respond before they stepped up to the plate.
Thus, they've never been a desirable module to sell, IMO.

GOOD LUCK.
 
Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.
406-777-4309
406-777-0830 fax
www.oasismontana.com
 
 
  _  

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk
Herander
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 3:33 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.



Hey folks,

 

I'm in the middle of re-commissioning properly(megger, curve tracer, etc.) a
45 kw system that I installed using BP SX170B panels in the Spring of 2006.
I have found 5 strings so far with 0 Voc, and 2 strings with a good Voc but
0 current when the inverter is operating. I have noticed small brown burn
marks on the face of a few panels where the junction box and/or bypass
diodes are (haven't looked at every panel yet).

I understand that these panels are now showing problems elsewhere in the
field. If one of you familiar could pass me the present BP warranty contact,
that would be great. Also any real-life experience / two-cents worth with
your dealings with BP and this problem would help also. Thanks.

 

Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM Certified Inaugural Certificant

NYSERDA-eligible Installer

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

802.863.1202

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

[Allan Sindelar]

  
  
Here are a couple of previous Wrenches
  posts:
  7/30/13:
  
I looked up BP Solar and found their
Alternatives page:
 
http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9025019&contentId=7046515
 
Which has this
info for warranty claims:
 
For customers from Americas (North,
Central, South)
Telephone Number: 1-866-BP-SOLAR and 1-800-891-2163
Email Address: bpsolarwarranties...@bp.com
 
The 866-BP-Solar number is bunk but the 891-2163 number got
  me to Nancy and she, being very friendly, put in a warranty
  claim for me on behalf of my customer. We'll see where it goes
  from here...
 
SunHarvest
  
  6/10/13:
  

  Hi Mac,

  
  Everything is different again.  I just did a claim, and things
  seemed to work for the client quite well (full replacement). 
  BP is having the owner call 800 891-2163  to start a claim.  In
  Colorado the claim went to a 3rd party installer that is
  handling all the claims.  They came out, did their own
  evaluation and recommendation to BP. 
  BP than processed the
  recommendation, and passed along their judgement.    In our
  case the client could have modules that BP procured (I think Motech) installed by the 3rd party
  installer, or a cash buyout.   The new process doesn't seem to
  bode well for the local installer as far as drumming up work
  as you are soon cut out of the loop.  I find though that these
  clients are incredible grateful for looking out for their best
  interests.   Ultimately, things worked out much easier, as our
  3rd part BP reps are great. 
  If this is the process, for better or worse, it is much
  easier.
  

Jay Pozner
  
  10/2/12"
  
>From 10 months ago.  Not sure whether Christine is still there. 

Christine Alinen 
Asset Coordinator 
After Sales/Warranty 
BP Solar 
301-698-4217

Anyone know who is providing warranty support for BP?
Same old problem - shattered glass from overheated J box area
Jeremy Rodriguez

Sent via BlackBerry. Sorry for typos and shorthand!
  
  Allan
  
  






  

  

  
  
  
Allan Sindelar
  al...@positiveenergysolar.com
  NABCEP Certified PV
Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.
A
Certified B CorporationTM
3209
Richards Lane
  Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
www.positiveenergysolar.com
 
  

  On 11/6/2013 3:52 PM, Chris Daum wrote:


  
  
  
  Kirk:
   
  My last warranty
contact was Tracy Cox at 301-698-4307, cox...@bp.com,
but I'm not sure how current that information is.  I've had
regular BP/Solarex warranty problems over the years (since
1990 or so), and it's seemed like they were generally slow
to respond before they stepped up to the plate.  Thus,
they've never been a desirable module to sell, IMO.
  
  
GOOD LUCK.
   

Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.
406-777-4309
406-777-0830 fax
www.oasismontana.com
 
 

  

From:
re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
  Behalf Of Kirk Herander
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 3:33 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.
  


  Hey folks,
   
  I’m in the
  middle of re-commissioning properly(megger, curve tracer,
  etc.) a 45 kw system that I installed using BP SX170B
  panels in the Spring of 2006. I have found 5 strings so
  far with 0 Voc, and 2 strings with a good Voc but 0
  current when the inverter is operating. I have noticed
  small brown burn marks on the face of a few panels where
  the junction box and/or bypass diodes are (haven’t looked
   

[RE-wrenches] Off-grid in Tanzania

[Andrew Truitt]

Wrenches - I am working with Lee Bristol and Ray Walters on 20 off-grid PV
systems in Tanzania at various types of remote health care facilities.
 There will be 3 system offerings: 2, 4, and 6 kW, all 230V, 50Hz.  We are
currently considering the following issues and would appreciate input:

