[RE-wrenches] wind scam?
With all the alleged information on their web site, I couldn't find any power curves. And their "contact us" form was only for folks who had purchased their turbines. Let the buyer beware! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Roy Butler Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2010 11:39 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] wind scam? Todd, We're still waiting for verifiable 3rd party energy production data on this turbine. Until that happens, this turbine stays on my "not ready for prime time" list. As of today, Helix has not seen fit to file a notice of intent to certify with the SWCC. Keep an eye on that list and the eventual certified turbine list, both will be very helpful in the future for weeding out the scams. www.smallwindcertification.org "Revolutionary" may be a good description for kinetic lawn art but doesn't tell us a thing about it's ability to produce kilowatt hours to the grid. What is it about human nature that makes people believe that the weirder the design, the better it must be? And that "breakthrough" technology is the best technology? Have fun with this customer! Roy Butler NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerR NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer PA Sunshine Program Approved PV Installer Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC 8902 Route 46 Arkport, NY 14807 607-324-9747 www.four-winds-energy.com Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced. On 7/24/2010 12:36 PM, Todd Cory wrote: Sorry to bother the list with this kind of BS, but I have a client who insists this is a revolutionary wind machine design that is not a yard art scam. Feedback? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9flSPAdOLk ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] The perfect solar ready roof
Dear Wrenches: I have a composite (shingle) roof at hand, and the owner wants to upgrade it to a metal roof and install a 5kw+ array on it. The rafters are those (sort of) particle board I-beams covered with 1/2" plywood (and shingles). What's the best metal roofing you could suggest--and would you beef up the wood to lag into? Thanks for all your input. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] The perfect solar ready roof
Jim: See, that is my contention. I am thinking of adding another 1/2" (or perhaps 3/4") of plywood over the entire roof; I just don't think that lagging into those fakey I-beams is meaty enough (this is a high wind area). If I have another well-attached layer, then I can lag into the roof pretty much everywhere. And building inspector? They are sort of a joke around here. We refer to it sometimes as the state of Montucky..... Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of North Texas Renewable Energy Inc Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 7:52 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] The perfect solar ready roof Chris You would need to use something like the Unirac Fast foot to attach your PV standoffs. Fast foot uses multiple smaller gauge screws into the decking, necessary since engineered beams are not able to provide the 4-5 inches of solid wood needed for traditional lag bolts. The engineered beams you speak of, while rigid light-weight and cost-competitive with dimension lumber, are usually recommended for joists or floor beams though not usually used for rafters. I'm curious, how did the homeowner get 1/2 inch decking past the building inspector? Jim Duncan North Texas Renewable Energy 486 W.N. Woody Road Azle Texas 76020 NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer No.31310-57 TECL 27398 nt...@1scom.net 817.917.0527 www.ntrei.com <http://www.ntrei.com/> -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]on Behalf Of Chris Daum Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 9:58 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [RE-wrenches] The perfect solar ready roof Dear Wrenches: I have a composite (shingle) roof at hand, and the owner wants to upgrade it to a metal roof and install a 5kw+ array on it. The rafters are those (sort of) particle board I-beams covered with 1/2" plywood (and shingles). What's the best metal roofing you could suggest--and would you beef up the wood to lag into? Thanks for all your input. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] The perfect solar ready roof
You are correct -- and there is a strong possibility of adding another layer (1/2" or 3/4") of roofing material under the new metal roof. High wind area is a consideration, and I don't think those fake I-beams are meaty enough to lag into. Hence I request your input! --Chris @ the Oasis Montana _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of North Texas Renewable Energy Inc Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 6:10 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] The perfect solar ready roof After re-reading your original letter Chris, it sounds like the roof makeover hasn't happened yet. If that's the case suggest to the owner that, based on the 100 years or so of combined professional experience of the PV installer community, he should not use the engineered rafters or the 1/2" decking if he's wanting PV on top. Pull out a copy of the International Building Code and show him. not a roofer, Jim Duncan Dear Wrenches have a composite (shingle) roof at hand, and the owner wants to upgrade it to a metal roof and install a 5kw+ array on it. The rafters are those (sort of) particle board I-beams covered with 1/2" plywood (and shingles). What's the best metal roofing you could suggest--and would you beef up the wood to lag into? Thanks for all your input. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org/> ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] The perfect solar ready roof
Hi Dick: Nope, not just high wind area, but the site gets a real bashing of hail at least once every 3 to 4 years (like quarter sized hail at 60 - 80 mph) -- so I will pass on the plasticky amorphous stuff, thank you, although yes, they do look nice (til they get those whitish translucent spots from hail). There's room for about a 5.5KW array of some decent modules (read: Sanyos or some other high efficient modules). I just think we need another layer of roofing material; we'll need 16 sheets of some kinda plywood. I am leaning more and more in that direction. But I really do appreciate all your thoughts! And by the way, right NOW, sunny day time temps are near 70. Nights are a chilly 35..... Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Richard L Ratico Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 6:59 PM To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] The perfect solar ready roof Chris, You've probably already considered and rejected this... Unisolar PVL modules on standing seam roofing. Solves the structure & wind problems. Goes fast if installed on the pans before they go on the roof. Price is pretty good per watt now. Can't beat the look. Made in USA. I think the only downside is you may not have enough area to place 5kW. I bet it's getting cold in Montana. You could stick the modules on the pans in a heated space somewhere. This would really cut down your time and exposure on the roof. Dick Ratico Solarwind Electric --- You wrote: Dear Wrenches have a composite (shingle) roof at hand, and the owner wants to upgrade it to a metal roof and install a 5kw+ array on it. The rafters are those (sort of) particle board I-beams covered with 1/2" plywood (and shingles). What's the best metal roofing you could suggest--and would you beef up the wood to lag into? Thanks for all your input. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax --- end of quote --- ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] To insulate a battery bank DEPENDS on a lot offactors.
Well, here in Montana, when winter starts (usually November) we add insulation to the battery box (in an unheated shop or garage--where many of our customer's batteries lurk, and mine also), and we remove it in March/April. Temps from summer to winter may vary from a high of 105 degrees F to a low of forty below zero. It's not a big deal to add insulation as needed. Just seems like common sense. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of jay peltz Sent: Sunday, December 12, 2010 4:49 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] To insulate a battery bank DEPENDS on a lot offactors. HI Dana, I'm curious about why you differentiate sealed vs flooded batteries? thanks, jay peltz power On Dec 12, 2010, at 3:13 PM, Dana wrote: Great discussion and Thanks to all of you for the input. I thought of attempting a wrap up of the various presentations but there are and always will be many variables in battery storage and insulation requirements. Here are my thoughts and a distillation from you all with respect to my high elevation climate in W. CO. - 6 months of winter and cool nights in summer [typically]. Type of battery - Wet VS. Sealed batteries. : depends on size and usage of system and client choice. Climates - 4 season with 5-6 months of winter like conditions VS. a mild year round costal climate. : A long winter climate can seriously chill a poorly insulated bank and therefore reduce capacity when the bank get cold. I get more calls each Nov. from new to off grid folks with an under sized array and cold battery bank about reduced capacity. Does it cool off at night in the summer? VS. It is hot 24/7 for 4 months? Size of bank - Small VS. Large. : Smaller reacts more quickly to a cooling or heating trend VS. Larger react slowly. Ambient building temperature. - heated building VS. walled in shed/free standing battery box in a snowy scenario. : If I can put the bank on a temperature controlled radiant concrete slab I do so. Ability to sink the battery bank into the ground VS. not being able to do so. : installation & cost can be a challenge here. Powered venting VS. convective venting ; Powered with a back draft damper seems to be a better option in winter climates. I have used the Zephyr Industries powered vent with backdraft damper for many years with great success. As mentioned batteries are an electrochemical unit that requires, like us, a narrow window for temperature to exist and operate efficiently. When working hardest, typically during winter, the recharge requirements are high and the hours of sunlight are low, therefore the temperature window is best on the warmer end of the range. The time of year when power requirement can be lowest in summer, the usage is lower due to long days and lack of heating systems drawing them down over night, unless you are irrigating and perhaps a PV direct design would then be best. Thanks all. Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 web - www.solarwork.com "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988" Do not ever belive anything, but seriously trust through action. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] SPAM-LOW: Re: Interfacing an Air 403 wind generator
I'm with Bob-o on this one. I suspect if they had any indicator of the power it actually produced, they would be less in love with it. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bob-O Schultze Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 3:13 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: SPAM-LOW: Re: [RE-wrenches] Interfacing an Air 403 wind generator Give it a resistor to work against and call it Kinetic Yard Art. Not worth much else... On May 5, 2011, at 11:15 AM, Peter Talmage wrote: Hi Dana, The battery and all associated equipment is being totally removed as the folks are now unable to do the required maintenance. They really love the little Air 403 and would like to interface it if at all possible even if it doesn't make economical sense. Peter --- On Thu, 5/5/11, Dana wrote: From: Dana Subject: [RE-wrenches] Interfacing an Air 403 wind generator To: "'RE-wrenches'" Date: Thursday, May 5, 2011, 1:32 PM The Air is DC, wouldn't it just feed the battery bank and there for less from the PV to the battery bank and therefore more PV to go to the grid tie... It is a mighty small unit to go to the effort to grid tie unless he has a 18MPH+ yearly wind speed. If he has that much wind go for a SWWP - Skystream wind turbine that is UL listed for grid tie. Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 web - www.solarwork.com "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988" Do not ever believe anything, but seriously trust through action. From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Peter Talmage Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 11:26 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Interfacing an Air 403 wind generator I have a client with an independent power system who is going utility interfaced. We are putting the 24 volt arrays on Ephase inverters. He wants the Air 403 to be interfaced as well. Has anyone done this and if so, how ? Thanks Peter Talmage, P.E. Energy and Design -Inline Attachment Follows- ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] High Temp Batteries
Dear Wrenches: I have people trying to power medical equipment in an extremely hot environment--they need batteries that can withstand temps of 75 degrees Celcius. The Yuasa batteries they've been using are only rated to 50C and don't last long (and thus, are cost-prohibitive to use and replace). The MK AGMs are also only rated to 50C. Any ideas or alternatives would be appreciated. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] ARCO Solar and Carrizo Plain
Marco: Maybe they did it so people who had modest power requirements could meet their needs with the M51s and mRC2000s (is that right folks)? Buying them in sets of four This was some of the first technology that worked, and was rather cheaply available at the time. I remember those old acrylic-faced modules well, and shipped quite a few...perhaps hundreds or thousands of them...for the solar company I worked for at the time. SO, IN THEORY, if the later technologies are being dismembered (that's so harsh, how about disassembled?) then those modules will be worth something too. I do not know why ARCO scrapped what they did, but I suspect a corporate perspective was part of the scene. At the time, it did me and my then-customers good. After all, we know what PG & E really stands for. Just my 2 cents worth. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco Mangelsdorf Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 7:55 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [RE-wrenches] ARCO Solar and Carrizo Plain Us old-timers remember the dismemberment of the then big ARCO Solar grid-tie project down in So. CAL. In the 1980s and the parting out of that project in dribs and drabs for years. I was wondering recently with all these ever so big and getting bigger grid-tie projects sprouting like mushrooms across the developed world: why did ARCO Solar and the utility (PG&E?) scrap the whole thing after a relatively short period of time? Causes me to wonder about the fate of so many of the mammoth projects now going in as far as what's going to happen when the owner-investors likely bail, having made their handsome ROIs, after the tax credits and MACRS depreciation plays out. Thanks, marco ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] LED availability
Hi Folks: I am having difficulty finding a supplier for LED technologies. Anyone have a prospect? Feel free to contact me off list. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] dry battery issue
Dear Wrenches: I have a customer who most likely has a dead cell in his battery bank and wants to replace it with a dry replacement battery he has on hand. The battery bank is made up of (24) 2ks-33PS batteries in series for a 48 volt system. I haven't activated a dry battery before and expect I will not hear back from Surrette before I head out to check specific gravities tomorrow. I'm wondering what the procedure is for adding electrolyte to a battery so it can be added into a string? As always, appreciate the input. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] squirrel problems
We used to have a lot of (pine and ground) squirrel problems. Then we got a couple of cats. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Nick Vida Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 8:03 PM To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] squirrel problems This is interesting to see what regions the squirrels are active. I hear Vermont, Mass, New Hampshire, and Colorado here in southern California I have heard of no problems any other areas anybody knows of? is it the cold weather? is it only use-2 or is this including rhw? nick ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Chinese solar cells and modules
Dear folks: We have been using 175W 24V Suntech modules for the past 18-24 months, mostly for one and two module water pumping systems for livestock. No problems to date. We get LOTS of solicitations from Chinese module manufacturers to purchase their modules; sometimes they only offer a two or five year warranty. We only want to offer UL listed products, so that leaves a lot of 'em out of the game. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 www.oasismontana.com -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Doug Pratt Sent: Saturday, June 06, 2009 1:27 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Chinese solar cells and modules Joel, Since late last year we've been stocking the Yingli 175w single-crystal modules. They seem dependable, haven't heard of any problems with them. Earlier in the year they were a low-cost choice for very cost-sensitive projects, but they were a 1st choice for very, very few dealers. Lately, with all PV prices tumbling, they've been even less attractive. I think the immediate future for Chinese modules will be developing country projects, and very large projects where price points matter more than a dependable track record or possible warranty service in a decade or two. Cheers, Doug Pratt DC Power Systems -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Joel Davidson Sent: Friday, June 05, 2009 9:17 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Chinese solar cells and modules Wrenches, Aside from the fact that Chinese solar cells are being assembled all over the world into modules with varying degrees of quality, what specific Chinese brand solar modules do you use based on them meeting their stated physical and electrical specifications, construction, durability, blems, delamination, price, availability, distributor service, etc.? Joel Davidson Chinese Solar Production and Capacity Despite only having 140MW of solar projects installed, China was the leading manufacturer of solar cells in 2008, with 30% of global production. In 2008, China produced 2GW of solar cells, up from 1GW in 2007. In addition to producing PV cells, Chinese companies have produced 3GW of modules, up from 1.7GW in 2007, and 13,000MT of Wafers, up from 11,800MT in 2007. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Trace DC 250
Does anyone have the old enclosure, the DC 250, lying around anywhere? A fellow called me looking for one--and what he really needs is the motherboard, but he would take the entire unit. Please contact me off list, 406-777-4309. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Desulfators
Dear folks: What is y'all's opinions on desulfators? I have a customer who is having to do a battery upgrade, and someone's stuck a bug in her ear about them. I figure proper battery care is most essential, but I am interested in hearing about your experiences. Thanks so much for your information! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] module frame separation
