Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Roof Jack

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

We just used a few of these recently. Seemed easy enough and plan on using
more on an upcoming project. We had easy access to the vent in the attic
which probably helped. Only complaint was that I was worried about the vent
cap (provided) blowing off and eventually having debris get in there and
get stuck in the horizontal run on the roof. I’m not a plumber though…so
maybe I’m over thinking it. We put a screw into the cap just in case

On Thu, May 12, 2022 at 7:33 AM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Has anyone used this product? I'm looking for feedback on installation
> ease and your impressions.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
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Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468
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[RE-wrenches] Sunlight Backup

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

Wrenches,
Interested to hear if anyone has been using Sunlight Backup, and if so, how
the experience has been (for you as well as for your clients). Thanks
Adam

Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468
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[RE-wrenches] Bonding Metal Roofs Part II

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

Hey all,
I had started a thread about bonding to metal roofs in 2018 but can't
figure out how to respond via the archive. I know some things have changed
since then, so I'm circling back and starting a new thread.

In NY one of our inspection agencies (NYSERDA) requires bonding of metal
roof panels below the array, as well as within a 3' perimeter of the array.
S-5! in combination with Ironridge is now listed to bond the roof under the
array (so long as you hit every pan with an attachment) but this doesn't
solve the problem of trying to bond within the 3' perimeter. For installs
where we are only 18" from the ridge, this means we are required to bond
the adjacent roof as well.

Whenever possible we install Illsco SGB-4 lugs under the ridge cap. But
more and more we're finding roofs where the ridge cap feels inaccessible,
tricky, or where we simply don't want to get into roof warranty issues
associated with opening up a prior contractor's work.

Wondering if anyone else is coming up against this and what some possible
creative solutions might be. I don't want to walk away from potential
projects but...

As always, thanks for any thoughts
Adam


Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Bonding Metal Roofs Part II

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

Dave,
Interested to hear how you all are complying with NYSERDA on bonding in the
3' perimeter outside of the array. Their QA team just points me towards the
Illsco SGB-4 lugs, but sometimes there is no graceful way for us to install
them. If we can't get easy access under a ridge cap to hide/protect the
lugs, then the only other solution seems to be Michael's idea of running
lugs/bare copper on the seams outside of the array perimeter (which
sometimes includes whole other adjacent roof sections). Aside from being
aesthetically unpleasant, I'm also skeptical that ice and snow won't grab
onto the copper and tear the lugs off eventually...
Adam

Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com <http://www.autonomousenergies.com>
(518) 567-1468




