Re: [RE-wrenches] USE-2 in white?

[Glenn Burt]

We get ours in 10AWG from Allied Wire & Cable in Collegville, PA. It is not
white, but they stripe it white with no trouble - about 3 stripes if I
recall. I can't see why they wouldn't have larger gauges & it is pretty
close to VT.

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dave Palumbo
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 12:22 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] USE-2 in white?

 

Is USE-2 (#8 and #6 AWG) available in white? If so, from whom?

 

Dave

 

David Palumbo, NABCEP Certified PV Installer

Independent Power LLC

Offices in Lamoille and the Champlain Valley

802.888.7194 

www.independentpowerllc.com 

 

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[RE-wrenches] Mounting Temperature Sensors

[Glenn Burt]

Hello Wrenches,

 

Does anyone have any good ideas for mounting thermocouples or RTD's to the
back of modules for cell temperature measurements?

I've seen electrical tape used (obviously the results were terrible),
thermally conductive epoxy from Omega Instruments ($$) used, some kind of
foil tape (electrically questionable).

 

Any recommendations?

Bubble gum?

 

Glenn Burt

NABCEP Certified PV Installer

NYSERDA Eligible Installer

 

Technical Specialist

Alteris_RGB.gif
Alteris RenewablesT
120 Broadway
Albany, NY 12204

Tel:(518) 512-5154
Cell:   (518) 681-2274
Fax:   (518) 514-1175
Web:  <http://www.alterisinc.com> www.alterisinc.com

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Tight roof layout questions: edge walkway requirements & "small gap" hardware options

[Glenn Burt]

Most racking manufacturers have a minimum setback distance from the edges of
a roof for wind loading.

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mick Abraham
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 2:09 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Tight roof layout questions: edge walkway
requirements & "small gap" hardware options

 

Hello, Team~

 

I'm laying out some Sanyo modules on paper. Twelve of them fit the roof with
almost too much perfection: this would be difficult to install as it would
fill the roof "edge to edge" in both directions. Are there consistent
guidelines about the amount of roof edge which must remain uncluttered or is
this mainly driven by the amount of aggravation that the installer is
willing to tolerate? Which organizations would want to influence such
decisions in the Atlanta region? Details are: residential, new construction,
wooden truss type roof framing, finish roofing yet to be decided.

 

I've seen fancy photos of rooftops which are covered edge to edge, but I
suppose those are "building integrated" PV systems instead of discrete
modules mounted above the roofing material. Who decides if those are "OK'
for no walkways compared to a roof that is fully loaded with Sanyo type
modules? How are such decisions made?

 

I like the "top clamp" style mounts but UniRac SolarMount rail systems need
about a 1" gap from one module to the next. Is there anyone with similar
hardware that can get a grip within a smaller gap?

 

Thanks in advance,


Mick Abraham, Proprietor
www.abrahamsolar.com

Voice: 970-731-4675

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Re: [RE-wrenches] RFI from MPPT Charge Controllers

[Glenn Burt]

Speaking as a ham radio operator, I find operating conditions are much
better after sundown.
Band conditions are much more conducive to distance operating and are much
quieter at that time.

Glenn Burt
KA2DTH

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry
Crutcher
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 8:01 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] RFI from MPPT Charge Controllers

Does anyone know of a large MPPT controller that does not produce RFI?  
Specifically, customers that are SWL, AM or amateur radio operators  
need RF quiet time during the day while operating or listening. All  
the controller I have installed make some noise. The Outback MX60 in  
my RV decimates every 40 kHz or so with broadband noise from 160  
meters and up.

Does anyone know how the Xantrex SW, Tristar MPPT or Apollo do with RFI?

Many thanks,

Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems
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Re: [RE-wrenches] RE Visio shapes files

[Glenn Burt]

Care to share the wealth?

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of boB Gudgel
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2010 12:44 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] RE Visio shapes files

 

On 9/5/2010 9:32 PM, William Miller wrote: 

boB:

I have a set of template and stencil files on my web site at:
http://www.millersolar.com/resources/resources.html

I never progressed beyond version 4.1T because it still works for me.  You
are probably using a newer version, but these files should be backwards
compatible.

Good luck, and let me know if these are helpful.

William Miller




Thank you William (and the others who emailed)   That is exactly the kind of
thing I was looking for !

Much appreciated !

boB










At 07:22 PM 9/5/2010, you wrote:





Hello Wrenches.

Do any of you know where to find shape library files for drawing RE pix in
Microsoft Visio ??

Solar, Wind, batteries, etc...

Thanks,
boB

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No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com   
Version: 8.5.441 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3116 - Release Date: 09/05/10
18:34:00

Please note new e-mail address and domain:

William Miller 
Miller Solar
Voice :805-438-5600
email: will...@millersolar.com
http://millersolar.com  
License No. C-10-773985

 
 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunny Backup set

[Glenn Burt]

Ask them how the listing of the 240VAC Sunny Island is coming - another
promise I have customers waiting for - 'real soon now'.

-Glenn

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of North Texas
Renewable Energy Inc
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2010 8:18 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunny Backup set

Dick
I did email SMA Monday & a reply followed your Wrench reply to my inbox this
afternoon.
As I suspected, they are not [yet] available in the states. It looks as
though one Sunny Backup will replace 2 Sunny Islands. Technologically it's
par for the course coming from SMA.
Maybe they are waiting to move their US supply of SIs.

Jim

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]on Behalf Of Richard L
Ratico
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2010 3:03 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunny Backup set


Have you called SMA directly? SMA has other neat stuff that's only available
outside the US. Apparently they don't think there's enough demand here to go
through the listing process.

Dick Ratico
Solarwind Electric

--- You wrote:
Wrenches,

A SMA CD with their 2009-2010 product guide has a Sunny Backup Set listed.
It works with grid-battery systems and a genset but I cannot find any US
distributors that carry it. Couldn't find it on the SMA-America www site
either.
Does anyone know about its availability in the US?  I'd love to get my hands
on the installation manual because it sounds like just what I need for
upgrading a battery-grid install from years ago. The owner now wants a 25 kW
generator added and the old SMA Gen-Man device seems to have become
unavailable too.
Any clues would be appreciated.
Y'all have a great Labor Day

Jim Duncan
North Texas Renewable Energy
--- end of quote ---
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[RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC online version

[Glenn Burt]

Hello all,

 

I found this link to the 2011 NEC effective on August 25, 2010.

If you have / create an account with the NFPA, you can view it for no
charge.

 

http://www.nfpa.org/AboutTheCodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70

 

 

Regards,

 

Glenn Burt

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Tranformless inverter

[Glenn Burt]

Also be aware of the hand calculations required for computing conduit fill
with the new PV wire, due to its insulation thickness, and possibly
different sized cable management clips (may only be suitable for USE-2),
liquid tight cord grips (if used at conduit transitions on rooftops), etc. 

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco
Mangelsdorf
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2010 2:44 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Tranformless inverter

 

Ah so..double-insulated is the key.  I understand, Master.

 

I will get my peeps on it.

 

marco

 

It has to do with the development of a "double-insulated" conductor needed
for ungrounded systems. PV Wire is double-insulated while USE-2 is not
tested as double insulated. It is analogous to double-insulated tools in the
U.S. that do not require a ground wire.

 

Bill.

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco
Mangelsdorf
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2010 11:09 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Tranformless inverter

 

Bill B. wrote the following:

 

Ungrounding the array requires additional fusing and disconnects, but the
most significant difference is that the module wiring and all external cable
must be PV Wire/Cable. Therefore only modules with PV Wire/Cable can be used
in these systems. You must confirm from the manufacturer that they have made
the switch. Hopefully all manufacturers will be installing PV Wire/Cable
soon so that this will not be a problem anymore.

 

--My question: why is the standard USE-2 wire not acceptable any mo'?

 

marco

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Supply side connection to a dedicated panel

[Glenn Burt]

There is a good Technical Note on the SMA website that talks about sizing an
AC combining panel that may provide some guidance on this.

 

http://download.sma.de/smaprosa/dateien/4307/Multiple%20SB%20Installation%20
on%203%20Phase%20Utility%20Tech%20Note%20V21.pdf

 

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dave Palumbo
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 12:15 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Supply side connection to a dedicated panel

 

We are installing a 8kW grid tied PV system for a commercial client.  There
is an auto start generator on the premises, therefore we will be utilizing a
supply side AC point of connection. Inverter is an SMA SB8000. System owner
plans on adding to system in the next few years. We are designing for a
total of 24kW  of PV.

 

We will install a 200A fused disconnect off the grid feed (line side of the
generator transfer switch). My plan is install a dedicated breaker panel for
the inverter 240VAC output(s). The SB8000 is rated at 29 Amps, so a 40A DP
breaker will do for the point of connection. This panel will eventually have
a total of (3) 40A DP breakers each with 8kW of inverter output. 