Not meaning to open up a can of worms, but along these lines, what do y'all think of the way Sharp frames are connected/sealed? Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Doug Wells Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 7:20 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] module frame separation William, I have done the procedure before. I used RTV silicone. The hard part was cleaning out some of the old sealant in the frame. After seeing enough modules that look like they were sealed by preschoolers, you might end up with a longer lasting seal than the manufacturer. Doug Wells The Solar Specialists Morrisville, VT 05661 (p) 802-223-7014 (c) 802-498-5856 www.thesolarspecialists.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Broken Modules
A clear acryllic polymer can be purchased at a hobby store (i.e. one that sells model airplane stuff) that is cheap and readily sprayed on the surface. It will extend a broken module's life for some time, and as Ron pointed out, they make for good gifts to schools and science clubs. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ron Young Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 11:58 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Broken Modules I'm looking into a polyurethane coating that can be sprayed on to a module that will secure the shattered glass in place and weatherize the panel. Cost about $50/panel. I've seen modules 25 years old with bullet holes through them that are still functioning, albeit at a much lower output. There's always someone looking for a deal or a gift. Ron Young earthRight - Solareagle.com On 3-Aug-09, at 6:32 AM, Doug Wells wrote: > Wrenches, > > I am curious what other installers are doing with broken modules? > I know some manufacturers are starting recycling programs. > > > Doug Wells > The Solar Specialists > Morrisville, VT 05661 > (p) 802-223-7014 > (c) 802-498-5856 > www.thesolarspecialists.com > > > > > > ___ > List sponsored by Home Power magazine > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Options & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Dealing with snow
Here in western Montana, I have my modules mounted at about a 45 degree angle (but they're hanging off of a south-facing soffit -- so there no roof accumulation to worry about); annually I put that 'Rain-X' stuff on, and it really helps keep the snow from sticking unless it's super icy. A little sun causes the snow to slip off rather easily. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Darryl Thayer Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 3:01 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Dealing with snow Hi I have a large array that I mounted at 45 deg. it mostly clears itself. however two years ago it held ice and snow for 3 Weeks. I wanted to try BoB Gudgel's snow melt routine, but he was to busy to give me details, then the snow melted. I have never had problems with the snow build up behind modules. But in Minnesota we have 40 to 50 lb snow load, and some places in Main or Vermont have 100 or more. Darryl --- On Fri, 8/14/09, penobscotso...@midmaine.com wrote: > From: penobscotso...@midmaine.com > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Dealing with snow > To: "RE-wrenches" > Date: Friday, August 14, 2009, 3:48 PM Hi August, > Here in Maine we get pretty decent > amounts of snow. There isn't any > foolproof way to keep your panels clear without doing it manually > because we sometimes get sticky, half ice, half snow type of > precipitation, but here's some of the things we do. > > > > > > > > 1. Do you typically mount arrays flush to the roof? If > so, I'm assuming > > that roof pitches are generally designed to handle the > various snow load > > and snow-shed scenarios depending on how much snow the > area sees? > > We do typically flush mount, providing the roof > pitch is the typical > 10-12 pitch. If it is less we have used tilt up racks, but > that > seriously cuts down the available usable array sq.footage. > The roofs > here are built to handle snow loads exceeding what we would > normally > get, but you will still often see people on less than 10 > pitched roofs > cleaning them off in the middle of Feb. > > > > > > 2. Does the height off the roof matter? In other > words, is it better to > > mount low to the roof or higher above the roof. Does > snow wedge under the > > array? > > We have always mounted as close to the peak as possible. I > have seen > arrays, not installed by my company, in which the snow has > built up over > time on the top of an array mounted too far below the roof > line/peak. The > snow melts and refreezes and quickly becomes a liability to > the > effectiveness of the array, at least. We have moved the > entire array to > the top of the roof line and the clients no longer had that > problem. Of > course, for customers that rely on a roof rake to remove > snow from their > array, moving the panels to the highest point on the roof > essentially > removes that option. > > > > > > 3. Are there products out there designed to help shed > snow? > > We have used Rain-X. It does seem to > help. Occasional re-application is > necessary. Beside that, I haven't used any other option. > Maybe a solar > powered electric heater :-) would work? > > > With pole or frame mounts that are > adjustable we tend to tilt them up > to 80 or 85 degrees to facilitate snow shedding. > > > > I'm sure you'll hear a lot more from > other NE wrenches, amongst, > geographically, others. > > Daryl DeJoy > NABCEP Certified PV installer > Penobscot Solar Design > ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Dealing with snow
Hi Matt: I always figured that 'Solar Maid' stuff must be similar (but I have not thoroughly investigated their 'hype'!). Since Rain-X doesn't seem to dissolve the rubber/silicon around car windows, it oughta work for modules. But, I have only used it on my small array. I live near a dusty road, and around folks (including myself) with wood heat, so soot and ash in winter is a factor too. --Chris @ the Oasis Montana -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Matt Lafferty Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 7:36 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Dealing with snow Caution "recommending" RainX. Module manufacturers in the past have said it "might invalidate warranty". Their stated reason: Product has not been tested for use with the sealants on modules. May be incompatible or cause degradation. Use at your own risk. My own non-scientific use of RainX on modules over 2 year period showed noticeable performance improvement over "untreated" modules in the summer. Soiling was significantly reduced on the treated modules. Treated modules 1x per year. Late April. Sacramento. Tested 4 treated systems. 2 thin-film frameless laminate sites and two framed poly sites. I like it. Would use it on my own system (if the landlord would let us install one!) Matt Lafferty -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Chris Daum Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 2:08 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [RE-wrenches] Dealing with snow Here in western Montana, I have my modules mounted at about a 45 degree angle (but they're hanging off of a south-facing soffit -- so there no roof accumulation to worry about); annually I put that 'Rain-X' stuff on, and it really helps keep the snow from sticking unless it's super icy. A little sun causes the snow to slip off rather easily. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Darryl Thayer Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 3:01 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Dealing with snow Hi I have a large array that I mounted at 45 deg. it mostly clears itself. however two years ago it held ice and snow for 3 Weeks. I wanted to try BoB Gudgel's snow melt routine, but he was to busy to give me details, then the snow melted. I have never had problems with the snow build up behind modules. But in Minnesota we have 40 to 50 lb snow load, and some places in Main or Vermont have 100 or more. Darryl --- On Fri, 8/14/09, penobscotso...@midmaine.com wrote: > From: penobscotso...@midmaine.com > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Dealing with snow > To: "RE-wrenches" > Date: Friday, August 14, 2009, 3:48 PM Hi August, > Here in Maine we get pretty decent > amounts of snow. There isn't any > foolproof way to keep your panels clear without doing it manually > because we sometimes get sticky, half ice, half snow type of > precipitation, but here's some of the things we do. > > > > > > > > 1. Do you typically mount arrays flush to the roof? If > so, I'm assuming > > that roof pitches are generally designed to handle the > various snow load > > and snow-shed scenarios depending on how much snow the > area sees? > > We do typically flush mount, providing the roof pitch is the typical > 10-12 pitch. If it is less we have used tilt up racks, but that > seriously cuts down the available usable array sq.footage. > The roofs > here are built to handle snow loads exceeding what we would normally > get, but you will still often see people on less than 10 pitched roofs > cleaning them off in the middle of Feb. > > > > > > 2. Does the height off the roof matter? In other > words, is it better to > > mount low to the roof or higher above the roof. Does > snow wedge under the > > array? > > We have always mounted as close to the peak as possible. I have seen > arrays, not installed by my company, in which the snow has built up > over time on the top of an array mounted too far below the roof > line/peak. The snow melts and refreezes and quickly becomes a > liability to the effectiveness of the array, at least. We have moved > the entire array to the top of the roof line and the clients no longer > had that problem. Of course, for customers that rely on a roof rake to > remove snow from their array, moving the panels to the highest point > on the roof essentially removes that option. > > > > > > 3. Are there products out there designed to help shed > snow?
Re: [RE-wrenches] Seasonal Adjusters
Hi William: I dunnoevery spring (here in western Montana) we usually have occasional winds in excess of ~80 mph.I think this ranks up there with roof-mounted wind gennies. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of William Miller Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2009 3:11 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Seasonal Adjusters Darryl: I had forgotten about this job we did some years ago, but I have the perfect solution for you: http://millersolar.com/Portfolio/pole_mount/Custom_tracker_moutn_on_power_sh ed.jpg William At 12:49 PM 8/12/2009, you wrote: He all I need help designing or buying a seasonal adjuster. I have a customer that insists on a seasonal adjustment. They would like 30 degrees summer side of equinox and 50 degrees winter side. Wants to adjust twice a year at equinox. Rack to be 3 sets of 3 modules each on two rails. Every time I have tried this it is heavy and very difficult to do. Darryl ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Solar Christmas Goodies
Have you checked out Allsop Home & Garden goodies? www.allsopgarden.com and their e-mail is gar...@allsop.com. I really like their solar lanterns (I've got one going on three years old now and it still works great) but they also have glow-in-the-dark ornaments. I buy the lanterns for my good customers and gifts in general. They seem a little higher quality than the 'green junk' that is so prevalent. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Carl Adams Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:48 PM To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: SPAM-LOW: [RE-wrenches] Solar Christmas Goodies Hello Wrenches, Since year end projects are going to keep us crazy busy till year end, I am breaking with tradition and getting started early on my Christmas shopping. I have a tradition in my family of giving an ornament to each family member. Usually something relevant to the years experience for them. I'd like to find some solar related Christmas ornaments for the SunRock crew this year. Any suggestions on where to look would be appreciated. Thanks and an early Merry Christmas to all. Carl SunRock Solar ___ ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Flowlight parts--brush replacement
Dear folks: I have a customer without water due to needing a set of brushes for a Flowlight series 2920-24 pump (serial #082704). Does anyone happen to have a set? If you are willing to part with them, please contact me offlist. Thanks and happy new year! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Obscure/obsolete QO breaker....
Dear folks: I have a customer working to integrate a couple of older Trace SW2512s into his system, and he's looking for a Square D part that is no longer available new, a Square D AC bypass Breaker QO2DT1 (or capital I), consisting of the Breaker box QO403L60NS, Breaker QO160 and Breaker Q0260. If anyone's got one lying around the shop, please contact me off list. Thanks and have a great weekend! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] KD135 source?
Yes, they are out of the KD135GXs and have the KD135SX-UPUs which have a junction box...and cost more. --Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Warren Lauzon Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 8:21 AM To: al...@positiveenergysolar.com; RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] KD135 source? Last I heard they had some of the junction box versions in stock but were out of the MC4 cable version. .. Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979 Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ .. - Original Message - From: Allan Sindelar <mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com> To: RE-wrenches <mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 8:14 PM Subject: [RE-wrenches] KD135 source? Wrenches, A distributor told me today that Kyocera is currently out of KD135s, backordered until next month. With relatively few good 12V modules available these days, anyone know of a good distributor with KC125, KC130, or KD135s in current stock? Thank you, Allan --
Re: [RE-wrenches] low voltage modules in high voltage applications
Well, the humor IS excellent, but what is at stake here is nipping 'projects' like this in the bud. Solar electric systems, in general, have an excellent safety record, and we do not need some cheap-a$$ outfit (or DIY'ers) doing our industry a misjustice that may be widely publicized. I get requests for 'grid tie inverters' (batteryless) 'for my home-made wind generator' nearly every dayand fellows who are 'building their own solar modules' and want to know how to 'make money off their utility'. It's all about education and many of these folks (and unfortunately some if not many electricians) are pretty clueless. Just putting my thoughts about this out there. It would be very wise to avoid property damage or loss of life. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 www.oasismontana.com -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 5:40 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] low voltage modules in high voltage applications Is there any way someone could get a picture of this installation for the "Hall of flame" gallery ? I can just see those separate wires going through the roof, but I can't print it. boB -- My local solar competition and long time friend Ken Schaal (who is also on this list) called today to say this guy had also tried to get his help. Ken knows where this building is located and will try and get some before the fire photos. Jeff Yago DTI Solar P.S. All the other comments were very funny, especially the walk lights and calculators. Nice to see folks have a sense of humor. List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Whats with Kyocera
Sunwize may not be the cheapest but their service runs from good to doggone excellent. And they stock quite the variety of module sizes. Chris Daum Oasis Montaba Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 6:08 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Whats with Kyocera Same here. We have a bunch of solar powered DC sign lighting comming up and due to long lead time on quality top-of-pole mounting hardware we ordered some nice custom mounts for 40 to 80 watt Kyocera modules at same time we ordered the modules. They never called back, never responded to our order, never responded to my emails. I like their smaller wattage battery charging modules, but order from other manufacturers when we need the 175 to 210 watt modules. Sounds like we are going to need to find another manufactuer when we need 40 to 80 watt nmodules. Jeff Yago _ Netscape. Just the Net You Need. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] SPAM-LOW: Re: Whats with Kyocera
Yes. They are high quality; their modules under 24W have a 10 year output warranty and their OEM line offers a 20 year, 80 output warranty. The rest (SW Series) offer the standard 25 year output warranty. --Chris @ the Oasis Montana -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dan Fink Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 6:36 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: SPAM-LOW: Re: [RE-wrenches] Whats with Kyocera Chris and other Wrenches; Have any of you tried the smaller (<100 watt) PV modules from Sunwize? I believe the brand name is Yingli and they are from China. Same question with the small modules from AEE Solar under their brand name. Because I work only with off-grid systems in very remote locations, it's crucial to have a steady supply of smaller modules, and it has been getting tricky. DAN FINK Buckville Energy Consulting LLC http://www.buckville.com/ Chris Daum wrote: > Sunwize may not be the cheapest but their service runs from good to > doggone excellent. And they stock quite the variety of module sizes. > > Chris Daum > Oasis Montana Inc. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] PV solar powered pond aeration compressor
Check out Keeton Industries, http://www.keetonaquatics.com Good folks! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dana Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 6:54 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: SPAM-LOW: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV solar powered pond aeration compressor Larry - Google search for pond aeration equipment. I cannot recall but Denver, CO or somewhere slightly north of there. Thanks, Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 web - www.solarwork.com Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988" -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 6:32 PM To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV solar powered pond aeration compressor Greetings Wrenches, I am looking for a DC motor, oil-less, continuos duty air compressor to use for a pond aeration system. Higher voltage DC preferred for direct PV module power. I'm not sure how to calculate the pressure and volume needed but a similar 120vac pump draws about 1200 watts and delivers about 9 CFM. I assume that the same wattage DC motor would mean comparable air supply. Any experiences out there? Thanks, Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar Power Systems ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] BIG dual axis trackers
Dear people: Does anyone have a line on a really large dual axis tracker--something that would hold 25 or 30 modules in the ~250W range? I've seen some really big commercial units, but I have a client wanting a dual axis tracker that'll hold 25 of the Helios 255s. THANKS! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Security cameras for off grid home: Who has a low wattage solution?
