[RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread Jason Szumlanski
I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,
but Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of
problems. I saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's
just not delivering AC power.

Any thoughts?

Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it
with a current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to
recover with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field
repair option.

Jason Szumlanski
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread Sky Sims
This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that have 
had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's I've seen it 
happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but isn't putting out 
power. 
The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program, where 
they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year warranty for 
under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that I hope they 
bring back someday.
The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters, they 
said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported it. Only 
option they gave was to buy a new unit. 

Sky Sims
Ecological Systems


> On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski 
>  wrote:
> 
> I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,  
> but Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of 
> problems. I saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's 
> just not delivering AC power.
> 
> Any thoughts?
> 
> Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it with 
> a current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to 
> recover with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field 
> repair option.
> 
> Jason Szumlanski
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread Jason Szumlanski
Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty
SMA repairs:

http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm

Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they
are willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix
minor problems for a flat rate.

One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace
failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy
production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few
"tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes
much more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter
when the labor is basically the same as a 2kW.

Jason Szumlanski


On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims 
wrote:

> This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that
> have had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's
> I've seen it happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but
> isn't putting out power.
> The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program,
> where they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year
> warranty for under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that
> I hope they bring back someday.
> The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters,
> they said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported
> it. Only option they gave was to buy a new unit.
>
> Sky Sims
> Ecological Systems
>
>
> On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
> I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,
> but Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of
> problems. I saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's
> just not delivering AC power.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it
> with a current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to
> recover with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field
> repair option.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread jerrysgarage01
SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement 
parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input. If 
you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for the tax 
credit (I did say might)
Good luck
Jerry


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

 Original message From: Jason Szumlanski 
 Date:07/24/2015  4:25 AM  
(GMT-10:00) To: RE-wrenches  
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power 
Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty 
SMA repairs:

http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm

Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they are 
willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix minor 
problems for a flat rate.

One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace 
failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy 
production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few 
"tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes much 
more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter when the 
labor is basically the same as a 2kW.

Jason Szumlanski


On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims  wrote:
This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that have 
had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's I've seen it 
happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but isn't putting out 
power. 
The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program, where 
they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year warranty for 
under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that I hope they 
bring back someday.
The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters, they 
said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported it. Only 
option they gave was to buy a new unit. 

Sky Sims
Ecological Systems


On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski 
 wrote:

I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,  but 
Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of problems. I 
saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's just not 
delivering AC power.

Any thoughts?

Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it with a 
current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to recover 
with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field repair option.

Jason Szumlanski

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread Glenn Burt
How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a TL 
inverter on the existing array?

Sincerely,
Glenn Burt
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.

-Original Message-
From: "jerrysgarage01" 
Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
To: "RE-wrenches" 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement 
parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input. If 
you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for the tax 
credit (I did say might)
Good luck
Jerry


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

 Original message From: Jason Szumlanski 
 Date:07/24/2015  4:25 AM  
(GMT-10:00) To: RE-wrenches  
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power 
Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty 
SMA repairs:

http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm

Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they are 
willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix minor 
problems for a flat rate.

One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace 
failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy 
production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few 
"tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes much 
more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter when the 
labor is basically the same as a 2kW.

Jason Szumlanski


On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims  wrote:
This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that have 
had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's I've seen it 
happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but isn't putting out 
power. 
The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program, where 
they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year warranty for 
under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that I hope they 
bring back someday.
The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters, they 
said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported it. Only 
option they gave was to buy a new unit. 

Sky Sims
Ecological Systems


On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski 
 wrote:

I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,  but 
Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of problems. I 
saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's just not 
delivering AC power.

Any thoughts?

Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it with a 
current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to recover 
with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field repair option.

Jason Szumlanski

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread jerrysgarage01
Replacing the wire would be in most cases a simple solution
Jerry


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

 Original message From: Glenn Burt 
 Date:07/24/2015  8:14 AM  (GMT-10:00) 
To: RE-wrenches  
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power 
How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a 
TL inverter on the existing array?

