[RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

[Dana Orzel]

Tom,

I owned a window tinting business in N. AZ for 4 years. I cleaned acres of
glass before I sold the biz.

We cleaned all kinds of glass with first - white scotch bright pads, not
green of red only white. 

Then using one capful of liquid Joy dish washing soap to 3 gallons of water
in a spray bottle, we had big spray tanks.

Use only fresh single edged razor blades to take off the chunks. A razor
blade is considered dull when you place fingers on both sides of the blade
and pull gently away, if you feel burrs dispose of it and get out a fresh
replacement blade. The soap acts as a surfactant and extends the life of the
razor edge.

 

Spray the glass with the very lightly soapy water, then scrub with the white
scotch-brite pad. While you have a soapy film razor the glass, edges first
then the mid section.

 

Acid helps with rust. White vinegar, diluted  muriatic acid, or CLR a boiler
cleaner all may work.

I would do a test section to be sure you are not going to scratch the glass.

 

Good luck and careful with the razor blades they can be dangerous.

 

Dana Orzel

Great Solar works, Inc.

E - d...@solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.414

C - 970.209.4076

 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Tom DeBates
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 9:30 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] cleaning modules

 


hello Wrenches,
  I recently purchased some used modules. Unfortunately, they were mounted
near a railroad track and many have a film of rust on the front surface. I
have tried a few products; Dawn, Simple Green, vinegar (5% acidity),  and
Krud Kutter to safely remove the rust. So far the vinegar seems to be best
when considering cost, disposal ,etc. But it still takes a good amount of
time and "elbow grease". Today I will try CLR.  Has anyone else run into a
similar situation? If so, what products and/or methods did you use to remove
rust stains?
  Awhile back I had to remove some urethane caulk from the face of module
and had to resort to a solvent-based chemical (acetoneyes, acetone) with
disastrous results.
thanks,
tom 

Tom DeBates
Habi-Tek
524 Summit St.
Geneva,IL. 60134
630-262-8193
fax 630-262-1343

 

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[RE-wrenches] Seam clamps with or w/o rails

[Dana Orzel]

Drake  - 

 

We have done several standing seam roofs with S-5 & had great success.

 

The last roof we attempted S-5 on the roofer said that the panels were
attached solely at the top and only tacked to the roof deck on the lower
portion and that the weight would rip the whole sheet off if we attached to
the standing seams. We resolved the attachment by using L feet. 

It was a real wake up call to realize that there was a system this flimsy
for a metal roof attachment.

 

Dana Orzel

Great Solar works, Inc.

E - d...@solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.414

C - 970.209.4076

 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Drake
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 7:57 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Seam clamps with or w/o rails

 

Hello Wrenches,

We have a system to install on a roof with standing seams, and are planning
to use S-5 clamps.  The current plan is to use Solarmount rails. This seemed
to be a good solution for grounding, rather than putting lugs on every
module, and also would allow better air circulation under the array.

Would you agree with this concept, or would you recommend connecting the
modules straight to the seam clamps?  Are there any down sides to using the
rails with the S-5s?

Thanks,

Drake 



Drake Chamberlin 
Athens Electric
OH License 44810
CO license 3773
NABCEP Certified PV

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[RE-wrenches] Quick Cote troubles

[Dana Orzel]

We have used several products over the years and Vaseline has worked as well
as any other product. Probably slightly less toxic than other options though
not by much. I have seen it affected by a 'hot ' battery bank and seen it
run to a thinner coating. 

Normally a bank should not get this hot but with the old relay style charge
controllers stuff used to happen.

 

Dana Orzel

Great Solar works, Inc.

E - d...@solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.414

C - 970.209.4076

 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dave Palumbo
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 6:16 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Quick Cote troubles

 

Years ago on this list we had a good discussion on the subject of battery
terminal protection. The favorite at that time (by a geographically diverse
group of installers) was to use a light coating of petroleum jelly (Vaseline
or generic versions). We continue to use it after 25 years of good results.
We use an old toothbrush to apply it.

 

I did try Quick Cote about 12 years ago and was not impressed. 

 

David Palumbo

Independent Power LLC 

462 Solar Way Drive

Hyde Park, VT 05655

www.independentpowerllc.com 

NABCEP Certified PV Installer

Vermont Solar Partner

23 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194 

 

 

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Roy Butler
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 7:29 PM
To: al...@positiveenergysolar.com; RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Quick Cote troubles

 

Allan,

I used Quick Cote for years until my local supplier had problems getting it
in a timely manner.
I never had a problem with it but then again, I never put it on the lug/
terminal mating surfaces
prior to making the connections. Then I carefully coated the terminals,
making sure to not
miss any spots.

I've had several opportunities to have a look at the mating surfaces years
later and never found
any corrosion. I would imagine that grit would indeed create a connection
problem. But you say
you've never seen this yourself?

I wonder if the formulation has been changed recently?

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 2/22/2011 7:12 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote: 

Wrenches,
Russ in our Taos office sent me the following query. I haven't seen this
problem before and told him so, but others among you may know more. 

What problems if any have you had with Quick-Cote battery terminal coating?
What else works really well and lasts the life of the batteries?

>From Russ:
We just had a situation involving Quick Cote on battery terminals that has
made us question its use for coating battery terminals and cable lugs.  We
just installed a bank of HUPs on Monday using Quick Cote.  First we lost
power with just the Trimetric and MX60 powered up -- using an ohmmeter I
found the problem to be a single jumper -- I got 7 megohms across two
battery terminals connected by a jumper -- so I replaced the jumper and got
the Trimet and MX60 powered up again.  Then, when I powered up the OutBack
inverters, there were sparks on the battery terminals, and the power cut out
again.  At that point I guessed that the problem must lie with the Quick
Cote, since ours has tiny crystals in it (it feels gritty), and I thought
those crystals must be holding the cable lugs off the battery terminals a
tiny bit.  Sure enough, Mark and I took the cables off, wiped off the Quick
Cote from the contact surfaces and applied vaseline, and when we powered up
the system, no sparks.  (So, the jumper I removed probably wasn't to blame
for the first loss of power.)

Our container of Quick Cote stayed on the truck (which stays parked outside)
during the seriously cold weather we got this winter, so it probably froze.
I'm guessing that's when the crystals formed.  Nowhere on the Quick Cote
label does it say to keep it from freezing though.

We're going to go back out to another job to wipe off the Quick Cote from
the contact surfaces of the battery terminals and cable lugs, since we just
installed four new batteries there and used Quick Cote, and I remember it
being gritty at that time as well.

Is your Quick Cote gritty?

Russ


I told Russ that it always has been gritty. When it's dried out in the can
(they often leak), I have added an oil-based carrier to thin it - usually
WD40, as it's on the truck - and it's always mixed easily. So it's
definitely solvent-based and shouldn't b

Re: [RE-wrenches] combining 24v and 12v systems

[Dana Orzel]

Want to kill a battery bank? Go ahead and center tap it! I have seen this way 
to many times.

Lots of really efficient DC to DC converters out there.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.solarwork.com> 
www.solarwork.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Dan 
Fink
Sent: Tuesday, December 31, 2019 1:46 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] combining 24v and 12v systems

 

I second everyone. Center-tapping a 24 or 48v battery bank for 12v SEEMS like 
it should work just fine, especially for low load infrequent use like a 12v 
water pressure pump for a greenhouse, a weather station, etc.. Nope, I've been 
a loser every time, with that battery or pair always the first to go bad.

 

Samlex and Victron both make DC-DC converters I have had good luck with; they 
are thermally protected and you can stack multiple units for more amperage.




Dan Fink

Executive Director, Buckville Energy Consulting

NABCEP PV Associate

NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector

IREC Certified Instructor™ for: 

~ PV Installation Professional

~ Small Wind Installer

NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers

d <mailto:dan.f...@greendustrialtraining.com> anbo...@gmail.com 
<mailto:anbo...@gmail.com> 

970-672-4342


 

 

 

On Tue, Dec 31, 2019 at 10:57 AM Ray mailto:r...@solarray.com> > wrote:

Even with battery balancers, battery tapping is still a really bad idea.  I 
know, I did it on my own system in the 90s.  The DC/DC converters are the way 
to go, but be sure and over size it by a fair amount to handle the fridge 
starting surge.  Unfortunately my favorites are no longer available: made by 
Solar Converters in Canada. I've seen them last decades.  Iota should be good 
stuff, their chargers have long term reliability.  Samlex inverters have been 
around for quite a while too, but I don't have long term experience with their 
converters.  

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 12/31/19 10:05 AM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar wrote:

Tapping a battery bank is not a good practice. it will unbalance the bank. Much 
better to add a 24V electronic converter for the 12V loads. Then replace the 
12V loads when time permits. They will need a spare converter so buy 2. Amazon 
has tons of these converters. Your quote is great BTW. H N Y !

 
Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net <mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> 
text 209 813 0060

On Tue, 31 Dec 2019 11:52:20 -0500, Chris Schaefer  
<mailto:ch...@solarandwindfx.com>  wrote:

G'day and Happy New Year to All, 

 

Recently came across this offgrid OB FX system. The first part is a 12v battery 
system w/ 2 PV modules, 2 Trojan L16  batteries used to power a frig and 
freezer about 6 years old. The second is a 24v with 3kw of PV, 4 Trojan L16's, 
twin OB FX inverters installed by an HVAC contractor back in 2016. This was 
their first offgrid project. Oh boy, lol. The client would like to add more 
battery capacity to both. My thought here is since we are powering only a 12v 
frig and freezer why not simplify the system by creating a single battery bank 
and then tapping off of the 24v bank using proper fusing and creating a 12v 
buss? Admittedly I live in a 48v world so I'm asking our esteemed colleges as 
to options on how to address this. 

 

Oh yeah, the installer is unresponsive (no surprise there) and they are also 
having firmware issues with an old Mate 3 and would like me to install a new 
Mate 3s but that's another issue I'll tackle when I head out to site. 

 

Thanks All,

Christopher- 

Chris Schaefer's
 <http://www.solarandwindfx.com> 
Tel/Fax 585-229-2083 or Cell 585-748-1870 
5115 South Hill Road ~ Canandaigua New York 14424
www.solarandwindfx.com <http://www.solarandwindfx.com>  ~ E-mail: 
ch...@solarandwindfx.com <mailto:ch...@solarandwindfx.com> 



Thomas Jefferson, the author of our great Constitution, once said, "democracy" 
will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and 
give to those who would not."

-- 

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] Passive geothermal stock watering

[Dana Orzel]

I have looked into this with solar thermal/electric & did not get any takers 
after clients looking at the overall cost most folks opted for a LPG fired unit 
or hauling water & or moving the stock closer to the grid.

 

There is a pretty cool unit that uses a geo thermal loop to 10’[?not sure & you 
need a back hoe to install this unit] to a pedestal with a ball & the stock 
learn to push the ball down to get to free water. Not sure of brand or cost but 
I had clients that installed in an open barn at 10,000’EL in CO, that swore by 
it. Pretty nifty, it does need to be braced well. I witnessed it in action for 
almost 20 years & did not hear of issues with it.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com 
<http://www.solarwork.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of gary 
easton
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 1:51 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Direct solar options for stock tank de icing

 

Hello Wrenches. 

I have a friend in need of a way to keep stock tanks free of ice during winter 
months.  Has any one had any experience with direct solar options for this?

-- 

Sent from Gmail Mobile

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[RE-wrenches] Advice on my first 100 KW 3 phase.

[Dana Orzel]

32 years in the biz & I am quoting my first 100 KW - 3 phase roof mounted
standing seam roof mounted Gov't installation.

Is there anyone who would be willing to discuss in a phone call: the
potential man hours &/or $/watt on a roof mounted standing seam roof
installation. Please let me know off line. 

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
<http://www.solarwork.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] magnum question

[Dana Orzel]

I have been informed [long ago] that not equally weighting a generators output 
can cause excessive & uneven wear on the windings of a generator.
Way Back in the day, folks [old wrenches] used to place an additional load [hot 
water element, heat lamps...] on the unused leg to balance out a 240 vac gen 
that was only using one 120v leg for inverter /battery charging on a 240 only 
generator. Simple but effective though not very fuel thrifty.

I am open to dispelling this anecdote/old wife's tale, if anyone can confirm or 
dispute this. It makes sense to me overall.



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of jay
Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2020 5:39 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] magnum question

Hi All,

My question is can a single  Magnum remote run 2 inverters each as master for 
120v?


I’ve got a client with a 3 phase generator, and I need two phases, but I don’t 
need 240v.


1. I can’t change the generator
2. Two phases because I can’t load one phase that heavily.

I can do 2 Outback FXR’s each as a master,  but I’d need to have 2 Mate3S’s. 

But I don’t know if magnum has that possiblity?

Thanks

jay

Peltz Power



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[RE-wrenches] Programs for one line DWGs.

[Dana Orzel]

Hey all you wise guys!

 

I looked back in the archives & found a few recommendations on drawing
programs. I had Design CAD-3D for 15 years and it was simple [2D & 3D] &
worked fine. I had to upgrade recently as this program is now out of date
and am currently overwhelmed with too many overly complex drawing programs.

 

I need to draw boxes, lines, text, arrows, a few curves you know the tasks.
I don't need to do 3D rendering of parts etc. I also need a program that has
decent tutorials.

 

What are you all using that is pretty basic for 2D drawings on a very
up-to-date PC?

 

Suffering with too many options. Thanks in advance.

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
<http://www.solarwork.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Mass failure of Siemens SP150s

[Dana Orzel]

Are there burn marks on the backing?

I have had several entire array replacements in the past back in the 150-175 
watt/module days. But not in a while.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.solarwork.com/> 
www.solarwork.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
William Miller
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 4:06 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Mass failure of Siemens SP150s

 

Friends and colleagues:

 

I recently performed a service call at a grid-tied installation we did in 2003. 
 The homeowner noticed the daily consumption had declined to about 1/3 of 
typical sometime in the last year.  Sure enough 2 of the three strings (30 mods 
in total) of Siemens SP150s showed low voltage.

 

When I tilted up two of the racks to expose one dead string of 10, I found that 
6 of the 10 panels had 1/3 or 2/3 of the expected OC voltage.  Testing of the 
individual strings indicated that 1 or 2 strings were dead on each affected 
panel.  

 

Close examination revealed pinpoint heat damage on inter-cell traces.  The 
diodes tested good.  See photo below.

 



 

I am surprised to see such a high rate of failure.  Has anyone else experienced 
this with these or other panels?  

 

Is anyone servicing warranty claims on these ancient panels?  I doubt there is 
much value left in the warranty but I am curious.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

William Miller

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Re: [RE-wrenches] dark post flashings

[Dana Orzel]

Try a local door and window-glass company. We have had metal custom bent
there.

Thanks,

Dana Orzel
Great Solar works, Inc.
E - d...@solarwork.com
V - 970.626.5253
F - 970.626.414
C - 970.209.4076

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kelly
Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 9:21 AM
To: RE Wrenches listserve
Subject: [RE-wrenches] dark post flashings

Wrenches,
Anyone know of a source for dark bronze flashing for mounting posts? We'd
planned to use the Quick-Mount PV flashings. However, this is new
construction, so I'd prefer to mount posts direct to the sheathing before
the roofer gets on it.
Thanks,
-Kelly

Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & Wind, LLC
Renewable Energy Systems
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
987 Wanamaker Rd, 
Coupeville, WA 98239
PH & FAX 360-678-7131
sunw...@whidbeysunwind.com
 



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[RE-wrenches] Evergreen

[Dana Orzel]

This is for a grid tied with battery backup Outback system.

The 32% increased gain for the tracker VS. fixed mount production is an
average of the last 180 days and I checked it in the spring for the last 180
days [over the winter] and it was 33%. The 12 - Evergreen 180 watt modules
produce about 65 -70% of our home and office's electrical requirements.

 

Thanks,

 

Dana Orzel

Dana,

That 32% is a very useful number, and it matches with our experience as
well. But I need to verify a couple of assumptions, please:

Does this represent average annual production, rather than peak seasonal?
And is it a grid-tied system?

Thanks,

Allan

 

Allan Sindelar

al...@positiveenergysolar.com

NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer

EE98J Journeyman Electrician

Positive Energy, Inc.

3201 Calle Marie

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507

505 424-1112

www.PositiveEnergySolar.com <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/> 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase System Labeling

[Dana Orzel]

This is per our AHJ.

 

Thanks,

 

Dana Orzel

Great Solar works, Inc.

E - d...@solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.414

C - 970.209.4076

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of benn kilburn
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 3:21 PM
To: Wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase System Labeling

 

Thanks for sharing that Dana,

 

Are you required by code or the AHJ, for micro-inverter systems, to have an
additional AC d/c aside from the branch circuit breaker? (on the roof or
other location)

 

For these micro-inverter systems the only labeling required here, by code
(CEC), is;

84-030 (1) which states...   

" A warning notice of an interconnected system shall be installed in a
conspicuous place at the supply authority disconnecting means of Rule 84-022
and the supply authority meter location."

 

84-022 is generally referring to the load center main breaker.  And the
utility company puts their own "WARNING: interconnected system" label at the
meter.

 

So we don't 'have to' provide any additional info, but i think that
providing some is a good idea. As Ray pointed out, too much info can be
discouraging.

 

For now, I have opted for these labels on the load center as the only
labeling for the system;

Code required -- "WARNING Two Power Source Parallel System" and;

Optional for info -- "Grid-Connected Solar Electric System

Array Rating: 660 WDC

Module Rating (each): 220 WDC"

the optional one will of course need to be replaced and updated if/when
the owner decides to add to his system.

 

cheers,

benn


DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 

b...@daystarsolar.ca

780-906-7807 

HAVE A SUNNY DAY 

 

 

  _  

From: d...@solarwork.com
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 14:29:12 -0600
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Enphase System Labeling

This was our last batch

 

 

 

  Labeling For Grid-tie Solar Electric System

Great Solar Works, Inc., 970-626-5253

 

KNOPP SIGNS


 

Qty - 2, Color red

 

INTERACTIVE SYSTEM POINT OF INTERCONNECTION

Enphase Micro-Inverters [1] per module [17] Total

 

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM SOURCE

 

  PV System Total Watts
3.910   KW

  Maximum AC Output Operating Current 13.6
Amps

  AC Operating Voltage
240  Volts  

  

For information and service contact: 

Great Solar Works, Inc., 970-626-5253

 

Qty - 1, Color red

 

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM SOURCE

 

  PV System Total Watts
3.910   KW

  Maximum AC Output Operating Current 13.6
Amps

  AC Operating Voltage
240  Volts  

  

For information and service contact: 

Great Solar Works, Inc., 970-626-5253

 

Qty - 1, Color red

 

PHOTOVOLTAIC AC SYSTEM UTILITY DISCONNECT

WARNING - ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD - DONOT TOUCH TERMINALS.

TERMINALS ON BOTH THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED

IN THE OPEN POSITION. IF A GROUND FAULT IS INDICATED THE NORMALLY GROUNDED
CONDUCTORS MAY BE ENERGIZED AND UNGROUNDED

 

For information and service contact: 

Great Solar Works, Inc., 970-626-5253

 

Qty -1, Color Yellow

 

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM CONNECTED

THE AC PV DISCONNECT IS LOCATED 

Next to Meter on South Wall 

For information and service contact: 

Great Solar Works, Inc., 970-626-5253

 

 

 

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"

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] embedded energy in pv

[Dana Orzel]

http://www.ecotopia.com/apollo2/pvepbtoz.htm

 

Not that I believe everything on the web but check this out.

 

Dana Orzel

Great Solar works, Inc.

E - d...@solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.414

C - 970.209.4076

 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of benn kilburn
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 2:57 PM
To: Wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] embedded energy in pv

 

Never mind Jim, i found the attachment in your original post, under a different 
'subject' title.

Thanks,

benn 

DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 

b...@daystarsolar.ca

780-906-7807 

HAVE A SUNNY DAY 

 

 

  _  

From: b...@daystarsolar.ca
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:37:41 -0600
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] embedded energy in pv

I was told a few days ago that a PV module will likely never produce the energy 
it took to make it I bit my lip, disagreed and wished i could recall in 
detail what i had read in one of the reports/articles i had read in the past on 
this topic.  From what i can remember it is about 2-3 yrs.

 

Can someone please provide any resources you may know of on this issue?

 

Jim, i would love to see the power point you mention.  I don't see an 
attachment.