Dear people: I have a neighbor who's been vandalized twice to the tune of thousands of dollars. He is a nice guy who's only at his Montana home for 5 weeks out of the year. We have dumb kids in the neighborhood with too much time on their hands. I too am looking forward to all your ideas for remote monitoring in a cost-effective manner. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jason Szumlanski Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2013 7:04 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Security cameras for off grid home: Who has a low wattage solution? This is not a full answer to your question, but I wanted to point out that live remote viewing is not a 24/7 need usually. I have set up a monitoring solution where the router, wifi, modem shut down on a timer at night and a DVR captures camera video from selected night cameras with IR. This can cut the energy requirement dramatically. If you do not need to send video over the Internet at times, this might be something to explore. There are plenty of PCs that draw far less than 100W, but I'm guessing it needs a PCI card for the camera input. That's a bummer. A laptop would be ideal. I am interested if anyone has any low power consumption ideas. Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar On Tue, Aug 6, 2013 at 7:41 PM, Mick Abraham wrote: Hello, all~ My client likes to watch what's going on at his remote cabin while he's away. The problem is the energy impact on his battery system resulting from the presently deployed system. + They're running a Windows XP desktop computer, circa 2010. That has software loaded which collects the video from about five cameras then the computer sequences that data out beyond the firewall, through the satellite modem, uplinked to Hughesnet then eventually can be viewed by my client far away. It's amazing this can work at all but just the computer box is ~100 watts running, 24/7. The cameras are relatively low in their wattage demand, and of course there's the satellite modem plus a router for the LAN "local area network" which are also relatively low wattage. If we were attempting "energy triage", the satellite modem and LAN wifi router are most justifiable in terms of their energy impact relative to the benefit my client receives while at the cabin. The cameras are next most justifiable but of course those are useless without some way to serve the data, but the power demand for that computer is making me cranky...and we don't want cranky. + I think beginning with the Windoze operating system is one of the errors here but of course the video software is built for that OS. Surely someone sells a video streamer that's built from the ground up for this purpose and maybe running Java or some other code that's more appropriate to this solitary task. ...and surely that only needs a small percentage of the power demanded by a full blown Windows box. OK, I've done my part in describing the challenge. Now it's up to the crew to name that product! Just kidding; I will do some more legwork but it's often the case that the Wrenchies have already invented the wheel. The Wrench List is the Bomb! Thanks & Jolliness, Mick Abraham, Proprietor www.abrahamsolar.com Voice: 970-731-4675 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Sundanzer questions
Wrenches: We've sold perhaps 10 of the Sundanzer fridges & freezers, with no complaints other than one customer with a broken handle (which he said was poorly designed). It was nearly a year to get a replacement. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of frenergy Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 9:31 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Sundanzer questions I asked a dealer friend of mine in Southern British Columbia of his experience with Sundanzer and got this response: I have sold only 7 of the 8cuFt. SunDanzers and know of two other owned by an electrician. No complaints from anyone and I have no experience with manufacturer support other than ordering them. Their conservation of electricity performance is excellent, but don't put an Elk in the freezer and expect it to freeze within a short time. The compressor is small and it freezes slowly. Kip Drobish Oso Renewable Energy So wrenches beware of stuffing an elk in your Sundanzer. Or, Man, that's a deal breaker, I can't stuff an elk in my freezer. Or, the other day I was stuffing an elk in my Sundanzer and the door wouldn't close with those dang legs sticking up. Or. Sorry, couldn't resist. Bill Feather River Solar Electric - Original Message - From: Brian <mailto:br...@solarenergy.org> Mehalic To: RE-wrenches <mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 7:42 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Sundanzer questions SEI has one at our lab yard for student use that has been working fine for a handful of years; and we donated one to the local brewery that has been "chugging" (pun intended!) along fine for about 2 years now. Brian Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation ProfessionalT R031508-59 IREC ISPQ Certified Affiliated Instructor/PV US-0132 PV Curriculum Developer and Instructor Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org On Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 10:39 AM, Jonathan Hill wrote: We've sold about 100 or so with no problems! Jonny Hill Solar applications engineer 530-559-3781 solar...@gmail.com On Sep 11, 2013, at 12:53 PM, jay peltz wrote: Hi Allan I've had mine for 4-5 years now, no issues 12 cuft, freezer, running on DC Jay Peltz power On Sep 11, 2013, at 12:27 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote: Wrenches. We have sold four Sundanzer chest refrigerators or freezers over the last ten years. All have worked without a hitch. Today I got a call from a customer asking about DC refrigerators; when I mentioned Sundanzer, she stopped me. She said the reviews on Amazon convinced her not to buy one. I checked the reviews; of nine (among all four chest models), I read five 5-star, one 4-star, one 3-star, and two 1-star. The 1- and 3-star reviews were about both failure of the units and lack of support from the manufacturer. So I'm curious: who has sold many of these? How have they performed? And what has been your experience with dealer support? Thanks, Allan -- Allan Sindelar <mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com> al...@positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Founder and Chief Technology Officer Positive Energy, Inc., a Certified B CorporationTM 3209 Richards Lane Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/> www.positiveenergysolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load?
Hello Wrenches: Ok, here's one for you. We have a customer whose utility provider is L.A. Dept. of Water & Power; he's getting ready to install his battery-based grid-tie system with a Radian inverter, load center, HUB4, eight - 250W modulesetc. But the inspector is calling foul, saying his 'battery bank is a parasitic load" -- the inspector also claims that the battery bank is a "generator" so he must utilize a straight grid-tie inverter (5KW Power One) and make this an AC coupled system to be legal. The question then becomes; does the PowerOne GT5kW inverter play nicely with the Outback Radian when the Radian is the BB Inverter? Maybe there is a way to save our customer the cost of the new PowerOne inverter if we configure the Radian differently? Any advice or suggestions that you can offer would be most helpful! And is anyone else running into this? It just seems crazy. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load?
Brian: The LADWP engineer (Tony Ramirez) advised the inspector (Brenden Owens) who told my customer (who, ironically, is retired from working at LADWP) that he couldn't have a straight battery-based system. And has to interface his system with a batteryless grid-tie inverter. You know any of these guys? Got any clout with them? --Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Brian Teitelbaum Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 2:13 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load? Chris, Is that the "inspector" saying that, or the LADWP rep? Brian Teitelbaum AEE Solar From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Chris Daum Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 12:41 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load? Hello Wrenches: Ok, here's one for you. We have a customer whose utility provider is L.A. Dept. of Water & Power; he's getting ready to install his battery-based grid-tie system with a Radian inverter, load center, HUB4, eight - 250W modulesetc. But the inspector is calling foul, saying his 'battery bank is a parasitic load" -- the inspector also claims that the battery bank is a "generator" so he must utilize a straight grid-tie inverter (5KW Power One) and make this an AC coupled system to be legal. The question then becomes; does the PowerOne GT5kW inverter play nicely with the Outback Radian when the Radian is the BB Inverter? Maybe there is a way to save our customer the cost of the new PowerOne inverter if we configure the Radian differently? Any advice or suggestions that you can offer would be most helpful! And is anyone else running into this? It just seems crazy. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load?
Allan: I know, THAT is a major concern of mine. Is anyone else having this problem? I'd hoped there would, by now be a national/federal "agreement" on what constitutes a save battery based grid-tie system, but I guess we're not there yet --Chris @ the Oasis MT _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan Sindelar Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 4:20 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load? Chris, This issue is being covered in the RE media quite actively, as threats to industry success such as these can set precedents in other states. Check out http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/fight-over-battery-backed-solar- in-southern-california?utm_source=Solar <http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/fight-over-battery-backed-solar -in-southern-california?utm_source=Solar&utm_medium=Picture&utm_campaign=GTM Daily> &utm_medium=Picture&utm_campaign=GTMDaily. That's from this week. Allan Allan Sindelar <mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com> al...@positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Founder, Positive Energy, Inc. A Certified B CorporationTM 3209 Richards Lane Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/> www.positiveenergysolar.com On 9/24/2013 2:32 PM, Chris Daum wrote: Brian: The LADWP engineer (Tony Ramirez) advised the inspector (Brenden Owens) who told my customer (who, ironically, is retired from working at LADWP) that he couldn't have a straight battery-based system. And has to interface his system with a batteryless grid-tie inverter. You know any of these guys? Got any clout with them? --Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Brian Teitelbaum Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 2:13 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load? Chris, Is that the "inspector" saying that, or the LADWP rep? Brian Teitelbaum AEE Solar From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Chris Daum Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 12:41 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load? Hello Wrenches: Ok, here's one for you. We have a customer whose utility provider is L.A. Dept. of Water & Power; he's getting ready to install his battery-based grid-tie system with a Radian inverter, load center, HUB4, eight - 250W modulesetc. But the inspector is calling foul, saying his 'battery bank is a parasitic load" -- the inspector also claims that the battery bank is a "generator" so he must utilize a straight grid-tie inverter (5KW Power One) and make this an AC coupled system to be legal. The question then becomes; does the PowerOne GT5kW inverter play nicely with the Outback Radian when the Radian is the BB Inverter? Maybe there is a way to save our customer the cost of the new PowerOne inverter if we configure the Radian differently? Any advice or suggestions that you can offer would be most helpful! And is anyone else running into this? It just seems crazy. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load?
Well, does anyone know if the Power One Inverter will integrate with the Radian? Any special issues/considerations? We aren't getting a lot of information from the Power One folks..... Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of toddc...@finestplanet.com Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 4:49 PM To: RE-wrenches Cc: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load? "As SCE wrote in a July memo for solar and storage contractors (PDF <https://www.sce.com/wps/wcm/connect/7bfb9fcc-b277-4646-9ac2-7700e03914bf/Ba ttery_Backed_Storage_NEM_Eligibility.pdf?MOD=AJPERES> ), "if a renewable generator is modified so that the battery storage system is integrated into the generator, SCE cannot separately meter the energy from the renewable PV generator and the non-renewable battery." this is bullshit! most all of the grid-tie systems i do here (in unreilable norcal power area) incorporate battery backup... and they are all metered with kv2c meters which accurately detail power generated by the system AND battery consumption... usually around 5 kWh a year. sigh! todd On Tuesday, September 24, 2013 3:37pm, "Chris Daum" said: Allan: I know, THAT is a major concern of mine. Is anyone else having this problem? I'd hoped there would, by now be a national/federal "agreement" on what constitutes a save battery based grid-tie system, but I guess we're not there yet --Chris @ the Oasis MT _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan Sindelar Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 4:20 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load? Chris, This issue is being covered in the RE media quite actively, as threats to industry success such as these can set precedents in other states. Check out http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/fight-over-battery-backed-solar- in-southern-california?utm_source=Solar <http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/fight-over-battery-backed-solar -in-southern-california?utm_source=Solar&utm_medium=Picture&utm_campaign=GTM Daily> &utm_medium=Picture&utm_campaign=GTMDaily. That's from this week. Allan Allan Sindelar <mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com> al...@positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Founder, Positive Energy, Inc. A Certified B CorporationTM 3209 Richards Lane Santa Fe, New Mexico87507 505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/> www.positiveenergysolar.com On 9/24/2013 2:32 PM, Chris Daum wrote: Brian: The LADWP engineer (Tony Ramirez) advised the inspector (Brenden Owens) who told my customer (who, ironically, is retired from working at LADWP) that he couldn't have a straight battery-based system. And has to interface his system with a batteryless grid-tie inverter. You know any of these guys? Got any clout with them? --Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Brian Teitelbaum Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 2:13 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load? Chris, Is that the "inspector" saying that, or the LADWP rep? Brian Teitelbaum AEE Solar From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Chris Daum Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 12:41 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [RE-wrenches] Utilities see battery bank as parasitic load? Hello Wrenches: Ok, here's one for you. We have a customer whose utility provider is L.A. Dept. of Water & Power; he's getting ready to install his battery-based grid-tie system with a Radian inverter, load center, HUB4, eight - 250W modulesetc. But the inspector is calling foul, saying his 'battery bank is a parasitic load" -- the inspector also claims that the battery bank is a "generator" so he must utilize a straight grid-tie inverter (5KW Power One) and make this an AC coupled system to be legal. The question then becomes; does the PowerOne GT5kW inverter play nicely with the Outback Radian when the Radian is the BB Inverter? Maybe there is a way to save our customer the cost of the new PowerOne inverter if we configure the Radian differently? Any advice or suggestions that you can offer would be most helpful! And is anyone else running into this? It just seems crazy. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax
Re: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc.