Sincerely,
Glenn Burt
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.
From: jerrysgarage01
Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement 
parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input. If 
you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for the tax 
credit (I did say might)
Good luck
Jerry


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone


 Original message 
From: Jason Szumlanski
Date:07/24/2015 4:25 AM (GMT-10:00)
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty SMA 
repairs:

http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm

Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they are 
willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix minor 
problems for a flat rate.

One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace 
failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy 
production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few 
"tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes much 
more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter when the 
labor is basically the same as a 2kW.

Jason Szumlanski


On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims  wrote:
This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that have 
had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's I've seen it 
happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but isn't putting out 
power. 
The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program, where 
they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year warranty for 
under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that I hope they 
bring back someday.
The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters, they 
said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported it. Only 
option they gave was to buy a new unit. 

Sky Sims
Ecological Systems


On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski 
 wrote:

I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,  but 
Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of problems. I 
saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's just not 
delivering AC power.

Any thoughts?

Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it with a 
current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to recover 
with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field repair option.

Jason Szumlanski

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread August Goers
Hi Glenn and All –



Most of these old systems have module cables made out of USE-2. So, just
changing out the array USE-2 home runs won’t technically cut it.



Something should be written into the code to allow old systems to use TL
inverters for upgrades, especially since TL inverters are safer than their
transformer based (isolated) counterparts.



For now I guess we either make a decision to source transformer based
inverters for replacements or install TL inverters despite the code
violation.



It is definitely a bummer that SMA isn’t doing the refurbished program
anymore with their old units.



Best,



August



*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Glenn Burt
*Sent:* Friday, July 24, 2015 11:14 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power



How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a TL
inverter on the existing array?

Sincerely,
Glenn Burt
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.
--

*From: *jerrysgarage01 
*Sent: *‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
*To: *RE-wrenches 
*Subject: *Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement
parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input.
If you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for
the tax credit (I did say might)

Good luck

Jerry





Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone



 Original message 

From: Jason Szumlanski

Date:07/24/2015 4:25 AM (GMT-10:00)

To: RE-wrenches

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power



Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty
SMA repairs:



http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm



Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they
are willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix
minor problems for a flat rate.



One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace
failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy
production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few
"tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes
much more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter
when the labor is basically the same as a 2kW.



Jason Szumlanski





On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims 
wrote:

This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that
have had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's
I've seen it happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but
isn't putting out power.

The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program,
where they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year
warranty for under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that
I hope they bring back someday.

The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters,
they said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported
it. Only option they gave was to buy a new unit.

Sky Sims

Ecological Systems


On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,
but Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of
problems. I saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's
just not delivering AC power.

Any thoughts?

Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it
with a current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to
recover with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field
repair option.

Jason Szumlanski

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread Jerry Shafer
>From what I was told from SMA the board level components are no longer
available from there lower level manufactures.
Jerry
On Jul 24, 2015 9:30 AM, "August Goers"  wrote:

> Hi Glenn and All –
>
>
>
> Most of these old systems have module cables made out of USE-2. So, just
> changing out the array USE-2 home runs won’t technically cut it.
>
>
>
> Something should be written into the code to allow old systems to use TL
> inverters for upgrades, especially since TL inverters are safer than their
> transformer based (isolated) counterparts.
>
>
>
> For now I guess we either make a decision to source transformer based
> inverters for replacements or install TL inverters despite the code
> violation.
>
>
>
> It is definitely a bummer that SMA isn’t doing the refurbished program
> anymore with their old units.
>
>
>
> Best,
>
>
>
> August
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Glenn Burt
> *Sent:* Friday, July 24, 2015 11:14 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
>
>
>
> How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a
> TL inverter on the existing array?
>
> Sincerely,
> Glenn Burt
> Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.
> --
>
> *From: *jerrysgarage01 
> *Sent: *‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
> *To: *RE-wrenches 
> *Subject: *Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
>
> SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement
> parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input.
> If you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for
> the tax credit (I did say might)
>
> Good luck
>
> Jerry
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
>
>
>
>  Original message 
>
> From: Jason Szumlanski
>
> Date:07/24/2015 4:25 AM (GMT-10:00)
>
> To: RE-wrenches
>
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
>
>
>
> Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty
> SMA repairs:
>
>
>
>
> http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm
>
>
>
> Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they
> are willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix
> minor problems for a flat rate.
>
>
>
> One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace
> failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy
> production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few
> "tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes
> much more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter
> when the labor is basically the same as a 2kW.
>
>
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims 
> wrote:
>
> This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that
> have had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's
> I've seen it happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but
> isn't putting out power.
>
> The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program,
> where they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year
> warranty for under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that
> I hope they bring back someday.
>
> The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters,
> they said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported
> it. Only option they gave was to buy a new unit.
>
> Sky Sims
>
> Ecological Systems
>
>
> On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
> I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,
> but Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of
> problems. I saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's
> just not delivering AC power.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it
> with a current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to
> recover with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field
> repair option.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List-Archive:
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>
> List rules & etiquette:
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>
> Check out or update participant bios:
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> Change listserver email address