 

Todd, could you please share where you read that info on the "1 to 4 tons of 
coal..."   I fully agree with you about educating customers on energy 
efficiency before talking system size.  ...and regarding your 'potential' 
customer, a couple categories come to mind for ones like that 'you can't 
argue with stupid', 'ignorance is bliss' (for that person).  For that matter, i 
guess you could include those solar 'experts' in those categories as well!

 

And regarding plastic framed modules, what about hemp or corn based plastic? 
(further reducing dependance on oil)  They are available and used for all kinds 
of things these days, why just check out the video on you tube of Ford's recent 
hemp plastic car!  ;)  

Add that to the corrosion resistance factor and perhaps that is enough for a 
niche market to catch on.  I agree with William.

 

Anyway, i hope to see some articles on embedded energy in pv modules.  

 

Cheers,

benn


DayStar Renewable Energy Inc.

b...@daystarsolar.ca

780-906-7807 

HAVE A SUNNY DAY 

 

 

  _  

Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:42:45 -0700
From: toddc...@finestplanet.com
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] embedded energy in pv

i recently read that it takes the equivalent energy of between 1 and 4 tons of 
coal to make a single pv module. this is why i insist my customers do their 
efficiency upgrades and learn how to be frugal/conserve before i will even talk 
about pv with them.

 

renewables powering waste is old paradigm thinking.

consuming less is always a win win.

 

unfortunately (now that there is an incentive program) the new "solar experts" 
coming on the scene here make more $$ with bigger systems, so lipstick on pigs 
is becoming the norm.

 

one customer wanted pv because her electric bill was over $600.00/month or 180 
kWh/day!! i said there was something wrong with a power bill that high. maybe a 
duct on her heat pump had come loose and was blowing hot air into the attic and 
that should be investigated first with an energy audit. she hired another 
"expert" who put in a massive system. 

 

personally, i find it difficult to support this kind of resource use.

 

todd

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, March 15, 2012 6:26am, "Solarguy"  said:

William

Attached is a Power Point slide I made that shows the 'energy payback' from PV. 
The Swiss based IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme takes a very serious 
look at the PV industry and its long term effects on the planet and PV is 
already pretty benign. While I don't know the logic behind their calculations 
my first thought is that with the volume of aluminum being extracted and 
produced for all industry world-wide, the impact by the PV industry is probably 
next to nothing. 

And using a plastic compound would mean using a crude oil based product which 
is even a bigger environmental blight than aluminum production-imo. 

Besides, with the PV industries rush to lower prices someone would have 
discovered a cheaper non-metallic replacement for aluminum if it is out there. 
Having worked for many years in the composite/plastics industry I can say that 
the production of a substitute fiber re-enforced compression molded composite 
for PV frames would be more costly than aluminum and most likely still never 
match the rigidity of aluminum. 

Now if the PV industry trended back to smaller modules a 'plastic' frame could 
become workable but I don't see that moving out of R&D as long as pri

[RE-wrenches] DC direct pond aeration replacement

[Dana Orzel]

Hey All!

 

I have a client with an old 1/16hp-12 volt GAST dc direct aeration
pump/compressor. GAST no longer makes this 12 volt unit. Any suggestions for
a reliable replacement?

GAST does make higher voltage models I have heard but this would require
replacing everything: the linear current booster, new pv modules, as well as
the compressor.

If you are a supplier please contact me directly.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
<http://www.solarwork.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] Moving HUP Solar ONE Batteries AKA "DOING THE BATTERY DANCE"

[Dana Orzel]

For rolling thru a building, I bought a “safe mover”: $569

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200673748_200673748

 

It has 2 end sets of turnable poly-urethane wheels, hydraulic jacks on both 
ends, & ratchet straps that connect one end with the other end.

Rated at 3000#. Great for moving almost everything. You do have 4 point loads 
so if you are rolling over tile or stone floors I suggest laying down ¾: ply 
for dispersing the weight a bit.

 

For getting down the road: $ cost custom built trailer…

 

For narrow mountain roads & tight switchbacks - I built a narrow 3 ton trailer 
with an overhead Gannon I-Beam for a roller, & use a 2 ton chain fall to lift 
and roll the batteries off. The trailer has crank down jacks on each corner to 
stabilize the lift & transport while unloading.

It will hold 4 of the smaller HUP Batteries & only 2 of the 2490 AHR/12 VDC 
cans.

 

If anyone want pics let me know & I can either post or email direct.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.solarwork.com/> 
www.solarwork.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Jason Szumlanski
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2020 4:22 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Two Dilemmas

 

Chain hoist and muscle for the move. It's not easy. It can be hard to get them 
out of the steel case. Slow and careful... I haven't done this a lot, but the 
few times it was a dicey proposition.

 

Jason Szumlanski

 

 

 

On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 5:47 PM Rick Brown mailto:r...@solshineenergyalternatives.com> > wrote:

Wrenches,

 

Dilemma #1:

 

I’ve had to replace 4 sets of Solar One batteries (see pic). Each set weighs in 
excess of 1000lbs. How have you all transported these? The originals were 
placed into service prior to the room’s walls and roof going up. 

 



 

Dilemma #2:

 

The above system is comprised of a Trace SW5548 along with two Outback FM60s. 
After reprogramming the CCs and inverter with new charging parameters, I can’t 
get the Trace to export excess production once the batteries are charged. I do 
have the inverter set to “Sell” mode What am I missing? I have had little 
experience with the Trace line. 

 

Thanks,

rick brown
SolShine Energy Alternatives, LLC
Electrical & Solar Contracting Services
www.SolShineEnergyAlternatives.com 
<https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/cd6490343ec8bea89108ca98f415d0f333006459?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.SolShineEnergyAlternatives.com&userId=1613865&signature=0f9b54a9d480>
 
Check, Virginia 24072
540.808.9502  

VA Class A Contractor Lic# 2705147660
VA Master Electrician Lic# 2710062762
VA Alternative Energy Systems Installer  
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional 110112-21

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Two Dilemmas

[Dana Orzel]

Hups do come with a battery pulling tether or did come with one.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.solarwork.com/> 
www.solarwork.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Rick 
Brown
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2020 5:25 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Two Dilemmas

 

Allen,

 

Did you use the battery terminals to pull the cells? I don’t see any other way 
to grab the cells. 

 

Great idea on the engine hoist!

rick brown
SolShine Energy Alternatives, LLC
Electrical & Solar Contracting Services
www.SolShineEnergyAlternatives.com <http://www.SolShineEnergyAlternatives.com> 
Check, Virginia 24072
540.808.9502  

VA Class A Contractor Lic# 2705147660
VA Master Electrician Lic# 2710062762
VA Alternative Energy Systems Installer  
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional 110112-21





On Jul 23, 2020, at 7:03 PM, Allan Sindelar mailto:al...@sindelarsolar.com> > wrote:



Rick:

1) consider renting or buying an engine hoist to pull out the individual cells, 
and lowering each onto a hand truck for transport to your truck. I have done 
this several times - it’s actually not that difficult with a crew of two or 
three. 

Northwest Energy Storage (www.solarone <http://www.solarone>  com, I think) 
supplies a short, heavy nylon strap with clevises at each end for raising and 
lowering each cell. You might contact them to purchase one. 

At one remote site, the client suggested that I buy a cheap engine hoist from 
Harbor Freight, as it would be cheaper than renting a professional one. 

 

2) the older Trace SW series is early technology in regards to its sell 
efficiency,  because of the lack of what was dubbed ‘silent sell’. The general 
number from when it was about the only game in town was about 55%. I would 
suggest upgrading to a modern unit if it’s primarily used for selling back. 

 

Allan Sindelar, Sindelar Solar





On Jul 23, 2020, at 3:47 PM, Rick Brown mailto:r...@solshineenergyalternatives.com> > wrote:

Wrenches,

 

Dilemma #1:

 

I’ve had to replace 4 sets of Solar One batteries (see pic). Each set weighs in 
excess of 1000lbs. How have you all transported these? The originals were 
placed into service prior to the room’s walls and roof going up. 

 



 

 

Dilemma #2:

 

The above system is comprised of a Trace SW5548 along with two Outback FM60s. 
After reprogramming the CCs and inverter with new charging parameters, I can’t 
get the Trace to export excess production once the batteries are charged. I do 
have the inverter set to “Sell” mode What am I missing? I have had little 
experience with the Trace line. 

 

Thanks,

rick brown
SolShine Energy Alternatives, LLC
Electrical & Solar Contracting Services
www.SolShineEnergyAlternatives.com <http://www.SolShineEnergyAlternatives.com> 
Check, Virginia 24072
540.808.9502  

VA Class A Contractor Lic# 2705147660
VA Master Electrician Lic# 2710062762
VA Alternative Energy Systems Installer  
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional 110112-21

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Re: [RE-wrenches] DC direct pond aeration replacement

[Dana Orzel]

DC POND AERATION - 

Check out the GAST website for your area;

 

https://gastmfg.com/connect/distributor-locator

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.solarwork.com/> 
www.solarwork.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
m...@hurshtown.com
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2020 2:07 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] DC direct pond aeration replacement

 

I too need a source for 12V compressors to be used for pond aeration.

I also would greatly appreciate any leads on a source.

 

Thanks,

Mark Downing

Hurshtown Alt. Power

 Original Message 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] DC direct pond aeration replacement
From: "Dana Orzel" mailto:d...@solarwork.com> >
Date: Thu, July 23, 2020 12:27 pm
To: "'RE-wrenches'" mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >

Hey All!

 

I have a client with an old 1/16hp-12 volt GAST dc direct aeration 
pump/compressor. GAST no longer makes this 12 volt unit. Any suggestions for a 
reliable replacement?

GAST does make higher voltage models I have heard but this would require 
replacing everything: the linear current booster, new pv modules, as well as 
the compressor.

If you are a supplier please contact me directly.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com 
<mailto:d...@solarwork.com> 

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com 
<http://www.solarwork.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Another pump quesiton

[Dana Orzel]

I have El-cids in stock & am selling them off.

I have switched to the new AC technology that Grundfoss & TACO offer. They are 
called ECM pumps. Electronically Commutated Pump motors. AC-DC motors, soft 
start, variable speed, super-efficient, best of all very QUIET!

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.solarwork.com/> 
www.solarwork.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Howie Michaelson
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2020 11:29 AM
To: Dave Angelini ; RE-wrenches 

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Another pump quesiton

 

Dave,

When my El Sids started failing years ago, I spoke with Dan and he recommended 
a voltage regulator to prevent the fluctuations and spikes. I installed one 
which seemed to help, but did not stop the failures.  My memory is that he 
didn't have much else to say at the time other than there must have been a 
problem in the system.  My impression was they were susceptible to voltage 
excursions more than the average.  None-the-less, I need to find a different 
efficient pump that doesn't cost $300 a pop.  I've seen some imported DC pumps 
that are very inexpensive - even if they don't last a long time, perhaps that 
may work for now.

Howie


Howie Michaelson
Sun Catcher
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
  
<https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MQF8aTcFNnBR59ia5JAm1DsPHCxzNkPx&export=download>
 
Solar Electric Systems Sales & Service
802-272-0004

 

 

On Wed, Sep 16, 2020 at 12:13 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar 
mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> > wrote:

I have not seen electronics fail in an El Cid from Ivan labs fail. Probably 
only 4 installed. The one here is 15 years old on my domestic hot water. The 
others are still working, I think.

Talk to Dan at Ivan and see what he says. There was not a website really (last 
time I looked) but here is the number

 ivan labs 561-747-5354  Talk with Dan

 

 
Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net <mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> 
text 209 813 0060

On Wed, 16 Sep 2020 09:55:31 -0600, Ray mailto:r...@solarray.com> > wrote:

I've always suspected that one of the issues was the variable voltage of DC 
systems.  Batteries get low, and the current increases quite a bit, cold 
weather or EQing and the voltage can get really high and cause problems.  The 
total variation just seems to take out a fair bit of both brushes and controls. 
 This is just my long standing theory however, and I don't have Lab results.

I actually had similar problems on 120 vac, when I lived on the edge of the 
grid.  Voltage varied from 90 to 145 vac, and cooked quite a few things like 
washing machine controls (every 3 months or so)  Once I put in a backup power 
system to protect those circuits, the controls lasted for a decade.  

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 9/15/20 10:29 PM, Sindelar Solar wrote:

This has been my experience as well, although I can't give such specific 
rationale as to why the El Sids failed - the electronics just usually and 
eventually fail in my battery-based hydronic system. The Marches just 
eventually wear out.

Allan

On 9/15/2020 9:57 PM, Howie Michaelson wrote:

Dave,

I used to use El Sids a lot in SHW systems with direct PV drive for the glycol 
circulation.  I've long stopped installing SHW, but have used them in off grid 
hydronic heat systems as well. The electronics have failed on many of these 
pumps over the years.  They seem particularly intolerant of higher voltages, 
even small ones, which if they are being driven off battery voltage, is hard to 
avoid.  None-the-less while I really liked the El Sids, they were too expensive 
to have as many failures as they did. I'm familiar with March pumps as well, 
but they always seem to fail prematurely as well, for even more money. I was 
hoping there might be a suitable replacement for  a somewhat less expensive 
alternative.

Howie

Howie Michaelson
Sun Catcher
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™

Solar Electric Systems Sales & Service
802-272-0004

 

On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 10:29 AM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar 
mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> > wrote:

Why did the El Sid fail? The one way I have seen them fail, and any pump for 
that matter is rain water that has (for some reason) lower than a normal PH. 
Below from wiki.

Normal, clean rain has a pH value of between 5.0 and 5.5, which is slightly 
acidic. However, when rain combines with sulfur dioxide or nitrogen 
oxides—produced from power plants and automobiles—the rain becomes 

[RE-wrenches] Pentair Pump power

[Dana Orzel]

If you have 240 VAC look at the Pentair wild AC pumps I have one at 20 GPM and 
am a believer. Tapers on - soft start, varies the volts & amperage with flow 
and tapers the amperage down as it reaches a full expansion tank.

Even better my local well pump installer sells & services it so I do not have 
to! Getting a little smarter as I get older.



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
frenergy
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 1:12 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Pump power

Wrenchers,

 We're upgrading an off-grid water system.  Dynamic head while 
pumping at 20 GPM is 150 ft from water level to wellhead and then its 85 ft 
vertical to storage tank so 235 ft total head to open discharge.  We would like 
to get most of that 20 GPM, we need to know if there is personal experience 
with starting a 1.5 or 2 HP, 240 vac, 2 wire submersible pump against that kind 
of head with an Outback Flex
Power2 (2 X VFXR3648A-01 inverters).

 The FP2 will also be powering standard off-grid loads. There is 
plenty of battery behind the inverters.  If a soft-start solution is required, 
some specifics would be great. Grundfos doesn't seem to have an option for 
these requirements, solar-direct is not an option at this location.

Thanks,

Bill

Feather River Solar Electric
Bill Battagin, Owner
4291 Nelson St.
Taylorsville, CA 95983
530.284.7849
CA Lic 874049
www.frenergy.net


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[RE-wrenches] Pentair Pump power

[Dana Orzel]

Yes, Radian 8KW 



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
frenergy
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 7:18 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Pentair Pump power

Just curious, the 120VAC 1/2 HP submersible that has to date been in the well 
for the last 17 years has needed zero service, is there something about the 
Pentair set-up you're referring to that needs regular or occasional service?  
Believe me I understand your comment about schlepping service to some other 
poor soul, but

Is the Pentair powered with 240 Vac inverter power?

Bill

On 9/22/2020 2:58 PM, Dana Orzel wrote:
> If you have 240 VAC look at the Pentair wild AC pumps I have one at 20 GPM 
> and am a believer. Tapers on - soft start, varies the volts & amperage with 
> flow and tapers the amperage down as it reaches a full expansion tank.
>
> Even better my local well pump installer sells & services it so I do not have 
> to! Getting a little smarter as I get older.
>
>
>
> Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc.
> C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
> Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
> NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
> "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
>  Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: RE-wrenches  On 
> Behalf Of frenergy
> Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 1:12 PM
> To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Pump power
>
> Wrenchers,
>
>   We're upgrading an off-grid water system.  Dynamic head 
> while pumping at 20 GPM is 150 ft from water level to wellhead and 
> then its 85 ft vertical to storage tank so 235 ft total head to open 
> discharge.  We would like to get most of that 20 GPM, we need to know 
> if there is personal experience with starting a 1.5 or 2 HP, 240 vac, 
> 2 wire submersible pump against that kind of head with an Outback Flex
> Power2 (2 X VFXR3648A-01 inverters).
>
>   The FP2 will also be powering standard off-grid loads. There is 
> plenty of battery behind the inverters.  If a soft-start solution is 
> required, some specifics would be great. Grundfos doesn't seem to have an 
> option for these requirements, solar-direct is not an option at this location.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill
>
> Feather River Solar Electric
> Bill Battagin, Owner
> 4291 Nelson St.
> Taylorsville, CA 95983
> 530.284.7849
> CA Lic 874049
> www.frenergy.net
>
>
> --
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
>
> ___
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Feather River Solar Electric
Bill Battagin, Owner
4291 Nelson St.
Taylorsville, CA 95983
530.284.7849
CA Lic 874049
www.frenergy.net


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Pentair Pump power

[Dana Orzel]

3 years in service now & no service required or needed. I installed a large 
-120 gallon well expansion tank as usual [Typ off grid thinking -- reduce the # 
of start surge] & found out it was not necessary. The start up is so tapered 
smooth that I could have used a 40 gal tank, when I spec another OG system I 
will not use an oversized storage tank. Ghost load on the controller [super 
smart, digital & always awake] is very slight. The controller uses a transducer 
not a pressure switch measures PSI in tenths of a PSI.  I have not tried to 
measure the controller load asleep, as it is hard wired in.



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
frenergy
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 7:18 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Pentair Pump power

Just curious, the 120VAC 1/2 HP submersible that has to date been in the well 
for the last 17 years has needed zero service, is there something about the 
Pentair set-up you're referring to that needs regular or occasional service?  
Believe me I understand your comment about schlepping service to some other 
poor soul, but

Is the Pentair powered with 240 Vac inverter power?

Bill

On 9/22/2020 2:58 PM, Dana Orzel wrote:
> If you have 240 VAC look at the Pentair wild AC pumps I have one at 20 GPM 
> and am a believer. Tapers on - soft start, varies the volts & amperage with 
> flow and tapers the amperage down as it reaches a full expansion tank.
>
> Even better my local well pump installer sells & services it so I do not have 
> to! Getting a little smarter as I get older.
>
>
>
> Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc.
> C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
> Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
> NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
> "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
>  Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: RE-wrenches  On 
> Behalf Of frenergy
> Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 1:12 PM
> To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Pump power
>
> Wrenchers,
>
>   We're upgrading an off-grid water system.  Dynamic head 
> while pumping at 20 GPM is 150 ft from water level to wellhead and 
> then its 85 ft vertical to storage tank so 235 ft total head to open 
> discharge.  We would like to get most of that 20 GPM, we need to know 
> if there is personal experience with starting a 1.5 or 2 HP, 240 vac, 
> 2 wire submersible pump against that kind of head with an Outback Flex
> Power2 (2 X VFXR3648A-01 inverters).
>
>   The FP2 will also be powering standard off-grid loads. There is 
> plenty of battery behind the inverters.  If a soft-start solution is 
> required, some specifics would be great. Grundfos doesn't seem to have an 
> option for these requirements, solar-direct is not an option at this location.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill
>
> Feather River Solar Electric
> Bill Battagin, Owner
> 4291 Nelson St.
> Taylorsville, CA 95983
> 530.284.7849
> CA Lic 874049
> www.frenergy.net
>
>
> --
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
>
> ___
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>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
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--
Feather River Solar Electric
Bill Battagin, O

Re: [RE-wrenches] Pentair Pump power

[Dana Orzel]

It was an installed price with pump set at 100' - 3 years ago. I had the 
wire....



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Jay
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2020 9:25 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Pentair Pump power

Hi Dana

What did it cost? Just the parts. 

