Re: [RE-wrenches] Module snail trails

[Bryan Norkunas via RE-wrenches]

Jon,

Do you recall which PV connectors were on the modules and what they used for 
extension cables?

Around that time, Amphenol H4 connectors had issues due to the plastic housings 
failing and allowing water into the connections.



Bryan Norkunas

PV-Cables Inc.

989 Milton Ave Ste 1D

Ferndale CA 95536

(707) 923-3000 office

www.pv-cables.com

 [cid:aa320544-f89d-44fc-a3e9-bb468c2d9953]



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From: RE-wrenches  on behalf of Jon 
Dixon via RE-wrenches 
Sent: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 9:07 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
Cc: Jon Dixon 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Module snail trails

Hello All,

I have a local utility with a 50Kw array installed in 2015 consisting of 200 
ReneSola 250w modules and 3 SMA Tripower 15000TL-US -10. They are having Arc 
fault code on two of the inverters. This has been going on for a few years now. 
It happens a couple times a year generally after a large rain. They just reset 
the code and it comes back to life.

They gave me a walk through and we noticed that a number of modules have snail 
trails. I have attached a closeup picture I took and IR views of affected 
module and non affected. It was a 90 deg day when the utility took the IR 
pictures.

Causes for snail trails that I found:

  *   The difference in chemical properties of EVA foils and the silver contacts
  *   The degradation extent of the EVA material
  *   Water vapor permeability of the solar panel’s backsheet material

I did find that if you have snail trails you will have micro fractures. I did 
see some info that micro fractures could cause arc faults.

Finally my question is can snail trails cause arc faults also?


Thanks Jon

--
Jonathan Dixon
Dixon Power Systems
3250 N 20th St  Ste 1
Lincoln, NE 68521
402-467-3240
j...@dixonpowersystems.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Module snail trails

[Bryan Norkunas via RE-wrenches]

Looking at the pictures again, I wonder if there might be a pinhole in the back 
lamination that is allowing water into the module.




Bryan Norkunas

PV-Cables Inc.

989 Milton Ave Ste 1D

Ferndale CA 95536

(707) 923-3000 office

www.pv-cables.com

 [cid:8b840384-c5f3-42a6-b643-c70a0c8359f7]



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From: RE-wrenches  on behalf of Jon 
Dixon via RE-wrenches 
Sent: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 9:07 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
Cc: Jon Dixon 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Module snail trails

Hello All,

I have a local utility with a 50Kw array installed in 2015 consisting of 200 
ReneSola 250w modules and 3 SMA Tripower 15000TL-US -10. They are having Arc 
fault code on two of the inverters. This has been going on for a few years now. 
It happens a couple times a year generally after a large rain. They just reset 
the code and it comes back to life.

They gave me a walk through and we noticed that a number of modules have snail 
trails. I have attached a closeup picture I took and IR views of affected 
module and non affected. It was a 90 deg day when the utility took the IR 
pictures.

Causes for snail trails that I found:

  *   The difference in chemical properties of EVA foils and the silver contacts
  *   The degradation extent of the EVA material
  *   Water vapor permeability of the solar panel’s backsheet material

I did find that if you have snail trails you will have micro fractures. I did 
see some info that micro fractures could cause arc faults.

Finally my question is can snail trails cause arc faults also?


Thanks Jon

--
Jonathan Dixon
Dixon Power Systems
3250 N 20th St  Ste 1
Lincoln, NE 68521
402-467-3240
j...@dixonpowersystems.com
___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Power Crimper and Stripper Recommendations and Questions

[Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches]

I use that Greenlee stripper (buta cheap knockoff) sometimes when using
Allan's suggested double radial cut method, and it works well, but you have
to make sure the depth adjustment is set properly for the cable you are
using. With practice it can make nice cuts around the circumference.