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread William Miller
Put it in conduit. 



> On Jul 24, 2015, at 8:14 PM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
> 
> How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a TL 
> inverter on the existing array?
> 
> Sincerely,
> Glenn Burt
> Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.
> From: jerrysgarage01
> Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
> 
> SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement 
> parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input. If 
> you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for the 
> tax credit (I did say might)
> Good luck
> Jerry
> 
> 
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
> 
> 
>  Original message 
> From: Jason Szumlanski
> Date:07/24/2015 4:25 AM (GMT-10:00)
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
> 
> Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty SMA 
> repairs:
> 
> http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm
> 
> Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they are 
> willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix minor 
> problems for a flat rate.
> 
> One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace 
> failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy 
> production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few 
> "tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes 
> much more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter when 
> the labor is basically the same as a 2kW.
> 
> Jason Szumlanski
> 
> 
>> On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims  
>> wrote:
>> This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that have 
>> had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's I've seen 
>> it happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but isn't 
>> putting out power. 
>> The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program, 
>> where they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year 
>> warranty for under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that 
>> I hope they bring back someday.
>> The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters, 
>> they said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported 
>> it. Only option they gave was to buy a new unit. 
>> 
>> Sky Sims
>> Ecological Systems
>> 
>> 
>>> On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski 
>>>  wrote:
>>> 
>>> I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,  
>>> but Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of 
>>> problems. I saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's 
>>> just not delivering AC power.
>>> 
>>> Any thoughts?
>>> 
>>> Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it 
>>> with a current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to 
>>> recover with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field 
>>> repair option.
>>> 
>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>> 
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>> 
>>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>> 
>>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>> 
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>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
>>> 
>>> List rules & etiquette:
>>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>> 
>>> Check out or update participant bios:
>>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>> 
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
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> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread Glenn Burt
All the way back to the module jboxes? Sounds pricey.
That is assuming the module jboxes accept conduit.

Indeed it I not only the home runs that need to be concerned with the PV 
rating, but the module conductors as well, as there is no distinction made in 
the code between them.

Sincerely,
Glenn Burt
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.

-Original Message-
From: "William Miller" 
Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 16:59
To: "RE-wrenches" 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

Put it in conduit. 