Thx
Jay

> On Sep 23, 2020, at 8:31 AM, Dana Orzel  wrote:
> 
> 3 years in service now & no service required or needed. I installed a large 
> -120 gallon well expansion tank as usual [Typ off grid thinking -- reduce the 
> # of start surge] & found out it was not necessary. The start up is so 
> tapered smooth that I could have used a 40 gal tank, when I spec another OG 
> system I will not use an oversized storage tank. Ghost load on the controller 
> [super smart, digital & always awake] is very slight. The controller uses a 
> transducer not a pressure switch measures PSI in tenths of a PSI.  I have not 
> tried to measure the controller load asleep, as it is hard wired in.
> 
> 
> 
> Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
> C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
> Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
> NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
> "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
>  Please consider the environment before printing this email.
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: RE-wrenches  On 
> Behalf Of frenergy
> Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 7:18 PM
> To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Pentair Pump power
> 
> Just curious, the 120VAC 1/2 HP submersible that has to date been in the well 
> for the last 17 years has needed zero service, is there something about the 
> Pentair set-up you're referring to that needs regular or occasional service?  
> Believe me I understand your comment about schlepping service to some other 
> poor soul, but
> 
> Is the Pentair powered with 240 Vac inverter power?
> 
> Bill
> 
>> On 9/22/2020 2:58 PM, Dana Orzel wrote:
>> If you have 240 VAC look at the Pentair wild AC pumps I have one at 20 GPM 
>> and am a believer. Tapers on - soft start, varies the volts & amperage with 
>> flow and tapers the amperage down as it reaches a full expansion tank.
>> 
>> Even better my local well pump installer sells & services it so I do not 
>> have to! Getting a little smarter as I get older.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc.
>> C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
>> Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
>> NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
>> "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
>>  Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>> 
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: RE-wrenches  On 
>> Behalf Of frenergy
>> Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 1:12 PM
>> To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Pump power
>> 
>> Wrenchers,
>> 
>>  We're upgrading an off-grid water system.  Dynamic head 
>> while pumping at 20 GPM is 150 ft from water level to wellhead and 
>> then its 85 ft vertical to storage tank so 235 ft total head to open 
>> discharge.  We would like to get most of that 20 GPM, we need to know 
>> if there is personal experience with starting a 1.5 or 2 HP, 240 vac,
>> 2 wire submersible pump against that kind of head with an Outback 
>> Flex
>> Power2 (2 X VFXR3648A-01 inverters).
>> 
>>  The FP2 will also be powering standard off-grid loads. There is 
>> plenty of battery behind the inverters.  If a soft-start solution is 
>> required, some specifics would be great. Grundfos doesn't seem to have an 
>> option for these requirements, solar-direct is not an option at this 
>> location.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Bill
>> 
>> Feather River Solar Electric
>> Bill Battagin, Owner
>> 4291 Nelson St.
>> Taylorsville, CA 95983
>> 530.284.7849
>> CA Lic 874049
>> www.frenergy.net
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivir

Re: [RE-wrenches] Winco

[Dana Orzel]

Long ago, wow I had no idea they were still in existence.

It is a 3600 RPM screamer, air cooled as reliable as most air cooled 3600 RPM 
units back in the day no idea as to where it is built today or reliability 
currently...



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2020 6:07 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Winco

Hello Wrenches,

Has anyone had experience with using the Tri-Fuel Winco Generator off grid?

https://www.h-mac.com/winco-hps12000he.html?gdffi=9f0856ca9fe841edaab22d427404fe06&gdfms=F21E892BB0E24ED49DD91F79A4E456B8&gclid=CjwKCAiAiarfBRASEiwAw1tYvx0vCjfjJJMJ2ldu_rKvL19aw2TtJ3WRnvs8LEJAVm3XZTE6Xo06DBoCxrMQAvD_BwE

Is it a reliable unit? Can it be auto started without voiding the warranty.

Thank you,

Drake


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Re: [RE-wrenches] factory module damage, has anyone seen this?

[Dana Orzel]

I have never seen pre-flexed modules.

I would expect your supplier to replace & collect them freight prepaid or not 
ever deal with them. That is not new spec equipment.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.solarwork.com/> 
www.solarwork.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Jay
Sent: Wednesday, November 4, 2020 2:53 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] factory module damage, has anyone seen this?

 

Hi Dana. 

 

I did think of that ( all kidding aside)but given the response from CS, I don’t 
think it’s normal. 

 

 

Weird to even think how you’d assemble it. Is the glass prebent or the frame or 
both?

 

I did hear from someone offsite they’d seen it on REC. 

 

Jay

 

 

 

 





On Nov 4, 2020, at 2:45 PM, Dana Orzel  wrote:



If they are Canadian maybe they are pre-flexed for snow load. Those crafty 
Canadians!

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com 
<http://www.solarwork.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of jay
Sent: Wednesday, November 4, 2020 11:07 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] factory module damage, has anyone seen this?

 

HI All,

 

I have some Canadian Solar bifacial BiHiKu 400 watt 72 cell modules that are 
bent from the factory.

 

There is no pallet damage, and the bend is the same top and bottom.

 

My question is has anyone seen this before? I this normal?

CS says its within spec which seems BS to me.

What should I ask for from CS?

 

What about return shipping cost, would this be something that I’d have to pay 
or CS?

 

So far they have offered $.10 per watt.  

 

What would you all do?

 

thanks in advance

 

jay

 

Peltz Power

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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[RE-wrenches] AEE Phones on fritz

[Dana Orzel]

I just spoke with Leslie Cannon at AEE. Their phone system is on the fritz.
The IT people are working on it.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
<http://www.solarwork.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Conext SW4048 not charging from generator

[Dana Orzel]

U get what u pay for

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.solarwork.com/> 
www.solarwork.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Ray
Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2020 12:21 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Conext SW4048 not charging from generator

 

Definitely the generator.  Harbor Freight?  4 kW into a 4 kW charger?  What's 
the altitude?   I believe that 4 kW generator is actually only 3.5 kW 
continuous rated.   By the time you derate for altitude, and then account for 
the generator not being built to be a prime power unit, its probably reasonable 
to derate it 50%.  Then yet another thing,  those gennies are 240/120 so you 
only get half the rated power at 120 vac, and it unbalances the load on the 
generator.  Is that Conext 240/ 120 or just 120vac ?   

Its just going to be a head ache for everyone until they buy something much 
better.  They really need something in the 6.5 kW to 9 kW range, and 240 to 120 
transformer if the Conext is not the 240/120 model, so that the generator is 
loaded evenly. 

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 12/15/20 1:57 PM, Sindelar Solar wrote:

Dave,

I would first suspect the generator, not the inverter. Check its output voltage 
and Hz under load. If it's overloading, either (or both) voltage and frequency 
will drop below the acceptable range and the inverter will unlatch its input 
relays, wait for a bit, relatch and ramp up input amps until it again overloads 
and the cycle repeats. You may reduce either (or both) charging amps and 
overall input amps, broaden the frequency and minimum voltage acceptance ranges 
(I don't recommend this), adjust the AC output voltage of the generator, or 
advise them to get a better gennie.

Allan

On 12/15/2020 11:14 AM, Dave Tedeyan wrote:

Hi All,  

 

I am going to service a system where the homeowner is telling me that their 
Conext SW4048 had been working fine for 14 months, and then all of a sudden 
recently stopped being able to charge the batteries from the generator. It is 
an off grid system. 

 

The inverter would start charging the batteries, but then about a minute later 
they would hear a relay click and the charging would stop. Then it would just 
keep cycling. If they turned everything off for a while, they could then turn 
it back on and charge for maybe 10 minutes before it would start cycling. They 
just have a crappy 4kw generator from Harbor Freight.

 

I have not laid my own eyes on it yet, but will be there in the next day or 
two. Just wondering if anyone has experienced these symptoms and have a good 
idea of what to look for first.

 

Thanks!

-Dave


 

Dave Tedeyan, PE

Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC



110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850

o. 607.277.1118 x121  f. 607.277.2119

www.taitem.com <http://www.taitem.com> 

 

Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design

Certified B-Corporation since 2013





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-- 



Allan Sindelar
 <mailto:al...@sindelarsolar.com> al...@sindelarsolar.com
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
505 780-2738 cell

 





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[RE-wrenches] PV shade structure

[Dana Orzel]

Hey Now All You Wise Ones!

 

I got a request for a 2nd story flat roof PV - shade structure yesterday.
This being snow country we have 100#/sqft snow loading.

 

Has anyone done something in this range? Supplier suggestions?

 

Thanks in advance. 

 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
<http://www.solarwork.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Specific Gravity versus Electrolyte Level

[Dana Orzel]

My recommendation on the HUPS that I install are:

 

Use a refractometer!

 

Check your SG, & compare all cells & if highest to lowest – If 0.02 or less no 
need to EQ.

 If 0.04 or greater time to EQ.

I water every 8 weeks with a pump watering system, winter about 2-3 gallons per 
 2 months summer 4-4.5 gallons per 2 months.

 

IMHO – EQ is rough on most batteries & this recommendation from NWES  almost 
30+ years ago has served me very well.

 

I have many clients that have gotten 23+ years on their HUPS. I use them & I 
have only had to EQ once a year for 4years.

2500 AHR @48 VDC on 6000 watts tracked in a narrow N/S canyon, 4 hours of 
direct sun Nov 25-Jan 25.

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com 
<http://www.solarwork.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Dave 
Angelini Offgrid Solar
Sent: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 1:09 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Specific Gravity versus Electrolyte Level

 

A main point to the choir is that each manufacturer has their own 
recommendations. The US battery I often use has monthly EQ.

Looking at 30 years of batteries here and the Offgrid manufactures seem to 
change what they like over time. Sometimes it is so complicated that I can't 
expect my client to succeed. I dumb it down,  just the basics, and they still 
get 10 years or more on a set of L16's.
 
I think it is because battery companies are in the business of selling 
batteries. I appreciate that also! 
 
This is not rocket science though, If I had them do all of the things on that 
list, well, they would not listen to me on the basics.
 
Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
e-mail offgridso...@sti.net <mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> 
text 209 813 0060
 
On Tue, 9 Feb 2021 14:29:12 -0500, Ray mailto:r...@solarray.com> > wrote:
> Dave makes a good point; I also don't recommend opening the cells while 
> they are charging at a high rate.   I like to get SG readings with the 
> electrolyte being mixed by bubbling, but I turn off the charging 
> sources, and let it settle down for a few minutes, before opening caps.
> 
> And I second Steve's comments: over charging and over filling the cells 
> can both lead to more problems than EQing might solve.
> 
> Ray Walters
> Remote Solar
> 303 505-8760
> 
> On 2/9/21 10:35 AM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar wrote:
>> That does not sound  best to me. I get the point but there are much
>> better
>> ways. Not good for you to be close around a bank in EQ. If you are
>> checking
>> water level every month the level should not be really low. You do this
>> in
>> case you miss a cell a month back! You should be counting as the water
>> goes
>> in to see if you have put about the same amount in. I have never noticed
>> any advantage to mixing the cells after watering. They will get mixed the
>> next day. If this concerned you, you could run a 30 minute absorb after
>> watering.
>> 
>> I like to EQ before watering so my customer does not over fill and start
>> the corrosion process. Just open all of the cells and look before they
>> EQ.
>> 
>> I also like to mark 2 of the lower SG cells and 2 of the good ones. This
>> makes it easier for my clients to check the bank. Once every summer or 2
>> they need to look at all of the cells. Summer is best because it is the
>> time when you can do long corrective EQ's if you find trouble.
>> 
>> 
>> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
>> "we go where powerlines don't"
>> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
>> e-mail offgridso...@sti.net <mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> 
>> text 209 813 0060
>> 
>> On Tue, 9 Feb 2021 05:36:39 -0800, Mark Frye > <mailto:ma...@berkeleysolar.com> >
>> wrote:
>>> My Rolls manual says:
>>> 
>>> "It is recommended to water the battery cells half way through the
>>> equalization. This is to
>>> assure the water is completely mixed into the electrolyte."
>>> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] What would you do/say?

[Dana Orzel]

Succinctly put & thank you! 

Add to that "I did it myself what do you think?"
Learning to walk away is probably one of the hardest lessons in the solar 
business I have had to learn (years ago).

I just had a request to add batteries to a11 KW Solar Edge system that was 
according to the phone call that was sold to "to supposed to back up his house" 
without batteries???  
The first time the power went out he was upset?? 
How do you buy a solar backup system & not know you needed batteries? 
Red Flag #1

This site is 9 hours away from my shop & he bragged about asking the electrical 
inspector during the original installation to "find something" so that the 
original installer would have to do a 26 hour round trip to the site. 
Red Flag #2

I laid out the inspection trip to do an analysis & layout of the conversion & 
the associated costs & have not heard back for 3 weeks. I was doing all I could 
to not be rude & realistically honest as to what it was going to take to pull 
all the SolarEdge equipment out (he wanted me to take it as trade-in towards 
the revamp on the system). 

Junk installs - 
Being able to say that a system would not pass inspection & therefore probably 
will VOID their homeowners insurance in the event of a fire related or not to 
the solar installation is a safe, honest & effective start with a junk 
installation request. You FEEL that you cannot afford this liability on your 
company. Ask what they feel about this.

Remember their feelings & your feelings are facts! Especially gut feelings, 
walk away. :-]]


Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.
__


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Hilton Dier
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 6:20 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] What would you do/say?

I’ll say it again: The most important clients are the ones you turn away. The 
penny pinching, pound foolish, never satisfied, paranoid, DIY-without-asking, 
ear bending, time sucking, slow paying nightmares that we have all had. The key 
is to see the warning signs on the way in, a skill that comes from grim 
experience.

The “can you cob this back together for $200?” job is a non starter.

Hilton Dier III
Renewable Energy Design
Missisquoi River Hydro LLC
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Flexible panel install on airstream

[Dana Orzel]

I have done 2 RVs with these & Used Urethane roof flashing adhesive to attach, 
very Liberally! Rave reviews from the owner since. Good Product!

2 Thumbs up

 

Just got turned on to: Geocell 4500 adhesive can be applied & cures even under 
water. Found it online. Excellent product even sticks to EDPM.

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com 
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Andrew Perkins
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 11:49 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Flexible panel install on airstream

 

Hey Wrenches,

   Here to get some advice on mounting options for some Renogy flexible 
panels on an airstream. I usually say no to any rvs but they are friends of the 
owner so it's in my lap now. The panels have 6 eyelets on them for mounting so 
I was thinking of using some sikaflex adhesive for the pack of the panels and 
then some blind rivets for the eyelets with small piece of butyl between the 
the bottom of the eyelet and the roof of the airstream to seal the holes. 
Anyone done these before or have any advise?




 

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[RE-wrenches] Converting a old Troybuilt Roto tiller

[Dana Orzel]

Hey All wise ones,

 

I have an old B&S gas powered Troy Built Roto tiller that the safety
switches are years past available. I would like to convert this monster to
electric drive.

Any suggestions or anyone know of someone who has done this?

 

I hate to reinvent the wheel if someone has this idea dialed in or a kit? I
just want to get it done.

 

Thanks in advance & if this is an off the topic thing please reply  off the
list.

 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] PV direct EV charging

[Dana Orzel]

SolarEdge

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com 
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Mac 
Lewis
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 5:24 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV direct EV charging

 

Hey wrenches,

 

Are there any purpose built inverters designed to charge an EV,  PV direct 
without batteries?

 

Thanks in advance




 

-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

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Re: [RE-wrenches] PV direct EV charging

[Dana Orzel]

I just kind of ran into this issue a client wanted to charge a Tesla at night 
but the Tesla battery is 3.5 times larger what the than the house needed. The 
cost of nighttime charging shut the project down. You can operate a car charger 
off a 240 volt inverter at either 120 or 240 volt. The 120 volt takes a lot 
longer. Depends on your needs.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Mac 
Lewis
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 5:56 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV direct EV charging

 

Sorry, I should have clarified, I am interested in EV charging with no grid 
available.  I think that Solaredge requires a grid

 

On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 5:51 PM Dana Orzel mailto:d...@solarwork.com> > wrote:

SolarEdge

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com 
<mailto:d...@solarwork.com> 

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com 
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org> > On Behalf Of Mac Lewis
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 5:24 PM
To: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >
Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV direct EV charging

 

Hey wrenches,

 

Are there any purpose built inverters designed to charge an EV,  PV direct 
without batteries?

 

Thanks in advance




 

-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

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-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Top of Pole Mount Array on Ledge

[Dana Orzel]

We have hit rock at 24-30” on several installs over the years and drilled in, 
hammered in set rebar with concrete epoxy & in the case of a tracker got an 
engineered base designed with it pinned to the rock.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Ray
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 5:39 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Top of Pole Mount Array on Ledge

 

If you can get anchor bolts in, you can weld on a 1" think plate with gussets 
to the bottom of the pole. We've had to do this a couple of times in rock.  
We'll pour enough concrete to get a level base, but the bolts are epoxied into 
holes in the rock.  A good epoxy anchor is stronger than the bolt itself.  
We've also done combinations, where we can only get 18" of concrete over the 
rock, then we epoxy in rebar to tie the concrete to the rock, and J bolts set 
in the concrete to bolt the base plate to.  

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 6/23/21 7:01 PM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar wrote:

A pole mount can be part of a virtually tracked array system. Gives long hours 
of power, if that is the reason she wants this. It can be angled for SW 9 
months and go south for the winter. It needs another array or combo of arrays 
for SE and S. If it is some other weird reason she wants this, I would just do 
it and bill in advance. Tell her only death and taxes are guaranteed! 

Somebody else will have info on a pole mount with ballast. That would be 
interesting! 

There is no danger to your screw guy right? 

Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net <mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> 
text 209 813 0060

On Wed, 23 Jun 2021 18:39:55 -0400, "Ben's Solar and Battery"  
<mailto:b...@mcfeeters.net>  wrote:

Hi Wrenches, 

 

We typically use SunModo ground mounts with ground screws which we can put just 
about anywhere as our screw guy has a rock drill.  

We have one customer who is dead set on a top of pole mount array and will not 
settle for a typical ground mount with multiple posts.  

There is shallow ledge all over her property and we feel that digging multiple 
large holes to find one spot where we might be able to get deep enough would be 
a waste of time and resources.  We have called an underground locator who uses 
ground penetrating radar and he scanned a few spots, but was unable to give us 
a good location based on soil types.   

What are you guys doing in this situation?  Are there any alternatives, such as 
a pole mount with large base and ground screws?

I hate saying it can't be done! 

 

Thanks! 

Ben 





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[RE-wrenches] Grounding Top of Pole Mount Array with a Ufer

[Dana Orzel]

For all of our free standing arrays we now use a Ufer clamp to the rebar either 
cage or just anti spin rebar that is welded to the pole in the concrete, with 
#4 braided copper up to the pole combiner box, inverter, etc. for our ground.
With a pole mount & a concrete base it is way easier & less expensive than a 
ground rod, & the inspector seems happier with this approach. 



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
palumbo1...@gmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 9:33 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Top of Pole Mount Array on Ledge

Ben, 
There is a way if the ledge is solid and true. Twice I have done the following 
with ledge at 18” to 24” below grade. Excavate down to ledge, drill down into 
the ledge and you will determine the suitability of the following method. Drill 
for a pattern of many rebar penetrations in to the ledge. Drill to a reasonable 
depth (as deep into the ledge as you are able) in my case it was based on our 
drilling tool and bit length capabilities. We used a large sono tube. 42” as a 
recall, both of these jobs were over 12 years ago and my recall on the exact 
size may be off. 
Determine the best adhesive product to use in your drilled holes for the rebar, 
again my memory fails as to what we used based on recommendation from a local 
civil engineer. The sono tube height above grade was determined to be 2’ for 
one TPM12 and 3.5’ above grade for a TPM16. Depth down to the ledge determines 
how high above grade you need the concrete footing/base. Use rebar lengths that 
will end a few inches below the finished surface. For grounding you can coil up 
ground wire and lay it on the surface of the ledge before your concrete pour. I 
ran the ground wire through a short length of 1/2” or 3/4” PVC conduit, to 
protect the copper ground wire where it comes out of the concrete. Place the 
conduit coming out of the concrete with the ground wire just to the side of 
where the mounting plate base for the TPM will be and fill the PVC conduit with 
a good caulk sealer to keep air and water out of this hole as a nexus of 
concrete, and air will corrode the copper. The TPM’s for those two jobs were 
made of 8” SCHD 80 steel, we had a large plate welded to the bottom with 4 
vertical side supports on the pipe up about a foot. Place the appropriate sized 
anchor bolts in the concrete pour to match your TPM base. Both of these TPM’s 
have worked out well over the years. Local conditions will determine the 
suitability of this method.


Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 23, 2021, at 6:39 PM, Ben's Solar and Battery  
> wrote:
> 
> Hi Wrenches,
> 
> We typically use SunModo ground mounts with ground screws which we can put 
> just about anywhere as our screw guy has a rock drill.  
> We have one customer who is dead set on a top of pole mount array and will 
> not settle for a typical ground mount with multiple posts.  
> There is shallow ledge all over her property and we feel that digging 
> multiple large holes to find one spot where we might be able to get deep 
> enough would be a waste of time and resources.  We have called an underground 
> locator who uses ground penetrating radar and he scanned a few spots, but was 
> unable to give us a good location based on soil types.   
> What are you guys doing in this situation?  Are there any alternatives, such 
> as a pole mount with large base and ground screws?
> I hate saying it can't be done! 
> 
> Thanks! 
> Ben 
> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Grounding Top of Pole Mount Array with a Ufer

[Dana Orzel]

That’s why we use the Ufer, our AHJ assumes that once a layer of rust develops 
this is not valid...



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Ray
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2021 4:51 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Grounding Top of Pole Mount Array with a Ufer

We always put our assumption in our plan notes, based on our interpretation of 
250.52(A)(7).  AHJs have never questioned it, and we also tie the pole to any 
rebar, so its all one big happy grounding electrode.

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 6/24/21 6:49 PM, frenergy wrote:
> Ray,
>
> I couldn't agree more, its been my experience over the 
> years that using 20 feet of #4 rebar in a building's footing was 
> kosher and accepted NEC 250.52(3).  There's a heck of a lot more 
> surface area in 8" pipe 5-6 feet into the earth than rebar in a 
> foundation footing.  The ground at the bottom of the pole footing is 
> also more likely to be damper.  Our AHJ has always accepted the steel 
> pole as a ground rodcommon sense prevails sometimes.
>
> Bill
>
> Feather River Solar Electric
> Bill Battagin, Owner
> 4291 Nelson St.
> Taylorsville, CA 95983
> 530.284.7849
> CA Lic 874049
> www.frenergy.net
>
> On 6/24/2021 7:31 AM, Ray wrote:
>> Usually a steel pole in concrete has enough surface area to qualify 
>> as a plate electrode under 250.52(A)(7).  It needs to be at least 2 
>> sq ft and 1/4" thick, and have an electrically conductive surface. So 
>> we just drill and tap our ground connection into the pole, near the 
>> combiner box.
>>
>> Ray Walters
>> Remote Solar
>> 303 505-8760
>>
>> On 6/24/21 8:16 AM, Dana Orzel wrote:
>>> For all of our free standing arrays we now use a Ufer clamp to the 
>>> rebar either cage or just anti spin rebar that is welded to the pole 
>>> in the concrete, with #4 braided copper up to the pole combiner box, 
>>> inverter, etc. for our ground.
>>> With a pole mount & a concrete base it is way easier & less 
>>> expensive than a ground rod, & the inspector seems happier with this 
>>> approach.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc.
>>> C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com Idaho 
>>> Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374 NABCEP # 051112-136 
>>> www.greatsolarworks.com "Responsible Technologies for Responsible 
>>> People since 1988"
>>>  Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>>>
>>>
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: RE-wrenches  On 
>>> Behalf Of palumbo1...@gmail.com
>>> Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 9:33 PM
>>> To: RE-wrenches 
>>> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Top of Pole Mount Array on Ledge
>>>
>>> Ben,
>>> There is a way if the ledge is solid and true. Twice I have done the 
>>> following with ledge at 18” to 24” below grade. Excavate down to 
>>> ledge, drill down into the ledge and you will determine the 
>>> suitability of the following method. Drill for a pattern of many 
>>> rebar penetrations in to the ledge. Drill to a reasonable depth (as 
>>> deep into the ledge as you are able) in my case it was based on our 
>>> drilling tool and bit length capabilities. We used a large sono 
>>> tube. 42” as a recall, both of these jobs were over 12 years ago and 
>>> my recall on the exact size may be off.
>>> Determine the best adhesive product to use in your drilled holes for 
>>> the rebar, again my memory fails as to what we used based on 
>>> recommendation from a local civil engineer. The sono tube height 
>>> above grade was determined to be 2’ for one TPM12 and 3.5’ above 
>>> grade for a TPM16. Depth down to the ledge determines how high above 
>>> grade you need the concrete footing/base. Use rebar lengths that 
>>> will end a few inches below the finished surface. For grounding you 
>>> can coil up ground wire and lay it on the surface of the ledge 
>>> before your concrete pour. I ran the ground wire through a short 
>>> length of 1/2” or 3/4” PVC conduit, to protec

[RE-wrenches] Lighter tubing?

[Dana Orzel]

Hey all!

 

I am proposing a [20] module, 35˚ tilt up array mounted on a flat roof in
snow country - Central Idaho. Its in town, trees behind & off to the side a
ways. 

The SnapnRack design calls for [21] Pieces of 1 ½” x 21’ sched 40 pipe
+/-. I am trying to understand the need for sched 40 pipe on the vertical
components of this array. Though if the horizontal members could be
switched over to tube too that would be a big savings on weight. I hope to
eliminate the sched 40 for steel tube [stronger metal thinner wall]. 

 

Without reinventing the wheel, has anyone approached this issue & how did
you address it?

Suggestions on beefy array systems that are lighter?

 

Spec.

[20] - Q-cell 340 watt modules.  5 columns of 4 modules.

Snow-Load - 100 PSF.

Tilt - 35˚ - The back & sides will be shrouded up to module on vertical
members to prevent wind uplift.

Wind - 90 MPH/3 sec microburst [though IF, this ever happened there would
be trees & garbage cans flying.]

 

Sched 40 -1 ½” pipe is 2.72#/ft.

1 7/8” steel tube is 1.25#/ft.

 

Maybe we all use schedule 40 pipe because that’s what we have always done
& locally available. Isn’t that’s what called recycled ignorance? Looking
for options. In todays world marketplace I am questioning this approach.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off Grid Food Truck

[Dana Orzel]

Check out the line of 12/24 vdc -120 vac NOVACOOL RV refers

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com 
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
James Rudolph
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2021 11:18 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Off Grid Food Truck

 

Aloha Wrences,

I am trying to help some folks out here power up their 400w refrigerator  that 
is in their stationary food truck on the North Shore of Oahu.

I have a couple systems in mind ,but I am having a difficult time trying to 
find someone to ship a kit out here. The suppliers on this island have not been 
able to help with a small system that my client needs.

Does anyone have any experience shipping small off grid kits outside the 48 
states , or have a contact/supplier that I can speak to?

 

Mahalo in advance.

 

 

James B. Rudolph

Independent Energy C-36080

ES #10816

NABCEP Certified PV Installer since 2009  #091209-155

C. 808.313.9701

 

  
<https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1epSX66lZx4hdpGIh0mKHasN-i0LVxd85&revid=0B_lycoVrDLvaZE1weVZDQkxvM2x0NS9hamZ0SEJwSHUreC9VPQ>
 

 

 




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Re: [RE-wrenches] Long span commercial solar racking

[Dana Orzel]

You might check with Tamarack Solar, shades of earlier Snap n Rack –

7072226240supp...@tamaracksolar.com <mailto:supp...@tamaracksolar.com> 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com 
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Dave 
Tedeyan
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2021 8:26 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Long span commercial solar racking

 

Hi All, 

 

I am looking for recommendations for a solar racking system that can be put on 
a flat commercial roof where the point loads can span 12-13" east/west. I am 
imagining a system built up almost like a ground mount. Does anyone have 
manufacturer suggestions?

 

Thanks!

-Dave

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[RE-wrenches] Soliciting for workers?

[Dana Orzel]

Hey Michael - May I inquire as to possible installers on this conversation?

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator recommendation request

[Dana Orzel]

Ray this is {again} what I have experienced  over my solar career with Generac, 
controls that burned, oil leaks, all in all gener-wreak. It is sad to see yet 
another unit dead & almost every offgrid time, “oh you need to bring it in for 
servicer” over & over. 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Ray 
Walters
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2021 1:37 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator recommendation request

 

We've seen such poor reliability with the Ecogens, that we can't recommend them 
anymore.  We've seen as high as 50% failure rates in full time off grid use as 
backup.  Charging batteries for hours is a very hard load and does not compare 
to biweekly exercise mode.  The failures have been fairly catastrophic, 
resulting in blown motors.  

The other issue with these types of pad mounted generators, as Allan just 
mentioned, is that they need to be pulled and taken into the shop for major 
repairs.  This can quickly add another $500 to $1000 to the cost, to have a 
tech with a crane pull it, truck it in, and then reinstall it later.  I'm 
actually just recommending a good quality portable generator for this reason in 
many cases.  At least the customer can take it in themselves if there's a 
problem.

The alternative is to get into the bigger (>20 kW) units with water cooled 
motors and 1800 RPM operation.  I was surprised when I compared fuel 
consumption, the big units can actually use less fuel than an Ecogen when 
charging with dual inverters.  The wildcat is interesting, but I'm not ready to 
recommend a manufacturer I've not heard of before.

Another option I have not tried in cold weather, is diesels.  I have clients in 
warmer places with Kubotas that have offered excellent service.  I have clients 
in Alaska that love their diesels, but I'm not sure what they've done to cold 
proof them.

Ray Walters

Remote Solar

On 10/19/2021 1:13 PM, Sindelar Solar wrote:

Gary,
Interesting that you bring up Generac in response to my request. The customer 
for whom I made this request for recommendations has a dead Generac EcoGen 15kW 
at her property now. I don't know what's wrong with it; it had failed before 
she bought the property. But she had it checked out and was turned down for a 
service call at her home, told instead that it would have to come into the shop 
and that basically the cost of repairs was more than replacement cost. So 
another EcoGen isn't likely at this point. 

Even on Generac's website, there are a surprising number of 'one-star' reviews 
for the EcoGen 15 (the EcoGen 6 is discontinued). The one at my own home, an 
early EcoGen 6 that Generac gave me around 2010 in return for evaluation and 
review, had a throttle solenoid fail with relatively few hours on it. So I 
remain cautious about Generac products.

Thanks for your reply, though.
Allan

On 10/17/2021 8:58 AM, Gary F Willett PE wrote:

Allan:


DISCLAIMER: I have no business or financial relationship with any Generac 
dealer.

I have owned two Generac EcoGens in the past 10 years and am pleased with their 
performance. The EgoGen is configurable using an option setting to use either 
LP or NG fuel. It is warranteed for the off-grid environment, with a 500 hour 
recommended interval for routine maintenance.

Even though I live in an urban area, I setup my PV system in the grid-tie 
battery backup configuration. I have always used LP for fuel instead of natural 
gas because of some issues we've had with natural gas reliability here in north 
Texas under extreme winter weather conditions (last one here was in 
mid-February).

I use my EcoGen only as a battery charger in a grid-down situation, it does not 
serve house loads directly. I'll admit that most of the hours on my generator 
are the bi-weekly exercise runs!

I started with the 6kW 240V AC EcoGen as a field trial participant in Generac's 
beta testing of the EcoGen in an off-grid environment in 2010. Later I upgraded 
to the 15kW kW 240V AC model. I very pleased with this model too.

So, consider Generac as an option too.

Regards, Gary 

On Sat, 16 Oct 2021 20:32:35 -0600, Allan Sindelar  
<mailto:al...@sindelarsolar.com>  wrote:
  

Mac, I appreciate your suggestion, thank you. Indeed, I called a longtime 
regional independent generator dealer about this before posting here. I was 
surprised that he has Kohler 12s and 14s in stock and available. I’ll go that 
route if I don’t hear better f

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strange noises from the roof

[Dana Orzel]

My house has a Corten standing seam roof & corrugated Corten exterior walls.  
The roof & walls talk to us as they warm up & cool down. Till snow cover comes 
& stays for the winter there is always minor sounds, esp. when the sun pokes 
out from behind a cloud. 

Keeps us aware that conditions are changing. We definitely find it informative.

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Jeff 
Irish
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2021 7:05 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Strange noises from the roof

 

We've had several of these over the last two decades and they can be annoying 
and difficult to remedy.  I think the underlying home construction is usually 
the cause.  Either the structure has some weaknesses or discontinuities as 
mentioned above, or sheathing was attached while the rafters were still wet, or 
the sheathing was damp when the roofing went on, etc.  Then all the wood starts 
to gradually dry out.  

Our general solution is to go back, hopefully during a dry, mid-temperature 
mid-humidity day and take off the modules, loosen all the nuts and bolts and 
re-tighten the rack and install the array.  In some cases we have installed 
locknuts with teflon washers between L-feet and rail to allow a little lateral 
movement.  After doing all this rework, we rarely get further callbacks.  

 

On Wed, Oct 20, 2021 at 10:03 PM Nick Soleil mailto:nsol...@enphaseenergy.com> > wrote:

I had a similar experience 13 years ago on a house that had an addition built 
onto it.  The array spanned between the original home and the addition, and the 
structure would creak in the evening as the aluminum racking and modules 
cooled.  The creaking was a result of weaknesses in the structure, but I fixed 
the issue by splitting the array where the two structures met.  It wasn't a 
very easy fix, but it did resolve the issue.

 

Cordially,

Nick Soleil

Enphase Energy Senior Product Manager

(707) 763-4784 x7267  // office

(707) 321-2937  // cell

 <https://enphase.com/en-us/products-and-services/envoy> Powering What’s Next™ 
| The Enphase Energy Management System

NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer #03262011-300

California C10 Licensed Electrician #986315

  _  

From: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org> > on behalf of Ray Walters 
mailto:r...@solarray.com> >
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2021 5:20 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
<mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>  mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Strange noises from the roof 

 


EXTERNAL EMAIL - Use caution when responding, clicking, and/or downloading 
attachments.

 

 

Is this something else we need to put into our contracts? 

"Not responsible for sounds due to normal thermal expansion and contraction of 
racking, modules, and roof".

Ray Walters
Remote Solar

On 10/20/2021 2:58 PM, Jason Szumlanski wrote:

These were Black framed Axitec panels. The clowns used zip ties (which were all 
over the roof, brittle and broken). There wasn't a single metallic wire clip on 
site. 

 

This went on for 6 months, with no discernable improvement or worsening 
according to the client. It was every day and night in every climate. I'm quite 
baffled. 

 

She thought she was being burglarized the first night. Then she hired a 
pest/vermin company thinking it was racoons. It didn't take long to put two and 
two together and realize it was coming from the solar array. But the original 
contractor couldn't figure it out. 

 

Pic attached of what's there now. 

 

Jaso

 

 

On Wed, Oct 20, 2021, 3:55 PM Nick A Lucchese mailto:luccheseso...@me.com> > wrote:

Hello Jason,

I installed a 36 module array on a standing seam metal roof in June that I 
observed “tinging” sounds while working on it over a few days. It also employed 
the Ironridge UFO system but differs in that mine connected to the standing 
seams with L-feet paired with S-5! clamps and every single bolt and set screw 
was hand tightened and torqued to specifications.  At first I thought a couple 
of my metal Acme cable clips holding the PV wire under the frames were popping 
off or letting down a conductor from it’s grasp but after looking into it 
repeatedly I determined it was likely just small expansion/contraction events. 
Temperatures were in the upper 90’s and they’re the black REC 365 modules. The 
building sits away from the client’s house so if it were still occurring likely 
kn

[RE-wrenches] DIY solar

[Dana Orzel]

The name of the company is : PROJECTSOLAR.IO

Here in idaho I have no idea how they are going to succeed. I do know of one 
project that I quoted that has purchased from them, but I have not heard beyond 
that.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Jerry Shafer
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 5:57 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Premanufactured Pergola for PV

 

Unskilled labor, UL Listing dont generally go together, personally l dont like 
DYI in renewable, its not allowed in many other trades but solar it is  rampant 
and it gives the entire industry a black eye.

 

On Tue, Oct 26, 2021, 2:16 PM Jeremy Coxon mailto:jco...@sunwindpowerinc.com> > wrote:

Does anyone know of a reputable company that offers premanufactured or standard 
'off the shelf' pergolas for PV mods for residential customers?  I thought I’d 
seen a marketing email a while back from a company offering basically a kitted 
structure that didn’t require any special equipment/skills for assembly, but 
for the life of me I can’t find the email or their web page.  I remember that 
all that was needed were basic foundations and simple assembly by “unskilled 
labor”.  

 

Best Regards,
Jeremy Coxon NABCEP # 091308-21
MWBE Certified

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Pitch Pockets

[Dana Orzel]

We are not dealing with many flat roofs in snow country [thank goodness] but 
are very impressed with the Chemlink product hot or cold it appears to be very 
stable. Just spendy.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
August Goers
Sent: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 3:04 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Pitch Pockets

 

Adam - 

 

This is a good topic. We are finding more and more flat roofs with rigid 
insulation installed over the wood decking to provide cricketing (for drainage) 
and insulation for the home. Installing standard stanchions is difficult 
because it is hard to find the rafters and also we need to use a hole saw to 
cut through the rigid insulation so the base of the stanchion has a solid deck 
to attach to. Very difficult all around! Nonetheless, we still mainly use 
Chemlink E-Curbs or work with a roofer to flash and seal.

 

We have tried a few projects with the Unirac Flashloc RM product: 
https://unirac.com/flashloc-rm/ All in all, our crews like them although they 
are expensive. The tricky part is getting the engineering to work out since 
this type of product can be used to attach solely to the decking. 

 

We're also trying out the Anchor Products U2400 that Jeff mentioned. And, we're 
using the OMG Powergrip product on a commercial project: 
https://omgroofing.com/products/solar-mounts/powergrip-plus

 

August

Luminalt

 

 

On Wed, Nov 3, 2021 at 1:33 PM Jeff Irish mailto:jeff.ir...@suncommon.com> > wrote:

Have a look at U2400s from Anchor Products.  You can order them to match the 
type of roof you are dealing with.

 

On Wed, Nov 3, 2021 at 4:16 PM Jason Szumlanski 
mailto:ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> > 
wrote:

E-Curbs here.

 

Some roofing manufacturers require that you use their sealant pockets and 
sealant to maintain their warranty, and some require that you use their 
certified roofing contractors. Firestone is one of them for TPO roofs, and 
their TPO accessories are very expensive (even more than Chemlink).

 

Jason Szumlanski

Florida Solar Design Group

 

 

 

 

 


  
<https://mailtrack.io/trace/mail/d141874a52837d72d1a8beecd97b25dc1ed2bd5e.png?u=1613865>
 

On Wed, Nov 3, 2021 at 3:41 PM AE Solar mailto:autonomousenerg...@gmail.com> > wrote:

Anyone have a favorite pitch pocket they use for flat roofs? We have a larger 
residential system with an EPDM flat roof (decking, 2" of rigid insulation, 
then EPDM). We are trying to keep the array as low to the roof as possible. 
We've used Chemlink E-Curbs to seal around stand-off's in the past, but figured 
I'd reach out and see if there are any other products folks like?

Thanks.

Adam

 

Adam Katzman
Autonomous Energies
PO Box 1245

Kingston, NY 12402
www.autonomousenergies.com <http://www.autonomousenergies.com> 
(518) 567-1468

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-- 

Jeff Irish | PE, Vice President

 <https://suncommon.com/> SunCommon.com | Main: 845-876-3767
13 Hook Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
 <https://suncommon.com/holiday-giving-program-2021/> 

SunCommon believes that everyone has the right to a health

[RE-wrenches] SW4024 remote shut down switch

[Dana Orzel]

Oh Wise Older Ones!

 

I have a client that wants to be able to turn off his SW4024 remotely, say
with a 2 wire  single gang switch?

I cannot remember & it does not appear in the manual he has as to how this
can happen.

 

Any memories or suggestions?

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] ballasted ground mounts residential scale

[Dana Orzel]

I have used Snapn’Rack’s system with grade beams. It uses a sched 40 - 1½” 
iron/galv pipe to achieve 90 MPH 3 sec micro burst rating for uplift. Please 
verify if this is still available from SnR.  I am pretty sure that we needed 
18# of concrete/sqft of PV module. I would have your structural engineer verify 
this or whatever your local code calls for.

It’s a good system as long as you do not have frost heaving of the ground. I am 
not sure that I would do this in snow country unless your engineer could 
guaranty that there is a way to eliminate the frost heave. 

 

And if you are going to have to do that much ground prep why not use a pier or 
footing system?

 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com 
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Mac 
Lewis
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2021 4:31 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] ballasted ground mounts residential scale

 

Hello Wrenches,

 

Can anyone recommend a ballasted ground mount solution that is offered on a 
residential scale?  Below 10kW typically.

 

Thanks in advance!