   - *AC coupled SMA system vs. DC coupled Outback/Midnite system*: We have
   had positive experiences with Sunny Boy / Sunny Island systems in GT w/
   battery back-up applications and we like the SMA production monitoring
   (more on that later), but we are not sure how appropriate the system is for
   off-grid.  Cost is a consideration, as well as energy harvest, simplicity
   for in-county technicians, future system expansion, battery SOC remote
   monitoring, integration of generators, running power to multiple buildings,
   inverter over-sizing to increase equipment lifetime, reliability, battery
   over/under-charging prevention, ease of use for the customer, surge
   capability, and programable load shedding.  We have had numerous internal
   discussions about this particular decision and would appreciate additional
   viewpoints.
   - *Ground mount vs. Pole mount*: The roofs at the sites are far from
   ideal in both construction and solar access so we are planning to locate
   all the arrays on the ground.  Soil types and slopes vary.  Manual labor
   will be readily available but heavy equipment will be hard to come by.  We
   would like to have a standard, replicable system which might be more
   achievable with a pole mount (e.g. [8] 250W modules per pole for 2kW; 1, 2,
   or 3 poles per system), and poles might be easier to have pre-installed
   before we arrive (e.g. you can't get the orientation wrong; less spacing
   measurements to consider), but the cost difference is significant (about
   $0.40/watt for S-flex ground mount vs. $1.05/watt for DP&W TPM all in).
The pole mount would be adjustable (east/west to account for micro-climate
   variations, north/south for seasonal adjustments), but how much of a value
   does that add at 10 degrees south latitude?  A ground mount could be
   ballasted which could be a big benefit in some locations.
   - *Monitoring options*: This is a tough one.  Obviously there is not
   robust internet access so we are looking at cell modems for data
   transmission.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a 3rd party off-grid
   full system remote monitoring provider?  Pentametric is an option - anyone
   have experience with the on-line interface or remote monitoring
   reliability?  All the OEMs have monitoring options for production and
   battery SOC, but we want to have an additional system to compare data and
   provide redundancy.

Clearly there are many more factors that go into these decisions than I
have conveyed here, but we are just hoping to get some thoughts on the
issues from the extensive off-grid knowledge base on this list,
particularly from anyone with experience in Africa.

Thanks in advance!



For a brighter energy future,


Andrew Truitt

Principal
Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting, LLC

(202) 486-7507

LinkedIn Profile 

Company Website 

NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional ID: 032407-66

Colorado Journeyman Electrician License No.: 600132

 <%28202%29%20486-7507>

[image: 24 copy.jpg]

"Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion
to fission. And it just so happens that there's an enormous fusion reactor
safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could
ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless!"

~William McDonough
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

[Kirk Herander]

Thanks guys. Obviously not a simple thing in terms of BP making it right to
the satisfaction of all parties. Any substitute mod will require matching
properly to unalterable roof footprint, existing rail layout, and existing
inverters, requiring a new design, PE stamp, permitting, inspection, to name
a few things. My situation requires well timed logistics also since the
system is on a tall building in a metropolitan area. So buyout(which means
VT Solar doing the retro) vs. BP vendor doing the retro pose a lot of things
to consider when negotiating with BP

 

Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM Certified Inaugural Certificant

NYSERDA-eligible Installer

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

802.863.1202

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan
Sindelar
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 6:00 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

 

Here are a couple of previous Wrenches posts:
7/30/13:

I looked up BP Solar and found their Alternatives page:

 

http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9025019
 &contentId=7046515

 

Which has this info for warranty claims:

 

For customers from Americas (North, Central, South)
Telephone Number: 1-866-BP-SOLAR and 1-800-891-2163
Email Address: bpsolarwarranties...@bp.com

 

The 866-BP-Solar number is bunk but the 891-2163 number got me to Nancy and
she, being very friendly, put in a warranty claim for me on behalf of my
customer. We'll see where it goes from here...

 

SunHarvest

6/10/13:

Hi Mac,

Everything is different again.  I just did a claim, and things seemed to
work for the client quite well (full replacement).  BP is having the owner
call 800 891-2163to start a claim.  In Colorado the
claim went to a 3rd party installer that is handling all the claims.  They
came out, did their own evaluation and recommendation to BP.  BP than
processed the recommendation, and passed along their judgement.In our
case the client could have modules that BP procured (I think Motech)
installed by the 3rd party installer, or a cash buyout.   The new process
doesn't seem to bode well for the local installer as far as drumming up work
as you are soon cut out of the loop.  I find though that these clients are
incredible grateful for looking out for their best interests.   Ultimately,
things worked out much easier, as our 3rd part BP reps are great.  If this
is the process, for better or worse, it is much easier.

Jay Pozner

10/2/12"

>From 10 months ago.  Not sure whether Christine is still there. 
 