> On Jul 24, 2015, at 8:14 PM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
> 
> How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a TL 
> inverter on the existing array?
> 
> Sincerely,
> Glenn Burt
> Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.
> From: jerrysgarage01
> Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
> 
> SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement 
> parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input. If 
> you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for the 
> tax credit (I did say might)
> Good luck
> Jerry
> 
> 
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
> 
> 
>  Original message 
> From: Jason Szumlanski
> Date:07/24/2015 4:25 AM (GMT-10:00)
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
> 
> Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty SMA 
> repairs:
> 
> http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm
> 
> Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they are 
> willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix minor 
> problems for a flat rate.
> 
> One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace 
> failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy 
> production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few 
> "tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes 
> much more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter when 
> the labor is basically the same as a 2kW.
> 
> Jason Szumlanski
> 
> 
>> On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims  
>> wrote:
>> This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that have 
>> had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's I've seen 
>> it happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but isn't 
>> putting out power. 
>> The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program, 
>> where they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year 
>> warranty for under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that 
>> I hope they bring back someday.
>> The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters, 
>> they said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported 
>> it. Only option they gave was to buy a new unit. 
>> 
>> Sky Sims
>> Ecological Systems
>> 
>> 
>>> On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski 
>>>  wrote:
>>> 
>>> I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,  
>>> but Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of 
>>> problems. I saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's 
>>> just not delivering AC power.
>>> 
>>> Any thoughts?
>>> 
>>> Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it 
>>> with a current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to 
>>> recover with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field 
>>> repair option.
>>> 
>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>> 
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>> 
>>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>> 
>>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>> 
>>> List-Archive: 
>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
>>> 
>>> List rules & etiquette:
>>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>> 
>>> Check out or update participant bios:
>>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>> 
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> List-Archive: 
>> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
>> 
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>> 
>> Check out or update participant bios:
>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
> 
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
> 
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.or

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread Jerry Shafer
There you go, I just assumed it was
Jerry
On Jul 24, 2015 10:59 AM, "William Miller"  wrote:

> Put it in conduit.
>
>
>
> On Jul 24, 2015, at 8:14 PM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
>
> How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a
> TL inverter on the existing array?
>
> Sincerely,
> Glenn Burt
> Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.
> --
> From: jerrysgarage01 
> Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
> To: RE-wrenches 
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
>
> SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement
> parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input.
> If you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for
> the tax credit (I did say might)
> Good luck
> Jerry
>
>
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
>
>
>  Original message 
> From: Jason Szumlanski
> Date:07/24/2015 4:25 AM (GMT-10:00)
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
>
> Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty
> SMA repairs:
>
>
> http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm
>
> Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they
> are willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix
> minor problems for a flat rate.
>
> One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace
> failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy
> production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few
> "tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes
> much more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter
> when the labor is basically the same as a 2kW.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
>
> On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims 
> wrote:
>
>> This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that
>> have had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's
>> I've seen it happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but
>> isn't putting out power.
>> The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program,
>> where they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year
>> warranty for under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that
>> I hope they bring back someday.
>> The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective
>> inverters, they said the product was not under warranty and they no longer
>> supported it. Only option they gave was to buy a new unit.
>>
>> Sky Sims
>> Ecological Systems
>>
>>
>> On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski <
>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>
>> I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp
>> mode,  but Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication
>> of problems. I saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it.
>> It's just not delivering AC power.
>>
>> Any thoughts?
>>
>> Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it
>> with a current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to
>> recover with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field
>> repair option.
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>>
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List-Archive:
>> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
>>
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>
>> Check out or update participant bios:
>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>
>>
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List-Archive:
>> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
>>
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>
>> Check out or update participant bios:
>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>
>>
>>
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List-Archive:
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>
> List rules & etiquette:
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>
> Check out or update participant bios:
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread billbrooks7
Glenn,



While the installation may not claim exact compliance with the current NEC 
(debatable), you can easily show that the TL inverter is much safer than the 
older 1800U. The TL has arc-fault detection and much better ground-fault 
detection. Conduit is not the answer since it breaks several other code 
requirements like the module manufacturer’s instructions (110.3(B)).



Bill Brooks.





From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Glenn Burt
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 2:14 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power



All the way back to the module jboxes? Sounds pricey.
That is assuming the module jboxes accept conduit.

Indeed it I not only the home runs that need to be concerned with the PV 
rating, but the module conductors as well, as there is no distinction made in 
the code between them.

Sincerely,
Glenn Burt
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.

  _

From: William Miller 
Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 16:59
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

Put it in conduit.




On Jul 24, 2015, at 8:14 PM, Glenn Burt mailto:glenn.b...@glbcc.com> > wrote:

How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a TL 
inverter on the existing array?

Sincerely,
Glenn Burt
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.