 

-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Optical Sensor for Wattsun Tracker

[Dana Orzel]

The new Wattsun controller system is super reliable VS the old system I would 
do the upgrade…..

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Matt 
Sherald
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2021 8:50 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Optical Sensor for Wattsun Tracker

 

Hi Wrenches,

 

I have a customer in need of an optical sensor for their AZ-225 dual-axis 
tracker.  If you have a spare laying about and want to move it along please 
contact me off-list.

 

I understand through the customer that sensor replacements from Wattsun are 
available, but now require the replacement of the old dip-switch controller in 
addition.  This seems a bit pricey so I'm fishing for a less expensive 
alternative.  

 

Many thanks!!!


-- 

Matt Sherald

PIMBY Energy, LLC

NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®

304-704-5943

www.getpimby.blogspot.com <http://www.getpimby.blogspot.com> 
www.getpimby.com <http://www.getpimby.com> 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Smell from Radian

[Dana Orzel]

Are your front intake screens clean? Has the owner been gawking  in front of 
the Radian while eating Fritos?



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2021 7:57 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Smell from Radian

A 8048 Radian emitted a smell while charging batteries. It smelled like Fritos 
corn chips. The smell seemed to come out of the exhaust vent on top of the box.

Has anyone experienced this? Would you suspect electronic components frying or 
just some dust?

Thanks,

Drake

Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric LLC
Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810 CO Master Electrician’s License 4526 
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Smell from Radian

[Dana Orzel]

Another thought – 

Open up the Radian & do a really thorough compressed air blow out of the 
cabinet interior?

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Jerry Shafer
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2021 9:05 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Smell from Radian

 

Drake

These inverters are indoor rated so dust cans still get inside and if the 
humidity is high and there is dirt on the boards they omit an odor now I can 
not say I have ever smelled corn chips but anything is possible, now to get the 
important info, how hard was the charge, how long was the charge, what was the 
ambient temperature,  the environment the inverter is residing, condition of 
the inlet screens, is the room dusty, musty or clean and simi habitable,  
lastly, can criders get on top of the inverters, 

 

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 6:57 AM mailto:drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org> > wrote:

A 8048 Radian emitted a smell while charging batteries. It smelled like 
Fritos corn chips. The smell seemed to come out of the exhaust vent on 
top of the box.

Has anyone experienced this? Would you suspect electronic components 
frying or just some dust?

Thanks,

Drake

Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric LLC
Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810
CO Master Electrician’s License 4526
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional


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[RE-wrenches] ballasted ground mounts residential scale

[Dana Orzel]

Or Pour a solid slab.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of jay
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2021 10:26 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] ballasted ground mounts residential scale

 

Hi Mac,

 

You can check out the unirac GFT which has a engineered ballast in their 
approved mounting designs.  

 

jay

 

peltz power





On Dec 29, 2021, at 9:05 AM, Mac Lewis mailto:maclew...@gmail.com> > wrote:

 

Thanks Dana,

 

Normally I do a piered system for these, but I've got a project with a ground 
source heat pump loop at unknown depth under the array field.  I'm trying to 
avoid a puncture.

 

Thanks!

 

On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 8:58 AM Dana Orzel mailto:d...@solarwork.com> > wrote:

I have used Snapn’Rack’s system with grade beams. It uses a sched 40 - 1½” 
iron/galv pipe to achieve 90 MPH 3 sec micro burst rating for uplift. Please 
verify if this is still available from SnR.  I am pretty sure that we needed 
18# of concrete/sqft of PV module. I would have your structural engineer verify 
this or whatever your local code calls for.

It’s a good system as long as you do not have frost heaving of the ground. I am 
not sure that I would do this in snow country unless your engineer could 
guaranty that there is a way to eliminate the frost heave. 

 

And if you are going to have to do that much ground prep why not use a pier or 
footing system?

 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com 
<mailto:d...@solarwork.com> 

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com 
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org> > On Behalf Of Mac Lewis
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2021 4:31 PM
To: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >
Subject: [RE-wrenches] ballasted ground mounts residential scale

 

Hello Wrenches,

 

Can anyone recommend a ballasted ground mount solution that is offered on a 
residential scale?  Below 10kW typically.

 

Thanks in advance!


 

-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

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-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis




"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

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[RE-wrenches] Lithium Ion tool batteries

[Dana Orzel]

Hey All,

 

For those of us that live & work in freezing winter temps - What is the
overall effect on LI tool batteries stored in a frozen truck overnight,
needs to be used or charged & the battery is -15˚ to 32˚F? 

I assume it’s the same as stationary LI batteries, though I have never
seen a warning on the battery package or in the tool literature.

 

What are you all doing with work tool batteries in freezing  temps?

 

Are you taking the batteries inside to be warm & charge at night? 

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Ion tool batteries

[Dana Orzel]

Excellent in-depth info thanks 

Dana Orzel
C: 208.721.7003
E- d...@solarwork.com

> On Jan 19, 2022, at 9:58 AM, Alex MeVay  wrote:
> 
> Generally, storage or use at cold temperatures shouldn't be an issue,
> as long as the battery can still deliver enough power to operate the
> tool effectively.
> 
> Charging though...at cold temperatures, ion mobility goes down.  If
> the battery is charged too fast, the lithium ions can't make it into
> the graphite anode fast enough and they start to plate out as metallic
> lithium.  At best, this results in a permanent reduction in capacity.
> Next worst from there, the lithium metal can create an internal soft
> short, immediately or at a later point in time, resulting in high
> self-discharge or a dead cell.  Worst case, it turns into a hard short
> and a fire.
> 
> In theory, the BMS or charger should prevent charging too fast or too
> cold, but who knows if an edge-case like this is actually implemented
> correctly on any particular battery system.Be careful charging!
> 
> Alex MeVay
> 
> Genasun * Blue Sky Energy * http://sunforgellc.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Ion tool batteries

[Dana Orzel]

Really Happy with the Milwaukee M18 volt series. Various sized batteries 
available, & there have to be 150+ tools in the M18 series. I got into the 
Milwaukee 28 volt originally & what a nightmare; too heavy, replacement 
batteries were $$$ & life span on the battery was not good.

I have been told the Milwaukee power tools have steel gears not plastic. The 
impacts are bomber solid.

So far cold weather operation is good, no noticeable deficiencies. & I have 
charged them very cold so the battery charger BM is fairly smart/sensitive. I 
have noticed if really cold the charger says "broken Battery"

I Loved the small cooler & reptile heater idea! Great idea!



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2022 9:32 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Ion tool batteries

What lithium battery powered tool brand that has the best performance in 
freezing weather? My 10 year old+ Makita tool set isn't nearly as powerful as 
some newer tools. Even with new batteries, the tools have sufficient power in 
cold weather.

What is the best brand for cold weather operation?

Thanks,

Drake

Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric LLC
Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810 CO Master Electrician’s License 4526 
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional

---


On 2022-01-19 11:58, Alex MeVay wrote:
> Generally, storage or use at cold temperatures shouldn't be an issue, 
> as long as the battery can still deliver enough power to operate the 
> tool effectively.
> 
> Charging though...at cold temperatures, ion mobility goes down.  If 
> the battery is charged too fast, the lithium ions can't make it into 
> the graphite anode fast enough and they start to plate out as metallic 
> lithium.  At best, this results in a permanent reduction in capacity.
> Next worst from there, the lithium metal can create an internal soft 
> short, immediately or at a later point in time, resulting in high 
> self-discharge or a dead cell.  Worst case, it turns into a hard short 
> and a fire.
> 
> In theory, the BMS or charger should prevent charging too fast or too 
> cold, but who knows if an edge-case like this is actually implemented
> correctly on any particular battery system.Be careful charging!
> 
> Alex MeVay
> 
> Genasun * Blue Sky Energy * http://sunforgellc.com 
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[RE-wrenches] 20,000 SQFT HONE

[Dana Orzel]

Hey All,

 

I have been asked to design & install a solar backup system for a 20,000
sqft "home", autonomy requirements unknown at this time.  I know.  lets save
the jokes.

Many of you have confronted this issue with survivalist/realist types.
Probably 400-600 Amp utility service is present.

 

I generated this list with one of my engineers for the General Contractor to
consider:

 

*   So there is no room for a ground mount in the back corner of the
property?
*   If the house is in the design stage, is there any possibility for
them to leave one nice, south facing roof surface that solar could easily
attach to...?
*   Is there a possibility for a 'man cave' to be included, for a 3-4
car garage for sports cars/boats/tractors/quads... and THAT could be a
standard roof surface where solar could easily attach...?
*   How much roof space does he have for PV?
*   How many broken up roof faces are there? 
*   What size system do you estimate can be put there?
*   What is the size of his main panel? There are many systems out there
for 200A panels backing up 400A panels is problematic, unless you want
to install two 200A systems.
*   Does he want to run his house during a grid outage even as if he is
still connected to the grid? 
*   If the grid went down how long does he want for autonomy?
*   How is the house heated? 
*   Any large loads like Well Pumps, Electric Ovens and Cooktops,
electric dryers, electric water heater/on demand water heaters? Etc?
*   Being involved in the design is integration  of the house is
critical.
*   Both were skeptical on the roof tiles in snow country, low elevation
desert is more the idea. I have an inquiry with Tesla on this point.
*   How much AC, and do they get summer outages?

 

I was wondering if I could have a phone call & pick your mind as in:

 

What have you done?

What would you do differently next time?

Or would you do it the same again?

How much client input did you receive?

 

Please respond directly to my email. Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] 24v to 48v upgrade help

[Dana Orzel]

I have a 48 V system at my home and I have an older son Frost 24 V DC battery 
based freezer that is supported by a IOTA battery charger power supply it’s 
worked flawlessly since the day I put it together nearly 22 years ago the IOTA 
chargers come in a variety of sizes depending on your needs

Dana Orzel
C: 208.721.7003
E- d...@solarwork.com

> On Jan 26, 2022, at 7:25 PM, Mac Lewis  wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi Aaron,
> 
> You can do DC to DC  buck converters, but I would suggest cheap and efficient 
> 24V, AC power supplies. It's easy to have some spares around and they can be 
> very reliable.  
> 
> 
> 
>> On Wed, Jan 26, 2022, 5:16 PM Aaron Mandelkorn  wrote:
>> Wrenches,
>> 
>> I have a customer with a very old 24v off grid pv system.  He wants to 
>> upgrade his array, inverter and battery bank.  There are no options for 
>> inverter/chargers over 4000 watts in 24v dc.  The same goes for lithium iron 
>> batteries.  Everything (of higher wattage and battery capacity) seems to be 
>> in 48v only now.  If going to 48 volts how do I acomodate the few but 
>> important 24v DC loads in the home.  Is a 48v to 24v step down converter the 
>> best option?  What do you think? Any help would be appreciated.  Thank you.
>> 
>> Aaron Mandelkorn
>> President / Founder
>> Renewable Energy Outfitters
>> www.reosolar.com
>> Off Grid Depot
>> www.offgridnow.com
>> 970-596-3744
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Flickering lights on off grid AC coupled radian system

[Dana Orzel]

Ditto on misc flickering w LEDs on my Off grid Radian system 
I have some LEDs that are absolutely stable all the time and some of the 
smaller I guess I’d call them decorative type ones in a hanging lamp over a 
dining table seem to be unstable all the time and I would attribute that to 
Cheaper less reliable electronics in the LEDs & more so when are dimmed down .


Dana Orzel
C: 208.721.7003
E- d...@solarwork.com

> On Feb 4, 2022, at 8:09 AM, drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org wrote:
> 
> Some LEDs will flicker at times with off grid AC coupled systems. I've seen 
> this with Outback and Magnum. Some brands of LED seem stable.
> 
> Drake Chamberlin
> Athens Electric LLC
> Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810
> CO Master Electrician’s License 4526
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> 
> 
> ---
> 
> 
>> On 2022-02-02 14:59, Lars Ortegren wrote:
>> 
>> Wrenches,
>> I'm hoping to solve an issue we've had with a couple of our off grid AC 
>> coupled systems. We have had multiple reports of different LED and 
>> traditional ballasted fluorescent systems "flickering" during the day when 
>> the AC systems are producing power. We havent had issues with other off grid 
>> AC coupling using Sunny Islands, or even old VFX inverters, but this does 
>> seem to be an issue directly related to the Radians.I'm wondering if any of 
>> you have had experience with this, and if you found any hacks to "clean up" 
>> the power?
>> --
>> Lars Örtegren
>> General Manager
>> Co-Founder
>> Worker-Owner
>> He/Him
>> https://www.cal-solar.coop/
>> 530 274 3671 | ext 307
>> l...@cal-solar.com
>> www.Cal-Solar.coop
>> 149 E. Main St, Grass Valley, CA 95945
>> NABCEP: #PVI-091110-89
>> CSLB #779624
>> https://www.amicussolar.com/ https://www.nabcep.org/
>> https://californiasolarco.com/quote/
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[RE-wrenches] ] Tesla Anywhere

[Dana Orzel]

Very good! I was just about to ask the same question. I have 1 new construction 
request for a “Tesla” system. Between Snow country [Where I think the roof tile 
is not appropriate & from what I hear not available as it is still in prototype 
testing & costing twice what Tesla wants to sell it for] & the fact that I 
cannot get anyone at Tesla to call me back. 

 

I am wondering what other folks experience has been.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com 
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Nicholas Welch
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 1:01 PM
To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Tesla Anywhere

 

Hello Wrenches,

 

Has anyone here taken the plunge in partnering with Tesla for their "Tesla 
Anywhere" program? If so, I'd love to chat off forum. Please let me know and I 
will send my contact info.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Nick Welch

NC Electrical License #34779

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Mate3s hangups

[Dana Orzel]

My Mat3 goes blank on a semi regular basis, I have not notated the frequency. 

 

Perhaps someone from Outback who is on the list would care to comment? Anyone 
from OutBack on this?

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Nick 
A Lucchese
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2022 11:28 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Mate3s hangups

 

Hello again,

 

Perhaps it’s something different since you’re saying “front panel looks 
perfectly normal”  but it’s difficult for me to think of any of my sites that 
don’t experience the Mate3-s freezing up from time to time requiring a quick 
disconnect and reconnect of the Cat5 cables. Some sites do seem more frequent 
than others but overall I’ve just come to accept this and be sure to provide my 
clients with a tutorial of how to fix when I walk them through the initial 
commissioning instruction. I point out both places to unplug and highlight the 
greater accessibility of the 1st Mate port in the Hub versus on the back of the 
Mate often attached to the wall.  Of course nobody remembers when it happens 
six months down the line either. I can also tell how often my client actually 
pays attention since it’s not uncommon to show up at a site for something else 
and discover a frozen Mate3-s. In general, I’ve just come to expect this and 
since it’s always fixed with a couple minute effort I don’t see it as being a 
major issue for the majority of my customers.

 

As far as Hughesnet goes I also have issues at those sites. No easy way around 
it. Seems like Opticsre is slightly more stable than the older Blue Ion 2.0 
monitoring though. Next time you speak with your favorite battery or inverter 
manufacturer be sure to express your dislike of this newer trend which does 
away with integrated hardware for monitoring. I still have a lot of “old 
timers” that can care less to have their monitoring online and although it 
makes my life easier the manufacturers need to accept that there is a large 
part of the off grid world that does not have reliable internet nor an age 
demographic that cares to navigate this new world of connectivity. There is no 
substitute for on site monitoring hardware that displays battery SOC. If an 
inexpensive Goal Zero can do it why can’t our favorite $20k batteries?

 

Enjoy your day, Nick

 





On Feb 16, 2022, at 11:23 AM, Kirk Herander mailto:kirkh@vermont.solar> > wrote:

 

Hello all,

 

I've had several Mates go offline (refuse to send data) to the host lately. 
Totally different sites. The front panel looks perfectly normal. But they can 
only be restored by unplugging the Lan and Hub cables, then a normal reboot 
will occur and OpticsRE  is restored. Ideas???


 

-- 

Kirk Herander / kirkh@vermont.solar <mailto:kirkh@vermont.solar> 

Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC

Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!

 
<https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.vermontsolarnow.com&data=02%7C01%7C%7C9f0330d75a244870112408d685311841%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C636842843233477645&sdata=0NjyuKeQbEK6245SNnk8X4XnP9Q%2B%2BqtvcALkdDghvk4%3D&reserved=0>
 www.vermont.solar

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

802.863.1202

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[RE-wrenches] Lithium battery fires

[Dana Orzel]

https://www.euronews.com/2022/03/01/massive-cargo-ship-carrying-electric-car
s-sinks-in-atlantic-ocean-after-fire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWq-Mq1Uqpw

NTSB video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6eS6JzBn0k

 

Without trying to be a fear monger but definitely concerned as an installer
- 

 

This ship caught fire carrying both conventional & electric vehicles & Sank

On this note and various numerous U-tube videos of lithium car fires, Should
we be concerned with installing lithium batteries in homes?

What would our liability be in the event of a home fire? 

Ours or the manufacturer?

What would happen to our liability insurance rates if there is a rash of
fires?

 

Any thoughts as we all install more lithium batteries in homes?

 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] Protection on the back side of modules

[Dana Orzel]

Quick Q: What are you all doing for a ground mounted array protection for
array wiring on the back side of modules, Q-cell G6+ 350 watt.

The inspector will except: a fence even just a 2 rail (IMHO pretty
worthless) fence or panels? (I do not have source for this) or mesh wire.

 

Any other reasonable ideas?

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark install

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

We have done one Solark installation & I was shocked as to the lack of ground 
wire landing terminals & space. We added a 12126 metal box below to ease the # 
of entrances to two 11/4”.
 I jumpered a # 8 to a second ground bar to allow for additional landing 
locations. I called Solark to question this & the response to the question was 
“yeah we have heard this from other installers “.
End of call. 
Dana Orzel
C: 208.721.7003
E- d...@solarwork.com

> On Apr 13, 2022, at 8:21 PM, Maverick Brown via RE-wrenches 
>  wrote:
> 
> Ron
> 
> The Sol-Ark has two MPPT channels and has two separate landing spots for each 
> MPPT channels. Each landing pair needs matching strings. 8 AWG wire barely 
> fits so the Sol-Ark PV terminals so they may only be rated for 10AWG. 
> 
> I’m assuming you have a ground array  The most common stringing method would 
> be to use a trench with conduit and THHN wire. You could also sleeve a 
> direct-burial cable into the ground.  Calculate the voltage drop over the 
> distance to make sure 10AWG is adequate. If not, then make a junction, like a 
> MidNite or Outback combiner or an IMO switch at the array to get up the right 
> wire size, with an added MidNite Surge Protector or EMP shield device. If 
> it’s a long distance (larger wire size), add another combiner at the inverter 
> building entrance to get back to 10 AWG. 
> 
> https://practicalpreppers.com/product/imo-4-pole-16-amp-dc-disconnect/
> 
> Also, The Sol-Ark sizing guide helps with string calculations. 
> 
> https://www.sol-ark.com/solar-panel-sizing/SolarPanelSizing.html
> 
> Contact me off list with additional questions. 
> 
> 
> 
> Maverick Brown
> Off-Grid Solar Commander since 2006
> Maverick Solar Enterprises, Inc.
>  • Solar Commander Remote Power
>  • SunFlow Systems Cathodic Protection 
> maver...@mavericksolar.com
> 512-460-9825
> 
> 
>>> On Apr 12, 2022, at 9:42 PM, Ron Young via RE-wrenches 
>>>  wrote:
>>> 
>> Hi Wrenches, trying to wrap my head around a first time Sol-Ark install. 
>> Because the max DC voltage is 500v at 18a  and the PV I’m using is 40v DC 
>> each I will have to create three strings each 480v. What would be the best 
>> choice for a home run wire? I’ve always used smaller strings with micro 
>> inverters, a combiner at the array and a single Teck home run cable but the 
>> string inverter presents a different scenario and it looks like I’ll need to 
>> use three home run cables, one for each string. 
>> 
>> Ron Young
>> 
>> earthRight Products - Solareagle.com
>> Alternative Energy Solutions ~ Renewable Energy Products
>> 
>> 
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[RE-wrenches] Razors & Removing paint from solar modules

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

If your use a razor only use a fresh razor blades. The moment you feel burrs 
stop & replace the razor as the burrs will scratch the glass. Also keep the 
surface always wet with a soapy solution [surfactant] to keep the surface slick 
& this extends the short life of a razors edge.

Use a razor handle to hold the blade & keep a first aid kit available. Soapy 
water & razor blades have interesting incidents.  I owned a window tint shop 40 
years ago & definitely had my share of razor cuts.