On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 2:33 PM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Also being in NYS, I have been familiar with this requirement for a long
> time. I believe the idea is that just like how any metal part in a system
> needs to be grounded, metal roof panels under solar panels are kind of part
> of the system. What if a wire comes loose and touches the roof? You would
> not want someone going up there to get zapped. I see the point that the
> worst you can do with RSD is 80V. But in NY at least, you cant really argue
> with NYSERDA if they decide they want this. I have never come across a
> building or electrical inspector here that would care about this, but
> NYSERDA does and that is where the incentive money comes from...
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 2:34 PM Jay via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> But isn’t the whole concept of RS to prevent the energizing of say a
>> metal roof?
>>
>> The inverter sees a ground fault or ark fault. Trips off line, the RS
>> activate and now it’s less than 80v. Isn’t that what it’s supposed to do?
>>
>> What is the purpose of grounding the metal roof?
>>
>> Jay
>>
>> On Jun 6, 2023, at 10:09 AM, Glenn Burt via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> If I am not mistaken, this derives from some UL testing that showed that
>> a metal roof may become energized during a thermal event.
>>
>> I suppose no less important than our RSD requirements...
>>
>> -Glenn
>> Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
>>
>> -- Original message--
>> *From: *Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches
>> *Date: *Tue, Jun 6, 2023 10:25 AM
>> *To: *offgridso...@sti.net;RE-wrenches;
>> *Cc: *Jason Szumlanski;
>> *Subject:*Re: [RE-wrenches] Bonding Metal Roofs Part II
>>
>> I'm watching this thread with interest. Is anyone aware of any serious
>> injury or property damage caused by an energized metal roof, and if so,
>> what were the circumstances? Is bonding metal roofs a solution looking for
>> a problem?
>>
>> In response to the ground mount alternative, that isn't really an option
>> in many areas of Florida where the cost can be 50% higher or more to ground
>> mount if it's even practical due to flood level. Tile and shingle roofs in
>> Southwest Florida are being switched to metal at shocking rates in the wake
>> of Hurricane Ian, and we love it from an installer's standpoint.
>> Fortunately, I haven't run into any bonding inspection issues for over 10
>> years here.
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>> Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
>> NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
>> Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 8:28 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar via
>> RE-wrenches  wrote:
>>
>>> Hey Adam,
>>>
>>> Creative solution #1  Do not install solar on any roof if you can ground
>>> mount it.
>>>
>>> Is this He Adam or the Him Adam?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
>>> "we go where powerlines don't"
>>> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>
>>> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net 
>>> text 209 813 0060 <209%20813%200060>*
>>>
>>>
>>> On 2023-06-05 3:47 pm, AE Solar via RE-wrenches wrote:
>>>
>>> Hey all,
>>> I had started a thread about bonding to metal roofs in 2018 but can't
>>> figure out how to respond via the archive. I know some things have changed
>>> since then, so I'm circling back and starting a new thread.
>>>
&g

[RE-wrenches] SMA Tech Support

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

Hey all,
After the typical 1 hour wait to get up to Level 2 for SMA tech support,
the tech mentioned there might be some option where you get registered (or
possibly pay) to bypass Level 1? Or somehow get more streamlined service?
He didn't know how or where to access that service. Has anyone heard of
this and/or utilized it? Forever frustrated with their wait times. Thanks
for any feedback.
Adam


Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Fronius USA available 2023 & 2024 ?

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

I was trying to expand on an older fronius install and asked my greentech
rep about when they might have their UL1741SB line out and he said he
“hadn’t heard from fronius in a while and wouldn’t be surprised if fronius
wasn’t a company in a year or two”. So more or less the same info you heard
Mick

On Thu, Aug 24, 2023 at 5:42 PM pieter offgridenterprises.org via
RE-wrenches  wrote:

> Fronius is certainly having issues, many of their products are out of
> stock. We are eight weeks into trying to resolve a service issue, and
> cannot get parts. Historically this sort of problem would have been
> resolved in less than one week. I suggest that looking at an alternative
> would be advisable. If this downward trend continues with Fronius, support
> after the sale will be a problem for the installer and the customer. I am
> having good experiences with other manufacturers but have not used any of
> them in an AC bussed configuration, so for that reason I will not suggest
> an alternate brand.
>
> Pieter Huebner
>
> Project Manager
>
> Off grid Enterprises
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches  *On
> Behalf Of *Mick Abraham via RE-wrenches
> *Sent:* Thursday, August 24, 2023 3:23 PM
> *To:* RE-wrenches 
> *Cc:* Mick Abraham 
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Fronius USA available 2023 & 2024 ?
>
>
>
> Hi, Mechanix~ I asked a Greentech location about quantity four Fronius
> string inverter PRIMO 6.0-1. (6kW AC output, single phase 240 volt 60 hz)
> This p/n is in the Greentech portal but my particular branch hasn't done
> much with Fronius. Today the branch manager told me "Fronius no longer
> exists."
>
>
>
> Can any of you confirm or correct this report? I have an off-grid
> opportunity for which I wish to AC couple some of the PV. If Fronius USA
> has indeed "left the building", are there other string inverters that can
> be selected for country code "off grid 60 hz"? I'd like for the PV
> inverters to only curtail their output wattage if there's a frequency shift
> from the grid forming inverter (frequency/watt). Schneider XW Pro units
> would be forming the grid. Schneider has a white paper # 990-6421 on AC
> coupling but this document is almost three years old & no help at all in
> finding compatible PV inverters. Rapid shutdown is not mandated for this
> gig & each array would be evenly illuminated. IIRC, the List hasn't been
> highly enamored with SolarEdge in recent years; is that still the consensus?
>
>
>
> Thanks as always; the Wrench List is the Bomb!
>
>
> Mick Abraham, Proprietor
> www.abrahamsolar.com
>
> Landline: 970-731-4675
>
> Cell phone or for text messaging: 970-946-6584
>
> ᐧ
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Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468
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[RE-wrenches] APSystems Micros