  _

From: jerrysgarage01 
Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement 
parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input. If 
you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for the tax 
credit (I did say might)

Good luck

Jerry





Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone



 Original message 

From: Jason Szumlanski

Date:07/24/2015 4:25 AM (GMT-10:00)

To: RE-wrenches

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power



Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty SMA 
repairs:



http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm



Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they are 
willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix minor 
problems for a flat rate.



One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace 
failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy 
production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few 
"tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes much 
more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter when the 
labor is basically the same as a 2kW.



Jason Szumlanski





On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims mailto:s...@ecologicalsystems.biz> > wrote:

This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that have 
had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's I've seen it 
happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but isn't putting out 
power.

The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program, where 
they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year warranty for 
under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that I hope they 
bring back someday.

The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters, they 
said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported it. Only 
option they gave was to buy a new unit.

Sky Sims

Ecological Systems


On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski 
mailto:ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> > 
wrote:

I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,  but 
Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of problems. I 
saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's just not 
delivering AC power.

Any thoughts?

Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it with a 
current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to recover 
with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field repair option.

Jason Szumlanski

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ww

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

2015-07-24 Thread Glenn Burt
Bill,

 

Thanks for chiming in and going on the record with a good position!

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of billbroo...@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 7:07 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

 

Glenn,

 

While the installation may not claim exact compliance with the current NEC 
(debatable), you can easily show that the TL inverter is much safer than the 
older 1800U. The TL has arc-fault detection and much better ground-fault 
detection. Conduit is not the answer since it breaks several other code 
requirements like the module manufacturer’s instructions (110.3(B)).

 

Bill Brooks.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Glenn Burt
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 2:14 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

 

All the way back to the module jboxes? Sounds pricey.
That is assuming the module jboxes accept conduit.

Indeed it I not only the home runs that need to be concerned with the PV 
rating, but the module conductors as well, as there is no distinction made in 
the code between them.

Sincerely,
Glenn Burt
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.

  _  

From: William Miller  
Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 16:59
To: RE-wrenches  
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

Put it in conduit. 


On Jul 24, 2015, at 8:14 PM, Glenn Burt  wrote:

How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a TL 
inverter on the existing array?

Sincerely,
Glenn Burt
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.

  _  

From: jerrysgarage01  
Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
To: RE-wrenches  
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement 
parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input. If 
you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for the tax 
credit (I did say might)

Good luck

Jerry

 

 

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

 

 Original message 

From: Jason Szumlanski 

Date:07/24/2015 4:25 AM (GMT-10:00) 

To: RE-wrenches 

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power 

 

Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty SMA 
repairs:

 

http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm

 

Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they are 
willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix minor 
problems for a flat rate.

 

One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace 
failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy 
production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few 
"tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes much 
more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter when the 
labor is basically the same as a 2kW.

 

Jason Szumlanski

 

 

On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims  wrote:

This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that have 
had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's I've seen it 
happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but isn't putting out 
power. 

The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program, where 
they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year warranty for 
under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that I hope they 
bring back someday.

The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters, they 
said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported it. Only 
option they gave was to buy a new unit. 

Sky Sims

Ecological Systems


On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski 
 wrote:

I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,  but 
Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of problems. I 
saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's just not 
delivering AC power. 

Any thoughts? 

Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it with a 
current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to recover 
with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field repair 
option. 

Jason Szumlanski 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] DC conductor line loss numbers

2015-07-24 Thread Jerry Shafer
Wrenches
I have 3 engineering firms and one in-house engineer that only use 1%
because in the NEC it is stated as a suggestion and not a requirement but
they take this as a must not exceed instead,
I cant change CC as it will be remotely monitored via the Outback
connection, the Engineers refuse to make any changes to the 1% and still
stamp the drawings. This is what I have found in my research it came from
Mike Holt


Contrary to common belief, the NEC generally doesn't require you to size
conductors to accommodate voltage drop. It merely suggests in the Fine
Print Notes to 210.19(A), 215.2(A)(4), 230.31(C), and 310.15(A)(1) that you
adjust for voltage drop when sizing conductors. It's important for you to
remember that Fine Print Notes are recommendations, not requirements
[90.5(C)].