Jason Szumlanski
Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208


On Wed, Oct 23, 2024 at 5:22 PM Sam Haraldson via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Thanks for the great discussion on this topic.  It's always a treat to see
> the wide variety of preferences and knowledge this list offers.  I
> contacted PV-Cables separately and Bryan had some good old school knowledge
> to add that he said I could share here for posterity and those interested.
>
> *Hey Sam, *
>
> *Just getting back from lunch and saw the wrenches list.*
>
> *We build battery and inverter cables in house, one of our specialties
> other than building PV Cable assemblies.*
> *We use Hydraulic Crimping stations and strippers to build cables.*
>
> *I am not very familiar with the battery-operated tools.   *
> *But I do have experience with the manual bench mount crimpers and
> handheld crimpers.  We sell both that are specific for the Quick Cable lugs
> we also sell.*
>
>
> *The quick cable lugs are the best fit for both Cobra "X-flex" and the
> Direct Wire "All-Flex" fine stranded cable.  *
>
> *For hand strippers, I am very old school and use these when in the field
> building cables for friends and family. *
> *https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/cable-stripper-1903*
> 
> *But at work for our production builds,  we use table top strippers that
> were designed for the battery cable we use.*
>
>
> *Feel free to share this if you would like on the wrenches list*
>
>
> *Bryan Norkunas *
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>
> 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
>
> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the
> other:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List rules & etiquette:
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>
> Check out or update participant bios:
> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
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>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Module snail trails

[Jon Dixon via RE-wrenches]

Thanks Bryan,

I do not know the PV connector types for the modules or extension cables 
we have not started working on it. I need to put a plan together for the 
customer first.

Good to know about the Amphenol H4 issues.

Thank You

Jonathan Dixon
Dixon Power Systems
3250 N 20th St  Ste 1
Lincoln, NE 68521
402-467-3240
j...@dixonpowersystems.com


--

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:44:51 +
From: Bryan Norkunas 
To: "re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org"
, "j...@dixonpowersystems.com"

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Module snail trails
Message-ID:



Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"

Jon,

Do you recall which PV connectors were on the modules and what they used for 
extension cables?

Around that time, Amphenol H4 connectors had issues due to the plastic housings 
failing and allowing water into the connections.



Bryan Norkunas

PV-Cables Inc.

989 Milton Ave Ste 1D

Ferndale CA 95536

(707) 923-3000 office

www.pv-cables.com<http://www.pv-cables.com/>

  [cid:aa320544-f89d-44fc-a3e9-bb468c2d9953]



[cid:867e1cba-ab13-4a98-9ecf-200189c32b6d] Please print only if necessary.



NOTE: This email message and any attachments are for the sole use of the 
intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged 
information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is 
prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by 
replying to this email, and destroy all copies of the original message.




From: RE-wrenches  on behalf of Jon Dixon 
via RE-wrenches 
Sent: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 9:07 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
Cc: Jon Dixon 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Module snail trails

Hello All,

I have a local utility with a 50Kw array installed in 2015 consisting of 200 
ReneSola 250w modules and 3 SMA Tripower 15000TL-US -10. They are having Arc 
fault code on two of the inverters. This has been going on for a few years now. 
It happens a couple times a year generally after a large rain. They just reset 
the code and it comes back to life.

They gave me a walk through and we noticed that a number of modules have snail 
trails. I have attached a closeup picture I took and IR views of affected 
module and non affected. It was a 90 deg day when the utility took the IR 
pictures.

Causes for snail trails that I found:

   *   The difference in chemical properties of EVA foils and the silver 
contacts
   *   The degradation extent of the EVA material
   *   Water vapor permeability of the solar panel?s backsheet material

I did find that if you have snail trails you will have micro fractures. I did 
see some info that micro fractures could cause arc faults.

Finally my question is can snail trails cause arc faults also?


Thanks Jon

--
Jonathan Dixon
Dixon Power Systems
3250 N 20th St  Ste 1
Lincoln, NE 68521
402-467-3240
j...@dixonpowersystems.com<mailto:j...@dixonpowersystems.com>
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--

Message: 2
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:09:53 +
From: Bryan Norkunas 
To: "re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org"
, "j...@dixonpowersystems.com"

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Module snail trails
Message-ID:



Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"

Looking at the pictures again, I wonder if there might be a pinhole in the back 
lamination that is allowing water into the module.




Bryan Norkunas

PV-Cables Inc.

989 Milton Ave Ste 1D

Ferndale CA 95536

(707) 923-3000 office

www.pv-cables.com<http://www.pv-cables.com/>

  [cid:8b840384-c5f3-42a6-b643-c70a0c8359f7]



[cid:359044c7-87e0-453e-8b12-d03863f07a98] Please print only if necessary.