 

My question has to do with the interpretation of the 120 percent rule of the
rating of the busbar in the panel. Do I need to use a 225 Amp rated panel
with a downsized 150A main breaker? 225A busbar x 1.2 = 270 Amps -150A MB =
120A total of inverter output allowed. Or, since this panel will only be
used for inverter AC point of connection, and not for loads, is it allowable
to label this panel as a "Dedicated Panel - connect no loads". If that is
the case we could use a 200A panel, or even a 150Amp panel. A local
electrician proposed this "dedicated panel" to avoid the larger load center
panel. I cannot find any mention of "dedicated panel" in the NEC. 

 

I think what I am proposing follows 690.64. Any opinions, or advice would be
appreciated.

 

Dave Palumbo

Independent Power LLC 

www.independentpowerllc.com 

NABCEP Certified PV Installer

Vermont Solar Partner

802.888.7194 

 

 

 

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC Code book with Handbook on CD ROM

[Glenn Burt]

I just bought a copy of the 2008 NEC on CD because NY finally adopted this
version.
I have tried a few searches, and think I am averaging 50% success on the
searches.
I got 2 installs (per purchased copy), but am having trouble installing
under Windows 7 (Vista was OK).

-Glenn Burt

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of R Ray
Walters
Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 4:28 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC Code book with Handbook on CD ROM

How is the CD version for 2008? Is it easier to look stuff up (ie indexed
better)?
I've never tried anything but the hard copies.

R. Walters
r...@solarray.com
Solar Engineer




On Oct 25, 2010, at 12:06 PM, Matt Lafferty wrote:

> Hi Drake,
> 
> 2011 NEC is available now in Looseleaf (3-Ring binder, $95), Softbound
> ($85), and PDF($85).
> http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product.asp?pid=7011SB&order_src=A291 Don't
see
> the spiral-bound offered.
> 
> 2011 NEC Handbook will not be available until at least November 19, 2010.
It
> will be available in Hardcover. No word yet on availability of CD or PDF.
> 
> Like you, I do hardcopy NEC + CD Handbook. I'm in the "wait for digital"
> mode, too. Having been a CD handbook user since 2002, I am really hoping
> that they've improved the app this time. I have bought mine (and other
> codes) thru the tech bookstores and directly from NFPA. As I recall, there
> wasn't much of a total cost difference between them. The last couple code
> cycles, I have gotten mine directly from the NFPA. I figure that, even if
it
> costs a couple bucks more, at least I'm supporting their inefficient,
> bureacratic, gray-beard organization directly. And I think that's
important.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Matt Lafferty
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Drake
> Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 9:41 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC Code book with Handbook on CD ROM
> 
> Hello Wrenches,
> 
> In the past, I have been able to buy a spiral bound NEC code book and the
> handbook on CD ROM as a package from Building Tech Bookstore, at a good
> price.  At present they are not offering this.  Does anyone know of a good
> place to buy these items at a decent price?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Drake 
> 
> 
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> 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] 3.7kW grid tie

[Glenn Burt]

We are opting more and more for supply side connections in these situations
(assuming convincing the customer that an upgrade to a 200A service/panel is
not an option). We have yet to run into an AHJ that cannot be made to see
this is a good option and we use Ilsco Kup-L-Taps to pierce the main
conductors inside the load center, prior to their landing on the main
breaker.

 

-Glenn Burt

Alteris Renewables, Inc.

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dave Palumbo
Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2010 2:35 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 3.7kW grid tie

 

AC Point of Connection could be to a backfed 20A DP breaker in the existing
GE TM3210CCU load center (100A MB with 100A busbar) if the SMA SB3800
inverter was still available. But a SB4000 requires a 25A breaker which
violates the 120% rule with the existing panel.

Comments on the options below. 

 

#1) Go with another 240v grid tie inverter in the 3800W range, so we can use
a 20 Amp breaker. I see PV Powered and Kaco have 3500's listed. Any 3.7, or
3.8kW inverters?

 

#2) Is it possible to either, change out the Main Breaker in the above GE
load center to a lower amperage MB, or add a Plug In Breaker. There is a GE
"feeder type" breaker # THQL2190 (90 A DP). Could we use this as the main
breaker for the load center above? It is listed as a 10KAIC breaker.

 

#3) Swap out existing 32 space load center and replace with 150AML panel
with 100A MB kit.

 

Thanks,

Dave Palumbo

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Re: [RE-wrenches] enphase AC carrier length

[Glenn Burt]

Hi Jay,

I recently asked Enphase about a system we will be installing in a small
cabin of a campground. It turns out that there is no internet access in this
cabin, but internet is available somewhere on the grounds of the campground.

There are a variety of options you can use to connect the Envoy to the
internet. The Envoy basically needs a device which dynamically assigns an
DHCP address (normally a router). The devices you could use in your
situation are: A wirless bridge, Powerline ethernet bridges, a cradlepoint
router with a wireless service stick (sold by cell phone carriers). In
detached buildings a wireless bridge is normally the best option. The one
we've seen most sites have success with is the Linksys WET610n. Since it is
not our product we do not provide support for it, but Linksys is normally
very easy to set up.


Of course the site is many hours away from our office, so I will need to
plan on a couple of options to take with me, and expect to spend some time
testing...

Regards,
Glenn Burt

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of jay peltz
Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2010 11:14 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] enphase AC carrier length

HI All,

Is there a max length to the AC carrier signal for Enphase?

I thought I did hear about a length, and in checking the website could find
no mention of it.

Anybody know?

thx,

jay

peltz power
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Fat Spaniel

[Glenn Burt]

There is a letter on the Fat Spaniel website welcoming all customers to
Power One.

 

Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Carl Emerson
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2010 8:46 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Fat Spaniel

 

I believe they have been taken over by PowerOne.

 

Carl Emerson

Free Power Co.

Land line +64 9 473 4286

Mobile +64 22 630 9689

Email   emer...@freepower.co.nz

Web   www.freepower.co.nz

 

  _  

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco
Mangelsdorf
Sent: 9 November 2010 2:42 p.m.
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Fat Spaniel

 

Just got a letter from Fat Spaniel Technologies.

 

If my legalese is up to snuff, it appears that they're liquidating the
company.

 

Yeow.anyone know what happened with them?  

 

And what's going to happen to all the hundreds of PV systems that they're
monitoring on their website?

 

marco

 



__ NOD32 5602 (20101108) Information __

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Re: [RE-wrenches] 120 volt grid tie inverter

[Glenn Burt]

I think there is still an SMA 700W inverter available that uses 120VAC.
-Glenn

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bob Ellison
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 11:14 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] 120 volt grid tie inverter

I have a customer who wants to grid tie a 120 volt dc system
Does anyone know of an inverter that can do this?

Thanks
Bob ellison


> 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Megger for array testing

[Glenn Burt]

I have verbal confirmation from Sunpower that none of their modules should
ever be subjected to a Megger test in the field.

Your mileage may vary, but unless I have confirmation from a module
manufacturer, I will not be recommending that any module be in any circuit
being tested for insulation resistance. 

We test our homeruns after pulling, and AC runs after pulling, but only with
unlanded conductors.

 

 

Glenn Burt

NABCEP Certified PV Installer

NYSERDA Eligible Installer

 

Technical Specialist

Alteris_RGB.gif
Alteris RenewablesT
120 Broadway
Albany, NY 12204

Tel:(518) 512-5154
Cell:   (518) 681-2274
Fax:   (518) 514-1175
Web: www.alterisinc.com

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bill Brooks
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 9:11 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Megger for array testing

 

Meggerers,

 

Although shorting the terminals to perform the megger tests may provide the
most uniform voltage profile, it is difficult to perform on many arrays and
adds unnecessary complexity to a test that needs to become routine for all
PV installations.

 

The appropriate way to perform the test at the combiner box level for
negatively grounded systems is as follows (voltage would be applied
backwards for a positively grounded array):

 

1.   Open all fuse holders and make sure no fuses are mounted in the
holders.

2.   Remove any connected surge arrestors from the circuits as these
will conduct during the test and may fail.

3.   Remove the grounded feeder conductor so there is no connection to
the inverter.

4.   Connect the negative of the Insulation Tester to the grounding
connection in the combiner box. 

5.   Connect the positive of the Insulation Tester to the negative
connection in the combiner box.

6.   Apply either 500V or 1000V to the negative connection and wait for
the insulation resistance to achieve at least 100kOhms.

 

Insulation resistance will vary based upon module construction, moisture on
the  modules and conduit systems, and cycle of the moon (oh wait, that's the
PMS procedure-sorry)-actually irradiance and temperature can make a
difference. By adding 500V or 1000V to the negative side of the strings, the
positive side is going to go to 1000V or 1500V. This does not violate the
listing of the product as this is a temporary test. These types of tests are
customary for 600Vac wiring systems and they should be mandatory in PV
systems of any size operating above 100V. If the module is damaged by this
test, it was a faulty module since all module internal wiring is required to
withstand 2200V to ground throughout the unit-diodes and all. By testing in
the normal voltage bias that the product sees during operation, it will more
thoroughly stress the higher voltage parts of the array which are more
critical for the long-term reliability of the PV system.