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Chris Mason via RE-wrenches
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2022 8:18 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Chris Mason 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Removing paint from solar modules

 

Just a razor blade. I doubt you can take if off chemically.

 

On Fri, Apr 15, 2022 at 9:01 AM Mac Lewis via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

Hi Wrenches,

 

We had some painters try to paint a house in 35 mph winds and (of course) the 
overspray got onto some recently installed solar modules.  They were using a 
latex water-based exterior paint.  Are there any mild solvents you might 
recommend to help clean this up?  Or just elbow grease?

 

Thanks!

-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

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-- 

Chris Mason

Solar systems designer

Generac Generators Industrial technician

 

Comet Systems Ltd DBA Comet Solar
Anguilla Cell  264.235.5670

WhatsApp 264.235.5670

Skype: netconcepts

www.cometsolar.com <http://www.cometenergysystems.com/> 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Removing paint from solar modules

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Also Latex paint come off with Isopropyl Alcohol.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com 
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Mac 
Lewis via RE-wrenches
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2022 7:01 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Mac Lewis 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Removing paint from solar modules

 

Hi Wrenches,

 

We had some painters try to paint a house in 35 mph winds and (of course) the 
overspray got onto some recently installed solar modules.  They were using a 
latex water-based exterior paint.  Are there any mild solvents you might 
recommend to help clean this up?  Or just elbow grease?

 

Thanks!

-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Fronius in the game?

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Moving to Idaho I have inherited a valley full of Fronius & SMA The only 
failures have had to replace have been Fronius & I replaced with SMA. All were 
out of warranty according to Fronius.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Glenn Burt via RE-wrenches
Sent: Friday, April 22, 2022 3:06 PM
To: August Goers via RE-wrenches 
Cc: Glenn Burt 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Fronius in the game?

 

We continue to install Fronius inverters on our ground mounted systems here in 
southern VT and some of eastern NY.

 

-Glenn

Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.

 

-- Original message--

From: August Goers via RE-wrenches 

Date: Fri, Apr 22, 2022 2:41 PM

To: RE-wrenches;

Cc: August Goers;

Subject:[RE-wrenches] Fronius in the game?

 

Hi Wrenches,

 

I recently had a friend install a Fronius Primo inverter in California. When he 
submitted for interconnection, PG&E said it didn't meet the current smart 
inverter requirements. Here is the response from Fronius tech support:

 

"The Fronius Primo and Symo line are not compliant with Rule 21 Phase 3. With 
the lack of Phase 3 certification, these inverters can't be installed since 
June 22, 2020 in any territory of the big 3 IOUs (PG&E, SCE, SDGE) or where a 
listing on the CEC Grid Support (‘Smart’) Inverter list is required."

 

Is anyone still using Fronius on this list? Is Fronius pulling out of the US 
market?

 

Best, August


August Goers

Luminalt Energy Corporation

www.luminalt.com <http://www.luminalt.com> 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] GJ 250 circuit breaker DC 250

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Jeremy - I have several let me know if I can help.

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of
Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2022 10:16 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Cc: Jeremy Rodriguez 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] GJ 250 circuit breaker DC 250

 

Hello  

Does anyone have a good used 250A CB for the old DC250 by  Xantrex? I
believe they are a GJ250?

Or does any of the new equipment work. Kind of looks like the Magnum Energy
breakers in a MMP. 

Contact me off list If necessary. 

Regards, 

 



 

Jeremy Rodriguez 

Solar Installation / Design Expert 

All Solar, Inc. 

1453 M St

Penrose Colorado 81240

 

 

 

Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand. 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] wire management on Qcell AC module

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Tape is not approved as a wire retaining device as far as I can find in the NEC 
:-]

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches
Sent: Thursday, June 2, 2022 9:40 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Jerry Shafer 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] wire management on Qcell AC module

 

Regarding the tape on the back sheet

I have seen Novis installers keep the tape to secure the modules and I have 
also seen it with the tape stll attached to the wires laying on the roof so in 
my humble opinion the tape is for shipping only and is not to be used as a wire 
management system. 

Jerry 

NABCEP PV Inspector

 

On Thu, Jun 2, 2022 at 6:37 AM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

Hi All, 

 

I just got some of the Qcell 360w AC modules that have the Enphase 
microinverter factory applied to the back. The module is the half cut cell type 
with the DC leads coming from either side of the middle of the module. The 
modules come with the wires taped to the back of the module. If you remove that 
tape, there appears to be almost no way to properly manage those wires. Is that 
tape meant to just keep the wire on the back of the module forever? Would that 
even last more than a year? I am curious what other people have done for these 
if they have used them or something similar. Maybe if you get the rail in the 
right spot, the wires will just sit on the rail...

 

I realize that we have had a thread on wire management with half cut cell 
modules before, but this is a little different, as I am specifically asking 
about that tape and if anyone knows if it holds up over time.

 

Cheers, 

Dave


 

-- 


 <https://www.sungineersolar.com/> 


Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar


p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>  www.sungineersolar.com
c: (607) 288-2898



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[RE-wrenches] The Questions of product reliability

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Having been in the solar biz since 1988 I can, but will not make a list of 
products that have come & gone;  products that have been Guinea pigged on all 
of us, promises that have been made & not kept, equipment that has caught fire 
& individuals that have made unrealistic promises to clients that have really 
damaged the reputations of the balance of those of us who are trying to build a 
reliable & reputable reputations in a still growing now teen aged industry.

 

That said I have held back on installing new product introductions & still do 
on say micro inverters: they get really hot & really cold & the long term 
reliability of a product that suffers that will suffer in the long run. I do 
not know of many 5-8 year old micro inverter systems that have not had at least 
some inverter components replaced. I remember the first micro inverter training 
class that I attended & the presenter kept using the term mean time to failure, 
& I questioned this term. The response was that the components used in similar 
situations should allow for a similar life span. I had this discussion today 
with a friend who has a unobstructed south facing roof with no shading, with a 
micro inverter system that is looking at expanding & wanted more micro 
inverters because he felt the information on what every inverter/module pair 
was doing was important. I asked him but what fails? The answer was: Not the 
Module but the inverter that was the weak link. So why use a micro invert in 
his application?

 

String inverters? Less so but I have seen failure rashes of at least 1 Manu 
that have surfaced I have had to address multiple similar sized units 
replacement, at least I was standing on the ground to repair.

 

New products for offgrid & grid tie continue to come online regularly. Today at 
least UL/ETL type testing awards some level of reliability & takes some of the 
concern out for us as installers.

 

At this point you are wondering where the heck is I am going with this rant?

 

*   How many companies have really followed thru with their promises?
*   How many companies products really last as promised?
*   How many companies have available, accurate, & prompt/timely customer 
tech service?
*   How many companies get the replacement components out the door promptly?

 

I really try to support manufacturers, wholesalers, & companies that meet these 
criteria. 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches
Sent: Friday, June 3, 2022 9:41 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Jerry Shafer 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Edge - appears generator integration is not on 
any near-term path to completion

 

When it comes to what manufacturers will have in the future, guaranteeing or 
stating that a product will have a feature in the future is mostly doomed to 
failure, enphase, LG Chem, Ford and so many obsolete inverter manufacturers 
that have come and gone. You might as well be selling snake oil, you are 
backing yourself into a corner that has no good way out, just dont sell 
something that is not there yet. You can use this in your favor by telling your 
customer at the kitchen table that anyone that is selling you on a gen set 
integration better be able to back it up with facts and if they can't, Well, 
now the customer will have more belief in you as a result.

SE has some grand plans but until they are in place and actually working do 
yourself a favor and don't sell what is not available yet. You need to remember 
that you are a contractor or acting in behalf of a contractor and stating 
something that is not fact for being fact is a lie and that can get the 
contractor in hot water.

Jerry 

NABCEP PV Inspector

 

On Fri, Jun 3, 2022 at 6:24 AM Scot Arey via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

Wrenches,

 

This more of a public service announcement. Many of us have installed Energy 
Hub inverters with Backup Interface Units (BIU). Based on SolarEdge marketing 
materiel, we have told customers that generator integration was on the way.

 

Well, 4th quarter 2021 came and went and still no path forward. I had asked one 
of the SolarEdge Directors of Sales if SolarEdge could release a formal new 
release or updated tech note that installers could pass to customers who want 
to know, “when can I integrate the generator like you told me we could?”

 

SolarEdge won’t make any such announcement and the best I could get form the 
Director was to perhaps “get it removed from all marketing material.”

“Generator – we don’t have an update.  This is significantly harder than it 
might seem.  The last thing we can do is have generators or inverters failing.  
It is not hard to get the generator to turn on/off.  It is everything else that 
a homeowner is going to expect the systems to do together.  The ask has been 
sen

[RE-wrenches] Looking for Offgrid designer/Installer Miranda CA area

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey All,

 

I am Looking for an local experienced Offgrid designer/Installer Miranda CA
area. This is about 1.5 hours south or Eureka, CA. 

If you are local & interested or have a recommendation, please contact me
off list.

Thanks

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey now all you off grid designer/installers,

 

I just had a conversation with generator manufacturer (name withheld for the
moment), about 8-13KW water cooled gensets with UL & LP gas powered. I
explained that there is a long time hole in the market since Onan & Kohler
dropped their gensets for prime power in this size range.

 

If they made the investment to produce & UL certify a 13KW - 1800 RPM -
water cooled - 2 wire start, prime power rated - 120/240vac genset, how many
off grid systems are being installed with oversized gensets?

 

If this was available how many units would each of you be interested in per
year? I am not asking for a commitment just a market survey for this sized
unit.

 

If there was 20-30 companies selling 4-5+ each per year this might be a
possibility.

 

Let me know either off list or on list (if this is OK ? Michael let us know)
& I hope there is a possibility here for more appropriately sized &
available gensets for our off grid client systems.

I will be passing along this research to the OE manufacturer. If you do not
want your name passed along let me know for now.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

I heard back Friday from the generator manufacturers executive board meeting
Friday morning there is their response: 



Hi Dana,

 

I spoke with the executives this morning and we're very excited to hear what
the demand is for this genset is. If it makes sense, we're all in.



Please let me know if your interest in a 13KW - 1800 RPM genset - water
cooled is of interest for you & your off grid clients. I see this as a big
opportunity for replacing the oversized gensets that we have been forced to
use  for a long time now.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of
Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2022 12:02 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches' 
Cc: Dana Orzel 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY

 

Hey now all you off grid designer/installers,

 

I just had a conversation with generator manufacturer (name withheld for the
moment), about 8-13KW water cooled gensets with UL & LP gas powered. I
explained that there is a long time hole in the market since Onan & Kohler
dropped their gensets for prime power in this size range.

 

If they made the investment to produce & UL certify a 13KW - 1800 RPM -
water cooled - 2 wire start, prime power rated - 120/240vac genset, how many
off grid systems are being installed with oversized gensets?

 

If this was available how many units would each of you be interested in per
year? I am not asking for a commitment just a market survey for this sized
unit.

 

If there was 20-30 companies selling 4-5+ each per year this might be a
possibility.

 

Let me know either off list or on list (if this is OK ? Michael let us know)
& I hope there is a possibility here for more appropriately sized &
available gensets for our off grid client systems.

I will be passing along this research to the OE manufacturer. If you do not
want your name passed along let me know for now.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003<mailto:d...@solarwork.com>
d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com/>
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] Rolling Coal

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Same here with the diesels & always have been. I have only had 3 diesels I have 
sold in 34 years of generator installations.

Better unit, longer life, less fuel usage, higher efficiency, potential start 
issues in cold weather, & a bad reputation with diesel engines in general, 
before the addition of DEF. Not that a diesel genny would have DEF as an 
option. Look at the Rolling Coal crowd!

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Michael Morningstar via RE-wrenches
Sent: Saturday, July 2, 2022 11:58 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Michael Morningstar 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY

 

Very Cool. We install on the average about two dozen <15kw generators annually. 
Mostly diesel and a few Honda propane. The diesels are a hard sell for some 
reason. Would love to see the return of the quality smaller Kohler/Onans.

 

On Sat, Jul 2, 2022 at 9:11 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

I heard back Friday from the generator manufacturers executive board meeting 
Friday morning there is their response: 



Hi Dana,

 

I spoke with the executives this morning and we’re very excited to hear what 
the demand is for this genset is. If it makes sense, we’re all in.



Please let me know if your interest in a 13KW – 1800 RPM genset – water cooled 
is of interest for you & your off grid clients. I see this as a big opportunity 
for replacing the oversized gensets that we have been forced to use  for a long 
time now.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com <mailto:d...@solarwork.com>  -  C - 
208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org> > On Behalf Of Dana Orzel 
via RE-wrenches
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2022 12:02 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches' mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >
Cc: Dana Orzel mailto:d...@solarwork.com> >
Subject: [RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY

 

Hey now all you off grid designer/installers,

 

I just had a conversation with generator manufacturer (name withheld for the 
moment), about 8-13KW water cooled gensets with UL & LP gas powered. I 
explained that there is a long time hole in the market since Onan & Kohler 
dropped their gensets for prime power in this size range.

 

If they made the investment to produce & UL certify a 13KW - 1800 RPM - water 
cooled – 2 wire start, prime power rated - 120/240vac genset, how many off grid 
systems are being installed with oversized gensets?

 

If this was available how many units would each of you be interested in per 
year? I am not asking for a commitment just a market survey for this sized unit.

 

If there was 20-30 companies selling 4-5+ each per year this might be a 
possibility.

 

Let me know either off list or on list (if this is OK ? Michael let us know) & 
I hope there is a possibility here for more appropriately sized & available 
gensets for our off grid client systems.

I will be passing along this research to the OE manufacturer. If you do not 
want your name passed along let me know for now.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003<mailto:d...@solarwork.com> 
d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com/> 
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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-- 

Michael Morningstar

 

Morningstar Electric

PO Box 1494

Mount Shasta, CA 96067

530-921-0560

mjmornings...@gmail.com <mailto:mjmornings...@gmail.com> 

  
<https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xkNeAOHZC3SDnZTmnhgML4JHyGwi0PdmG_TrSHASBRfwJtZqGi7vknpXAngaaiawfnr5xCF1Y>
 

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ht

Re: [RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

The question was - When might these units be available?

 

The first request from the manu. was to get a survey of how many units might
get sold per year & responses are still trickling in slowly. 

Next Tump & I will be in a zoom meeting with the company powers that be & at
that point they need to source & design. 

I would bet it is out aways still depending on equipment
choices/availability, testing & UL certification etc.

 

I would not even dare to guess but when we ca report back with a date we
will do so.

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of
Kevin Pegg via RE-wrenches
Sent: Friday, July 8, 2022 12:59 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Kevin Pegg 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY

 

Thanks for this - there is certainly demand. I could see my company buying a
3-5 per year. 

 

Is there any estimate of timeline when these might be available? 

 

Kevin

 

From: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org> > On Behalf Of Dana Orzel
via RE-wrenches
Sent: June-30-22 11:02 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches' mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >
Cc: Dana Orzel mailto:d...@solarwork.com> >
Subject: [RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY

 

Hey now all you off grid designer/installers,

 

I just had a conversation with generator manufacturer (name withheld for the
moment), about 8-13KW water cooled gensets with UL & LP gas powered. I
explained that there is a long time hole in the market since Onan & Kohler
dropped their gensets for prime power in this size range.

 

If they made the investment to produce & UL certify a 13KW - 1800 RPM -
water cooled - 2 wire start, prime power rated - 120/240vac genset, how many
off grid systems are being installed with oversized gensets?

 

If this was available how many units would each of you be interested in per
year? I am not asking for a commitment just a market survey for this sized
unit.

 

If there was 20-30 companies selling 4-5+ each per year this might be a
possibility.

 

Let me know either off list or on list (if this is OK ? Michael let us know)
& I hope there is a possibility here for more appropriately sized &
available gensets for our off grid client systems.

I will be passing along this research to the OE manufacturer. If you do not
want your name passed along let me know for now.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003<mailto:d...@solarwork.com>
d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136<http://www.greatsolarworks.com/>
www.greatsolarworks.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] Looking to upgrade my presentation

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey all you solar computer wizards out there!

 

My forte is not & never has been sales presentation & my current sales are
reflecting my beyond simple presentation.

My proposal presentation is a basic email. E-mail Simple, to the point, time
consuming, not glossy, & again very time consuming.

I have tried to use Open Solar but the last time Google shot our area was
2016 so most of what I am quoting is not on Google. My House that was
started in 2016 still shows as sage & aspen on Google Earth.

 

I am looking for a "fill in the particulars" type of form, plug in module
size & # of modules, cost per watt with local utility , $ saved based on
estimated production, with some degree of auto calculation for electrical
production, cost, reflecting fed &state tax credits, trees saves, Co2
offset, etc...

 

Any and all suggestion are welcome.  Interested in selling the format you
have generated for a reasonable fee?

 

Thanks in advance all.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] 10 & 15 KW LPG generators

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey All!

 

I just got off the phone with the gen Manu. Tump & I have been in
conversation with & they are hopeful that a 10 & 15 KW gaseous LPG gen will
be available by the end of the year.

UL Listing will NOT be on this unit immediately & they are still in
consideration of the expense VS the # of unit that would require the UL
listing.

 

We did come up with a final count of 83 unit per year, thank you all for
your responses

 

Here is the wish list that Tump & I developed:

 

15 KW, UL listed, 1800 RPM, water cooled gen., 2 wire start.

 

*   Easy oil filter access & drain with hose.
*   Option - for open unit or rodent proof outdoor housing.
*   Hour meter.
*   Option - critical muffler.
*   Single point lift hook
*   Electronic ignition
*   LP gas
*   1800 rpm
*   Water-cooled
*   Option - Either oil pan & or carb heater with timer or
auto-controller.
*   UL or ETL listed
*   CA has its issues and yet other states do not have emissions
standards possibly a CA model & other?
*   2 wire start

 

 

As we hear more I will pass along info. 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] EG4

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

My first question is: are you willing to get blamed for his selection of the 
equipment ?

Beware being the first kid on the block with the shiny new toy. Just saying how 
many times have we all been guinea pigged?

The equipment looks like it is rack mounted audio gear. Not a bad thing 
possibly. 6500 watts at 120v?

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Dave 
Tedeyan via RE-wrenches
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2022 1:50 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Dave Tedeyan 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] EG4

 

Hi all, 

 

Does anyone have any experience with EG4 products? I am doing an off-grid 
consultation for someone who plans on getting EG4 inverter and lithium 
batteries. The equipment seems so cheap, yet appears to be somewhat legit. They 
do at least have UL1741 listing. But their 6500w inverter/charger also takes PV 
power directly and goes for $1250. And their 48V 100AH battery is only $1500. I 
am curious if anyone has used this stuff and if it is actually legit.

 

Cheers,

Dave


 

-- 


 <https://www.sungineersolar.com/> 


Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar


p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>  www.sungineersolar.com
c: (607) 288-2898



 

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[RE-wrenches] 10 & 15KW LPG generators 1800 RPM & Water cooled

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey All,

 

The process of  requesting 10KW & 15KW LP gas generators is yielding fruit.
Units could be available as soon as early November to the end of this year.
The more orders the sooner they will push for earlier availability. These
initial units ARE NOT UL Listed.  Wildcat is going to work on the 15KW to
get UL listed. TBD.

 

The prices I was quoted look fair & from back in the day. Kandi has been
great to work with & super helpful. The products they build look very high
quality & robust.

 

https://www.wildcatpowergen.com/

Kandi Roeser kandi.roe...@wildcatpowergen.com

 

 <http://www.wildcatpowergen.com/> 

 

Here is the wish list that Tump & I developed & contact them to see what is
currently avaable:

 

15 KW, UL listed, 1800 RPM, water cooled gen., 2 wire start.

 

*   Easy oil filter access & drain with hose.
*   Option - for open unit or rodent proof outdoor housing.
*   Hour meter.
*   Option - critical muffler.
*   Single point lift hook
*   Electronic ignition
*   LP gas
*   1800 rpm
*   Water-cooled
*   Option - Either oil pan & or carb heater with timer or
auto-controller.
*   UL or ETL listed
*   CA has its issues and yet other states do not have emissions
standards possibly a CA model & other?
*   2 wire start

 

 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
<mailto:d...@solarwork.com> 

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] Todays Mindbender

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey All,

 

I have gone around the barn several times with the electrician & the owner
on this & come up with several ideas but none have managed to hit the mark.