NOTE: This email message and any attachments are for the sole use of the 
intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged 
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replying to this email, and destroy all cop

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power Crimper and Stripper Recommendations and Questions

[Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches]

Wrenches,
If you are cutting fine stranded battery cable up to 4/0, a real cheap
solution is a PVC pipe cutter, they are ratcheting, sharp and very
inexpensive. I use a 36" manual crimper, l had a very nice hydrolic lever
pump 4 pin crimper but someone broke it and the manufacture refuses to
repair it. So manual is the way.
Fun times

On Wed, Oct 23, 2024, 5:39 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> My go-to is the Knipex Cable Cutter. It's a small handheld ratcheting
> cutter that fits nicely in my tool bag. Not cheap. Not cheap at all. But
> worth it.
>
> On Wed, Oct 23, 2024, 8:36 PM Chris Sparadeo 
> wrote:
>
>> I’ve also noticed that the method of cutting the cable plays a big part
>> in how effectively it goes into the lug. When I use a bandsaw, loose jawed
>> cable cutters or even a really sharp circularity saw blade, strands get
>> slightly frayed and won’t fit properly. I’ve concluded that a long handled
>> and well tightened fine stranded cable cutter is the best option. It
>> compresses the cable from all sides and compresses circumference so it’s
>> less of an uphill battle when stripping and shoving.
>>
>> On Wed, Oct 23, 2024 at 6:01 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>>> I use that Greenlee stripper (buta cheap knockoff) sometimes when using
>>> Allan's suggested double radial cut method, and it works well, but you have
>>> to make sure the depth adjustment is set properly for the cable you are
>>> using. With practice it can make nice cuts around the circumference.
>>>
>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>> Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
>>> NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
>>> Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
>>> Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wed, Oct 23, 2024 at 5:22 PM Sam Haraldson via RE-wrenches <
>>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>>
 Thanks for the great discussion on this topic.  It's always a treat to
 see the wide variety of preferences and knowledge this list offers.  I
 contacted PV-Cables separately and Bryan had some good old school knowledge
 to add that he said I could share here for posterity and those interested.

 *Hey Sam, *

 *Just getting back from lunch and saw the wrenches list.*

 *We build battery and inverter cables in house, one of our specialties
 other than building PV Cable assemblies.*
 *We use Hydraulic Crimping stations and strippers to build cables.*

 *I am not very familiar with the battery-operated tools.   *
 *But I do have experience with the manual bench mount crimpers and
 handheld crimpers.  We sell both that are specific for the Quick Cable lugs
 we also sell.*


 *The quick cable lugs are the best fit for both Cobra "X-flex" and the
 Direct Wire "All-Flex" fine stranded cable.  *

 *For hand strippers, I am very old school and use these when in the
 field building cables for friends and family. *
 *https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/cable-stripper-1903*
 
 *But at work for our production builds,  we use table top strippers
 that were designed for the battery cable we use.*


 *Feel free to share this if you would like on the wrenches list*


 *Bryan Norkunas *
 ___
 List sponsored by Redwood Alliance

 Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org

 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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 List rules & etiquette:
 http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm

 Check out or update participant bios:
 http://www.members.re-wrenches.org

 ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>>
>>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> Change listserver email address & settings:
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>>> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try
>>> the other:
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>>> ___
> List sponsored by R

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power Crimper and Stripper Recommendations and Questions

[Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches]

My go-to is the Knipex Cable Cutter. It's a small handheld ratcheting
cutter that fits nicely in my tool bag. Not cheap. Not cheap at all. But
worth it.

On Wed, Oct 23, 2024, 8:36 PM Chris Sparadeo 
wrote:

> I’ve also noticed that the method of cutting the cable plays a big part in
> how effectively it goes into the lug. When I use a bandsaw, loose jawed
> cable cutters or even a really sharp circularity saw blade, strands get
> slightly frayed and won’t fit properly. I’ve concluded that a long handled
> and well tightened fine stranded cable cutter is the best option. It
> compresses the cable from all sides and compresses circumference so it’s
> less of an uphill battle when stripping and shoving.
>
> On Wed, Oct 23, 2024 at 6:01 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> I use that Greenlee stripper (buta cheap knockoff) sometimes when using
>> Allan's suggested double radial cut method, and it works well, but you have
>> to make sure the depth adjustment is set properly for the cable you are
>> using. With practice it can make nice cuts around the circumference.
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>> Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
>> NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
>> Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
>> Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Oct 23, 2024 at 5:22 PM Sam Haraldson via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Thanks for the great discussion on this topic.  It's always a treat to
>>> see the wide variety of preferences and knowledge this list offers.  I
>>> contacted PV-Cables separately and Bryan had some good old school knowledge
>>> to add that he said I could share here for posterity and those interested.
>>>
>>> *Hey Sam, *
>>>
>>> *Just getting back from lunch and saw the wrenches list.*
>>>
>>> *We build battery and inverter cables in house, one of our specialties
>>> other than building PV Cable assemblies.*
>>> *We use Hydraulic Crimping stations and strippers to build cables.*
>>>
>>> *I am not very familiar with the battery-operated tools.   *
>>> *But I do have experience with the manual bench mount crimpers and
>>> handheld crimpers.  We sell both that are specific for the Quick Cable lugs
>>> we also sell.*
>>>
>>>
>>> *The quick cable lugs are the best fit for both Cobra "X-flex" and the
>>> Direct Wire "All-Flex" fine stranded cable.  *
>>>
>>> *For hand strippers, I am very old school and use these when in the
>>> field building cables for friends and family. *
>>> *https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/cable-stripper-1903*
>>> 
>>> *But at work for our production builds,  we use table top strippers that
>>> were designed for the battery cable we use.*
>>>
>>>
>>> *Feel free to share this if you would like on the wrenches list*
>>>
>>>
>>> *Bryan Norkunas *
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>>
>>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> 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
>>>
>>> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try
>>> the other:
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
>>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> List rules & etiquette:
>>> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>>
>>> Check out or update participant bios:
>>> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>
>> 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
>>
>> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the
>> other:
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>>
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>
>> Check out or update participant bios:
>> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>
>>
___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Power Crimper and Stripper Recommendations and Questions

[Chris Sparadeo via RE-wrenches]

I’ve also noticed that the method of cutting the cable plays a big part in
how effectively it goes into the lug. When I use a bandsaw, loose jawed
cable cutters or even a really sharp circularity saw blade, strands get
slightly frayed and won’t fit properly. I’ve concluded that a long handled
and well tightened fine stranded cable cutter is the best option. It
compresses the cable from all sides and compresses circumference so it’s
less of an uphill battle when stripping and shoving.

On Wed, Oct 23, 2024 at 6:01 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> I use that Greenlee stripper (buta cheap knockoff) sometimes when using
> Allan's suggested double radial cut method, and it works well, but you have
> to make sure the depth adjustment is set properly for the cable you are
> using. With practice it can make nice cuts around the circumference.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
> NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
> Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
> Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208
>
>
> On Wed, Oct 23, 2024 at 5:22 PM Sam Haraldson via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Thanks for the great discussion on this topic.  It's always a treat to
>> see the wide variety of preferences and knowledge this list offers.  I
>> contacted PV-Cables separately and Bryan had some good old school knowledge
>> to add that he said I could share here for posterity and those interested.
>>
>> *Hey Sam, *
>>
>> *Just getting back from lunch and saw the wrenches list.*
>>
>> *We build battery and inverter cables in house, one of our specialties
>> other than building PV Cable assemblies.*
>> *We use Hydraulic Crimping stations and strippers to build cables.*
>>
>> *I am not very familiar with the battery-operated tools.   *
>> *But I do have experience with the manual bench mount crimpers and
>> handheld crimpers.  We sell both that are specific for the Quick Cable lugs
>> we also sell.*
>>
>>
>> *The quick cable lugs are the best fit for both Cobra "X-flex" and the
>> Direct Wire "All-Flex" fine stranded cable.  *
>>
>> *For hand strippers, I am very old school and use these when in the field
>> building cables for friends and family. *
>> *https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/cable-stripper-1903*
>> 
>> *But at work for our production builds,  we use table top strippers that
>> were designed for the battery cable we use.*
>>
>>
>> *Feel free to share this if you would like on the wrenches list*
>>
>>
>> *Bryan Norkunas *
>> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Power Crimper and Stripper Recommendations and Questions

[Sam Haraldson via RE-wrenches]

Thanks for the great discussion on this topic.  It's always a treat to see
the wide variety of preferences and knowledge this list offers.  I
contacted PV-Cables separately and Bryan had some good old school knowledge
to add that he said I could share here for posterity and those interested.