 

If a resistance of 100kOhms cannot be achieved, take all the grounded-side
string conductors loose from the combiner block and test each one
individually to see if there are variations in resistance. If no variations
exist, the modules might be a more leaky variety and a new, lower threshold
would need to be established with the help of the module manufacturer.

 

Happy testing and don't forget to use your gloves.

 

Bill.

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bill Hoffer
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 4:36 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Megger for array testing

 

Joel 

You are correct about the UL testing requiring 2 x system voltage plus 1000
volts. The UL requirement is also to ramp up to the full voltage in 5 sec
and held for 1 min, which I believe most meggers are capable of.  The test
is considered a failure if greater than 50 uA current is measured.  The
difference is that the connection is between the shorted outputs of the
module and the ground.  In the case of the required factory tests one end of
the high pot testing device is connected to the frame (ground) and one point
is connected to both the negative and positive  module terminals shorted
together.  In the UL test it is done with the module submerged one terminal
of the high pot tester is connnected to a ground plane in the water and the
other terminal is connected to the negative and positive terminals shorted
together.  In both cases the voltage potential across the module terminals
(through the module)  is 0, but between the terminals and ground is the 2 x
system voltage plus 1000.  The module never sees 2200 volts potential across
the cells and diodes.  The test is normally run again reversing the
polarity, but the terminals still are shorted together.  I have performed
this test in the factory and observed it being done this way during UL
testing.  

UL1703 Section 21 Leakage Current Test specifies shorted mo

Re: [RE-wrenches] low batteries with a sunny island

[Glenn Burt]

We have invested in an Iota charger with the IQ4 board for this purpose.

Pricy, yes, but seems to have the best chance of success for reviving the
bank as a unit.

http://www.iotaengineering.com/dls5413.htm

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 9:54 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] low batteries with a sunny island

 

Hi All Battery Friendly Wrenches -

 

We have a situation I haven't crossed yet - we have a Sunny Island grid tied
battery back system system with a 48 V battery bank consisting of eight 6
Volt AGM batteries. The charging breaker feeding the Sunny Island in the
main electrical panel was shut off by another contractor for about 3 months
which caused the Sunny Island to slowly drain the batteries until it fully
shutoff in order to protect the batteries. The bank now reads 24  Volts.
That's low! The Sunny Island is, according to SMA, powered directly from the
battery bank and won't even turn on. SMA tech support is recommending that
we charge the batteries and then turn the system back on. 

 

Any ideas about the best way to charge a 48 V battery bank?

 

Thanks for your advice,

 

-August


-- 
August Goers
VP, Engineering

Luminalt Energy Corporation
1320 Potrero Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94110
O: 415.641.4000
M: 415.559.1525
aug...@luminalt.com

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Positive-ground question re Sunpower

[Glenn Burt]

It has been my experience that if Sunpower modules are installed contrary to
their manufacturer recommended positive ground configuration, that in a
short time you will only be generating a few watts. I have seen this in more
than one instance when the array was mis-wired and the negative was the
grounded conductor.

 

Fortunately reversing the wiring allows the static charge to bleed of in a
couple of weeks, and the strings returned to their expected production
values.

 

I would recommend against trying to use them intentionally in this fashion.

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan
Sindelar
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 10:08 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Positive-ground question re Sunpower

 

Wrenches:
This has been addressed before in a slightly different context, so a short
answer is enough. Can a Sunpower module be used successfully in a
negative-grounded low-voltage system?

The situation: Mark in our Taos office sent me the following: "We have an
old time friend and customer. [John] and his wife used to help us on various
installations years ago. They're both retired now and living on fixed
limited income. About two months ago, we sold them a replacement battery
bank of golf carts. They have a  small off grid system with a few hundred
watts of PV. Recently, [John's wife] was put on an oxygen machine for a
heart condition. The machine consumes somewhere around 800 Watt-hours per
day. Their system can't keep up now without running the generator most every
day. I was wondering about a couple blem/cosmetic damaged panels that PosE
has at their shop in Santa Fe. I'm not sure yet whether the best solution
would be to upgrade their existing system, or perhaps a separate system for
the O2 machine. Either way, if there is a way to help them with the
equipment, then I'd be happy to donate my time to help [John] do an upgrade.
If there is some way we can help them out, it would be a good thing. They're
just a couple of really good people who've helped a lot of others out in
their lifetime. Now they're the ones in need, and I'm just trying to find a
way to help them."

We have two Sunpower 215s with cosmetic damage that can't be sold. I think
that one or both can be used here, but are just somewhat less efficient if
negative grounded. 

What's the straight scoop here, please?
Thanks,
Allan

  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  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Strawbale wall penetration

[Glenn Burt]

Would the walls of the bale house be considered part of the dwelling and
require careful consideration of whether metallic conduit is REQUIRED on the
DC run? 690.31 (E)

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of benn kilburn
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 2:06 PM
To: Wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Strawbale wall penetration

 

Wrenches, 

Short of contacting the builder, i'm looking for your experiences, practices
and "look-out's" for penetrating a strawbale exterior wall with conduit.

 

For the project in question there is currently a teck cable from a wind gen
entering the home by sharing a HRV vent opening that i want to fix (not my
original system by the way) and i will also be adding another penetration
for a PV array that i am relocating on the property. The original
penetration for the PV was done properly but its not in an ideal location
for the re-located array wiring.

 

I'm wondering if it is as simple as using a hole saw extension to go thru
the ~16" wall and use an LB/box on either side.  I'm sure there is some
framework and/or rebar supporting the bales, how do you locate/avoid these
when there are no corners to measure from?  (it is a round home)  

Any knowledge if PVC or EMT will react in anyway with the bales?  I'm
thinking that PVC would be best?

 

... i am trying to contact the builder to address this, and also to ask a
few choice questions regarding the wiring methods (he?) used in the original
PV system set-up.

 

Cheers,

benn

DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 

b...@daystarsolar.ca

780-906-7807 

HAVE A SUNNY DAY 

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Megger for array testing

[Glenn Burt]

Don't confuse Hi-Pot testing with insulation resistance testing (Megging).

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Drake
Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2010 9:56 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Megger for array testing

 

Thank you:

To all Wrenches who responded to the question about Megger testing.

The information discussed here is of major importance to photovoltaic
installers, and clearly has been understood different ways.  The List is a
great resource which helps increase the quality and reliability of solar
electric installations. 

To briefly sum up the information, as I understand it: 

*   Solar arrays can and should be high pot tested 

*   Check with module manufacturer before proceeding, as warranty issues
are possible 

*   The UL method of testing requires the terminals, of an unilluminated
string or array, to be spliced together.  

*   High voltage testing is done between the spliced leads and ground 
*   This will: 

*   totally protect the internal components of the modules  
*   give the most uniform results 

*   An easy and safe way to test for potential ground faults during
routine installation is to: 

*   Remove the fuses or positive connection to the inverter 
*   Remove surge arrestors 
*   Connect the Megger negative to ground 
*   connect the Megger positive to the negative PV wire 
*   Test at either 500 or 1000 V to 100 kOhms 

Best regards,

Drake 

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

At 09:11 PM 11/17/2010, you wrote:



Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
 boundary="=_NextPart_000_0062_01CB8682.CEC07160"
Content-Language: en-us

Meggerers,
 
Although shorting the terminals to perform the megger tests may provide the
most uniform voltage profile, it is difficult to perform on many arrays and
adds unnecessary complexity to a test that needs to become routine for all
PV installations.
 
The appropriate way to perform the test at the combiner box level for
negatively grounded systems is as follows (voltage would be applied
backwards for a positively grounded array):
 
1.  Open all fuse holders and make sure no fuses are mounted in the
holders.
2.  Remove any connected surge arrestors from the circuits as these will
conduct during the test and may fail.
3.  Remove the grounded feeder conductor so there is no connection to
the inverter.
4.  Connect the negative of the Insulation Tester to the grounding
connection in the combiner box. 
5.  Connect the positive of the Insulation Tester to the negative
connection in the combiner box.
6.  Apply either 500V or 1000V to the negative connection and wait for
the insulation resistance to achieve at least 100kOhms.
 
Insulation resistance will vary based upon module construction, moisture on
the  modules and conduit systems, and cycle of the moon (oh wait, that's the
PMS procedure-sorry)-actually irradiance and temperature can make a
difference. By adding 500V or 1000V to the negative side of the strings, the
positive side is going to go to 1000V or 1500V. This does not violate the
listing of the product as this is a temporary test. These types of tests are
customary for 600Vac wiring systems and they should be mandatory in PV
systems of any size operating above 100V. If the module is damaged by this
test, it was a faulty module since all module internal wiring is required to
withstand 2200V to ground throughout the unit-diodes and all. By testing in
the normal voltage bias that the product sees during operation, it will more
thoroughly stress the higher voltage parts of the array which are more
critical for the long-term reliability of the PV system.
 