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

Wrenches
Anyone have experience/thoughts on the APSystems 2:1 single phase micros. I
don’t see much in the archives and the internet has some mixed reviews. I’m
mostly on the Enphase band wagon, but interested in knowing if APS could be
considered as a more cost efficient option for larger single phase projects…
Adam
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[RE-wrenches] Enphase Gateway causing lamp to flicker

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

Wrenches
We have a project where the homeowner has some of those bedside lamps where
you touch them to turn them on/off/dim (rather than having a switch). It
seems like when the Enphase Gateway is powered up it causes the lights to
freak out. Once we flip the breaker to the Gateway off the lamp operates as
normalZ Interestingly, with another load (homeowner was using a
dehumidifier) plugged into the circuit it seems to stabilize the lights. We
isolated the problem to the Gateway specifically (ie having PV breakers
on/off doesn’t make a difference). It’s a supply side connection. The house
is small but we tried the lamp in multiple parts of the house and it
happens everywhere.  Enphase doesn’t have any ideas. Anyone have this
happen to them?

I think we might just need to buy them some new lamps, but I’m also
interested to understand what is happening. These are just some cheap
lamps, but wondering if other household loads that are more sensitive might
be affected as well?

Adam
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA String inverters

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

We haven’t used the -41s for just over a year, because they aren’t UL1741SB
compliant (which became required here in NY last January). Additionally,
the last time we did use the -41s we discovered (upon receiving the units)
that they weren’t WiFi compatible anymore (due to some parts shortages) and
that the inverters had to be hardwired in order to access monitoring.  The
new inverter line that shows up on the SMA website is UL1741SB compliant,
but the last time I checked with my distributor (a few weeks ago) they
still weren’t able to get access to them.

On Mon, Jan 8, 2024 at 4:44 PM Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> What are you wrenches that used to install the SB-41 units sourcing
> now? Looks like there is a new model on their website
>
>
> Jeremy Rodriguez
> Solar Installation / Design
> All Solar, Inc.
> 1453 M St.
> Penrose Colorado 81240
>
> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] USDA Rural Development fund

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

We were able to access that a few years ago for a brewery project and were
granted the money. I used a grant writer who works with solar companies
specifically on accessing that funding. Their intake online walked you
through what you may or may not be eligible for.  They were great to work
with and I felt the price was worth it. I could dig up their contact info
if that’s of interest.

On Tue, Jan 9, 2024 at 11:57 AM Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hi Daniel, it is a lot of paperwork, but if they pay you for your time,
> and they should, I think it is worth it.  Importantly, you need to speak
> with the regional office administering this fund and make sure you know
> what they are requiring. Some of them use a subcontractor to help, but you
> do NOT need to work with the sub. I had a very bad experience with one of
> them in New England who was not very knowledgeable about the technology,
> and was impossible to work with.
>
> I do know of a lot of oyster farms here who I turned on to this and used
> it to power their processing facilities.
>
>
> Chris
>
>
> On 1/3/2024 12:28 PM, Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches wrote:
>
> Hey all! A happy, Safe & Prosperous New Year to You All!
>
>
>
> I have a brewery that is wanting to do a grid tie system - 2 meters; 1 is
> split phase & 1 is 3 phase & the initial request was about USDA Rural
> Development funding.
>
> I have no experience with this.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Has anyone applied for this?
>
> Experience?
>
> I have heard it is a pile of paperwork to say the least.
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> _
>
> Dana OrzelGREAT SOLAR WORKS!
>
> C – 208.721.7003  E – d...@solarwork.com
>
> W - www. greatsolarworks.com www.solarwork.com
>
> *“Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988!”*
>
>
>
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>  ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
> PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
> 401-466-8978
> 
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Ironridge ballasted BX on the ground

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

Are helical piles overkill for what you are trying to do? They can be
unscrewed when you are done so nothing is left behind.

Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468



On Tue, Apr 9, 2024 at 4:17 PM Nick A Lucchese via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Greetings Wrenches,
>
> Has anyone utilized any ballasted style commercial roof rack solutions
> directly on the ground? I have an upcoming project that is only predicted
> to be left in place for around 5 years and is on land expected to be put
> back as it was found therefore concrete is out of the question. I’ve
> successfully made temporary arrays with standard rails and tilts by pinning
> 2x wood material to grade but this one calls for something lower in
> profile. Very minimal use is expected during winter months so the lower
> production of a 10 degree tilt is not an issue. The Ironridge BX seems like
> it would be ideal and have been told at conferences and distributor shows
> that it would work but figure one of you may have experience with this
> product or something more appropriate and affordable? Perhaps even go for
> the bonus of something with a 15 degree tilt if it exists? I realize weeds
> and grasses will be a factor as well but client can come up with many low
> tech solutions for that aspect. The grade is quite flat, few rocks and site
> prep can certainly improve even more before the project begins.
>
> Thanks for the wisdom and experience, Nick
>
>
>
>
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] IRA Domestic Content Bonus Credit

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

Wrenches,
I'm wondering if any of you have thoughts/experience with the additional
10% ITC that the Inflation Reduction Act allocates for "domestic content".
I'm doing some googling but not really sure what equipment (racking,
panels, inverters, BOM, etc) we would need to install in order to qualify
for this, and what the parameters are to qualify something as 'domestic
content'. If anyone has rough thoughts or information sources to share I'm
all ears...
Adam

Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468
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Re: [RE-wrenches] DC fan for greenhouse

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

We had used some Snap-Fans many many years ago on some greenhouse
applications. Looks like they are still in business and their product line
has expanded so that says something….
http://www.snap-fan.com/


Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468



On Tue, Jul 9, 2024 at 9:36 AM David Palumbo via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Wrenchters,
>
> I have a friend looking for a DC fan for his 20' x 40' greenhouse here in
> northern Vermont.
>
> Recommendations please.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dave Palumbo
> Hyde Park, VT
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Racking on residential rooftops

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

We also never had luck with a laser, although early on that is something we
definitely tried. We use a string line. We keep drops of 2x4 that are cut
to the length of our most common panel sizes, and fasten them on to the
rails with mid clips. That way we can easily reference where the top and
bottom of the row will end up.

The installers can choose to run their stringline on the top of the 2x4 or
on the bottom (depending on the logistics of that particular row). Its good
to double check the string line in reference to the ridge, shingle line  or
drip line in various places before installing.

Then they set the second panel in the row and work their way down. Once the
row is complete the 2x4s and string line are dropped, the rails are cut to
length (we run them wild originally, and cut them flush at the end) and the
first and last panel are installed

One of our installers worked for a much larger company at some point, and
he said they didn’t use a string at all. Their method was to “keep someone
on the ground who just looked at the row and told them if it seemed like it
was going straight”. Seems like a disaster waiting to happen to me …but
that company has a lot of installs in the area and they look fine.


Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468



On Fri, Oct 4, 2024 at 2:44 AM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Jay:
>
>
>
> Is there a make and model of laser you recommend?  I bought a pretty
> expensive one and it was useless in daylight.
>
>
>
> The goal is to make the rails parallel, not necessarily straight or
> level.  I’m not sure a laser level is the right tool for this goal.
>
>
>
> Running a laser line at other than level or plumb was not that easy when I
> tried it and that seems necessary, so I am looking for hints on your
> process.
>
>
>
> William
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Jay via RE-wrenches
> *Sent:* Thursday, October 3, 2024 8:39 PM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Cc:* Jay
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Racking on residential rooftops
>
>
>
> Hi Jim
>
>
>
> I recommend a laser level. Can be just a line laser or can be a multi line
> level.
>
> Brightness is key.
>
>
>
> Much easier, faster and accurate than using string.
>
> Also makes it much easier to keep everything straight
>
>
>
> Jay
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Oct 3, 2024, at 7:44 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Good question, Jim.
>
>
>
> We should all want our installations to work good and look good.
>
>
>
> A lot of this consideration is purely aesthetic.  As such, it doesn’t
> always have to be good, it just has to look good. What I mean by that is if
> there are some misalignments that can’t be seen from any vantage point,
> then it is not so critical to spend a lot of time making those perfect.  I
> always look to see what vantage points there are from which a given
> installation can be seen and focus on making the installation look good to
> those vantage points.
>
>
>
> Misaligned panels are only obvious where panel corners and edges meet.
> Your rack may undulate but as long as the panels meet up evenly that
> waviness is not readily visible.  I don’t spend too much time checking a
> roof for flat—none of them are.
>
>
>
> Two adjacent panels bolted to the same pair of rails almost always line
> up.  The bigger problem occurs when you have two or more sets of rails.  If
> the vantage point is from below and the upper set of rails is even slightly
> higher than the lower set of rails, that protruding upper panel edge can
> easily be seen.  If, however, the upper set of rails is slightly lower, it
> is less obvious.
>
>
>
> The key is to run a string line along the view axis to check to see of the
> pairs of rails are in alignment.  Make the string as tight as possible.  I
> space my string off the rail by a set amount—usually the thickness of a
> strut washer—and take another strut washer and slip it under the string at
> various locations.  The reason to space the string above is to prevent the
> rail from subtly deflecting the string without you noticing it happening.
> You can also use a spare stick of rail or any long straight edge.
>
>
>
> Lining up rows of panels is most critical if the installation can be
> viewed from the side.  If the alignment gets bad at first without
> correcting it the error can quickly compound.  The longer the row the worse
> it can get.
>
>
>
> We set the first panel carefully and then take a length of rail and bolt
> it across the other end to hold a string line.  Pick a reference point,
> usually the eave edge of the roofing—or any other straight line the eye
> might automatically compare the row of panels to—and 

[RE-wrenches] Snow Guards

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

Wrenchers

We have a 100 kW roof mount system where we are going to need to use snow
guards in the array. We are in the northeast (ground snow loads of 40 psf
at the site). Pitch is about 4:12. I was looking at the Snow Dog by Alpine
SnowGuards
. The one
thing that struck me is the wording*:*


*"there may be times and conditions where snow accumulates to depths
greater than 6”. If this happens, it is the responsibility of the building
owner to clear the excess accumulation. This will ensure structural
integrity of the solar array racking system and the building structure."  *

Getting 6" is common here (or at least it used to be), and in no reality
will the building owner clear snow off their array after a storm. I'm
wondering what you all do for snow guards. My engineer would make sure the
building structure could handle the additional loads caused by slowing the
shedding of the snow, but should I be concerned about the integrity of the
racking and also of the frames of the solar panels? Is there another
product worth looking into?

Thanks for any thoughts.
Adam

Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468
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[RE-wrenches] Steel Grip SAMM Matts

[AE Solar via RE-wrenches]

Wrenches,
Wondering if anyone has ever tried these Steel Grip SAMM
 matts? Seems like a magnetic matt for
working on metal roofs? We've tried the Cougar Paw magnetic boots and they
are pretty good for lower slope, but always on the lookout for other
products to help improve safety and mobility on metal roofs, and came upon
that product. Figured I would holler here to see if anyone had any reviews
(or thoughts on other similar products).
Adam

Adam Katzman (he/him)
Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
www.AutonomousEnergies.com 
(518) 567-1468
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