 

Ok for those of you in the low country there are people that can afford to,
& do melt snow in driveways/walkways with electric mats at least for the
first couple of years till they get tired of the power bills and stop
melting snow with the electricity and resort to paying for snow removal or
actually do it themselves. Un fortunately I cannot fast forward my client
there.

 

I have a client with 2 roofs that can hold 7KW of PV each. 14KW.

 

The Goal is to support the house with grid tied PV & backup battery power,
and address the large snowmelt & summer AC loads. This was not thought out
in the beginning of the design & construction process so at this point it is
an addon.

 

Currently there is 1 - 400 A service & they are looking at a second 400A
service. The second service would address snow melt in winter & AC in summer

We are looking at a SolarEdge 11.6KW inverter with 20 KW of battery backup.

There is a hot tub - electric, AC in the summer with 2 condensers, several
refrigerators, etc..

The snow melt pulls 200 amps so it exceeds the 160 amps available on a 200
amp service.

There is a 400 amp service on the house now. 200 amps x .8 = 160 amp for the
house.

They are looking at a second 400 amp service to handle the snow melt In the
winter & the AC in the summer.

 

I can down size 1 - 200Amp main to 150A and tie in the 11.6KW SE inverter GT
feed OR install 2 - 7.6KW inverters to each of 2 - 200 A mains @ 40 A each
on 1 meter,

OR feed each meter the production of each 7KW array thru a 7.6 KW SE
inverter.

 

Short of an 800 amp meter/service & if possible I & the client would like to
keep all 14 KW on the one meter & I say this  because when they get tired of
the cost of running the snow melt the full PV capacity could be directed at
the house, hot tub, AC.

 

If you have addressed this kind of out of control & have thoughts I would
love to hear your thoughts & suggestions.

 

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
<http://www.greatsolarworks.com/> 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] 26% to 30% ITC for 2022?

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

PV mag .02 on solar tax credit 

https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2022/07/28/solar-investment-tax-credit-to-be-extended-10-years-at-30/

Dana Orzel
C: 208.721.7003
E- d...@solarwork.com

> On Aug 12, 2022, at 4:54 AM, Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> I have a trusted source here in Florida that read the Senate Bill text and 
> said it would be retroactive to 2022. The way I am handling it is telling 
> people my prices will surely be more than 4% more in 2023. They would be 
> shooting themselves in the foot by delaying their project.
> 
> Jason
> 
> 
> 
>> On Fri, Aug 12, 2022, 6:48 AM Kirk Herander via RE-wrenches 
>>  wrote:
>> As we know, the FED tax credit will increase for 10 years (if it passes the 
>> House and signed into law) to 30%. But is it retro to calendar year 2022, or 
>> start in 2023? I have some customers making decisions based on this timing. 
>> Thanks.
>> 
>> I found one interpretation suggesting it will be effective in 2022 but need 
>> some tangible proof.
>> 
>> -- 
>> Kirk Herander / kirkh@vermont.solar
>> Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC
>> Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!
>> www.vermont.solar
>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>> 802.863.1202
>> ___
>> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Good morning all if you did not catch the last email on this project the 
manufacturer is Wildcat Generators and should be in the history 
I’m on vacation at the moment and operating from the phone with no Internet 
where we’re staying 
Wildcat was hoping by early November to EOY to have a 15 KW and possibly a 10 
KW though not UL listed.
The 15KW is slated to get UL listing down the road Time still to be determined


Dana Orzel
C: 208.721.7003
E- d...@solarwork.com

> On Sep 9, 2022, at 12:52 AM, Kevin Pegg  wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi Dana,
>  
> Touching base to see how this project is going? I could definitely sell 
> several units a year of this config. Very needed.
>  
> Thanks,
>  
> Kevin Pegg 
> EA Energy Alternatives Ltd. 
> 37471 Hwy 16 E 
> Telkwa, BC  V0J 2X2 
> 250-846-9888 
> Http://www.EnergyAlternatives.ca
>  
>  
> From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
> Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches
> Sent: July-02-22 9:11 AM
> To: 'RE-wrenches' 
> Cc: Dana Orzel 
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY
>  
> I heard back Friday from the generator manufacturers executive board meeting 
> Friday morning there is their response:
> 
> Hi Dana,
>  
> I spoke with the executives this morning and we’re very excited to hear what 
> the demand is for this genset is. If it makes sense, we’re all in.
> 
> Please let me know if your interest in a 13KW – 1800 RPM genset – water 
> cooled is of interest for you & your off grid clients. I see this as a big 
> opportunity for replacing the oversized gensets that we have been forced to 
> use  for a long time now.
>  
>  
>  
> Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003
>  
> From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
> Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches
> Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2022 12:02 PM
> To: 'RE-wrenches' 
> Cc: Dana Orzel 
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY
>  
> Hey now all you off grid designer/installers,
>  
> I just had a conversation with generator manufacturer (name withheld for the 
> moment), about 8-13KW water cooled gensets with UL & LP gas powered. I 
> explained that there is a long time hole in the market since Onan & Kohler 
> dropped their gensets for prime power in this size range.
>  
> If they made the investment to produce & UL certify a 13KW - 1800 RPM - water 
> cooled – 2 wire start, prime power rated - 120/240vac genset, how many off 
> grid systems are being installed with oversized gensets?
>  
> If this was available how many units would each of you be interested in per 
> year? I am not asking for a commitment just a market survey for this sized 
> unit.
>  
> If there was 20-30 companies selling 4-5+ each per year this might be a 
> possibility.
>  
> Let me know either off list or on list (if this is OK ? Michael let us know) 
> & I hope there is a possibility here for more appropriately sized & available 
> gensets for our off grid client systems.
> I will be passing along this research to the OE manufacturer. If you do not 
> want your name passed along let me know for now.
>  
>  
>  
> Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc.
> C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
> Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
> NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
> "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988" 
>  
> P Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>  
>  
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Large current battery combiners, UL Listing

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

You might possibly check with Northwest energy storage all of their hup solar 
one batteries come with solid copper bars lead plated I don’t know what the 
ampacities are but Rob might be able to assist you there

Dana Orzel
C: 208.721.7003
E- d...@solarwork.com

> On Sep 10, 2022, at 7:17 PM, Kirk Herander via RE-wrenches 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> SolarBOS can possibly make one custom for you, it will be listed, and it will 
> not be cheap. I was going to order a 2000A w/ multiple OCPDs on both inputs 
> and outputs from them, but then Midnite came out with a 2000A combiner, and I 
> don't need it listed for my application.
> 
>> On Sat, Sep 10, 2022 at 6:15 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches 
>>  wrote:
>> Mac:
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Getting listing on something as specialized as you are talking about may be 
>> difficult.  I would turn to the telecom industry for solutions.  Here is one 
>> link I found.  Their product line is pretty sexy and it is listed.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> If you are rolling your own, you can find ampacities for standard copper bar 
>> thicknesses someplace like here.  You might fabricate something that looks 
>> like one of these but bigger.  Threading is desirable so you can avoid 
>> wrangling nuts on the back sides, but tapping copper at a reasonable bolt 
>> size (likely 3/8-16) can be tricky.  I am looking for any excuse to buy one 
>> of these drill presses which can automatically chip-clear.  Basically at 
>> this point in my life my only reason for working is to support my tool 
>> addiction.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Good luck.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> William Miller
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Miller Solar
>> 
>> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>> 
>> 805-438-5600
>> 
>> www.millersolar.com
>> 
>> CA Lic. 773985
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On 
>> Behalf Of Mac Lewis via RE-wrenches
>> Sent: Thursday, September 8, 2022 8:46 PM
>> To: RE-wrenches
>> Cc: Mac Lewis
>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Large current battery combiners, UL Listing
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Hello Wrenches,
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Is anyone aware of a high current, (~3000A DC rated, 48Vdc nominal) battery 
>> combiner panel that would allow for ~36-48 x 4/0 cables to connect?
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Seems like nothing will be close to UL listed on this.  How do you go about 
>> building a 60 kW off-grid system on the battery side of things?  Do I need 
>> to increase battery voltage design?
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> I have gotten a custom busbar fabricated by Storm Power rated for about 2kA 
>> before, but I'd love to have a UL Listed solution for large battery 
>> combining.  Any suggestions are appreciated.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Thanks!
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> --
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Mac Lewis
>> 
>> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
>> 
>> ___
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Kirk Herander / kirkh@vermont.solar
> Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC
> Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!
> www.vermont.solar
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
> 802.863.1202
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> http://lists

Re: [RE-wrenches] heating pads for batteries

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Reptile heater pads?

Dana Orzel
C: 208.721.7003
E- d...@solarwork.com

> On Sep 30, 2022, at 1:35 PM, Chris Daum via RE-wrenches 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> Hello all you brilliant people:
>  
> Does anyone have something new for lightly heating a battery bank in a cold 
> climate?  Something reliable and reasonably efficient?  We’ve been selling 
> LFP batteries for a while, but few to our northern customers who cannot keep 
> them from freezing.  I can give advise about insulated battery boxes (and 
> have one myself), but surely there must be something new out there. 
>  
> Here we see low temps of -20F below – sometimes -40…..
>  
> I recently spoke with a fellow who offers heaters for gutters to prevent ice 
> creep that can ruin your shingles or roof, but there must be something more 
> adaptable than that.  Any suggestions?
>  
> Chris Daum
> Oasis Montana Inc.
> 406-777-4309 or 4321
> 406-777-4309 fax
> www.oasismontana.com
>  
>  
> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Shipping costs

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

We have started using pirateship.com which travels on UPS but is basically half 
the price. You print out the UPS label & drop it off.

I think you can arrange pickup too.

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
William Miller via RE-wrenches
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2022 1:06 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: William Miller 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Shipping costs

 

Friends:

 

I am sure all of you are aware of the skyrocketing costs for shipping.  I get 
it that fuel prices are up and I want truckers to all earn a fair wage.  
However I can help but feel there might be some gouging.  For instance, a $900 
order for rail was quoted at $4,200 for shipping from Oregon to the central 
coast of California.  

 

Fortunately the vendor allowed me to arrange my own shipping.  I used a website 
called Shiply and got a quote for just over $600 for the same order.  The 
company I engaged, Globaltranz has been great in communicating concisely and 
promptly with me and the vendor.

 

I think the beauty of using a broker is you can connect with shippers that 
might be travelling the desired route already and can fit your order into an 
LTL rig already on the road.

 

The order is not here yet but it is on the way and it appears the transit is on 
time.

 

I hope this helps some of you in procuring the parts you need in a timely and 
cost efficient manner.

 

William

 

Miller Solar

17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422

805-438-5600

www.millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/> 

CA Lic. 773985

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Shipping costs

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Most of our hot shot deliveries have been running $2,400, Bay area - Central 
Idaho thru a broker for our thermal collectors.

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Maverick Brown via RE-wrenches
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2022 3:14 PM
To: will...@millersolar.com; RE-wrenches 
Cc: Maverick Brown 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Shipping costs

 

William,

 

$4200 sounds like “Expedited” Shipping and that usually means a Hot Shot driver 
with single pickup truck and trailer driving door to door for just your items.  
LTL should never be $4200 unless we are in dire conditions.

 

I hope your items arrive in excellent condition!!

 

Maverick

 

 

Maverick Brown
Off-Grid Solar Commander since 2006
Maverick Solar Enterprises, Inc.

 • Solar Commander Remote Power

 • SunFlow Systems Cathodic Protection 
maver...@mavericksolar.com <mailto:maver...@mavericksolar.com> 
512-460-9825





On Oct 10, 2022, at 2:06 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

 

Friends:

 

I am sure all of you are aware of the skyrocketing costs for shipping.  I get 
it that fuel prices are up and I want truckers to all earn a fair wage.  
However I can help but feel there might be some gouging.  For instance, a $900 
order for rail was quoted at $4,200 for shipping from Oregon to the central 
coast of California.  

 

Fortunately the vendor allowed me to arrange my own shipping.  I used a website 
called Shiply and got a quote for just over $600 for the same order.  The 
company I engaged, Globaltranz has been great in communicating concisely and 
promptly with me and the vendor.

 

I think the beauty of using a broker is you can connect with shippers that 
might be travelling the desired route already and can fit your order into an 
LTL rig already on the road.

 

The order is not here yet but it is on the way and it appears the transit is on 
time.

 

I hope this helps some of you in procuring the parts you need in a timely and 
cost efficient manner.

 

William

 

Miller Solar

17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422

805-438-5600

 <http://www.millersolar.com/> www.millersolar.com

CA Lic. 773985

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Low voltage lithiums

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Another issue is what charge controller are you using? I know for me with 
Outback products I’ve had to switch from an FM 80 to the OB - FM 100 in order 
to have a more accurate high-voltage cut out voltage.
The FM 100 has a much more accurate micro processor in it then the FM 60 or 80 
per Brad Bassett with AEE.

Dana Orzel
C: 208.721.7003
E- d...@solarwork.com

> On Nov 19, 2022, at 7:15 AM, Jeff Clearwater via RE-wrenches 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hi Kris
> 
> What voltage do you have your charge settings at?  
> 
> I recommend that bulk or absorb voltage for lithium iron phosphate not be set 
> above 56 V  - there is no reason for it even though many manufactures suggest 
> higher settings.  In cases where total storage is sized generously enough 
> I  often use 55.6 or even 55.4 in order to target 95% as full instead of 100% 
> in order to extend cycle life.   and for float there’s no reason to ever go 
> over 54 V and better maybe even to be in the mid-53s. 
> 
> See if that helps assuming you had it higher. 
> 
> The other thought is you have one bms that is perhaps not protecting 
> overcharge  and allowing a temporary spike when the others do limit. 
> 
> Hope that helps!  
> 
> Best Jeff C. 
> Village Power Design
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On Nov 19, 2022, at 6:32 AM, Kristopher Schmid via RE-wrenches 
>>>  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Greetings all,
>> 
>> I have seen an issue on two different systems that I am hoping someone can 
>> shed some light on for me.  One was a 48 volt pack of 12 volt Battle Bornes 
>> and the other was a 24 volt pack of SOKs.  What happens is when reaching the 
>> end of the bulk charging stage, the battery voltage spikes and sends the 
>> inverter into an overvoltage error.  Can anyone explain what is happening 
>> and a solution?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Kris
>> 
>> Shine On!
>> 
>> Kris Schmid
>> Legacy Solar, LLC
>> 137 West 1st Avenue
>> Luck, WI 54853
>> www.legacysolar.com
>> 715-653-4295
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
>> Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician
>> BSEE
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[RE-wrenches] Sola-ark cold morning

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey Now All Wise ones!

 

An of gird client emailed yesterday that his Solark had been accepting only
350 watts of a 4KW input from the array. The modules are Q-cell 325 watt 2
strings of 7 modules.

 

Sunrise, full sun, no clouds so no edge of cloud effect, negative temps @ -
6˚F, he waited all day with no improvement or change in the charge rate
consistent 350watts input & then same thing next morning. Negative temps &
full sun & 350watts solar input.

 

He turned the Solark off for 10 minutes & then turned it back on & 4KW
charge input returned. The Solark did not turn off or deliver any alarm or
warning.

 

My initial thought was over-voltage spike, we designed for a -25˚F
scenario & 110 PSF snow load. Beefy! 

 

I did not ask if it was windy additionally. Could this contribute to a
colder array temp? I have always been of the impression that wind chill did
not affect metal or glass that it has to do with moisture being driven off.

 

Thoughts & suggestions?

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

www.greatsolarworks.com <http://www.greatsolarworks.com/>
www.solarwor.com <http://www.solarwor.com>  

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sola-ark cold morning

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Dual - Discoverer LI battery bank not sure on battery mode setting (written 
down but cannot locate at the moment) & no backup generator. Very conservative 
& minimalist client.  I over designed past his energy load evaluation request 
on purpose as he did not want to have to use a generator. 

He has built the entire house off of 2 - small 12 volt PV systems & battery 
charging cordless tools. Living on site in the garage…

I am very impressed with his commitment to low impact & not a wackadoodle or 
survivalist either. Excellent classical, bluegrass, & jazz cellist.

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Mac 
Lewis via RE-wrenches
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 7:41 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Mac Lewis 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Sola-ark cold morning

 

Hi Dana,

 

What type of batteries?  What battery mode?

 

If you have Lithium batteries with communication enabled, there are certain 
modes that the BMS is running the charging show.  I've seen the Sol-Ark 
throttle back charge as instructed by the BMS under these circumstances.  

A quick check of this would be to start the generator and see if it's on the 
battery management side or PV only side. 

 

It seems like you are way below the MPPT upper limit if Im looking at the 
correct QCell spec sheet.

 

As far as the temperature theory.  You can have temps on surfaces below 
ambient.  This can happen in two ways that I am aware of: radiation and 
evaporation.  The radiation effect occurs because the cold night sky (very 
cold) is exchanging heat with a surface.  This is why you can get ice on lakes 
above 32F.  It's very complex to model this but I doubt you could come close to 
lowering the temperature far enough to drive the Voc out of the MPP range.

 

Also, there will be competing heat exchange trying to drive that temperature 
back to ambient.  For example if you had a lot of wind in a clear cold night, 
the convection heat exchange from the wind would actually warm up the surface.

 

Evaporation (or any phase change) can drop an object's temperature below 
ambient as well.  It will pull latent thermal energy from objects in order to 
change the phase of the molecules.  This actually has a stabilizing effect on 
temperature typically because it takes a lot of energy to change phase.  This 
is why people use large water barrels in greenhouses to release latent energy 
to prevent freezing.

 

Please let us know what you find out.

 

Thanks!

 

On Sun, Dec 4, 2022 at 6:22 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

Hey Now All Wise ones!

 

An of gird client emailed yesterday that his Solark had been accepting only 350 
watts of a 4KW input from the array. The modules are Q-cell 325 watt 2 strings 
of 7 modules.

 

Sunrise, full sun, no clouds so no edge of cloud effect, negative temps @ -6˚F, 
he waited all day with no improvement or change in the charge rate consistent 
350watts input & then same thing next morning. Negative temps & full sun & 
350watts solar input.

 

He turned the Solark off for 10 minutes & then turned it back on & 4KW charge 
input returned. The Solark did not turn off or deliver any alarm or warning.

 

My initial thought was over-voltage spike, we designed for a -25˚F scenario & 
110 PSF snow load. Beefy! 

 

I did not ask if it was windy additionally. Could this contribute to a colder 
array temp? I have always been of the impression that wind chill did not affect 
metal or glass that it has to do with moisture being driven off.

 

Thoughts & suggestions?

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com 
<mailto:d...@solarwork.com> 

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

www.greatsolarworks.com <http://www.greatsolarworks.com/> 
www.solarwor.com <http://www.solarwor.com>  

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sóc

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sola-ark cold morning

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

I will additionally call Solark Tech & see what they have to contribute. 

Thanks all for the real world first!

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 11:11 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Jerry Shafer 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Sola-ark cold morning

 

This is interesting, set all aside temps, how its constructed, the power cycle 
is what changed it. Sounds like the inverter(s) were stuck in a finish charge, 
this may be a programming issue, is it available on line to watch remotely, has 
it done that again, next day?

Fun times programming 

 

On Sun, Dec 4, 2022, 5:22 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

Hey Now All Wise ones!

 

An of gird client emailed yesterday that his Solark had been accepting only 350 
watts of a 4KW input from the array. The modules are Q-cell 325 watt 2 strings 
of 7 modules.

 

Sunrise, full sun, no clouds so no edge of cloud effect, negative temps @ -6˚F, 
he waited all day with no improvement or change in the charge rate consistent 
350watts input & then same thing next morning. Negative temps & full sun & 
350watts solar input.

 

He turned the Solark off for 10 minutes & then turned it back on & 4KW charge 
input returned. The Solark did not turn off or deliver any alarm or warning.

 

My initial thought was over-voltage spike, we designed for a -25˚F scenario & 
110 PSF snow load. Beefy! 

 

I did not ask if it was windy additionally. Could this contribute to a colder 
array temp? I have always been of the impression that wind chill did not affect 
metal or glass that it has to do with moisture being driven off.

 

Thoughts & suggestions?

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com 
<mailto:d...@solarwork.com> 

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

www.greatsolarworks.com <http://www.greatsolarworks.com/> 
www.solarwor.com <http://www.solarwor.com>  

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] BACKUP system revival

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey All a Cheery Season to you all!

 

I inherited a backup system that had "failed". It was unwired, & poorly
labeled.