Kirk: My last warranty contact was Tracy Cox at 301-698-4307, cox...@bp.com, but I'm not sure how current that information is. I've had regular BP/Solarex warranty problems over the years (since 1990 or so), and it's seemed like they were generally slow to respond before they stepped up to the plate. Thus, they've never been a desirable module to sell, IMO. GOOD LUCK. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk Herander Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 3:33 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] BP solar warranty contact etc. Hey folks, I'm in the middle of re-commissioning properly(megger, curve tracer, etc.) a 45 kw system that I installed using BP SX170B panels in the Spring of 2006. I have found 5 strings so far with 0 Voc, and 2 strings with a good Voc but 0 current when the inverter is operating. I have noticed small brown burn marks on the face of a few panels where the junction box and/or bypass diodes are (haven't looked at every panel yet). I understand that these panels are now showing problems elsewhere in the field. If one of you familiar could pass me the present BP warranty contact, that would be great. Also any real-life experience / two-cents worth with your dealings with BP and this problem would help also. Thanks. Kirk Herander VT Solar, LLC dba Vermont Solar Engineering NABCEPTM Certified Inaugural Certificant NYSERDA-eligible Installer VT RE Incentive Program Partner 802.863.1202 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Return on investment information
Dear wrenches: We are bidding a job for a thrifty fellow; it's a small commercial system (7.2KW array), and he's interested on the figures relating to his return on investment. Does anyone have any link or software where we can crunch the numbers and get him an idea of his real ROI? Besides the 30% federal incentive, there is also a one-time state tax incentive as well as a grant from the local utility Thanks as always for your brain power! Chris Daum, Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309, www.oasismontana.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Looking to replace a broken module
Dear people: I have a fellow looking for a single BP SX 150 (actually 140); one got schmucked in his array. Anybody have one? Feel free to contact me off list. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Generator-Inverter system needs help
Wrenches: I got an inquiry today from a fellow in Lead, SD, 57754, who had a system installed at his remote cabin (in the Black Hills)... He really needs someone more local to troubleshoot for him; if anyone does work there or can recommend someone to help this guy, please contact me off list. Thanks! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Flickering LED lights on and Outback Dual 7248VFXsystem
We have a variety of LEDs, cheap, expensive, etcetera -- but no dimmers. We have shown no sign of flickering in any of them off our Radian inverter. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of toddc...@finestplanet.com Sent: Monday, January 06, 2014 9:10 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Flickering LED lights on and Outback Dual 7248VFXsystem the only ones i have on a dimmer are in the bathroom and they flicker. being we are grid tied (GVFX-3648) and the grid is up, i suspect this is because of a bad dimmer/lamp combo. anyone find the RFI from led lamps a problem? i have to shut all mine off when using the 2 meter ham rig. todd On Monday, January 6, 2014 7:56pm, "frenergy" said: Another $.02 I have 2, FX3524's and 35 KWhrs of HUP's behind themjust cleaned and torqued the terminals/cables. I run 6-7 brands, sizes, styles of LEDS and some of them of them flicker while, in my case, the convection oven is running. It quickly pulses (~10-20 times/second) to maintain a temperature. Fridge is DC. The less expensive off-brand LEDs flicker, the big name brands don't. Bill ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacement for Whisper 500
Check out Matt Tritt -- he's the Kestrel rep in the states now. windyma...@gmail.com He'll treat you right. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Nathan Stumpff Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 12:56 PM To: 're-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org' Subject: [RE-wrenches] Replacement for Whisper 500 Wrenches, A client of ours recently had a catastrophic failure of his Whisper 500 turbine (weld completely failed, turbine destroyed, very ugly) and is in the market for a replacement. Any recommendations out there for a good, quality unit in a similar size range of 3 kW? It is a 48V off-grid system. Any experience, positive or negative with the Luminous branded Whisper 500 units? Given previous experiences with the SouthWest units and the nature of this particular failure I am reluctant to recommend going that route unless Luminous has done some serious upgrades. Our client wants to salvage as much as possible, and I am having a hard time coming up with anything that would come close to being able to use with his existing tower, 80' guyed SouthWest make. As always, much appreciated, -Nathan -- Nathan J. Stumpff NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional #091209-175 NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer #032412-14 Project Manager | Arctic Sun, LLC <mailto:nat...@arcticsun-llc.com> nat...@arcticsun-llc.com | (907) 457-1297 <http://www.reina-llc.com/> www.reina-llc.com | <http://www.arcticsun-llc.com/> www.arcticsun-llc.com <http://www.facebook.com/ArcticSunLLC> Description: ZA102637861 <>___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Bergey Excel 1 wind generator issues
Hello Wrenches: We have a customer who's got one of the Excel One wind gennies, and he's burnt up two Classic controllers (overvoltagethe 2nd time it got over 400V before it burnt up). Bergey's been dragging their feet as to why this is happening; they're saying it's probably an "upslope site" where the RPM just gets too high, among other things. Metering tests prove that the stator is OK. They also said that Midnite Solar has a 'clipper' to prevent overvoltage; do any of you have any experience with this device? It's ~$1200, and of course there is no mention of this on Bergey's web site or in their XL.1 manual. I have several other XL.1s in the general area, but they are on their old 24V controller. So I am looking for more information on anyone who's using this 'clipper'. Please feel free to contact me off list. Thanks! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Bergey Excel 1 wind generator issues
Folks: While I am sure the Clipper would be the fix now, I would've really appreciated knowing that at the onset instead of having Bergey tell me (in a very slow fashion) that my customer's site must be too harsh, too much turbulence, or perhaps the bird's not furling as it should. It rather seems like their current set-up without the Clipper really isn't ready for prime time. Actually it's a great site, clean direct wind, no upslope turbulence, the XL-1 furls as it should, and it worked great for two months before it burnt up the first controller. Other XL-1s in the area (with the old 24V controller) work fine. So I am trying to find a fix for my customer without having to spend ~$1200. That is the current (no pun intended) delimma. --Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of All Solar, Inc. Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 7:56 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Bergey Excel 1 wind generator issues Ray, Are you referring to Midnite's wind turbine control box, which is what comes with the Bergey? It does not include any diversion for slowing the turbine. I questioned why they did not use the clipper, but did not really get an answer. We have installed 2 of the Excel 1s in the last 6 months with no problems. I also believe the clipper would take care of it, just have no experience with it yet. Jeremy Rodriguez, President All Solar, Inc. 1463 M Penrose Colorado 81240 719-372-3808 office 719-372-3804 fax www.asolarelectric.com Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand! On Feb 19, 2014, at 2:27 PM, Ray Walters wrote: We've done some research on this, as we're doing an XL.1 project at 12 v right now. I don't have first hand experience with the Clipper yet, but I have over a decade of XL.1 experience and many years with Midnite's electronics. The Clipper is exactly what is needed. It also moves the rectifier down to the ground, and offers a braking disconnect system to shut the turbine down completely if needed. The Classic by itself isn't really controlling the turbine speed, and counting on the XL,1 mechanical governing design by itself is definitely full hardy. Unfortunately, Bergey's new staff is not really up to full speed yet on what is needed to make their turbines work long term. At least they've abandoned the old XL.1 controller. Hopefully the turbine itself hasn't changed too much; I've seen them survive some very high speed winds and direct lightning strikes. R.Ray Walters CTO, Solarray, Inc Nabcep Certified PV Installer, Licensed Master Electrician Solar Design Engineer 303 505-8760 On 2/19/2014 1:39 PM, Chris Daum wrote: Hello Wrenches: We have a customer who's got one of the Excel One wind gennies, and he's burnt up two Classic controllers (overvoltagethe 2nd time it got over 400V before it burnt up). Bergey's been dragging their feet as to why this is happening; they're saying it's probably an "upslope site" where the RPM just gets too high, among other things. Metering tests prove that the stator is OK. They also said that Midnite Solar has a 'clipper' to prevent overvoltage; do any of you have any experience with this device? It's ~$1200, and of course there is no mention of this on Bergey's web site or in their XL.1 manual. I have several other XL.1s in the general area, but they are on their old 24V controller. So I am looking for more information on anyone who's using this 'clipper'. Please feel free to contact me off list. Thanks! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] OutBack Power Radian Grid Zero GS4048A or GS8048A
Dear people: We have a customer (and ironically, a former employee of LADPW) who has been dragged through the dirt on his GS8048 system. Basically they insisted that he purchase a straight grid-tie inverter SMA5000). There is something wrong with the way LADWP is dealing with these systems; they called my client's battery bank a 'parasitic load'! It's enough to drive you crazy. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. -Original Message- From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Peter Parrish Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2014 11:39 AM To: 'RE-wrenches' Cc: t...@ecs-solar.com Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] OutBack Power Radian Grid Zero GS4048A or GS8048A Hi Tom et al, I am sorry that I can't help you. We have just installed a GS8048 (not an "A" model as I understand things) system and are having some difficulty with Los Angeles Dept of Water and Power getting an Interconnection Agreement. They have assigned an engineer to review our application and he had responded by saying that "In addition to the information already submitted I will need the modes of operations of the system you are installing by that I mean the schematic of each different mode. I have attached a typical sample of Grid On & Grid Off. However I will need the all modes pertaining to your system configuration. Normally, there are 4-8. Please send your modes in PDF or CAD. Also please indicate the lines that are "hot" in bold and arrows to illustrate the flow." It is clear that this engineer has little experience with DC coupled grid tied systems with battery backup, as he sent me a couple of single line diagrams for a Sunny Island system and is reluctant to provide us with an example or two for a DC coupled system. I am surprised that LADWP has not developed any standard system configurations / modes of operations that they can share with solar contractors so that we can respond without having to spend a great deal of time developing material that may in the end not be what they want. To this end, I was interested in how much information you had gathered in the process of designing/installing the system you refer to. I would appreciate any technical advice /documentation you could provide. Warm Regards Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D. President, SolarGnosis 1107 Fair Oaks Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91107 Ph. (323) 839-6108, Fax. (323) 258-8827 -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Tom Lane Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2014 12:02 PM To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] OutBack Power Radian Grid Zero GS4048A or GS8048A Fellow Wrenches , has anyone put in an OutBack Power Grid Zero GS4048A or GS8048A in the Grid Zero mode . I am interested which appliances or loads that you choose for the sub panel . I understand that you DO NOT have to get an interconnection agreement SINCE you are sending ZERO back to the utility . My estimate that a complete system cost about $1.33 to $1.55 dollars more per watt . Does anyone know of a complete story INCLUDING loads chosen and batteries used in an installed system . We need to get ready to use this system in Florida as the utilities are paying off all the legislators to stop net metering or only give you about a pittance for what you sell back . Any real life installations on the OutBack Power Grid Zero I really want to know the details . Thanks and Happy Trails . Gator Tom PS : I understand you can use the MidNite Classic Charge Controllers with this system and any battery bank from 44 to 64 volts of any type of battery . I am using Full River in my des igns . Be happy to send a components list for both systems to anyone who wants the components , got two homes in Florida we are planning to use the GS4048A just a little anxious about choosing the loads for the subpanel . ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out 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: [RE-wrenches] Lightning Damage - Need Replacements (Correction)
So, was their not enough moisture around the ground rods? That's an issue here, in our semi-arid climate, but I tell people to run their hoses where their grounds areor plug their grounds into their drainfields, whatever works (or attach to well casings, as you all know). Where is the location of this system? Sorry so much stuff burnt up. Lightning is a wierd beast, and it DOES strike twice or even more often in many locations. Chris Daum Oasis Montana _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of toddc...@finestplanet.com Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2014 4:53 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Lightning Damage - Need Replacements (Correction) on an educational note dan, can you further detail the lightning protection equipment which was incorporated into the system? specifically if spd's were in the system? i have installed several midnight spd's and am curious how they do in real world situations like this. thanks, todd On Sunday, June 15, 2014 2:22pm, "Exeltech" said: > Wrenches, > > My apologies for an error. When I was given information about the > lightning-damaged equipment a few days ago, my friend was understandably a bit > rattled after a direct lightning hit to his home, and inadvertently provided > incorrect model numbers for the Outback charge controllers. The correct models > are listed below. (As an added update, almost everything electrical in his home > was destroyed. He said wall cubes for his router and weather stations "exploded", > with only small pieces scattered around to be swept up.) > > Thank you. > > Dan > > > > A friend of mine experienced the destruction of major parts of his system in a > recent lightning storm. Everything was extensively grounded and protected, but he > lives in an area with very high soil resistivity, so good earth ground is very > difficult to achieve. (The lightning hit his wind turbine tower directly. > Remarkably, his Bergey 10 kW survived, but everything else in his system got > fried.) > > He's looking for: > > * Two Xantrex XW6048-120/240-60 inverters. They are beyond repair. > * One Outback FX60 > * One Outback FX80 > > New-old stock or used but in good working condition units are preferred. (No > failed/repaired units please.) > > If anyone has any of these units available, or you know of any that are available, > please contact me off-list. > > > Thank you. > > > Dan Lepinski > > > ___ > 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 > > Sent from Finest Planet WebMail. ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] 2v metal cased cells
IBE (Industrial Battery Engineering) for one; 800-654-8889. They have a crap web site but are great batteries. Ask for Derek. -Original Message- From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of jay peltz Sent: Friday, July 11, 2014 9:52 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] 2v metal cased cells Hi All, I'm wondering what options people are using for steel cased individual 2v industrial cells. thanks jay ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Xantrex Prosine 1800/12 inverter w/ GFCI
Anybody have one laying around they'd like to part with? My customer would prefer new if possible Please contact me off list. Thanks! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Grid-tie inverter for wind generator
Hello Wrenches: I have an inquiry from a fellow with a 48V wind generator (it puts out between 48 and 60VDC). It's an old Cyclone, originally made in Canada. He's wanting a grid-tie inverter to lessen his electrical bill; I know he could use an Outback but he doesn't want to fool with batteries. Anyone got any ideas what inverter might work for him? Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid-tie inverter for wind generator
Hah! What about Midnight Solar's Clipper? Still, combining that with a grid-tie inverter will undoubtedly be more than he wants to spend! Thanks for the input, Roy. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Roy Butler Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 6:10 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid-tie inverter for wind generator And with most all of these grid tie wind inverters, they rely heavily on an external voltage clamp/ limiter. With the Aurora it was the MWI interface. I don't believe these are available anymore. Grid-tie wind inverters are getting almost as hard to find as affordable 72 cell replacement modules ;-) Roy Butler NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerR NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer IREC Certified Master TrainerT for Small Wind Installer Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC 8902 Route 46, Arkport, NY 14807 607-324-9747 www.four-winds-energy.com Don't miss the Annual Small Wind Conference A Gathering of Installers, Manufacturers, Dealers, & Distributors Every June in Stevens Point, Wisconsin www.smallwindconference.com Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced. On 9/4/2014 5:58 PM, b...@midnitesolar.com wrote: Power One (now ABB) had their Aurora GT inverter for wind that I believe worked down to around 48 volts. It was (is ?) an MPPT wind inverter kind of like the SMA Windy Boy was so would raise its input voltage as the wind blows faster. Now that ABB has taken over Power One, I can't seem to find this one on their web site but I probably just haven't looked long and hard enough. I hope it's still available. It did a pretty good job as I remember. boB On 9/4/2014 2:04 PM, Brian Teitelbaum wrote: Chris, What is the wattage rating of the wind turbine? And is that 48-60 VDC directly out of the turbine, or is that what comes out of the turbine's "controller"? To put that another way, are there just two wires coming out of the turbine, or three wires? Brian Teitelbaum AEE Solar From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Chris Daum Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 1:47 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [RE-wrenches] Grid-tie inverter for wind generator Hello Wrenches: I have an inquiry from a fellow with a 48V wind generator (it puts out between 48 and 60VDC). It's an old Cyclone, originally made in Canada. He's wanting a grid-tie inverter to lessen his electrical bill; I know he could use an Outback but he doesn't want to fool with batteries. Anyone got any ideas what inverter might work for him? Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid-tie inverter for wind generator
One killowatt, and three wire. He's been using it with some heating elements as a dump load, to make hot water. And he just sent me a picture -- heck, it's on something like a 20 ft. pole, so no wonder it's not making much power! Also he doesn't want to spend a lot of money, so I suspect the Aurora (which would be a pretty good deal) will still be too costly for him. His machine's output is put through rectifiers to make the battery voltage. --Chris @ the Oasis Montana _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Brian Teitelbaum Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 3:04 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid-tie inverter for wind generator Chris, What is the wattage rating of the wind turbine? And is that 48-60 VDC directly out of the turbine, or is that what comes out of the turbine's "controller"? To put that another way, are there just two wires coming out of the turbine, or three wires? Brian Teitelbaum AEE Solar From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Chris Daum Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 1:47 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [RE-wrenches] Grid-tie inverter for wind generator Hello Wrenches: I have an inquiry from a fellow with a 48V wind generator (it puts out between 48 and 60VDC). It's an old Cyclone, originally made in Canada. He's wanting a grid-tie inverter to lessen his electrical bill; I know he could use an Outback but he doesn't want to fool with batteries. Anyone got any ideas what inverter might work for him? Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid-tie inverter for wind generator
Already figured that out (oh yeah, and he is cheap besides!) Have a great weekend! _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher,Starlight Solar Power Systems Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2014 10:17 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid-tie inverter for wind generator Chris, I would not touch that with a20 foot pole. It will never work right and he will assign you the blame when he sees his electric bill go down by $1 per month. Larry On Sep 5, 2014, at 9:42 AM, Chris Daum wrote: One killowatt, and three wire. He's been using it with some heating elements as a dump load, to make hot water. And he just sent me a picture -- heck, it's on something like a 20 ft. pole, so no wonder it's not making much power! Also he doesn't want to spend a lot of money, so I suspect the Aurora (which would be a pretty good deal) will still be too costly for him. His machine's output is put through rectifiers to make the battery voltage. --Chris @ the Oasis Montana ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] FW: Poletop rack with easy tilt change...anybody gotthat?