If a resistance of 100kOhms cannot be achieved, take all the grounded-side
string conductors loose from the combiner block and test each one
individually to see if there are variations in resistance. If no variations
exist, the modules might be a more leaky variety and a new, lower threshold
would need to be established with the help of the module manufacturer.
 
Happy testing and don't forget to use your gloves.
 
Bill.
 
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [
mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
 ] On Behalf Of Bill
Hoffer
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 4:36 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Megger for array testing
 
Joel 

You are correct about the UL testing requiring 2 x system voltage plus 1000
volts. The UL requirement is also to ramp up to the full voltage in 5 sec
and held for 1 min, which I believe most meggers are capable of.  The test
is considered a failure if greater than 50 uA current is measured.  The
difference is that the connection is between the shorted outputs of the
module and the ground.  In the case of the required factory tests one en

Re: [RE-wrenches] Internet-based monitoring -- including battery banks?

[Glenn Burt]

If you use the SMA solution, a web box can collect many points of data from
the Sunny Island on both sides of the inverter.

-Glenn

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dan Fink
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2010 6:07 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Internet-based monitoring -- including battery
banks?

In addition to the excellent information being posted here on monitoring 
grid-tied systems, I would be curious to know what products Wrenches 
have used and would recommend (or not) -- and why -- for web-based 
monitoring of systems that include battery banks, whether grid-tied 
islanding or off-grid.

DAN FINK
Buckville Energy Consulting LLC
http://www.buckville.com/
IREC / ISPQ accredited Continuing Education Providers
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Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 690.74

[Glenn Burt]

Hi Phil,

 

I posted some information that is relevant back in March of 2009. It should
be in the searchable archives.

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Philip
Boutelle
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2010 8:08 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] NEC 690.74

 

Wrenches,

 

We have a string of batteries being inspected by a local AHJ. In plan-check
comments, I was asked to ensure that the flexible cable was UL-listed, so we
made sure of this when it came from the suppliers. We used 4/0 RHW-2. Now
our inspector is asking if "RHW-2 is fine-stranded in Article 400 of the NEC
as required by 690.74?"

 

Article 400 doesn't explicitly define any cable types for use in battery
systems, and the one general disclaimer is in 400.4: "Types of flexible
cords and flexible cables other than those listed in the table shall be the
subject of special investigation". 

 

Has anyone had a similar request before? Anyone done a "special
investigation" on cables, and have results to share? Any other thoughts?

 

Thanks for any help,

 

-Phil

Real Goods Solar

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Cable REvistied

[Glenn Burt]

Hi Ray,

 

I have for my last 2 battery jobs used the Cobra X-Flex in 2/0 size with MTW
rating.


At the battery end I have found the Thomas & Betts 54163-TB lugs, available
at my local Grainger store to be a good match both mechanically and
specification wise (also the correct hole size for M8 terminals in my
Concorde AGM's).
On the usual electrical equipment end, I use a Greaves Shoo-Pin PT131FX20 as
the appropriate reducer to a THHN stranding #2/0 size (available through our
local Graybar store, drop shipped to my office). Because I am using a Sunny
Island, of course nothing #2 fits. so I have two Polaris style connectors in
the trough below the SI where I switch from the Shoo-Pins to four #1 THHN to
go up into the SI batt terminals (two conductors per pole).

 

In fact, I am wrapping up one of these installs right now.

 

Don't know if this helps,

 

-Glenn

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of R Ray
Walters
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2010 11:58 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Battery Cable REvistied

HI All;

I have struggled for years to get the right battery cable; in the old, old
days we used welding cable, which was better than THHN, but not with the
AHJs.
Then we used a SAE battery cable with 532 strands that was ideal, but not UL
listed.
Next we used Cobra X flex, but at over 2000 strands, we had the problem it
wasn't rated for some of the mechanical lugs and breakers.  (too fine a
stranding)

Now I've found what I think is the perfect cable: Cobra Cop Flex, class I.
http://cobrawire.com/copflex/class_i.php
It's UL listed RHH, RHW , but is coarser stranded 532 strands, but not as
coarse as standard THHN (19 strands).

What do you guys think? RHH, RHW meets the code, with the coarser stranding
not being a problem with regular lugs, but still way more flexible than
THHN.
We're saved right?


R. Walters
r...@solarray.com
Solar Engineer




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Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 690.74

[Glenn Burt]

Phil,

Sorry, the cable is dual rated as MTW / THW.

I don’t follow when you say MTW is not recognized by the NEC:
T310.13(A) 2008 NEC

Moisture-, heat-, and oil-resistant thermoplastic

MTW

60°C 

140°F

Machine tool wiring in wet locations

Flame-retardant moisture-, heat-, and oil-resistant thermoplastic…

 

Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Phil
Undercuffler
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 1:07 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 690.74

 

My recollection is that MTW is Machine Tool Wire, which indeed is not
recognized by the NEC.  It's an "other" category of wire intended to be used
by manufacturers as internal wiring on products which they then get listed.
So a wire with other ratings (such as USE, RHW, THHN) can also have a MTW
rating and be fine, but a wire with only an MTW rating should not be used as
field wiring by an installer. 

Also, do you have a source for RHW-2 battery cables?  Or did you mean to say
RHW, such as the typical Cobra X-Flex? 

Phil Undercuffler

On Nov 29, 2010 7:41 PM, "Philip Boutelle"  wrote:
> Found the thread, very helpful thanks Glenn.
> The current parallel discussion on Battery Cables REvisited is helpful
too.
> The inspector (She, btw) is extremely thorough. Although she has asked for
> proof of purpose-specific listings on just about everything, it seems I
> misquoted her in my previous post; I looked up her earlier plan review
> comments, and here's her original quote (from when my plans said to use
MTW
> for the battery cable): "MTW is not NEC approved for use". I think that to
> her, if it isn't explicitly in the NEC then I can't use it (lists go from
> being partial & inclusive to complete & limiting).
> -Phil
> 
> On Mon, Nov 29, 2010 at 6:03 PM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
> 
>> Hi Phil,
>>
>>
>>
>> I posted some information that is relevant back in March of 2009. It
should
>> be in the searchable archives…
>>
>>
>>
>> -Glenn Burt
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
>> re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Philip Boutelle
>> *Sent:* Monday, November 29, 2010 8:08 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] NEC 690.74
>>
>>
>>
>> Wrenches,
>>
>>
>>
>> We have a string of batteries being inspected by a local AHJ. In
plan-check
>> comments, I was asked to ensure that the flexible cable was UL-listed, so
we
>> made sure of this when it came from the suppliers. We used 4/0 RHW-2. Now
>> our inspector is asking if "RHW-2 is fine-stranded in Article 400 of the
NEC
>> as required by 690.74?"
>>
>>
>>
>> Article 400 doesn't explicitly define any cable types for use in battery
>> systems, and the one general disclaimer is in 400.4: "Types of flexible
>> cords and flexible cables other than those listed in the table shall be
the
>> subject of special investigation".
>>
>>
>>
>> Has anyone had a similar request before? Anyone done a "special
>> investigation" on cables, and have results to share? Any other thoughts?
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks for any help,
>>
>>
>>
>> -Phil
>>
>> Real Goods Solar
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 690.64 (B) (2)

[Glenn Burt]

Al,

 

SMA has a good whitepaper on their site covering this, and there was an
article in a recent Solar Pro covering this topic as well.

Good Luck!

Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Al Frishman
Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 5:51 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] NEC 690.64 (B) (2)

 

Wrenches,

How do you apply NEC 690.64 (B) (2) when you have multiple single phase 

inverters distributed across the 3 phases of an electric-panel via 2 pole
breakers? 

 

Do you simply add up the total of all over-current devices feeding the 

panel (Inverter 2-pole breakers and main breaker) or is there a 3 phase 

formula that gets applied?

 

It seems logical that if the single phase inverters are connected with
2-pole breakers

Distributed across the 3 phases then you would take the sum of what is on
each phase.

 

Any and all input on this topic is appreciated.

 

Regards,

Al

Aeonsolar

917 699 6641

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Tranformless inverter

[Glenn Burt]

I just did a review of the TL inverters by SMA for possible use.

A few points that are relevant:
They require the use of an external fused combiner (they also sell). It has
support for up to 6 strings, with both + and - fuse positions provided.

The integrated DC disconnect has no fusing - it will accept only two
conductors

The manual says these inverters are supposed to be installed in threes

They only work on 208VAC

Obviously they are lighter than their transformer based cousins

There is a warning to beware of stray array capacitances in excess of 2
micro Farads or more and 50mA from the cells to ground or the inverter will
disconnect

Obviously an EGC is still necessary from the frame of the array

Required clearance around the inverter has been increased to 12" (36" below)

Replaceable varistors are used to protect DC inputs from high voltages
(inside DC disconnect)

Still 600VDC upper limit

AC max conductor diameter is 2AWG, min is #6

DC conductors - #10 to #6

They recommend operating the DC disconnect once a year, 10 times to keep the
contacts clean

 

FYI - thought I'd share.