 

1200 AHR AGM Battery - 1 Radian 8KW inverter - 200 amp Generac transfer
switch - No solar - Feeding a 200 amp house panel.

 

First I explained the there were too many loads for an 8KW inverter. It
could & may overload the 8KW inverter. They said "it had worked fine for 5
years & they were OK with it as is please get it back up".

Replaced the existing Eaton transfer switch as the Generac controller was
shot, with a Generac 200 amp Xfer switch complete with controller & transfer
switch.

Rewired & had to recharge the 48 volt battery from 20volt back up to full
with a pair of IOTA chargers in series.

 

The original trigger was 3 wires from the Radian to the 12 volt & AUX output
to the input on the Generac controller. These were disconnected on the
Generac end. So no clue or labeling there.

 

I called Outback & they called it Redneck engineering & send me a few
articles to read.

 

Has anyone configured a backup in this manner?

 

All suggestions appreciated, thanks & wishing you all a safe & sane season!

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

www.greatsolarworks.com <http://www.greatsolarworks.com/>
www.solarwor.com <http://www.solarwor.com>  

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] US Dept of energy tax guidelines

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

 
<https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/Federal-Solar-Tax-Credit
s-for-Businesses-11-22.pdf>
https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/Federal-Solar-Tax-Credits
-for-Businesses-11-22.pdf

 

Hey All - 

 

I just found this hope it's helpful to someone!

It turned around my level of information on commercial tax credits for solar
write-off & is a great doc to send to prospective clients & their CPA's. I
find that a lot of CPA's still are in the dark as to what to do with solar
tax incentives.

 

If nothing else it will possibly cure insomnia.

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

www.greatsolarworks.com <http://www.greatsolarworks.com/>
www.solarwork.com <http://www.solarwork.com>  

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

 

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] HomeGrid Battery Experience

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

I installed a 400AHR set of Home Grid on an existing grid OB Radian system 
replacing AGM batteries.  I had to replace the FM 80 CC for an Fm 100 as the FM 
80s were to sloppy on their finish voltage [the microprocessors are too slow]. 
I received 2 damaged [warped] Top sections with the BMS before I could complete 
the installation. The shipping boxes were stout & fine so I can only assume 
that the defect was factory based. HG sated that they open & check every 
battery box as it come in from China… Hopefully now they will check the BMS 
units too.

 

Since completion though the system has been working smoothly as in no issues. 
Grounding straps on the left side secured the battery set together on the left, 
but the right side relies on gravity to keep the individual  batteries nested 
which is interesting as the right side is where the battery interconnects are 
located. I would like to see a set of straps typ. Of the left side on the right 
side to tie the pack tight, literally someone could lift the right side up 
under load & cause a lead separation & major sparky event. No conduit box on 
the back just a couple of compression TA’s to secure the battery cable out to 
the inverter.

 

Communication with Home Grid was very good & they sent me a com box to allow 
them to look in on the battery bank though with no internet on site that was a 
miss. Oh yeah the assumptions at the factory level.

 

**Last item - they charge to a lower voltage setting than almost all other LI 
batteries so check as to whether your CC can stop that low. I think it was 
52.4vdc?

 

That said I am sure that I will install more sets of Home Grid batteries. Neat 
clean look finished.

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Kienan Maxfield via RE-wrenches
Sent: Saturday, April 15, 2023 8:49 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Kienan Maxfield 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] HomeGrid Battery Experience

 

Howie,

 

I don't have experience with HomeGrid, but I have a well respected friend 
(Jason Lerner) who loves them. 

 

I have had awesome experiences with Fortress, and I have been looking for a 
chance to try HomeGrid as well. I think the stack idea is really cool!!

 

I know that this is extremely nit-picky... The only thing I've seen so far that 
I don't like about HomeGrid is that they use 15 cells in series instead of the 
standard 16 cells. This just means that the voltages will be lower than what 
I'm used to, and amperage will be a little higher. It's not a big deal, 
everything will still work great, but I like the higher voltage of a 16 cell 
bank. I just have all the numbers memorized for a 16 cell battery bank, and 
while you should always double check the manufacturer's instructions, it's nice 
to know off the top of your head if the numbers are appoximately correct.

 

When Fortress released their new inverterter that's essentially the same as the 
Solark (comes from the same factory), Solark got mad and they pushed out a new 
non-voluntary firmware update that broke the Modbus communication with 
Fortress. People didn't even know that the Firmware had changed. All they knew 
is that suddenly, their system wasn't working and it was shutting down 
randomly. It worked one day, didn't work the next. Fortress made a new firmware 
to communicate with Solark via canbus instead, so everything is working great 
again now. I don't know if Solark is finished with their vendeta against 
Fortress, but if Solark figures out a way to cause trouble again, then anyone 
with a Fortress-Solark combo could experience a coms disruption again... I 
really don't believe this was an accident on Solark's part. So, I guess what 
I'm trying to say is that Solark isn't mad at HomeGrid right now, so that might 
be a better bet. I personally don't use Solark. I'm leary of a company who 
pushes out Firmware updates that break things.

 

One question, does HomeGrid officially support combining new batteries with old 
batteries? Fortress does not, they say in their documentation that you 
shouldn't mix different ages of batteries together. I could be wrong, but my 
understanding is that it should actually be fine, but the SOC will be different 
on the different ages of batteries... particularly when the batteries are 
between 30% and 80%. They'll be more tight with eachother near the top and the 
bottom of their ranges, but they'll drift in the middle. So I think it's fine 
to mix them like that, but I'm wondering if HomeGrid specifically says it's 
okay or if they specifically say not to do it?

 

Thanks,

Kienan

 

Green-Go Solar Distribution LLC

Maxfield Solar LLC (installation and consulting company)

maxfieldso...@hotmail.com <https://maxfieldso...@hotmail.com/> 

(801) 631-5584(Cell)

distribution.solar

  _  

From: RE-wrenches m

Re: [RE-wrenches] Truss finder

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

OK, so we need to look outside the box on this rafter finder!what other industries have need of tools that look at wood or metal on the other side of various materials?Watched a movie the other night and this guy was finding rebar in concrete 2 to 3 inches thick or was that just Hollywood?Dana OrzelC: 208.721.7003E- d...@solarwork.comOn Apr 17, 2023, at 10:40 AM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar via RE-wrenches  wrote:
Another reason why I never put solar panels on a dwelling roof.  However, it seems crazy to be drilling holes to find the rafter still in 2023. $.02
 
Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net
text 209 813 0060


On 2023-04-17 7:04 am, Daniel Young via RE-wrenches wrote:





Can echo this, I did a fresh look into this last year and still have not found anything better than a hammer and feeler tool.
 
We are considering going to a deck direct attachment like rooftech as well, which makes rafter locations less critical. We intend to still have crews find the rafter and place the attachments on the rafter as best they can without drilling holes. As the attachments still prefer to be located on a rafter to maximize snow load bearing capacity. Nice thing about the Rooftech is that if you miss the rafter location with the center holes, it's entirely likely you will hit it with the side screws. In either case you are still sitting above the rafter and can expect to bear significant weight there instead of relying on the OSB/Plywood decking.
 
--
 
Danny Young
NABCEP PV Installation Professional #031508-90
Engineering Team LeadSolar Energy Solutions
Lexington | Louisville | Bloomington | Cincinnati | Evansville | Indianapolis
513-448-5176 (mobile)
877-312-7456 (Main Office)
da...@sesre.com
 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Kristopher Schmid via RE-wrenchesSent: Sunday, April 16, 2023 2:47 PMTo: RE-wrenches Cc: Kristopher Schmid Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Truss finder

 

Thanks William!  Laughed out loud at the first picture!

Shine On!Kris SchmidLegacy Solar, LLC137 West 1st AvenueLuck, WI 54853www.legacysolar.com715-653-4295NABCEP Certified PV Installation ProfessionalLicensed Wisconsin Master ElectricianBSEE


 


On Sun, Apr 16, 2023, 10:12 AM Kristopher Schmid  wrote:



I am considering buying a deep scanner for locating trusses.  Any recommendations or testimonials?

Shine On!Kris SchmidLegacy Solar, LLC137 West 1st AvenueLuck, WI 54853www.legacysolar.com715-653-4295NABCEP Certified PV Installation ProfessionalLicensed Wisconsin Master ElectricianBSEE








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___List sponsored by Redwood AlliancePay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.orgList Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.orgChange listserver email address & settings:http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.orgThere are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other:https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.orgList rules & etiquette:http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htmCheck out or update participant bios:http://www.members.re-wrenches.org___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar direct water pumping

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Check out Sunrotor they know their stuff it’s been a while but they have dialed me in the pasthttps://www.sunrotor.com/Dana OrzelC: 208.721.7003E- d...@solarwork.comOn May 8, 2023, at 7:15 AM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches  wrote:
  

  
  
Just with all other solar equipment, you definitely don't want to
  go CCC.  I'd recommend you take a look at the Grundfos SQ flex
  line.  2nd, you need to look at the pump charts to see what the
  actual flow rate will be at the head you're considering.  The pump
  you are looking at doesn't even give basic flow rates at pressure.
  (2nd clue it sucks) Max head is basically where the pump quits
  pumping, and the 8 GPM rating is at no pressure at all.  I'd
  "guess" it would pump maybe 4 to 6 GPM at 40 ft of head?  Also,
  add extra head for the friction losses in the pipe.  That can be
  looked up (just like wire losses) for the size pipe and flow rate.
  

Finally, you didn't mention how large a pond.  To fill the pond,
  it needs to overcome both evaporative losses, and leakage into the
  surrounding soil.  

Ray Walters
  Remote Solar

On 5/8/2023 10:04 AM, Howie Michaelson
  via RE-wrenches wrote:


  
  
Hi,


I have a friend/client that is looking
  to keep his pond filled with water pumped from a spring
  downhill from the pond. He's happy to have the pond filled
  just when there is enough sun to pump, so no batteries are
  desired. I have little to no experience with water solar
  direct pumping, so I'm a little leary of spec'ing anything.
  The pump will sit 5 feet deep, the distance from spring to
  pond is about 120' and the head is about 30-40' .  He found a
  pump on Amazon:


https://www.amazon.com/Submersible-Stainless-Built-Circulating-Brushless/dp/B083NHH18K/


Again I know virtually nothing about
  this topic so I'm not clear whether this pump is appropriate
  or not.  Any advice is appreciated.



  
Howie

  

  
  
  
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Retail price lists

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Every time in the past that I have “priced out” a project, the client has 
shopped it out  including purchasing some equipment & then expecting me to 
still do the install. It is not worth the headache. Relax and let these people 
go. I did one 2 years ago (can you say Amnesia?) and it turned into they bought 
equipment from 4 venders, had plans done by an electrician that was not 
experienced enough to do plans, had someone else pull the permit. 

I got to talk with our inspector & his description of the end installation was 
“what a S$%$T” show”.

Sell an installed package.

 

Folks we are professionals who are in business to earn a living & a retirement, 
we deserve respect, so many people think that solar is this “hobby type of 
thing” & not a real business because they managed to install a PV module on 
their van with a battery & an internet inverter & they did not blow anything up 
(of course all with no fusing).

As stated below we have an investment bigtime in shop, support, insurances, 
vehicles, tools, etc. …

 

Treat yourself with respect and work for people who appreciate & respect you. 
You deserve it!

 

All of you have a really great weekend not working! You have earned it.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Tump 
via RE-wrenches
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2023 4:58 AM
To: offgridso...@sti.net; RE-wrenches 
Cc: Tump 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Retail price lists

 

We are in Biz to make . I do not concern myself w/ what others or internet 
pricing, can you say AltE?

You are a professional we have insurance, equipment , inventory & CE 
requirements. The client is covering those unseen costs too, as well as the 
equipment you are selling. We/you have to include the cost of babysitting, as 
you will always have those phone calls/ DOB equipment etc.

I explain to my off grid clients that my pricing includes the inevitable phone 
time for a year. 

Remember some of the best jobs are the ones you DONT get! 

On May 18, 2023, at 11:48 AM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

 

NAZ is an extremely well run company !  Love those guys!

On 2023-05-18 8:42 am, Michael Morningstar via RE-wrenches wrote:

My question is: how/why is it that NAZ and the likes sell equipment for less 
than what I pay wholesale? 

 

On Thu, May 18, 2023 at 4:15 AM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

Here is how I explain it to customers. Straight out of college, I was a 
financial analyst for an aerospace company working on government contracts. We 
did "cost-plus" contracts, which is what the client is essentially looking for. 
The government ended up paying too much for things this way. A fixed-price 
competitive contract is all the transparency a client needs.

 

Another way I put it is that we charge what the market allows, and if that is 
not enough for us to provide an excellent customer experience, we simply pass 
on the job. 

 

No line item prices. The only things we might line item are permit costs and 
engineering fees for non-standard projects.


Jason Szumlanski 

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

 

On Wed, May 17, 2023 at 6:56 PM Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

Wrenches 

Bottom line package price, all inclusive one number, I list all the major 
components inverter, modules ect. and all of what is included permits 
engineering thats it system cost, tax incentive, rebate (if any) no a la carte 
here sorry.

But thats just me! 

 

On Tue, May 16, 2023 at 8:11 AM Jay via RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > 
wrote:

Hi All 

I have a question about how wrenches are dealing with charging for equipment as 
most prices of most equipment on line at or below wholesale. 

If people are marking it up, how much? what metric are people using?  I think 
victron might be the only company I've actually seen a retail price list for in 
years. 
Maybe it's just marking up labor costs a lot?

I'm not doing all that much work these days but enough that I'm trying to 
figure this out. 

Thanks
Jay


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Tech Support Issues with Sensata

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

MMPs – Many Missing Parts?

 

 

Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Rich 
Nicol via RE-wrenches
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 1:28 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches' 
Cc: r...@solartechvt.com
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Tech Support Issues with Sensata

 

Magnum has been difficult that last 3 years – we currently multiple inverters 
that are down needing boards for repair that can’t be obtained. It appears 
stock of new inverters is just starting to trickle back into suppliers so we 
hope to see parts soon.

It seemed Magnum quality took also took a hit when purchased by Sensata and I 
think operations were moved to a new location? – we found MMP’s shipped with 
missing parts etc. The best tech support engineer they had went to Outback, but 
then was lost tragically to complications from Covid.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 1:51 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
<mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> 
Cc: Ray Walters
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Tech Support Issues with Sensata

 

What were the issues?  I've not seen a Magnum have power quality troubles, but 
they are not the "grid" either.  My experience is that they are similar or a 
bit better than Outback, but certainly have measurable THD in the 4 to 5% 
range.  Its almost always finicky loads, and the inverter has always been 
within its tolerances, so I doubt you have an actual warranty issue.  However, 
I have seen inverter output get strange after lightning damage, which is not 
covered under warranty either. 

You need a decent meter that can measure THD, and can capture the peak voltage 
of the waveform.  A good oscilloscope is even better, so you can see the 
waveform.  

Stuff like clocks not keeping time, or certain digital controls on certain 
appliances not functioning, is not a warranty claim.  Lights dimming, or LEDs 
flickering is not a warranty claim.  These are normal living off grid, and the 
only thing better than a Magnum for power quality is Exeltech in my experience. 
 

Ray Walters
Remote Solar

On 5/31/2023 11:37 AM, Chris Sparadeo via RE-wrenches wrote:

Hi all, 

 

I have a client with a Magnum MS 4024- PAE inverter. There are some serious 
issues with power output quality and according to the client, another installer 
had started the RMA process while the inverter was still under warranty, 
however Sensata has not been responsive and has lost track of the case. They 
are asking for a new case to be initiated, but the inverter is now out of 
warranty. Has anyone out there had similar lack luster support issues with 
Sensata? 

 

Best,

 

Chris 

-- 

Chris Sparadeo

 

 

C_802-369-4458

H_802-728-3059

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] evacuated solar tubes

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Yes, it’s called zinc oxide just like sunblock but it’s pure zinc oxideDana OrzelC: 208.721.7003E- d...@solarwork.comOn Jul 5, 2023, at 7:34 AM, Chris Schaefer via RE-wrenches  wrote:G'day All,I managed to get myself pulled into an evacuated solar hot water system installed by others. The client is trying to get it reinstated. My question to the community is do you put any kind of high temperature lube on the probe end of the evacuated tube that inserts into the water manifold and if so what do you suggest? I've attached a picture of the tube probe. I believe these are Sunda tubes.Thanks much,Christopher- Chris Schaefer’sTel 585-229-2083 or Cell 585-748-1870 5115
S Hill Road ~ Canandaigua New York 14424www.solarandwindfx.com ~ E-mail: ch...@solarandwindfx.com

Thomas Jefferson,
the author of our great Constitution, once said, "democracy" will
cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give
to those who would not."
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[RE-wrenches] Pro Power saving device

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey all you mighty Wise Folks!

I have an off grid client that sent me a adv. for this device.

propowersaver.com

Does anyone know what this does?

Does It work?

How does it work?

--
Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc. C - 208.721.7003 d...@solarwork.com 
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374 "Responsible Technologies 
for Responsible People since 1988"___
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[RE-wrenches] Looking for Outback installer dealer troubleshooter Ft. Collins CO area

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey All,

Looking for Outback installer dealer troubleshooter Ft. Collins CO area.

I did a burly work trailer install for a friend from Ft. Collins Co a 
few years back (I am in Idaho 14 hours away) & he is having issues with 
an Outback inverter shutdown. Is there anyone in the Front range/ Ft 
Collins area that could do some trouble shooting?


Please contact me off list - Thank you.

--
Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc. C - 208.721.7003 d...@solarwork.com 
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374 "Responsible Technologies 
for Responsible People since 1988"___
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[RE-wrenches] Outback GLC Bypass slider plate

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Oh wise guys,

I am looking for (1) Outback GSLC bypass slider plate to allow 2 
generators to separately feed an OB GSLC. I will be using a 30 amp 2 
pole breaker VS the 60 amp that come in the IO kit from outback.


Please contact me off list

--
Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc. C - 208.721.7003 d...@solarwork.com 
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374 "Responsible Technologies 
for Responsible People since 1988"___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Hawaiian Tie in

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Correct  & The 225 amp bus bar gives us the busbar ampacity to accept 
the 120 amp back feed (includes the 25% factor)


22800w /240v = 95 amp


On 8/8/2023 12:19 PM, Darryl Thayer via RE-wrenches wrote:

I need clarification; however, here is my interpretation for you.
The utility feeds the meter and then the 100A breaker.
Then you want this 100A breaker to feed the 220A bus panel.
This 220A panel then supplies through a 100A breaker the house load.
The solar also feeds the 220A panel. If the solar exceeds 100A, and 
the house load is small, the meter breaker will disconnect, losing 
power to the solar and the load.


On Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 10:11 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches 
 wrote:


Oh Wise folks!

Attached is a wire schematic please review. & feel free to
possibly use for yourself in the future.

I am in a bind with an interconnection where I have an apartment 6
pack meter  box with all 120-240v/100 amp breakers & assumed 100
amp busbars. The apts. were a mid 1970's original build.  There
are 4 apartment with 1 circuit/meter each & 1 house circuit/ meter
for owners use.The breaker boxes are Sylvania (yuck). Originally I
assumed a larger busbar due to 6 - 100 amp breakers & this was not
the case. We all know about assuming...

I consulted with W-2 who had assisted my lead installer in in the
past from UT. He sent the following & though it makes sense to me,
the utility is asking how I can have a 225 amp panel behind a 100
amp breaker. My response was that all we are doing is  achieving a
properly sized bus bar to accommodate the back feed.

My Utility Idaho Power requires  interconnection with a meter that
has a load on it. Solar only meters are not allowed. This is for
the owners loads only & he has 1 meter per apt complex at 100amps
each.

I am wondering if any of you have used this connection adaption to
achieve a larger array connection & how it went?

-- 
Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc. C - 208.721.7003

d...@solarwork.com Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
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--
Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc. C - 208.721.7003 d...@solarwork.com 
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374 "Responsible Technologies 
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[RE-wrenches] 1/2HP ECM booster pump

[Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches]

Hey all you wise ones!

 

I am looking for a recommendation on a 1/2HP ECM domestic water booster pump
source if one exists. Currently the existing 3/4HP pump it is a 120 VAC but
could be 230VAC. They don't need 3/4HP in this small cabin & not irrigating
the vegetation.

Thanks in advance

 

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

www.greatsolarworks.com <http://www.greatsolarworks.com/>
www.solarwork.com <http://www.solarwork.com/>  

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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