Dear people: We've put up a couple of Jordan Solar's two-pole racks; easy to adjust, sturdy and nice-looking. The first pic on his website has a nice pic of the adjuster on a large array. http://www.jordansolar.net/ These folks are located in NW MT. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of jay peltz Sent: Monday, September 08, 2014 8:19 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Poletop rack with easy tilt change...anybody gotthat? Hi Mick, I"ve been using General Specialites out of Idaho for the larger ones. http://generalspecialties.biz/ They have a geared winch option for the larger ones. Very solid design. jay peltz power DP&W makes an off price list option that is some type of mechanical adjustment. It has to be ordered beforehand and can't be retrofit. From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mick Abraham Sent: Monday, September 08, 2014 10:11 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Poletop rack with easy tilt change...anybody got that? On Sep 8, 2014, at 8:11 AM, Mick Abraham wrote: Hi, My client wants one of the larger "top of pole" racks but we all know that adjusting the tilt on those is not easy once they're loaded with glass. Does anyone make a poletop rack with a geared adjustment which could be cranked by hand? OR: how about a satellite dish actuator to which power is applied to change the tilt? OR: Does the esteemed Wrench List have other options or suggestions to consider? Thanks as always. The Wrench List is the Bomb! Mick Abraham, Proprietor www.abrahamsolar.com <http://www.abrahamsolar.com/> Voice: 970-731-4675 ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Kyocera module - KC167 GT
Anybody got one? If so, please contact me off list. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] New Generation Bergey XL1 Tower oopsies?
I hear Midnight Solar is working on a wind turbine that will be around 1KW output, be tough as nailsand affordable. Keep holding your breath! We've had some trouble with the XL1s not working without Midnite Solar's 'Clipper'. I don't know if it's a stator design problem, but adding the Clipper makes it a very costly installation. Just my 2 cents worth. TGIF, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of d...@foxfire-energy.com Sent: Friday, October 03, 2014 6:37 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] New Generation Bergey XL1 Tower oopsies? Anyone else out there have problems with Bergeys new generation XL1 towers? I was warned they were not as robust as the old NRG Tall towers, but we just had one fold under it's own weight when we were trying to lower it. It had been involved in several lightening strikes. We had it about 1/4 of the way down, the guys sets were all loose. It had a typical bow, but that usually straightens out the more gravity takes over. We've had several collapse from lightening alone. But this is the first that fell apart after we started lowering it. I'm hearing small residential wind is on the ropes, and few tower manufacturers are willing to admit problems. Any war stories would be appreciated. Thanks. db Dan Brown Foxfire Energy Corp. Renewable Energy Systems (802)-483-2564 www.Foxfire-Energy.com NABCEP #092907-44 ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] SWRC for older Power Series inverter
Dear people: Does anyone have the RC option for the old Trace power series inverter? I have a customer looking for one; you can't change any of the settings without it. Feel free to contact me off list. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Spare SW4024 anyone?
Hi folks: My installer/electrician is trying to find a used Trace SW4024, circa around 2008 date of manufacture. Does anyone have one they wish to sell? To make a long story short, at this juncture it would be easier for him to swap it out for our customer rather than upgrade to a different make. Feel free to contact me off list. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax <http://www.oasismontana.com> www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Spare SW4024 anyone?
Thanks everyone! My electrician has like 5 leads for a good used SW4024. The wrenches come through again! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of All Solar, Inc. Sent: Monday, December 22, 2014 5:39 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Spare SW4024 anyone? One Stop Custom Shop Colorado Springs, CO (719) 495-2740 Also, I'll check with a friend that may have two for sale. Jeremy Rodriguez, President All Solar, Inc. 1463 M Penrose Colorado 81240 719-372-3808 office 719-372-3804 fax www.asolarelectric.com Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand! On Dec 22, 2014, at 8:09 AM, "Chris Daum" wrote: Hi folks: My installer/electrician is trying to find a used Trace SW4024, circa around 2008 date of manufacture. Does anyone have one they wish to sell? To make a long story short, at this juncture it would be easier for him to swap it out for our customer rather than upgrade to a different make. Feel free to contact me off list. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax <http://www.oasismontana.com> www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Spare SW4024 anyone?
Not looking for a repair, but a replacement. I know where they can be fixed. Chris Daum Oasis Montana _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan Sindelar Sent: Monday, December 22, 2014 4:58 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Spare SW4024 anyone? This is from a post on this topic just over a year ago. I saved the message but have no experience with them: Hi Brian, The fan drive circuit is on the control board. If the control board needs to be replaced, it could get pricey. Tekris Power Electronics in Farmingdale, NJ may be able to repair at component level, give them a call. 732-938-4996 Alternately, there are some former Trace techs that may be able to repair at a component level, you need to email them for a quote : phantompowerservices.com Regards, Eric Bentsen | Schneider Electric Allan Sindelar al...@sindelarsolar.com NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc. 505 780-2738 cell On Mon, Dec 22, 2014 at 5:09 AM, Chris Daum wrote: Hi folks: My installer/electrician is trying to find a used Trace SW4024, circa around 2008 date of manufacture. Does anyone have one they wish to sell? To make a long story short, at this juncture it would be easier for him to swap it out for our customer rather than upgrade to a different make. Feel free to contact me off list. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax <http://www.oasismontana.com> www.oasismontana.com ___ 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: 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
[RE-wrenches] 24V Zephyr Vent Fan from a Magnum MS4024PAE inverter
Dear folks: Has anyone hooked up a battery vent fan, being turned on and off using just a Magnum MS4024PAE inverter? Is there some AUX output that can be used? Thanks as always for your help! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunwize or industrial PV modules
Try AEE, 888-840-7191 You might have to go up to 90W --Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. -Original Message- From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 11:44 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Sunwize or industrial PV modules Hello Wrenches, Does anyone know where to by small 20 to 75 Watt modules like Sunwize used to sell? They were what I considered industrial grade with a junction box. I checked with Soligent but they don't have any. Thanks, Larry ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Question on Back up generators
Hi folks: Does anyone have a half dozen or so Kyocera 54 cell modules on hand? ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Older Kyocera modules
Hi folks: Does anyone have a half dozen or so Kyocera 54 cell modules on hand? 205's or 210/s, 54 cell modules? Also any smaller modules (60 - 80W range) that are 24V nominal? THANKS and feel free to contact me offlist. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. i...@oasismontana.com 406-777-4309 ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Kyocera modules
Hi Sky: Do you have six and what would you want for them? Sincerely, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of s...@ecologicalsystems.biz Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 10:27 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Kyocera modules I have some KD205's here's a link to their spec sheet. http://www.kyocerasolar.com/assets/001/5206.pdf Sky www.EcologicalSystems.biz On Apr 21, 2015, at 5:44 PM, Chris Daum wrote: Hi folks: Does anyone have a half dozen or so Kyocera 54 cell modules on hand? ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Looking for two Kyocera KD180GX-LP (or 185s)
Hi folks: I have a customer looking for a pair to add to her array, and of course these have been discontinued for a while. Anybody got two? Feel free to contact me off list. Sincerely, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Seeking a single Sanyo module...