 

-Glenn Burt

 

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2010 3:50 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Tranformless inverter

 

Hi Bill and Wrenches -

 

For ungrounded arrays what specific fusing and or DC disconnect requirements
are needed compared to grounded arrays? 

 

I'm trying to sort through the code but nothing is popping out at me besides
what was already mentioned about needing to disconnect both the positive and
negative lines on the DC side. In SMA's case I'm guessing that their new
transformerless inverters with integrated DC disconnects and fuses may
already take of all the requirements?

 

Best,

 

August

 

 

August Goers

 

Luminalt Energy Corporation

1320 Potrero Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94110

m: 415.559.1525

o: 415.641.4000

aug...@luminalt.com

 

 

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bill Brooks
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2010 8:29 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Tranformless inverter

 

All,

 

Transformerless inverters are simply a subset of ungrounded or resistively
grounded PV systems covered by the NEC in 690.35 since the 2005 code cycle.
Power-One has been marketing their ungrounded inverter in the U.S. for
several years now. It was listed by CSA. The requirements for ungrounded
systems in 690.35 are as follows:

 

&bull  "Photovoltaic power systems shall be permitted to operate
with ungrounded photovoltaic source and output circuits where the system
complies with 690.35(A) through 690.35(G).

&minus  (A) Disconnects. All photovoltaic source and output circuit
conductors shall have disconnects complying with 690, Part III.

&minus  (B) Overcurrent Protection. All photovoltaic source and output
circuit conductors shall have overcurrent protection complying with 690.9.

&minus  (C) Ground-Fault Protection. All photovoltaic source and output
circuits shall be provided with a ground-fault protection device or system
that complies with (1) through (3):

&bull  (1) Detects a ground fault.

&bull  (2) Indicates that a ground fault has occurred

&bull  (3) Automatically disconnects all conductors or causes
the inverter or charge controller connected to the faulted circuit to
automatically cease supplying power to output circuits.

&minus  (D) The photovoltaic source and output conductors shall consist
of the following:

&minus  (1) Nonmetallic jacketed multiconductor cables

&minus  (2) Conductors installed in raceways, or

&minus  (3) Conductors listed and identified as Photovoltaic (PV) Wire
installed as exposed, single conductors.

&minus  (E) The photovoltaic power system direct-current circuits shall
be permitted to be used with ungrounded battery systems complying with
690.71(G).

&minus  (F) The photovoltaic power source shall be labeled with the
following warning at each junction box, combiner box, disconnect, and device
where the ungrounded circuits may be exposed during service:

WARNING

ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD

THE DC CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS OF THIS

PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEM ARE

UNGROUNDED AND MAY BE ENERGIZED

WITH RESPECT TO GROUND DUE TO

LEAKAGE PATHS AND/OR GROUND FAULTS.

&minus  (G) The inverters or charge controllers used in systems with
ungrounded photovoltaic source and output circuits shall be listed for the
purpose.

 

We now have several products newly on the market to include on the list such
as the SMA and Exeltech products. Ungrounding the array requires additional
fusing and disconnects, but the most significant difference is that the
module wiring a

[RE-wrenches] UL 1741

[Glenn Burt]

Does anyone have the text of UL 1741 and can tell me how much time is
allowed for disconnect when loss of utility grid happens?

I am thinking between 2-5 cycles?

 

Thanks,

Glenn Burt

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery electrolyte question

[Glenn Burt]

Big box of Baking Soda?

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan
Sindelar
Sent: Monday, January 10, 2011 4:36 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Battery electrolyte question

 

Wrenches,
By chance I found a half-full gallon jug full of lead-acid battery
electrolyte. It has begun to leak. With no knowledge of its history, age,
origin, etc. I'm not sure how to dispose of it safely. 

I don't think I've ever seen this addressed on this list before. Can anyone
help with some simple solutions?

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

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Bridge Pantheon

[Glenn Burt]

I just got an email ad for Direct Grid Technologies, apparently a
microinverter, but that is all I know.

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco
Mangelsdorf
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2011 2:55 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Solar Bridge Pantheon

 

Does anyone know if the 235-watt Solar Bridge Pantheon microinverter has hit
the market yet?

 

I have a spec sheet on the bugger in case anyone is interested.

 

And does anyone know what other microinverters may be hitting the market
soon to give our friends at Enphase some competition?

 

marco

 

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[RE-wrenches] Fluke meter recall

[Glenn Burt]

FYI recall on a few popular Fluke clamp-on DMMs:

 

http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/usen/support/safety/33X-Recall.htm

 

-Glenn Burt

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[RE-wrenches] Schneider recall

[Glenn Burt]

So have you seen the widespread recall on the Xantrex GT and Sunpower SPRx
line?

Bulletin reports instances of the wiring cover blowing off the inverter &
suggests all inverters be shut down until a retrofit kit is available for
installation.

 

-Glenn Burt

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Box Labeling

[Glenn Burt]

We do a Nominal battery voltage / max battery equalization voltage /
polarity of system ground label on the battery box.
Also a label warning of explosive gasses, no smoking / open flame or spark /
connections are live
As well as a plaque outdoors indicating the presence of a standalone
electrical power system is present and the location(s) of the means of
disconnect

Regards,
Glenn Burt

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Carl Adams
Sent: Friday, March 25, 2011 10:35 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Battery Box Labeling

Wrenches,

Doing a quick scan of the NEC I did not find any labeling requirements
for battery boxes.  I also did not turn up anything on the list
archives either.  I'd be interested in what labeling other installers
are using.  It seems to me something should be in place for fire
fighters.  The box will contain a 500 Ah battery bank consisting of
eight AGM batteries.

Thanks
Carl Adams
SunRock Solar
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Backfeeding GFP devices

[Glenn Burt]

We have had success in many cases, contacting the manufacturer of the
installed breaker and asking if the device was suitable for backfeeding (ala
solar). Some will certify that it is OK, some do not.

Glenn Burt

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Hans
Frederickson
Sent: Friday, March 25, 2011 1:16 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Backfeeding GFP devices

Wrenches,
I'm looking at a fair number of school projects these days. So far, every
school service I've looked at has a ground fault protection device at the
main service disconnect. I just completed a 75kW school project where we did
a line side tap. The panel gear was old, maybe 1960s Federal Pacific.
Lately, I've been looking at schools with newer gear.

In SolarPro 2.4, the "Can We Land?" article mentions the possibility of
getting a GFP device that is capable of being backfed. Has anyone seen or
used such a device in conjunction with a big service? Are there any known
manufacturers of GFP devices that are listed for backfeeding? For a current
project, I would like to backfeed a GFP device that is controlling a 3000A
switch on a 480V service.

Also, because I'm a curious person, I'm wondering if anyone has ever backfed
a GFP device not listed for that use, perhaps without realizing it, and what
the result was? 

Thanks,
-Hans

Hans Frederickson
Estimator / Project Manager
Frederickson Electric, Inc.
(360) 385-1395


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Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP test

[Glenn Burt]

My favorite part was when the test results arrived by mail, it had a postage
due notice on it.

Had to pony up more $$ to tell if I passed or failed!!

 

Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Nick Vida
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 9:35 PM
To: wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP test

 

my favorite part of the test was sitting for an ultra detailed exam that
expected you to have certain things memorized that no engineer or
electrician does't use resources for (like voltage drop, lag bolt ratings,
and the rest) and getting the letter with the test location with the wrong
address on it!

 

I was sent to:

810 n. Poinsettia Santa Ana 92647

 

when the actual address was:

810 n. Poinsettia St. Santa Ana 92701

 

Imagine my surprise when I drove 40 miles to a city I barley know for a test
you can't take if you are late, and I arrive in a sub-division! 

And yes, having a St, Rd or Ln is a big part of finding the place, as well
as the correct zipcode!

 

Nick I agree, but what really got me was all the "most safe" questions. I am
glad that it is hard, however, because now that a c-10 can take it after 2
installs I think it is pretty hard to really expect too much respect. That
being said, combined with my 6 years of installing, it is a nice additional
credential.

 

nick vida/

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Xantrex / Schneider recall update

[Glenn Burt]

We received all our parts this week.
Step 1 - remove capacitor in photo with pliers.
Step 2 - install interposing daughterboard
Step 3 (surprise) -  install three additional brackets to keep the inverter
from jumping off the wall & strengthen the front panel from being blown off?

Including paperwork to be filled out for each site requiring signatures from
the customer and an unposted envelope to submit to receive reimbursement for
the trouble...

-Glenn Burt

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Peter
Parrish
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 10:56 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Xantrex / Schneider recall update

We have had our "delivery date" repeatedly pushed out to 2-3 weeks from my
date of inquiry. Our latest ship date is "definitely the week of 4/11-4/15
2011".  We'll see.

Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President
California Solar Engineering, Inc.
820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065
CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26
peter.parr...@calsolareng.com  
Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Solar Energy
Solutions
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 4:07 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Xantrex / Schneider recall update


Just got off the phone with Schneider Electric, formally Xantrex.  They
said, "bla bla bla, yada yada yada" and they are hoping our parts will be in
by the end of the month. 
 

 
Andrew Koyaanisqatsi
President
Solar Energy Solutions, Inc.
Since 1987,
Moving Portland and Beyond 
to an Environmentally Sustainable Future.
503-238-4502
www.solarenergyoregon.com 
 
"Better one's House too little one day
than too big all the Year after."


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Pole Mounts - Frost/Conduit & Ledge

[Glenn Burt]

1)  When we use this option, we bring the PVC conduit into the Sonotube
below frost level.

2)  We had a similar situation & after consulting with an engineer,
widened the form at the top, just below the ground according to his
calculations - turned out almost to be a patio. Then they were buried. So I
recommend finding an engineer to evaluate the TPM requirements and adapt a
foundation to an equivalent.

Good Luck!

Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Rich Nicol
Sent: Saturday, April 16, 2011 10:55 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Pole Mounts - Frost/Conduit & Ledge

 

Hi RE-Wrenches

1.  When installing pole mounts I have been running conduit into the
side of the foundation and up the pole prior to pouring concrete.  The
conduit enters the foundation ~ 18" to 24" below grade level.  We live in an
area where frost depths are around 48" deep.  I have been told by folks in
the construction industry that frost will not be problem with the conduit
entry but I remain concerned that the conduit may be lifted, while the
foundation which runs to below the frost depth, remains stationary thereby
breaking the conduit.  Any insights?

 

2.  Secondly, does anyone have experience with ledge in respect to pole
mounts.  I know the answer is to consult an engineer, but I thought I would
bring it up to the experienced folks in the trade first.  I have two mounts
scheduled for this spring where I expect to hit ledge.  The first is a TPM
with six 230 watt modules and the second is with eight 230 watt modules.
I'm expecting ledge to be relatively close to grade level, perhaps around 12
to 24" deep.  Ledge in these locations is solid (generally granite,
sometimes gneiss or basalt).  My initial thought is to form a larger
rectangular foundation with pins drilled at 45 deg angles into the ledge and
tied to the reinforcing within the foundation.  A wide base on the pole
would then be bolted to the foundation.  Any recommendations?

 

Thanks

Rich

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Two Buildings, Two Services, One Roof

[Glenn Burt]

Would be a good one to ask John Wiles - he has been very responsive to my
questions.

 

Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mark Frye
Sent: Sunday, April 17, 2011 9:09 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Two Buildings, Two Services, One Roof

 

I have a customer who has two separate buildings, a home and a shop. Each
dwelling has it's own service. 
He wants to put in two pv systems, one for each service, but wants all the
PV modules to be on the shop roof. 

Why is mind going "clunk" when I try to deside if this is allowed by Code? 
  
Mark Frye 
Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 
303 Redbud Way 
Nevada City,  CA 95959 
(530) 401-8024 
 <http://www.berkeleysolar.com> www.berkeleysolar.com  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Perimeter warning lines

[Glenn Burt]

Be sure to investigate this fully.

OSHA began requiring us to install warning lines 15' from the building edges
recently. up from the 6' of days of yore.

Quite a shock to price fall protection carts and fall restraint systems as
well!

 

Carts to protect persons installing fall restraint systems so work can
begin. Carts for those working within 15' of a building edge.

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of North Texas
Renewable Energy Inc
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 12:57 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Perimeter warning lines

 

 

OSHA compliant Wrenches
we're about to begin aPV installation along the lower edge of a 100 foot
long metal building. Because of skylights down the middle of the length of
the E-W roof we are forced to mount the southern-most row only about 5 feet
from the 20 foot high eave. Fortunately the slope is less than 10 degrees
but perimeter warning lines are a must here.
Not wanting to appear a cheapskate here but I'm not surprised at the
outrageous cost of "OSHA compliant" perimeter warning flag systems. Your
basic fold up standards with nothing more than light-weight bases and
multi-colored banner rope runs hundreds of dollars. Even sandbags for
ballast are way overpriced.
So where are the affordable units available or is there such a thing? Better
yet, has someone fabricated their own pro-looking standards and used the
same off-the-shelf banner rope used in the roofing catalogs? I already have
several hundred feet of banner rope just nothing to hang it from. 

thanks as always

Jim Duncan
North Texas Renewable Energy
NABCEP Certified Solar PV
Installer No.031310-57
TECL 27398
nt...@1scom.net 
817.917.0527
www.ntrei.com

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Re: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

[Glenn Burt]

The 30kW & up PV Powered inverters we have been installing lately have an
Ethernet connection built in.

Connect it to a LAN with internet visibility, go to the mypvpowered.com
website, enter the S/N of the inverter & a few other details & voila - free
logging!

 

Admittedly it has a few flaws, but did I mention it was free?

 

-Glenn Burt 

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco
Mangelsdorf
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 2:53 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

 

I'm looking for a bare-bones, cheap (hah!) web-based monitoring system for
three-phase systems using either Satcon or PV Powered inverters.

 

I'm having a hard time finding any package (it doesn't have to be bloomin'
"revenue-grade") under $3,000.

 

Anyone know of anything reputable and lower cost out there?

 

Thanks,

marco

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Torque Wrenches

[Glenn Burt]

We recently bought a couple of fixed value torque drivers for a Sunpower
T-10 job. They were reasonably priced, set to a value we needed and end in a
¼” driver tip (can be adapted to any bit).

 

http://www.flexibleassembly.com/Products/CDI-Product-Index/1501TP-1

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jason
Szumlanski
Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 9:02 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Torque Wrenches

 

I’m looking for a recommendation on a good torque wrench for installing S-5
clamps. I saw the past posts on torque screwdrivers, but I’m looking for a
wrench calibrated to the 100-150 in-lbs range.

 

Jason Szumlanski

Fafco Solar

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] OSHA Certification?

[Glenn Burt]

If I am not mistaken, the OSHA 10 can be completed online these days.

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of North Texas
Renewable Energy Inc
Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2011 10:45 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] OSHA Certification?

 

I looked into OSHA certification several years ago through a local community
college. The class was, I believe $1,200.00 with a maximum of maybe 10-12
attendees. There was also the 30 hour class available; usually all classes
are thru 3rd party orgs like the CC district. The course is taught by an
OSHA person though if they have to furnish the classroom the cost is higher.


Jim Duncan

North Texas Renewable Energy

NABCEP Certified Solar PV

Installer No.031310-57

TECL 27398

 <mailto:nt...@1scom.net> nt...@1scom.net 

817.917.0527

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

 

 

 

 

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]On Behalf Of Gary Willett
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 5:09 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] OSHA Certification?

Ray:

The 10-hour OSHA course is not (currently) a requirement for NABCEP's PV
Installer certification. However, the NABCEP PV Technical Sales
certification does require the 10 hour OSHA course as part of the
application requirements.

The UL Certified PV System Installer application requires proof of having
attended the OSHA "30 Hour For Construction" safety training course.

The requirement for the 10-hour OSHA course for solar PV installers could be
a state licensing requirement, particularly those that have a separate solar
PV license.



Regards,

Gary Willett, PE

g...@icarussolarservices.com


On 7/14/2011 12:54 PM, Ray Walters wrote: 

HI All; 

I just received an email from a company offering OSHA training for solar
installers. A good idea, but they claimed you need a 10 hr certification
just to work as a solar installer. I have never heard of this, so did I
install a couple of hundred systems illegally? 

Here's a quote from the email: "Photovoltaic work includes working at
heights and with electricity. Due to the nature of the work, a minimum of an
OSHA 10-Hr certification is required to be employed in the field of
photovoltaics. " 

This is either: 
A) a scam trying to scare me into signing up for their class 
B) a new requirement I wasn't aware of 
C) a long standing requirement not being enforced 

Fill me in oh wise ones, 

Ray Walters 
Solarray, Inc. 
Denver, CO 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] OSHA Certification?

[Glenn Burt]

As far as I can tell, nothing is really REQUIRED to be a solar installer.

However if you want to be a solar installer for Alteris Renewables, you must
complete the OSHA 10.

YMMV

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters
Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2011 8:21 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] OSHA Certification?

 

Yes, but is it actually required for solar installers?

Ray

On 7/17/2011 5:33 PM, Glenn Burt wrote: 

If I am not mistaken, the OSHA 10 can be completed online these days.

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of North Texas
Renewable Energy Inc
Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2011 10:45 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] OSHA Certification?

 

I looked into OSHA certification several years ago through a local community
college. The class was, I believe $1,200.00 with a maximum of maybe 10-12
attendees. There was also the 30 hour class available; usually all classes
are thru 3rd party orgs like the CC district. The course is taught by an
OSHA person though if they have to furnish the classroom the cost is higher.