*Hey Sam, *

*Just getting back from lunch and saw the wrenches list.*

*We build battery and inverter cables in house, one of our specialties
other than building PV Cable assemblies.*
*We use Hydraulic Crimping stations and strippers to build cables.*

*I am not very familiar with the battery-operated tools.   *
*But I do have experience with the manual bench mount crimpers and handheld
crimpers.  We sell both that are specific for the Quick Cable lugs we also
sell.*


*The quick cable lugs are the best fit for both Cobra "X-flex" and the
Direct Wire "All-Flex" fine stranded cable.  *

*For hand strippers, I am very old school and use these when in the field
building cables for friends and family. *
*https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/cable-stripper-1903*

*But at work for our production builds,  we use table top strippers that
were designed for the battery cable we use.*


*Feel free to share this if you would like on the wrenches list*


*Bryan Norkunas *
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[RE-wrenches] New Outback FXR Series as GTGBB on existing Off Grid Home

[Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches]

Wrenches,
We have a client that has brought utility power in and we now have the system 
hooked up to the utility.
In setting the system up, I've experienced that the inverter will sell and 
function fine with all the settings set up as Grid Tied mode, but it does not 
play nice when the grid is gone , and the Generator is brought in as the AC 
source.
We have installed an external transfer switch to switch the inverters' AC 
input, from either the utility or the existing backup generator ( if the grid 
fails), automatically.

The manual states that the inverter's two input selections can be programmed 
for seperate input modes, via the Input Type menu. Ive not been able to get 
this accomplished.

When simulating a grid outage, thus changing the AC input to the inverter being 
from the Generator, the inverter will not synch to the AC power to charge the 
batteries.
The only way that I can get the inverter to synch, is to switch the input mode 
to GEN from GRID.
This is not ideal since the client would need to be present to make the button 
push, even though the generator will be started automatically if the grid were 
to go down (hopefully) , just as it did before.

With no way to contact Outback , can someone advise how to properly program the 
inverter/ MATE3S for this project?
Equipment onsite:
Single VFXR3648 inverter
Two FM60 CCs
Hub4
MATE3S
ATS with Dual Relays 50A
L.A. Battery bank

Here's how we would like it to work:
Utility power ON:
Sell excess power once the batteries have gone through the Absorb cycle. 
Batteries remain full in case of a utility failure.
Utility Outage:
ATS now feeds Inv AC input via Generator if needed.
Inverter runs the home as it did , off grid.
If the battery voltage drops and the AGS is engaged, the inverter will use that 
input to charge the batteries as usual.  If the grid comes back on and the gen 
is running, the generator can still run, with no connection to the inverter.  
With the grid now charging the battery bank, and the AGS will enventually shut 
off the Gen. Based on voltage.
Contact me off list if necessary


Jeremy Rodriguez
All Solar Inc.
Penrose, CO
719-276-4954



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Re: [RE-wrenches] New Outback FXR Series as GTGBB on existing Off Grid Home

[Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches]

What gen set are you using
Fun times

On Wed, Oct 23, 2024, 7:47 PM Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Wrenches,
> We have a client that has brought utility power in and we now have the
> system hooked up to the utility.
> In setting the system up, I've experienced that the inverter will sell and
> function fine with all the settings set up as* Grid Tied* mode, but it
> does not play nice when the grid is gone , and the Generator is brought in
> as the AC source.
> We have installed an external transfer switch to switch the inverters' AC
> input, from either the utility or the existing backup generator ( if the
> grid fails), automatically.
>
> The manual states that the inverter's two input selections can be
> programmed for seperate input modes, via the* Input* *Type* menu. Ive not
> been able to get this accomplished.
>
> When simulating a grid outage, thus changing the AC input to the inverter
> being from the Generator, the inverter will not synch to the AC power to
> charge the batteries.
> The only way that I can get the inverter to synch, is to switch the input
> mode to *GEN* from *GRID.*
> This is not ideal since the client would need to be present to make the
> button push, even though the generator will be started automatically if the
> grid were to go down (hopefully) , just as it did before.
>
> With no way to contact Outback , can someone advise how to properly
> program the inverter/ MATE3S for this project?
> Equipment onsite:
> Single VFXR3648 inverter
> Two FM60 CCs
> Hub4
> MATE3S
> ATS with Dual Relays 50A
> L.A. Battery bank
>
> Here's how we would like it to work:
> Utility power ON:
> Sell excess power once the batteries have gone through the Absorb cycle.
> Batteries remain full in case of a utility failure.
> Utility Outage:
> ATS now feeds Inv AC input via Generator if needed.
> Inverter runs the home as it did , off grid.
> If the battery voltage drops and the AGS is engaged, the inverter will use
> that input to charge the batteries as usual.  If the grid comes back on and
> the gen is running, the generator can still run, with no connection to the
> inverter.  With the grid now charging the battery bank, and the AGS will
> enventually shut off the Gen. Based on voltage.
> Contact me off list if necessary
>
>
> Jeremy Rodriguez
> All Solar Inc.
> Penrose, CO
> 719-276-4954
>
>
>
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