...an HIP195BA5. Anybody got one? If so, please contact me off list. Thanks! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] weather protection for PV
Wrenches: I'm trying to help a student who's doing some research; here's his request: Do you have something of the literature on the "Concept of the system for protection against hail tracking/moving PV power plants" (desirable and protection from the snow; and wind). The respective literature I need so that I could write a seminar and thus lay the course Project- power plants at the Technical University. This is literature that I found: <http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1274657> http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1274657 , but i need a little more information about "system protection, as well as system control and external anti-interference measures. External interference includes weather influences, such as wind, sand, rain, snow, hail, and salt damage"->this text is from the link above. Well folks? Do you know of any such information or links? Please reply off list. Sincerely, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] AGS sensitive battery charger
Dear people: I'm looking for an easy solution for battery charging off a generator, but trying to save the cost of a big inverter. I have a customer who needs to charge a 48V battery bank with a 30A charger off of a generator--but I need it to sense when the battery voltage is low, so that the "device" (charger) will automatically turn on the (2-wire start) generator and charge the batteries. I am trying to avoid the cost of, say, a Magnum 4448PAE with its AGS module, and just get a voltage sensitive battery charger. Is this doable? Any ideas? THANKS. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] AGS sensitive battery charger
Yes, but how do you integrate a sensor with an Iota? And I don't think they make a 30A (or higher would be fine, he's got a bigass generator) 48V charger I got ears, but I've never heard of such a thing. It just seems like a damn shame to buy a big inverter when I just need a decent charger with an AGS module! But I'm not technically inclined enough to rig some voltage-sensitive relay, or the like. --Chris @ the Oasis MT _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of b...@midnitesolar.com Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2015 5:29 PM To: i...@windsine.org; RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] AGS sensitive battery charger We are not really advocating doing this. It can cause nightmares in service and support. If one really knows what they are doing, it can be done (and has been done) but mere mortals should not be attempting to do this. I would get a real AC to DC charger. If IOTA isn't good enough, maybe Magnum's is ready or did I hear that the big "X" has had one or two of these for quite some time now ? Power factor corrected even ? boB On 10/15/2015 4:20 PM, Roy Rakobitsch wrote: The midnite classic 250 can do this fine. Rectify the generator 110vac to around 165vdc and feed into classic. Use Aux functions to start and stop generator based on battery voltage or SOC %. Roy Rakobitsch NABCEP Certified Small Wind InstallerR NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerR Certified Advanced Tower Climbing, Safety & Rescue Wind/PV Design Engineer Windsine LLC 631-514-4166 www.windsine.org On Oct 15, 2015 6:15 PM, "Chris Daum" wrote: Dear people: I'm looking for an easy solution for battery charging off a generator, but trying to save the cost of a big inverter. I have a customer who needs to charge a 48V battery bank with a 30A charger off of a generator--but I need it to sense when the battery voltage is low, so that the "device" (charger) will automatically turn on the (2-wire start) generator and charge the batteries. I am trying to avoid the cost of, say, a Magnum 4448PAE with its AGS module, and just get a voltage sensitive battery charger. Is this doable? Any ideas? THANKS. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider XW repair out of warranty
Abney Solar in Redmond, OR, 541-923-6000. If it can be fixed they can likely fix it. --Chris @ the Oasis Montana Inc. -Original Message- From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of jay Sent: Monday, October 26, 2015 4:16 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Schneider XW repair out of warranty Hi All, any Schneider XW repair locations on the west coast that folks can recommend? This is for a somewhat older XW, 24v, which is out of warranty. thanks jay peltz power ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Tis the season
Dear people: SO, is there any slick (hah!) product that makes snow accumulation on a solar array less likely to stick, or easier to slide off? As always, I appreciate your opinions. --Chris @ the snowy Oasis MT Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Searching for a Trina 235
Hi folks: I have a client searching for a silver frame Trina 235 (or something mighty similar). If you might have one available, please contact me off list. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] 5 Sanyo modules needed
Dear people: If you have any of these available for sale, please contact me off-list: (modules in order of preference) HIP-190BA3 HIP-195BA3 HIP 200BA3 HIP-205BA3 HIP 190BA19 HIP 195BA19 HIP 200BA19 HIP 205BA19 Thanks and have a great weekend, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Group thoughts on Power Perfect Box from StaticUSA
Dear people: My installer (a master electrician) thinks these are the cat's meow, so I had him install one on my home/office; my place is a battery-based grid-tie with an early model Radian inverter. Once installed (we are music lovers here) we kept hearing blips and occasional shut-downs on our stereo set-up! It was intolerable. Once removed, it was smooth as usual. Watch out for those magic boxes--they're really not so magical. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com -Original Message- From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of jay Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 5:04 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Group thoughts on Power Perfect Box from StaticUSA HI Tom, Well I saw this and had to put my 2cents in. I'm guessing from looking at the box that its just capacitors. If the caps are sized to the exact load they will increase PF, which probably reduces some harmonics. But what about our neighbors, and their loads which we'll see on our house side of the meter? But its the details. Loads from motors to LED's are all over the size and range of the caps needed so its impossible to build one for a "house" and have it work across all power/PF/load ranges. And lets go further, we don't pay for our electricity like that, so PF correction gets us no reduction in our electric bills. So the 3% is bogus. As to how it would help our GTI inverters, nope. The smart meters, don't use power line carrier but a wireless carrier, so hard to see how that would help with EMF. In the end snake oil. jay PS 20+ year ago at MREF, there were folks selling same thing. Reduce your bill etc. > On Mar 23, 2016, at 3:08 PM, Tom Lane wrote: > > Question , The Power Perfect Box www.StaticUSA.com a line > conditioning , power quality , phase quality , UL listed is used by several solar and electrical contractors . MIT reports 99 % reduction in EMF and THD , also reducing electrical energy created as heat and improves DC -to - AC inverter conversion . It is installed at the breaker panel and also acts as a surge protector . Claims made to increase solar production by 2% to 3 % and 3% reduction in electrical cost and to make LEDS , CFLS, AND APPLIANCES LAST LONGER AND reduction of heat in computers , lap tops , etc . Also stops Smart Meters from data retrieved over hard wired electrical systems and reduces EMF from Smart meters . My commercial and residential electrician with 30 years of contracting hates Smart Meters and rages about the EMF Heath threats to pregnant women , children , and old coots like me . My accountant sez it can count for the IRS credit if installed with solar for Power Conditioning . Other solar g uys are selling it and it seems to have a high ROI at $395 to a dealer . If the group believes this is snake oil or suede shoe nonsense let me know . The claims for savings are reasonable . GatorTom soon to be hiking for 5 months on the AT . > > Tom Lane - Sent from my iPad > ___ > 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: 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
[RE-wrenches] Battery charging problems
Dear people: I have an off-grid customer who has, in his system, a Magnum MS4448 and 16 of the Rolls S550 batteries, a Kohler generator (and Trimetric meter and other components). He upgraded his batteries this past March, and since he's installed his new batteries, the generator is running 'rough'. He's at a great distance from our shop so a local business helps him from time to time. They believe that the "batteries are too powerful for the 8.5 kw generator" and recommended running it at 50 percent charge control. After 3 hrs run, it seems to help but will mean more run time for his generator (and hence, use more fuel). Have you ever heard of anything like this? Everything ran fund before the battery upgrade. Thanks for your input! Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Issue with DR1512 and oven
Peerless Premier (www.premierrange.com) has offered battery-ignition ranges now for about two years -- no AC power required. They need an 8-pack of double A cells, and can also be match-lit if you don't want to fool with the batteries. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of frenergy Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 9:09 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Issue with DR1512 and oven I just installed a system for some folks that found this range with no glow bar. The oven light and the spark ignition each take 2, 9 volt batteries so zero outside electric power source. http://uniqueoffgrid.com/product/unique-elite-30-off-grid-propane-range/ Those Canadians Bill Feather River Solar Electric Bill Battagin, Owner 4291 Nelson St. Taylorsville, CA 95983 530.284.7849 CA Lic 874049 www.frenergy.net On 9/19/2016 4:43 PM, Brian Teitelbaum wrote: Solid advice from both Ray and Allan. Switching to a sine-wave inverter will solve the controller issue, but not the 300W glow bar draining the batteries. Switching to a Peerless-Premier would solve that problem, or use an old Wedgewood range like I do. My 6-burner/two oven gas Wedgewood from the early 40's works great, and will likely last for centuries, but it does take 4 gorillas to move the damn thing. It must weigh 600 lbs, although I've never weighed it. Brian AEE Solar From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan Sindelar Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 4:26 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Issue with DR1512 and oven Kristopher, Ray's advice is sound, and I'll add: that 14 year old inverter is likely to last forever, and that's not a reason to keep using it. It's almost certainly the crude waveform that's causing the issues. If range replacement remains the only option, talk with Peerless-Premier (www.premierrange.com). As of my last contact with them a few years ago, they still make unadvertised models with circuit boards that were designed for original Trace mod-square inverters and have no glow bars for the oven. Our family home has a decent Pro series (stainless front with sealed burners) with electric igniters and no glow bar. Allan Allan Sindelar <mailto:al...@sindelarsolar.com> al...@sindelarsolar.com NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc. 505 780-2738 cell On 9/19/2016 4:46 PM, Kristopher Schmid wrote: Thanks Ray, This is a circa 2002 inverter. I may just tell them to go to a pilot light stove model (hate to waste gas, ya know). Kris On Mon, Sep 19, 2016 at 5:39 PM, Ray Walters < <mailto:r...@solarray.com> r...@solarray.com> wrote: Sounds like ovens have gotten more complicated over the years. As soon as I read "control board" and modified sine wave, I cringe. The good old DR inverters worked great, I even ran my own shop on one for several years back in the 90s. I for the most part quit selling them though, as even though most equipment worked on the mod sine, we started noticing premature failures. I would attribute this to the extra heat generated by all the extra harmonic distortion. Sorry I can't recommend an oven; they probably would be better going to something older form Craig's list with no AC connection at all. R.Ray Walters CTO, Solarray, Inc Nabcep Certified PV Installer, Licensed Master Electrician Solar Design Engineer 303 505-8760 On 9/19/2016 4:35 PM, Kristopher Schmid wrote: Hi Wrenches, I have a client that has blown out 2 control boards on their oven in the last few months. The appliance is a Whirlpool Model WFG515S0EW0 powered by a Xantrex DR1512. Since this is an off-grid home, i recommended that they get an LP stove with no oven glow bar and this was the unit that the appliance company supplied. Has anyone seen this before (i am assuming incompatibility of the circuitry with the modified sine wave output)? Can you recommend another model that has been tried and true (preferably Whirlpool)? Thanks tons, Kris -- Shine On! Kris Schmid Legacy Solar, LLC 864 Clam Falls Trail Frederic, WI 54837 <http://www.legacysolar.com> www.legacysolar.com 715-653-4295 NABCEP Certified PV Installer Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician BSEE ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: <mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Arc
[RE-wrenches] gen-start module for the older SW5548+
Dear people: I have a fellow with an older Xantrex inverter (SW5548+), and am trying to find him the GSM (generator start module) for it. Does any one have one they can part with, or know where I can get one? Please contact me off list if you do. Thanks! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar World Wind Damage
Makes you wonder if we just couldn't get a manufacturer to make beefier modules for really harsh sites, eh? --Chris @ the Oasis MT _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 5:22 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar World Wind Damage Chris & Dana; Our site is a mountain in Wyoming and does have some focusing effects, so maybe 170 mph is possible. Are your arrays using top down clamps? I think that is apparently stronger, also possibly the 2011 Sanyos look to have beefier frames. However, I looked at their spec sheet and they're only rated at 60 PSF (less than the SWs). From my measurements here of Solar World 4.0 frames, I'm seeing a flange thickness of approx 1.3 mm, while an old Siemens SP 75 has 1.8 mm thick metal. I'm coming up with a fix for the Solar Worlds: 3/4 x 3/4 Stainless steel Angle fits just inside the lip of the module, and will distribute the forces more evenly. The question then is, are we just going to lose the glass next? Anyone have a currently available module that is beefier? I may recommend we swap the whole array out, if we are indeed exceeding the design of the Solar Worlds. Thanks, R.Ray Walters CTO, Solarray, Inc Nabcep Certified PV Installer, Licensed Master Electrician Solar Design Engineer 303 505-8760 On 1/12/2017 2:39 PM, Chris @ The Oasis wrote: Wrenches: We have a ~70KW ground mounted array on the Rocky Mountain front near Choteau, MT. Springs winds are not unusual with 150 to 175 MPH gusts. The system was installed in 2011 (with Sanyo 215W modules). No problems yet; we certainly over-engineered the racks, knowing what high winds there are! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 2:16 PM To: RE-wrenches Cc: Sefchick, Steve Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar World Wind Damage Hi Bill; Solar World customer support did come through yesterday with flying colors. They got hit by a big storm in the North West. Right now though, they are saying that we exceeded the 64 PSF rated loading to the back of the module. I've pointed out that that would correspond to over 170 mph winds, so I'm not quite ready to concede the warranty. Their engineering team is reviewing my information. As always, the Wrench list experience is invaluable. Are 170 mph winds possible, outside of a tornado or hurricane? Whether or not Solar World stands by their product in this extreme situation, I definitely stand by my installations. I'm taking a snow cat up to replace and reinforce the modules next week, then hopefully get a little help from my supply chain after. My repair costs will be many times the cost of one replacement module anyway. Yes, the 33 mm vs 31 mm refers to the module thickness. I don't have a version 2.5 frame to check the flange metal thickness, and it is conspicuously absent from the specs. I have a good micrometer, and I will compare metal thicknesses of several module brands, because with all the cost cutting, many module manus seems to be using thinner metal lately. As Jay pointed out, we're bolting much bigger modules down with much weaker flanges, and the same hardware we used on a 75 w module, so its not entirely surprising to start seeing high wind failures. R.Ray Walters ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Remote option for older inverter
Does anyone have a SW-RC (and 50' cable) for a Trace SW4024MC2 inverter? If you have one to part with, please contact me off list. Thanks Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] No more Enphase
Fellow Wrenches: To make a long story short, we are done with Enphase. They've refused to reimburse us for labor after replacing a faulty inverter. So, what micro-inverters are you using successfully, and how is the tech support behind it? Feel free to contact me offlist. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 or 4321 406-777-4309 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ 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
[RE-wrenches] Mitsubishi modules - need two
Hi Folks: I'm looking for two of the UD175M5F. Ayyone know where I can get these? Please contact me offlist. Thanks! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] small wind generators
Hi Folks: A really great little wind genny is a 12V or 24V Chinook, manufactured to withstand Montana's harsh winter conditions. Check 'em out at http://www.chinookturbines.com/Home.html Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Drake Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 8:17 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] small wind generators Hi Roy, It would be for a cloudy weather backup for an off grid system. From what you are saying, it doesn't sound like it will produce much. There is one on a highway weather station near here, and it spins a lot, and is only ~ 15' above the ground. Thanks, Drake At 10:04 AM 4/3/2012, you wrote: Hi Drake, The Air 403/ Air-X/ Air Breeze/ whatever it's name is now, is fairly dependable. In most wind regimes it's the equivalent of a 10 or 20 watt solar module but seems to work just fine. FYI- it's ~ 200 watts or so. It's not the quietest thing though, being a fairly high rpm turbine. But the Sunforce 600 is not a 600. The rotor diameter tells the truth, making it somewhere around a 200 - 250 watt machine. Perhaps they have the bugs worked out but when they first came out, there were many reliability and performance issues. What's the application for this? Roy Butler NABCEP Certified Small Wind InstallerR NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerR NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC 8902 Route 46, Arkport, NY 14807 607-324-9747 www.four-winds-energy.com Join us at the 8th Annual Small Wind Conference A Gathering of Installers, Manufacturers, Dealers, & Distributors June 12 and 13, 2012 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin <http://www.smallwindconference.com> www.smallwindconference.com Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced. On 4/3/2012 9:44 AM, Drake wrote: Hello Wrenches, Are the new Air 403 wind machines more reliable than in times past? I'm also looking at a Sunforce 600 W machine. How do these small turbines hold up these days? Thanks, Drake Drake Chamberlin ATHENS ELECTRIC LLC OH License 44810 CO license 3773 NABCEP Certified PV ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] small wind generators