Jim Duncan

North Texas Renewable Energy

NABCEP Certified Solar PV

Installer No.031310-57

TECL 27398

 <mailto:nt...@1scom.net> nt...@1scom.net 

817.917.0527

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

 

 

 

 

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]On Behalf Of Gary Willett
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 5:09 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] OSHA Certification?

Ray:

The 10-hour OSHA course is not (currently) a requirement for NABCEP's PV
Installer certification. However, the NABCEP PV Technical Sales
certification does require the 10 hour OSHA course as part of the
application requirements.

The UL Certified PV System Installer application requires proof of having
attended the OSHA "30 Hour For Construction" safety training course.

The requirement for the 10-hour OSHA course for solar PV installers could be
a state licensing requirement, particularly those that have a separate solar
PV license.




Regards,

Gary Willett, PE

g...@icarussolarservices.com


On 7/14/2011 12:54 PM, Ray Walters wrote: 

HI All; 

I just received an email from a company offering OSHA training for solar
installers. A good idea, but they claimed you need a 10 hr certification
just to work as a solar installer. I have never heard of this, so did I
install a couple of hundred systems illegally? 

Here's a quote from the email: "Photovoltaic work includes working at
heights and with electricity. Due to the nature of the work, a minimum of an
OSHA 10-Hr certification is required to be employed in the field of
photovoltaics. " 

This is either: 
A) a scam trying to scare me into signing up for their class 
B) a new requirement I wasn't aware of 
C) a long standing requirement not being enforced 

Fill me in oh wise ones, 

Ray Walters 
Solarray, Inc. 
Denver, CO 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA design tools

[Glenn Burt]

This is an event that was foretold to us during a training session with SMA
early last year. I am surprised it took so long!

 

-Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco
Mangelsdorf
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 11:32 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] SMA design tools

 

I'm s bummed out that SMA has removed their handy and easy to use string
sizing tool from their website and replaced it with a cumbersome monster of
a design program.  (Yes, at my age I do struggle with having to learn yet
another bloomin' program.)

 

Does anyone know if there's some magic way to be able to find/use their old
string sizing program somewhere?

 

Or has it been banished to the deep, dark dungeon of SMA corporate HQ in
Germany forever?

 

Thanks,

marco

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Anti-Islanding Explanantion

[Glenn Burt]

Cut and paste the entire url - not all of it correctly formed in Bill's
email.

-Glenn Burt

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jesse Dahl
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:27 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Anti-Islanding Explanantion

The link to the IREC page came up with "page not found". 

Jesse

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 20, 2011, at 1:09 AM, "Bill Brooks"  wrote:

> All,
> 
> A resource that all wrenches need to be aware of and read is a document
> published by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council called, "Connecting
to
> the Grid". It includes a good laymen's explanation of
anti-islanding--which
> goes far beyond voltage and frequency limits. URL below
> 
>
http://irecusa.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ConnectDocs/Connecting_to_the_Grid_
> Guide_6th_edition-1.pdf 
> 
> I wrote the first version of the document in 1996 to help explain these
> esoteric issues in understandable terms. It is in its 6th edition.
> 
> Bill.
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] UL PV certification?

[Glenn Burt]

Don’t you have to be a licensed electrician as part of the prereqs to sit for 
the test?

Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of 
d...@foxfire-energy.com
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 9:46 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] UL PV certification?

 

I took the UL/NFPA class in Atlantic City last spring... thinking it might make 
another useful tool in the tool box (especially if I could get some kind of 
recognition from UL).. I was not impressed. The presentation was ambiguous, 
confusing and sometimes downright misleading. I got more useful information 
from Bill Nye the Science Guy.. and no certification. Beware the Rabbit Hole.

 

db

 


Dan Brown
Foxfire Energy Corp.
Renewable Energy Systems
(802)-483-2564
www.Foxfire-Energy.com
NABCEP #092907-44

 

 Original Message 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] UL PV certification?
From: Nick Vida 
Date: Wed, July 20, 2011 11:55 pm
To: wrenches 

http://solarprofessional.com/resources/training/details/?TrainerID=1259

Have any of you wrenches noticed the UL certification for PV installer?
Anyone take the test? I wonder 2 things, is it a solar puzzle test like NABCEP, 
and is there a legit experience well above 2 installs for c-10s?

It would be pretty great if they prepared you for some finer engineering 
knowledge of solar equipment, and electonics of the engineered components of 
the solar components, however it seems like it might be a pretty simple trades 
knowledge cert from the description.

clue me in if you would wrenches.

cheers,

nick vida


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600

[Glenn Burt]

So the PVA-600 doesn’t require a Windows specific program to access the logging 
device?

This has been a question for me as most tablets now run Android OS and not a 
Microsoft product.

Is it just browser based perhaps?

 

Thanks!

Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jesse Dahl
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2011 2:51 PM
To: Keith Cronin; RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600

 

I am using it right now.  I really like it. It's great for storing records of 
array/module parameters. Helps with pinpointing trouble modules or strings. I 
have also used it to show customers what snow/dirt can do to a string. The same 
can be done with a meter of course.   Only works up to 20A so limited off-grid 
use.  

 

I started out using a laptop with it but have since switched to a tablet 
computer, it fits right in the front pocket and makes a nice little package. 

 

Jesse


Sent from my iPhone


On Jul 29, 2011, at 12:56 PM, Keith Cronin  wrote:

Any wrenches using this tool?

 

If so, feedback?

 

http://www.solmetric.com/pva600.html

 

Bill- what is your take on its IV Curve measurement data?

 

Perhaps its been a while, but I recall your tested was in the $20k cost zone?

 

This seems like a reasonable tool to have and all of the benefits of 
commissioning plus being able to quickly identify challenges.

 

It also seems to provide a glimpse into the future of mod manu's products and 
their efficacy over time.

 

Aloha,

Keith

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600

[Glenn Burt]

Thanks Gary,

That is a bummer knowing the dearth of Windows tablets available. Seems like it 
would be a match made in heaven for real-time feedback.

 

I am having the same disappointment looking for a tablet (small & portable) to 
use when troubleshooting DAS systems. Hard to believe I am now complaining 
about having to carry my laptop everywhere to do so, but I want lighter & 
smaller! Not so easy to balance and work on your knee where inverters are 
typically installed.

 

*sigh*

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Gary Willett
Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2011 7:32 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600

 

GLENN:  The PVA600 uses a Windows based application.

I have a MacBookPro that runs Windows 7 natively using the "Bootcamp" software 
that is bundled in with the Mac OS.

So unless your tablet can run Windows in either native of emulation mode, 
you're ( currently ) out of luck.

As with most manufacturers, customer demand probably drives Solmetric and the 
OS platforms on which the PVA600 software will run. Make your wishes for an 
Android version known to them.

Regards,


Gary Willett, PE
g...@icarussolarservices.com


On 7/30/2011 9:47 AM, Glenn Burt wrote: 

So the PVA-600 doesn’t require a Windows specific program to access the logging 
device?

This has been a question for me as most tablets now run Android OS and not a 
Microsoft product.

Is it just browser based perhaps?

 

Thanks!

Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jesse Dahl
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2011 2:51 PM
To: Keith Cronin; RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600

 

I am using it right now.  I really like it. It's great for storing records of 
array/module parameters. Helps with pinpointing trouble modules or strings. I 
have also used it to show customers what snow/dirt can do to a string. The same 
can be done with a meter of course.   Only works up to 20A so limited off-grid 
use.  

 

I started out using a laptop with it but have since switched to a tablet 
computer, it fits right in the front pocket and makes a nice little package. 

 

Jesse


Sent from my iPhone


On Jul 29, 2011, at 12:56 PM, Keith Cronin  wrote:

Any wrenches using this tool?

 

If so, feedback?

 

http://www.solmetric.com/pva600.html

 

Bill- what is your take on its IV Curve measurement data?

 

Perhaps its been a while, but I recall your tested was in the $20k cost zone?

 

This seems like a reasonable tool to have and all of the benefits of 
commissioning plus being able to quickly identify challenges.

 

It also seems to provide a glimpse into the future of mod manu's products and 
their efficacy over time.

 

Aloha,

Keith

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600

[Glenn Burt]

I just last week purchased an Acer Iconia Tab W500P running Win7 that has 2 USB 
ports on it in anticipation of getting the PVA-600.
http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/iconia-tab-w500


The tablet itself comes with a dockable keyboard making it into a netbook 
configuration. The nice thing here is the Ethernet jack that becomes available 
in the keyboard unit, making it great for setting up DAS equipment. It has a 
solid state hard drive so it will be less susceptible to damage by being 
knocked around.

I'll report back on its use with the PVA-600 in a while, but it looks 
encouraging!

-Glenn Burt

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jesse Dahl
Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:03 PM
To: g...@icarussolarservices.com; RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600

The iPad has the same type of connection an iPhone has. I use a ASUS e tablet. 
It has 2 USB ports, a stylus and a wireless keyboard.  It was the only tablet I 
could find that has two USB ports. 

The iPad might work with a USB cable to USB port. I use my iPad for fun, no 
work!


Here is a long link to the tablet I use.  