Christine Alinen 
Asset Coordinator 
After Sales/Warranty 
BP Solar 
301-698-4217
 
Anyone know who is providing warranty support for BP?
Same old problem - shattered glass from overheated J box area
Jeremy Rodriguez
 
Sent via BlackBerry. Sorry for typos and shorthand!

Allan

Allan Sindelar
  al...@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.

A Certified B CorporationTM
3209 Richards Lane
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
www.positiveenergysolar.com  

On 11/6/2013 3:52 PM, Chris Daum wrote:

Kirk:

 

My last warranty contact was Tracy Cox at 301-698-4307, cox...@bp.com, but
I'm not sure how current that information is.  I've had regular BP/Solarex
warranty problems over the years (since 1990 or so), and it's seemed like
they were generally slow to respond before they stepped up to the plate.
Thus, they've never been a desirable module to sell, IMO.


GOOD LUCK.

 

Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.
406-777-4309
406-777-0830 fax
www.oasismontana.com
 

 


  _  


From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk
Herander
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 3:33 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

Hey folks,

 

I'm in the middle of re-commissioning properly(megger, curve tracer, etc.) a
45 kw system that I installed using BP SX170B panels in the Spring of 2006.
I have found 5 strings so far with 0 Voc, and 2 strings with a good Voc but
0 current when the inverter is operating. I have noticed small brown burn
marks on the face of a few panels where the junction box and/or bypass
diodes are (haven't looked at every panel yet).

I understand that these panels are now showing problems elsewhere in the
field. If one of you familiar could pass me the present BP warranty contact,
that would be great. Also any real-life experience / two-cents worth with
your dealings with BP and this problem would help also. Thanks.

 

Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM C

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

[SunHarvest]

I guess I never followed up. The warranty claim process was a success; just had 
to take lots of unnecessary pictures. BP paid out a check to replace all the 
modules even though only half of them failed. Guess they have a crystal ball. 
Warning: They will not reimburse for labor.

Contact Lini:

Lini 

After Sales Warranty Customer Service Representative

Location: Cantera II, 218N

Tel: 630-821-2287 

Zhang, Lini 


Good luck!

Eric Stikes
Owner
SunHarvest
001.530.798.3738 (Cell)

  - Original Message - 
  From: Allan Sindelar 
  To: RE-wrenches 
  Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 2:59 PM
  Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.


  Here are a couple of previous Wrenches posts:
  7/30/13:

I looked up BP Solar and found their Alternatives page:


http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9025019&contentId=7046515

Which has this info for warranty claims:

For customers from Americas (North, Central, South)
Telephone Number: 1-866-BP-SOLAR and 1-800-891-2163
Email Address: bpsolarwarranties...@bp.com

The 866-BP-Solar number is bunk but the 891-2163 number got me to Nancy and 
she, being very friendly, put in a warranty claim for me on behalf of my 
customer. We'll see where it goes from here...

SunHarvest
  6/10/13:

Hi Mac,


Everything is different again.  I just did a claim, and things seemed to 
work for the client quite well (full replacement).  BP is having the owner call 
800 891-2163  to start a claim.  In Colorado the claim went to a 3rd party 
installer that is handling all the claims.  They came out, did their own 
evaluation and recommendation to BP.  BP than processed the recommendation, and 
passed along their judgement.In our case the client could have modules that 
BP procured (I think Motech) installed by the 3rd party installer, or a cash 
buyout.   The new process doesn't seem to bode well for the local installer as 
far as drumming up work as you are soon cut out of the loop.  I find though 
that these clients are incredible grateful for looking out for their best 
interests.   Ultimately, things worked out much easier, as our 3rd part BP reps 
are great.  If this is the process, for better or worse, it is much easier.


Jay Pozner

  10/2/12"

>From 10 months ago.  Not sure whether Christine is still there. 

Christine Alinen 
Asset Coordinator 
After Sales/Warranty 
BP Solar 
301-698-4217

Anyone know who is providing warranty support for BP?
Same old problem - shattered glass from overheated J box area
Jeremy Rodriguez

Sent via BlackBerry. Sorry for typos and shorthand!Allan



  Allan Sindelar
  al...@positiveenergysolar.com
  NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
  NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
  New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
  Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.

  A Certified B CorporationTM
  3209 Richards Lane
  Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
  505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
  www.positiveenergysolar.com



  On 11/6/2013 3:52 PM, Chris Daum wrote:

Kirk:

My last warranty contact was Tracy Cox at 301-698-4307, cox...@bp.com, but 
I'm not sure how current that information is.  I've had regular BP/Solarex 
warranty problems over the years (since 1990 or so), and it's seemed like they 
were generally slow to respond before they stepped up to the plate.  Thus, 
they've never been a desirable module to sell, IMO.

GOOD LUCK.

Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.
406-777-4309
406-777-0830 fax
www.oasismontana.com
 




From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk Herander
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 3:33 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.


Hey folks,



I'm in the middle of re-commissioning properly(megger, curve tracer, etc.) 
a 45 kw system that I installed using BP SX170B panels in the Spring of 2006. I 
have found 5 strings so far with 0 Voc, and 2 strings with a good Voc but 0 
current when the inverter is operating. I have noticed small brown burn marks 
on the face of a few panels where the junction box and/or bypass diodes are 
(haven't looked at every panel yet).

I understand that these panels are now showing problems elsewhere in the 
field. If one of you familiar could pass me the present BP warranty contact, 
that would be great. Also any real-life experience / two-cents worth with your 
dealings with BP and this problem would help also. Thanks.



Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM Certified Inaugural Certificant

NYSERDA-eligible Installer

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

802.863.1202




 

___
List sponsored by Home Power magazine

List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org

Change ema

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

[Kirk Herander]

The array size and quantity of  "all the modules"?. Thanks.

 

Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM Certified Inaugural Certificant

NYSERDA-eligible Installer

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

802.863.1202

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of SunHarvest
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 8:59 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

 

I guess I never followed up. The warranty claim process was a success; just
had to take lots of unnecessary pictures. BP paid out a check to replace all
the modules even though only half of them failed. Guess they have a crystal
ball. Warning: They will not reimburse for labor.

 

Contact Lini:

 

Lini 

After Sales Warranty Customer Service Representative

Location: Cantera II, 218N

Tel: 630-821-2287 

Zhang, Lini 

 

Good luck!

 

Eric Stikes
Owner

SunHarvest

001.530.798.3738 (Cell)

- Original Message - 

From: Allan Sindelar   

To: RE-wrenches   

Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 2:59 PM

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

 

Here are a couple of previous Wrenches posts:
7/30/13:

I looked up BP Solar and found their Alternatives page:

 

http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9025019
 &contentId=7046515

 

Which has this info for warranty claims:

 

For customers from Americas (North, Central, South)
Telephone Number: 1-866-BP-SOLAR and 1-800-891-2163
Email Address: bpsolarwarranties...@bp.com

 

The 866-BP-Solar number is bunk but the 891-2163 number got me to Nancy and
she, being very friendly, put in a warranty claim for me on behalf of my
customer. We'll see where it goes from here...

 

SunHarvest

6/10/13:

Hi Mac,

Everything is different again.  I just did a claim, and things seemed to
work for the client quite well (full replacement).  BP is having the owner
call 800 891-2163to start a claim.  In Colorado the
claim went to a 3rd party installer that is handling all the claims.  They
came out, did their own evaluation and recommendation to BP.  BP than
processed the recommendation, and passed along their judgement.In our
case the client could have modules that BP procured (I think Motech)
installed by the 3rd party installer, or a cash buyout.   The new process
doesn't seem to bode well for the local installer as far as drumming up work
as you are soon cut out of the loop.  I find though that these clients are
incredible grateful for looking out for their best interests.   Ultimately,
things worked out much easier, as our 3rd part BP reps are great.  If this
is the process, for better or worse, it is much easier.

Jay Pozner

10/2/12"

>From 10 months ago.  Not sure whether Christine is still there. 
 
Christine Alinen 
Asset Coordinator 
After Sales/Warranty 
BP Solar 
301-698-4217
 
Anyone know who is providing warranty support for BP?
Same old problem - shattered glass from overheated J box area
Jeremy Rodriguez
 
Sent via BlackBerry. Sorry for typos and shorthand!

Allan

Allan Sindelar
  al...@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.

A Certified B CorporationTM
3209 Richards Lane
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
www.positiveenergysolar.com  

 

On 11/6/2013 3:52 PM, Chris Daum wrote:

Kirk:

 

My last warranty contact was Tracy Cox at 301-698-4307, cox...@bp.com, but
I'm not sure how current that information is.  I've had regular BP/Solarex
warranty problems over the years (since 1990 or so), and it's seemed like
they were generally slow to respond before they stepped up to the plate.
Thus, they've never been a desirable module to sell, IMO.


GOOD LUCK.

 

Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.
406-777-4309
406-777-0830 fax
www.oasismontana.com
 

 


  _  


From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk
Herander
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 3:33 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.

Hey folks,

 

I'm in the middle of re-commissioning properly(megger, curve tracer, etc.) a
45 kw system that I installed using BP SX170B panels in the Spring of 2006.
I have found 5 strings so far with 0 Voc, and 2 strings with a good Voc but
0 current when the inverter is operating. I have noticed small brown burn
marks on the face of a few panels where the junction box and/or bypass
diodes are (haven't looked at every panel yet).

I understand that these panels are now showing problems elsewhere in the
field. If one of you familiar could pass m