"Historically the Air products have lasted fairly well and been moderate performers. "? Really? I seem to remember a lot of SWWP-bashing on this list not so long ago - and apparently deservedly so. After 15 or so years of selling the 303s, 403s and Air X's, I pretty much gave up on the product line (including their Whispers) as being unable to last through its warranty period without mucho problems. Are y'all telling me this has changed? Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher,Starlight Solar Power Systems Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 11:20 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] small wind generators SWWP has changed their turbines again. They are now called the the Air 30, Air 40 and Air Breeze. The 30 is like the old X land, the 40 is like the old Breeze Land and the Breeze is like the old Breeze Marine. The Breeze is the only marine model available. Confusing enough? The 40 and Breeze have a limited lifetime warranty and all have a new, higher price. Historically the Air products have lasted fairly well and been moderate performers. Air X and Air Breeze parts are still available but SWWP has discontinued support for all other models. We service, sell and recommend them for small PV/wind hybrid systems. AND...they are still USA made! Hurrah! Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar Power Systems (928) 342-9103 On Apr 3, 2012, at 7:04 AM, Roy Butler wrote: Hi Drake, The Air 403/ Air-X/ Air Breeze/ whatever it's name is now, is fairly dependable. In most wind regimes it's the equivalent of a 10 or 20 watt solar module but seems to work just fine. FYI- it's ~ 200 watts or so. It's not the quietest thing though, being a fairly high rpm turbine. But the Sunforce 600 is not a 600. The rotor diameter tells the truth, making it somewhere around a 200 - 250 watt machine. Perhaps they have the bugs worked out but when they first came out, there were many reliability and performance issues. What's the application for this? Roy Butler NABCEP Certified Small Wind InstallerR NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerR NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC 8902 Route 46, Arkport, NY 14807 607-324-9747 www.four-winds-energy.com <http://www.four-winds-energy.com/> ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Knowledgable person in or near Ketchikan, AK
Hi Folks: I have a fellow in need of system diagnostics near Ketchikan; he would be happy to pay and fly someone in and out to his remote cabin (it appears he's having battery issues). Does anyone know of a person in the neighborhood who may be able to help this guy? Feel free to contact me off list. THANKS. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar product whole sellers with good reputation
I'm a big fan of Sunwize, but then my rep is really good; don't know if everyone has a good rep. Hitney is also good. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan Sindelar Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 10:52 AM To: cwar...@entech-engineering.com; RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar product whole sellers with good reputation Chris, You were kind enough to share offlist the name of the distributor with whom you've become dissatisfied. Actually, given your post below, you came very close to identifying the vendor to any astute reader. Would you be willing to share, on list being best, the names of those distributors for which you have been given the most and biggest gold stars? We could all benefit. Thanks, Allan Allan Sindelar <mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com> al...@positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Founder and Chief Technology Officer Positive Energy, Inc. 3201 Calle Marie Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/> www.positiveenergysolar.com On 4/24/2012 10:28 AM, Christopher Warfel wrote: I received some fine suggestions after I determined it was unwize to continue to use our current vendor in any large capacity. As a follow-up, we are now waiting almost one month for a very basic equipment order that lead to my original post. There has been no explanation for the delay and today we learned that they didn't even enter the order completely. Forget the NABCEP solar sales consultant, how about a company that can acknowledge and process a PO. On 4/13/2012 8:51 AM, Christopher Warfel wrote: We have been using the same wholesale supplier for many years for most of our solar electric equipment purchases. It's been a difficult relationship. Orders are not acknowledged, delayed in processing, delays in shipping, etc. They advertise as a nation-wide supplier but they are not staffed on weekends when we often find they made a mistake in our order. It takes more time and effort to manage the purchase order than we care to continue to commit. I am asking if there are suppliers out there that are not such a problem. I know this isn't a technical question, but it has much to do with our industry. Contact me off line if that is deemed most appropriate. Thanks for any insight. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] FW: Wind Turbines killing birds and bats
Hi folks: I don't mean to be the devil's advocate here, but my birder friend would like me to share the following info (from Chris at Oasis Montana) _ Yes, Bob is correct in that turbines are safer for birds now than they were 30 years ago, however, his cavalier attitude toward his cats and windows killing them (when he could be doing something about that -- just google preventing bird window strikes and making a predator safer yard -- disturbs me, and causes me to think that he is being arrogant in his wind turbine/bird strike data). Audubon is very aware of cats and windows killing birds and they are working on those problems, as they are working on safer wind farms. Modern turbines may be safer for birds, but they are not safe if placed in the wrong place. While Audubon does support wind turbines in general, they have a lot of qualifications. In addition, the Kevin Rim wind farm in Montana has a lot of bird and bat lovers concerned. The European company building that project has made some changes in location designs, but not enough yet. Audubon does not inequitably state that they support wind farms. Audubon says in part that it is a lesser evil to have turbines as apposed to raising global warming while using other energy sources: Protecting Birds and Wildlife: While Audubon strongly supports wind power and recognizes it will not be without some impact, production and transmission facilities must be planned, sited and operated in concert with other actions needed to minimize and mitigate their impacts on birds and other wildlife populations. Several federal and state laws require this and the long-term sustainability of the wind industry depends on it. Wind power facilities impact birds from direct collisions with turbines and related facilities, such as power lines. Wind power facilities can also degrade or destroy habitat, cause disturbance and displacement, and disrupt important ecological links. These impacts can be avoided or significantly reduced, however, with proper siting, operation and mitigation. Audubon supports the adoption of federal and state guidelines on the study, siting, operation and mitigation of wind power. Guidelines should provide developers, permitting agencies and conservation groups with the legal, technical and practical steps needed to minimize impacts on birds and other wildlife. Guidelines should provide the following essential elements: * Minimum pre-permitting study requirements and guidance on study methods, frequency and acceptable data sources to ensure that wind power is sited in appropriate locations * Clearly delineated siting criteria that designate areas where wind power should not be allowed, such as Important Bird Areas, major migratory corridors, wilderness areas, national parks, wildlife refuges, and other sensitive habitat such as wetlands and riparian corridors * Clearly defined monitoring and mitigation requirements in permits, with periodic reviews and requirements for adaptive management if impacts significantly exceed levels allowed by permit * Guidance on cumulative population impacts assessment and mitigation. Audubon also encourages wind developers and permitting agencies to consult with wildlife experts, including Audubon staff and local chapters, to help inform study and siting decisions. And, concerns for the Kevin Rim project are not just about the large number of nesting hawks, but new data on bat mortality is interesting and alarming: http://mtaudubon.org/issues/energy/documents/Wind%20_10-08_JEllis.pdf Most of what Bob says is true, but he needs to do some further research on some of his statements. Dorinda Troutman Hamilton MT 59840 _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Solarguy Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2012 9:30 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Wind Turbines killing birds and bats By some estimates, outdoor cats in the United States kill more than 1 million birds every day on average. Other studies suggest the death toll is as high as 1 billion per year. http://blog.nwf.org/2011/03/new-studies-highlight-impact-of-outdoor-cats-on- birds-and-other-wildlife/ Jim Duncan _ Drake, There is nothing to it that is documented and recent. There were some problems years ago (20 - 30) due to tower design and poor placement. The towers are a different design and it was never a serious issue in any case. Years ago the towers were a freestanding design with many places to perch and look for game to pick off for lunch. Rotor diameter is also considerably larger and slower now. Something like 20 rpm vs. 200 rpm. I have watched black birds chase a hawk through the sweeping rotor for 10 -15 minutes, no problems. It might have been the hawk leading the black birds t
Re: [RE-wrenches] power washers
Nik: I suspect with some modules a pressure washer could cause problems and possibly damage module's integrity. There's a product (which I do not sell, by the way) called PowerBoost (http://www.solarframeworks.com/powerboost/) which you stick on a hose like a lawn fertilizer squirter; you spray it on the modules and it foams up, then you rinse it off after 10 minutes or so. It keeps a coating on it that sheds dirt, dust and bird doo readily. I had a great opportunity to test it up here; I sprayed the stuff on my 5.7KW array early in the summer, then 8 weeks of fire season deposited a significant amount of dust and ash on the modules. When I finally drug the hose up to the third story to rinse the modules off, they were amazingly clean. And my array output jumped appreciably. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Nik Ponzio Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 6:08 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] power washers Hey Gang, What does the hivemind think about using a pressure washer on solar PV modules? Any experience or insights would be appreciated. Cheers, Nik ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] DC, or not DC, Dat is Da question (Two Load Questions)
The Sundanzers can be converted for AC use at the factory for a nominal cost, and they claim it affects efficiency very little. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher,Starlight Solar Power Systems Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 11:56 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] DC, or not DC, Dat is Da question (Two Load Questions) Why would one specify DC voltage appliances or lighting for off grid systems today when we have sub-buck-a-Watt PV solar power? If you have space, you can make the added power that conventional AC appliances draw for very low cost. It could even be argued that the cost for DC items, wiring, distribution gear and labor will cost much more than simply adding more PV solar and staying all AC. I don't like wasting resources and I understand old school thinking when PV modules were very expensive, but with high efficiency AC appliances and low cost inverters and PV modules, does it still make any sense? Shine some light on my thinking. Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar Power Systems On Dec 10, 2012, at 9:12 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote: Wrenches, We still try to encourage prospective off grid customers to do a full load analysis as an initial step in the system design process. To the point: 1) What is a good watt-hours/day figure to use for a typical, modern, new, carefully chosen, fairly large conventional AC chest freezer, if kept in a heated indoor location? Assume 65 degrees and seldom opened. I will encourage that the freezer be located in a shaded, protected outdoor location, in order to greatly reduce winter energy consumption, but I need a good base figure to work with. The proposed system will most likely be 48Vnom, so a Sundanzer or similar DC freezer is out. 2) Same question for a ceiling fan, for general slow circulation of winter heat. The energystar.gov list gives relative cfm efficiency but not wattages. Is 55W still a good figure to use as a default? I have attached a condensed energystar.gov list for the freezers, but wonder what other off grid Wrenches typically use. Also, I'm not sure that Wrenches posts allow attachments, so this may not appear with my message. Thank you, Allan -- Allan Sindelar <mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com> al...@positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Founder and Chief Technology Officer Positive Energy, Inc. 3209 Richards Lane (note new address) Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/> www.positiveenergysolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Wind Turbine sources?
Jeremy: The XL.1 is now sold with the Classic controller, so a 48V Bergey XL.1 is quite a viable solution. Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeremy Rodriguez- All Solar Inc. Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 10:36 PM To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] Wind Turbine sources? With news that Southwest Windpower has layed off some of its staff and that they are discontinuing the Whisper line I wonder who will pick up the slack, if anyone! Perhaps Bergey will make their XL.1 in 48V. What turbine brands can the wrenches recommend? Sorry if this does not pertain to this list, Michael Jeremy All Solar CO, USA Sent via BlackBerry. Sorry for typos and shorthand! ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Pilot Hole Template
Well, the highest winds I have personally witnessed in Montana is 127 MPH. Just an FYI! We don't call them hurricanes, we just say"it's quite windy today." Best, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax <http://www.oasismontana.com> www.oasismontana.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jason Szumlanski Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2012 4:35 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Pilot Hole Template Unfortunately, these don't work for us in hurricane-land unless we want to get really close spacing. We generally need to hit structural members in Southwest Florida. We have used Ecofasten bases on flat roofs with metal decking, but wind uplift is still an issue in most cases. Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar On Thu, Dec 13, 2012 at 11:37 AM, Mark Dickson wrote: Sounds like you already have the equipment. But perhaps next time consider DPW's Easy Feet. They are made to tech-screw right into the decking without having to hit the truss. Come pre-made with EPDM. Just snap a line, set and screw. Obviously you will need to do some math to make sure your decking material is substantial as well as anchored well to the blue board. I have not used them yet, but will be putting up 20kW next month and will report back. That being said, anybody else have experience to report with them? Best regards, Mark Dickson, NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer T Oasis Montana Inc. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Fridge recommendations?
Not in western Montana this time of year! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dean T. Newberry Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 8:53 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Fridge recommendations? Hello All, Remarkable times now, when the answer is just stick up a little more PV to fix your problem. Put up 2kW and you can charge your Chevy Volt too. Regards, Dean On 1/9/2013 7:38 PM, David Katz wrote: Dave, An extra kilowatt of modules will only cost you $700. Put up the extra modules and cut the generator run time in the winter. David David Katz CTO & Founder AEE Solar Inc P: 707 825-1200 F: 707 825-1202 dk...@aeesolar.com www.aeesolar.com DISCLAIMER: This communication, along with any documents, files or attachments, is intended for the use of only the addressee and contains privileged and confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of any information contained in or attached to this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail reply and destroy the original communication and its attachments without reading, printing or saving in any manner. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dave Palumbo Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 12:23 PM To: ho...@catamountsolar.com; 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Fridge recommendations? Howie, I usually agree to the Kenmore/Sears recommendation but the closest Sears is coming in with is with 18 cu' units that are listed as using 385kWH/yr. Higher than I'd like. This is for an off grid home and the extra 50 kWh/yr translates to 137 Watt hours per day. For this particular home it will mean an average of 2.5 hours per day of generator run time during our cloudy snowy winter. This is for a small rental house on my property and I want to keep the gen run time down as low as possible. Non-winter times will not be a problem as the solar array will carry the RF as well as all the other loads in the home. Dave -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Howie Michaelson Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 3:01 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Fridge recommendations? Dave, I've always recommended Kenmore (Sears) which we have - they are reliable, quiet, and a good price point typically (especially if you get it on sale which them seem to have every other week). If you look for the right model, you should be able to get one that comes close to that usage, especially in the smaller models. Sears' website lists the kWh yearly usage last time I looked. Howie -- Howie Michaelson NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerT Catamount Solar, LLC Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service VT Solar Electric & Hot Water Incentive Partner http://www.CatamountSolar.com 802-272-0004 On Wed, January 9, 2013 2:44 pm, Dave Palumbo wrote: I'm having difficulty finding a RF in the 16 to 20 cu ft range that uses less than 350kWh/yr. All of the GE units listed by Energy Star as 300 to 311kWh/yr are no longer being manufactured according to my local appliance dealers. I see a Fridgidaire 18.2 cu ft that uses 335kWh/yr (reviews that I see on this unit complained of loud clunky noises). Sun Frost units are too pricey for this application. Any recommendations? Thanks, Dave David Palumbo Independent Power LLC 462 Solar Way Drive Hyde Park, VT 05655 www.independentpowerllc.com Vermont Solar Partner 25 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine
Re: [RE-wrenches] Best racking systems (was Awkward Mid-clamps & jigs for installing or removing modules?)