The NEC recommends that the maximum combined voltage drop for both the
feeder and branch circuit shouldn't exceed 5%, and the maximum on the
feeder or branch circuit shouldn't exceed 3%. This recommendation is a
performance issue, not a safety issue.

Jerry

On Wed, Jul 22, 2015 at 11:28 AM, Starlight Solar Power Systems <
la...@starlightsolar.com> wrote:

> Jerry,
>
> A long distance wire run is practical now days using a high voltage
> controller. Have a look at Schneider and Morningstar 600Vdc controllers.
> Not sure what you mean "by nothing can be changed but wire size” but you
> will have to rewire the strings into series and protect the wire run.
>
> Larry Crutcher
> Starlight Solar Power Systems
>
>
>
> On Jul 22, 2015, at 10:37 AM, Jerry Shafer 
> wrote:
>
> Wrenches
> Some time back there was discussion on the conductor size and efficiency
> rating requirement for long DC runs.
> What I am looking at is this, 400 feet of MCM 400 to keep the line loss at
> or below 1% per NEC code for an off grid application, cost vs return is not
> acceptable. 2/0 is less than 2.5% and the cost is far less. Specs are 4
> strings of 3, 250 watt modules feeding one Outback FM 80 charge controller.
> There are lots of things I can do like SMA instread, or 200 VDC charge
> controller but nothing can be changed except the wire gauge. Does anyone
> recall a thread with this topic.
>
> thoughts ??
> Jerry
> 
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] DC conductor line loss numbers

2015-07-24 Thread William Miller
I have worked out the area under the daily bell curve. A 2% loss at max current 
equals 1% loss average. Maybe this logic could allow some flexibility. 

William



> On Jul 25, 2015, at 5:52 AM, Jerry Shafer  wrote:
> 
> Wrenches
> I have 3 engineering firms and one in-house engineer that only use 1% because 
> in the NEC it is stated as a suggestion and not a requirement but they take 
> this as a must not exceed instead, 
> I cant change CC as it will be remotely monitored via the Outback connection, 
> the Engineers refuse to make any changes to the 1% and still stamp the 
> drawings. This is what I have found in my research it came from Mike Holt
>  
> Contrary to common belief, the NEC generally doesn't require you to size 
> conductors to accommodate voltage drop. It merely suggests in the Fine Print 
> Notes to 210.19(A), 215.2(A)(4), 230.31(C), and 310.15(A)(1) that you adjust 
> for voltage drop when sizing conductors. It's important for you to remember 
> that Fine Print Notes are recommendations, not requirements [90.5(C)].
> 
> The NEC recommends that the maximum combined voltage drop for both the feeder 
> and branch circuit shouldn't exceed 5%, and the maximum on the feeder or 
> branch circuit shouldn't exceed 3%. This recommendation is a performance 
> issue, not a safety issue.
> 
> Jerry
> 
> 
>> On Wed, Jul 22, 2015 at 11:28 AM, Starlight Solar Power Systems 
>>  wrote:
>> Jerry,
>> 
>> A long distance wire run is practical now days using a high voltage 
>> controller. Have a look at Schneider and Morningstar 600Vdc controllers. Not 
>> sure what you mean "by nothing can be changed but wire size” but you will 
>> have to rewire the strings into series and protect the wire run.
>> 
>> Larry Crutcher
>> Starlight Solar Power Systems
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jul 22, 2015, at 10:37 AM, Jerry Shafer  wrote:
>> 
>> Wrenches
>> Some time back there was discussion on the conductor size and efficiency 
>> rating requirement for long DC runs.
>> What I am looking at is this, 400 feet of MCM 400 to keep the line loss at 
>> or below 1% per NEC code for an off grid application, cost vs return is not 
>> acceptable. 2/0 is less than 2.5% and the cost is far less. Specs are 4 
>> strings of 3, 250 watt modules feeding one Outback FM 80 charge controller. 
>> There are lots of things I can do like SMA instread, or 200 VDC charge 
>> controller but nothing can be changed except the wire gauge. Does anyone 
>> recall a thread with this topic.
>> 
>> thoughts ??
>> Jerry
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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