So how does the Zep stuff's testing do in winds in excess of 100 mph? I saw a nice demo and display of their goods in at the Anaheim 2009 SPI, but still am reticent to switch suppliers and modules to accomodate racking.... Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers Sent: Friday, January 18, 2013 5:36 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Best racking systems (was Awkward Mid-clamps & jigs for installing or removing modules?) Andrew, Very interesting. I know several people at Zep and have toured their facility and definitely like many aspects of their product. But, we haven't tried it on one of our projects yet. I think part of that is because we work in the San Francisco Bay Area where custom racks are often required and are very prevalent. We have crews working on a daily basis on pitched and flat roofs of all types and Unirac and Pro Solar have been a staple to basically build whatever type of rack we need. Many installers, including us, use a pipe or angle aluminum sub structure on flat roofs to tilt and span over objects or fit panels into tight spaces. This allows for us to solve for any mounting dilemma but definitely takes a burden on time and materials. I'd say about 30% of our business is standard flush mount comp shingle. And the question is whether there is a strong enough solution that justifies stocking another type of panel and or racking system. Best, August August Goers Luminalt Energy Corporation 1320 Potrero Avenue San Francisco, CA 94110 m: 415.559.1525 o: 415.641.4000 aug...@luminalt.com From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Truitt Sent: Friday, January 18, 2013 3:26 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Best racking systems (was Awkward Mid-clamps & jigs for installing or removing modules?) August - Zep Solar <http://zepsolar.com> recently signed a contract with Solar City to be their primary residential mounting solution nationally and brought me on to help roll out the program in Colorado. I can tell you that Solar City spent 2 years working with Zep and vetting the product and they would not have signed on unless they felt that they would achieve significant cost savings. Zep is actually very versatile - modules can be installed in portrait or landscape; array leveling is achieved easily with a few turns of a threaded stud; gaps in the array are easily installed; mounting options are available for almost any roof surface; the module / mounting system is (or will be very soon) listed to UL 2703 as a complete bonded system; and the lack of rail should eliminate the need for electrical rough-in roof inspections for the unfortunate souls with AHJs that require such nonsense. At least 14 module manufacturers now make Zep-compatible modules and installers are starting to line up to become dealers of the product. I've installed a number of rail-less systems, but this one is the best I've seen. For a brighter energy future, Andrew Truitt NABCEP Certified PV InstallerT (ID# 032407-66) Principal Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting, LLC (202) 486-7507 LinkedIn Profile <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-truitt/8/622/713> Company Website <http://truittreconsulting.weebly.com/> "Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion to fission. And it just so happens that there's an enormous fusion reactor safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless!" ~William McDonough On Fri, Jan 18, 2013 at 3:23 PM, Ray Walters wrote: I second the vote for Pro Solar, but I don't care for their Fast Jacks. Their Tile Track mounts can actually be used on comp roofs ( see the manual) and work quite well. The best part of Pro Solar rails is they can be used for wire management too. Just drop the cables into the open top of the rail, it acts as a decent cable tray. I've used Haticon and it has some advantages, but also its own problems: their clamps are not the greatest. Ray Walters Solarray, Inc. On 1/18/2013 3:04 PM, August Goers wrote: All - This thread brought up a question I've been mulling over for a while - what is the best flush mount rack out there these days on the market? I've tried a lot of different racks and am always on the hunt to find something better but the more experience I get I keep going back to Pro Solar and Unirac SolarMount. Pro Solar's price can't be beaten and once you get over having to drill a quick hole for every stanchion point it goes in really quickly. Plus, their mid clamps and end clamps are really solid, easy to work with, and work well with WEEBs.
[RE-wrenches] Bergey XL1 and the Classic controller
Dear People: We've had pretty good luck with our XL1 sales, with some out there since around 2001 with few problems. The turbines have been less problematic than the controllers (we've had to replace a couple of those). Now Bergey is offering the XL1 with the Classic controller; does anyone have any 'in the field' that can comment on their performance with the Classic? I like the idea of field selectability of battery voltage but am wondering if there are any glitches.... Thanks, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 406-777-0830 fax www.oasismontana.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Whisper Parts
Folks: I may be incorrect, but I think a company called Primus Windpower took over a chunk of SWWP - 928-607-7034. Good luck. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ryan Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 9:44 AM To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Whisper Parts Last I saw the building is locked by the landlord, So SWWP may not have access to these parts? Ryan On 4/5/2013 11:29 AM, toddc...@finestplanet.com wrote: in addition, i am looking for a spare blade set for the same unit (whisper 100). i heard there was a warehouse full of these parts when swwp went out of business... why they dont answer emails or phone messages is a mystery. i'd think they would want to sell what they can. if anyone has any ideas on this please contact me off list. todd On Friday, April 5, 2013 8:21am, "Jeremy Rodriguez- All Solar Inc." <mailto:allso...@scswifi.net> said: > If anyone has a Whisper 100 (H40) controller, a good EZ WIRE would do, please > contact me off list > > Jeremy > All solar > Sent via BlackBerry. Sorry for typos and shorthand! > ___ > List sponsored by Home Power magazine > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > Sent from Finest Planet WebMail. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Whisper Parts
Oh yeah: www.luminousrenewable.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Roy Butler Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 3:01 PM To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Whisper Parts The Whisper line, at least the 200 and 500, went to Luminous, a large battery manufacturer in India. Whether or not they will be continuing support for legacy turbines remains to be seen. The adventure known as small wind continues ;-) Roy Butler NABCEP Certified Small Wind InstallerR NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerR NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC 8902 Route 46, Arkport, NY 14807 607-324-9747 www.four-winds-energy.com Join us at the 9th Annual Small Wind Conference A Gathering of Installers, Manufacturers, Dealers, & Distributors June 18 and 19, 2013 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin www.smallwindconference.com Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced. On 4/5/2013 4:28 PM, Chris Schaefer wrote: Had to share the link below with everyone on the list (I'm not a member of the wind list so someone send there to). But even more fun is the comments at the end of the article. Primus is just the AIR products. No Whisper parts. If anyone finds the parts please share the source. http://azdailysun.com/news/local/last-days-for-local-turbines/article_316629 58-c28d-5af4-99ee-8f0e6f19f595.html Christopher Schaefer Solar & Wind FX, Inc. From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Chris Daum Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 11:57 To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Whisper Parts Folks: I may be incorrect, but I think a company called Primus Windpower took over a chunk of SWWP - 928-607-7034. Good luck. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] outback fx series inverters
I don't knowI have perhaps three customers, over the past ~20 years, who claim to be 'allergic to electricity', for lack of a better term. As you can imagine, existing in our current society is actually painful for them. They've all bought (for example) propane 'fridges since they use no electricity and don't cause them to have that 'pins & needles' feeling they get when they are near electrical fields. I try not to laugh at them, yet I believe they are sincere when they tell me, "I can't stand to be near anything electrical". So perhaps there needs to be some sort of independent test to confirm what these folks claim to feel. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Randy Brooks Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2013 1:53 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] outback fx series inverters Have you used a gaus meter (http://www.amazon.com/Gen-El-Gauss-Master/dp/B0004IR6J6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8 <http://www.amazon.com/Gen-El-Gauss-Master/dp/B0004IR6J6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&; qid=1365882645&sr=8-2&keywords=gaus+meter> &qid=1365882645&sr=8-2&keywords=gaus+meter) to measure the EMF near the inverters and other places? Might put it in perspective. Randy On Apr 13, 2013, at 12:17 PM, Todd Cory wrote: wrenches... put on our tin foil hats... i have a customer who claims the emf from their grid tied gvfx3648 is making them sick. does anyone know the switching frequency of the inverter and has anyone else reported this? also any ideas on how to mitigate it? thanks, todd ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Old Solarex amorphous module
Dear people: A fellow called today, looking to replace his piece-of-crap amorphous 43W 70V solar module. Anybody have something like that lying around? Please contact me off list. TGIF, Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Faraday cages and EMP
Dear people: So I have a customer worried about the end of the world as we know it. I've looked at the HP archives and see comments from a while ago. Other than screening/boxing components and adding mucho surge protectors, is there anything else that can be done that might actually work? Thanks! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] CFL lighting and the mercury hazard.
Hi Folks: Yes, my experience is very similar. My earliest CFs were from Panisonic (perhaps made in Singapore?) that I bought in the early nineties. They all died in the past 18 months or so; my Home Despot replacements (since I have built an office and added more) are burning out within about 2-4 years. Sad, sad, sad but we can only do the best with what we have. A couple years ago at Solwest (in John Day, OR), there was a booth there selling AC LEDs. They were quite expensive.but I suspect it will be as CF's were nearly 20 years ago. Ya gotta spend money on the technology if you want it to go on. Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 www.oasismontana.com _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Todd Cory Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 6:58 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] CFL lighting and the mercury hazard. Sad to hear the QC on the modern el-cheapo CF lamps is so poor that they do not last. I guess the $25.00 Osram Dulux ones I am still using after 20+ years weren't such a big expense after all. I have had several customers all panicked about the supposed mercury hazard in CF lamps and appreciate Dan Fink's posting which mirrors my own feelings. Todd Woah, everyone. Slow down. Snopes is indeed a great resource. However, they, like nearly every media article cited, completely miss the point. Compact Fluorescent bulbs contain no more mercury than do regular tube FLs, which have been in use in homes and offices for decades. The disposal recommendations are no different. Ask any office building custodian--the mercury warning is printed on the base of most larger length T8s. Proper disposal is needed for ANY broken FL or CFL--and has been for decades. As far as LEDs -- the reason LED lamps don't make much heat is because they don't make much light, either. Lumen-per-watt figures for LEDs still lag far behind FL or CFL. Yes, yes, there have been recent announcements from LED companies -=- but take these all with a grain of (metallic, heh heh) salt. Many of these figures take into account only luminous efficiency, NOT real-world *total* efficiency. AND, the high-efficiency ones are not generally available in room lighting products yet -- they are available only as discrete LEDs. LED lamps are extremely directional. They work fine for close-up task lighting. But I have yet to see any LED lamp suitable for area lighting, like a living room. I have installed and tried many, for myself (first) and for customers. The usual response, after dark, when they see the lighting of their living room, is --"You've got to be kidding me. I paid $300 for THAT awful lighting?" Give it a few years, and LEDs will be everywhere. But right now, they are very marginal at best: T8 FL = up to 95 lumens per watt f40T12 FL = up to 65 lumens per watt CFL = up to 60 lumens per watt White LED = most ranging from 24 to 45 lumens per watt. Some have reached 90 lumens per watt -- but are so far only available as discrete components, not massed together in commercial lighting fixtures. 100w Incandescent = up to 17 lumens per watt *Again, be VERY careful of LED lumen per watt claims. All the above numbers are actual efficiency, not luminous. Most companies that manufacture LED home fixtures do not measure light output correctly. Contact me off-list if you want more info on how to actually measure efficiency.* REF: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_lamp Don Klipstein: http://members.misty.com/don/light.html And almost every other page on his website. Me: http://otherpower.com/otherpower_lighting.html DAN FINK Technical Director, http://www.otherpower.com/ Co-Author, "Homebrew Wind Power" ISBN 978-0-9819201-0-8 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable Sizing
Some of this just puts me to sleep It's a blonde thing, I guess! -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Peter Parrish Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 12:01 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable Sizing NEC 2005 Handbook, Annex B, page 1204, Table B.310.11 I see now that 100% diversity applies to 4-6 and 7-9 ccc's but 50% above that. Sorry. - Peter Peter T. Parrish, President California Solar Engineering, Inc. 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065 Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885 CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26 peter.parr...@calsolareng.com -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bill Brooks Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 10:19 AM To: 'RE-wrenches'; exelt...@yahoo.com Cc: 'Will Logan' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable Sizing Peter, Where do you read the 50% diversity? My 2005 NEC handbook clearly says that the raceway adjustment table is based on NO diversity--all conductors loaded at maximum. Bill. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Peter Parrish Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 9:47 AM To: exelt...@yahoo.com; 'RE-wrenches' Cc: 'Will Logan' Subject: [RE-wrenches] Cable Sizing Here is an issue that has been bothering me for some time and I finally was asked to explain it to a junior member of our Company and had to admit ignorance... I am referring to the issue of derating the ampacity of wire in a raceway or conduit with other current carrying wires. I refer to Table B.310.11, Annex B of the 2005 NEC Handbook, but the same information occurs elsewhere in the HB as Table 310.15(B)(2)(a) and the CB. Table B.310.11 requires a 20% derating for four to six current carrying conductors. There is a note that this derating includes the effects of a "load diversity" of 50%. Am I to assume that 50% load diversity means that each current carrying wire is operating at 50% of its temperature-corrected ampacity (or less)? Does this table apply equally well to DC and AC circuits? What about 3-phase/3-conductor wiring? In specific: if we have two DC PV circuits (4 wires: 2 positive, 2 negative) in EMT and we have taken into account the "PV 125% circuit current calculation", "cable sizing of 125% for proper operation of overcurrent devices", and cable derating for temperature -- do we now apply the derating from B.310.11 for 4-6 wires? This is what we have been doing, and I'm looking for confirmation. - Peter Peter T. Parrish, President California Solar Engineering, Inc. 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065 Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885 CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26 peter.parr...@calsolareng.com -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Exeltech Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 7:37 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] fire safety vs. fire hysteria? Yes, it's made the rounds (13 total hits using the link Michael provided), but the entire list of 13 is actually comprised of only six websites. The originating site has two hits on the list, leaving five sites for the other 11 hits. One site is a BBS, similar to this one and would likely require a refuting post -- perhaps a copy/paste of the superb response posted earlier. The four remaining sites may respond and remove the inaccurate material and/or links if contacted in a similar positive tone. The sooner it's addressed, the fewer the links there will be for the crawlers to find... I've assembled a summary list of the sites if anyone wants to contact me off list for a copy. Dan --- On Wed, 1/7/09, Michael Welch wrote: > Right, but this piece has made the rounds on the internet. > > Check out this Google search > http://tinyurl.com/7amhk4 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by
Re: [RE-wrenches] solar order scams
Hello Jeff et all: For those who do take credit cards (and this has been said before): with the first six digits of any credit card, you or your credit card processor can contact the issuing bank, and they will contact the 'real' cardholder to see if the transaction is on the up-and-up. We get several of these a day too, and I just delete them. I used to follow up, just to report their cards as stolen, but it's too time consuming. Let the seller beware! Chris Daum Oasis Montana Inc. 406-777-4309 _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 1:58 PM To: glenn.b...@glbcc.com; RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] solar order scams I don't know about you, but we are receiving about 2 or 3 scam emails every single day wanting to order solar modules, solar pumps, or other solar hardware. These are easy to spot because although each one is from a different "firm", here are the the things to look for that they all contain. Usually they say they are needing this solar equipment for a specific project, which would imply they would at least have a basic idea of quantity and size they are looking for. Instead, they ask for what you have in stock and can ship right away, and they will list several totally different combinations of modules, pumps, or components which clearly would not normally go together. The written language is terrible with very poor grammar, yet they will give an address in the US. They try to appear to be an established business, yet their email address is always one of those "free" email services. They will always ask "what credit cards do you honor" and they will make a big deal about paying up front. When this was going around a few years ago, others on the list said there was some way they worked this scam where it would check out as a valid credit card, but after you shipped the equipment to some bogus address, the credit card charge would be voided. I don't know how you can do this, but I assume they rent some low cost apartment to get a street address for a few weeks, then ship as much stuff that they can to this address, load it all into a shipping container, which is then shipped on to some third world country where they can sell anything solar. We tried several times to trace these abusiness names or addresses to see if this was real, and have passed them on to Internet fraud groups but that turned out to be a real waste of time. I am sure all businesses get this stuff from time to time, but it seems like they are really targeting the solar world. Watch out. Jeff Yago _ Netscape. Just the Net You Need. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