Jesse
http://www.google.com/m/url?client=safari&ei=nqA8TpCvNNLWsAepo5TCAQ&hl=en&oe=UTF-8&q=http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Slate-EP121-1A010M-12-1-Inch-Tablet/dp/B004HKIIFI&ved=0CBQQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNEC2nzdjXUo6mffExJjgyGMpuYKpA

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 5, 2011, at 8:22 PM, Gary Willett  wrote:

> KEITH:
> 
> "On the tech side- perhaps an iPad with the virtualization software could 
> remedy the tablet issue? Might need a unique connector or maybe go wireless?"
> 
> The PVA600 requires a Solmetric USB dongle to communicate wirelessly with the 
> test instrument, and a second USB dongle to communicate wirelessly with the 
> remote temperature and irradiance sensors (if you purchased that option).
> 
> I don't have an iPad, and am unfamiliar with its ports. Does it have at least 
> one USB? With a USB port, the iPad Windows virtualization software might 
> work. If I were you, I'd contact Solmetric Tech Support and see if this is a 
> supported (or at least functional) alternative to a Windows netbook/notebook.
> 
> Gary Willett, PE
> Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
> My sense is this tool, at this price point of $4k is a good investment for 
> various reasons.
> 
> 1. Analytics- know right away what is right and what needs remedy.
> 2. Old systems- maintenance program- I always ponder how many circa late 
> 1990's to today systems that are operating at or below their originally 
> projected performance. Its akin to fixing a leaky pipe.
> 3. Real world- objective data- you or the tech grabbing the data- it can be 
> brought back to the shop and verified- as opposed to taking some measurements 
> and writing them down on a piece of paper on the clipboard.
> 
> On the tech side- perhaps an iPad with the virtualization software could 
> remedy the tablet issue? Might need a unique connector or maybe go wireless?
> 
> 
> Keith
> 
> 
> 
> From: Glenn Burt 
> To: gary at icarussolarservices.com; 'RE-wrenches'  lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 8:07 AM
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600
> 
> 
> Thanks Gary,
> That is a bummer knowing the dearth of Windows tablets available. Seems like 
> it would be a match made in heaven for real-time feedback.
> 
> I am having the same disappointment looking for a tablet (small & portable) 
> to use when troubleshooting DAS systems. Hard to believe I am now complaining 
> about having to carry my laptop everywhere to do so, but I want lighter & 
> smaller! Not so easy to balance and work on your knee where inverters are 
> typically installed.
> 
> *sigh*
> 
> -Glenn
> 
> From:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces 
> at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Gary Willett
> Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2011 7:32 PM
> To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric PVA-600
> 
> GLENN: The PVA600 uses a Windows based application.
> 
> I have a MacBookPro that runs Windows 7 natively using the "Bootcamp" 
> software that is bundled in with the Mac OS.
> 
> So unless your tablet can run Windows in either native of emulation mode, 
> you're ( currently ) out of luck.
> 
> As with most manufacturers, customer demand probably drives Solmetric and the 
> OS platforms on which the PVA600 software will run. Make your wishes for an 
> Android version known to them.
> Regards,
> 
> 
> Gary Willett, PE
> Gary at IcarusSolarServices.com

Re: [RE-wrenches] mechanical vs. electronic kwh meter

[Glenn Burt]

Here in NY (upstate), the utility (NatGrid, NYSEG) will not agree to an
interconnection until they have replaced the existing unidirectional kWh
meter with a bidirectional one. This is the signal that the PV system can be
energized and connected to the grid.

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk
Herander
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2011 9:46 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] mechanical vs. electronic kwh meter

 

Hello,

 

I am now in a debate with the metering dept. of a local utility. They don't
want a PV system to be energized and tested until a bidirectional electronic
meter is installed. They insist that an old plain Jane mechanical meter can
be damaged and is a safety concern if power is pushed through it (its
running backwards) to the grid. I have never heard of, witnessed, or been
told this by any utility or AHJ inspector until now. Have any of you ever?

 

I don't know the reason for their paranoia. I assume that many utility
districts don't to this day install bidirectional electronic meters. And
rely on the original mechanical meter to count backwards reliably and
safely.  

 

Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM Certified installer Charter Member

NYSERDA-eligible Installer

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] mechanical vs. electronic kwh meter

[Glenn Burt]

We too have had this happen - customer didn't feel he had to wait for
utility approval, turned on the system after we left.
His next bill came & he tried to blame it on us...
All the meters the utilities are replacing here are electronic AMR style
units. It has been a long time since I saw a mechanical utility meter.

-Glenn

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jason
Szumlanski
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2011 12:09 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] mechanical vs. electronic kwh meter

That is absolutely true. We have a customer who sent in his
interconnection agreement and assumed the meter would be swapped. It
never happened, the utility did not swap the meter, and energy sold to
the utility actually showed up as purchased energy. The utility
acknowledged the oversight in getting the meter swapped, and they are
working with the customer on an equitable resolution.

That is definitely a reason consider keeping the system off until the
meter is swapped, but then you are relying on the customer to go flip
the switch once installed.

Jason Szumlanski

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dave
Click
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2011 11:15 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] mechanical vs. electronic kwh meter

I just asked a guy I know in utility metering, and he confirms that 
there's no basis for the utility's concern. Their claim that backfeeding

is a safety hazard could be an attempt to dissuade some non-PV folks 
from flipping their meters to steal power. Or that could be their 
justification to charge the customer for the new electronic meter (some 
utilities do this, apparently).

As an anti-theft precaution, some mechanical meters don't actually spin 
backwards- so whether you're importing or exporting a 1kW, after an hour

your counter has ticked up by one. So just because it's a mechanical 
meter doesn't mean that you should necessary leave it running until the 
utility installs that bidirectional electronic meter.

On 2011/8/12 9:45, Kirk Herander wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I am now in a debate with the metering dept. of a local utility. They
> don't want a PV system to be energized and tested until a
bidirectional
> electronic meter is installed. They insist that an old plain Jane
> mechanical meter can be damaged and is a safety concern if power is
> pushed through it (its running backwards) to the grid. I have never
> heard of, witnessed, or been told this by any utility or AHJ inspector
> until now. Have any of you ever?
>
> I don't know the reason for their paranoia. I assume that many utility
> districts don't to this day install bidirectional electronic meters.
And
> rely on the original mechanical meter to count backwards reliably and
> safely.
>
> Kirk Herander
>
> VT Solar, LLC
>
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>
> NABCEP^TM Certified installer Charter Member
>
> NYSERDA-eligible Installer
>
> VT RE Incentive Program Partner
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Adding on to existing PV System

[Glenn Burt]

How about feeding both systems into an AC combining subpanel before feeding
the main load center?

Often the calculations required will allow you to do more backfeeding than
the simple backfeeding a load center with individual breakers.

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jason
Szumlanski
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 11:49 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Adding on to existing PV System

 

We've been contracted to add on to an existing PV system in a residence. The
existing system has a 30A 2P Breaker on a 200A rated panel with a 200A main
breaker. The new system would require a 15A breaker, which would exceed the
limit in NEC 690.64(B)(2).

 

The existing system has a fusible AC disconnect mounted next to the meter.
This was originally intended as the utility external disconnect. The utility
no longer requires a disconnect, but if we do a supply side connection, we
would need a fusible AC disconnect anyway for the new system. I would
collocate the new disconnect with the old.

 

Does anyone see any problem with doing a supply size connection for the new
system? Any labeling snags that I might need to consider?

 

Jason Szumlanski

Fafco Solar

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Re: [RE-wrenches] interrupting current calculations used to determine the interrupting of the AC equipment.

[Glenn Burt]

Hi James,

 

Breakers/fuses/disconnects/load centers  have an Ampere Interrupt Current
(AIC) rating as well as voltage and rated trip current. This tells how much
of an arc might be created during a fault or de-energization under full
load.

 

When selecting an overcurrent protection device at the point of utility
backfeed, you should determine the available fault current to be
interrupted.

The utility should be able to provide this value for you to use. We
typically locate the AIC value of existing service equipment (often located
on a label inside a load center or disconnect), and use this as our minimum
value.

 

-Glenn

 

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of James
Rudolph
Sent: Monday, October 03, 2011 1:54 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] interrupting current calculations used to determine
the interrupting of the AC equipment.

 

Dearest Wenches,

I received an e-mail from PE reviewing one of our projects to build, and
this is what they wrote-

No interrupting current calculations were included.  It is suggested the
utility company be consulted for available at the service entrance and these
values be used to determine the interrupting of the AC equipment.

Does any one out there have experience dealing with this issue, or have the
ability to shed some light on this subject.

Many thanks in advance,

-- 
James B Rudolph
NABCEP Certified PV Installer



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Push-in Wire Connectors

[Glenn Burt]

Kent,

 

Can you direct me to a code citation that says that splices made inside a
NEMA 4 rated enclosure must be suitable for the location of the enclosure,
and not the protection level afforded by the enclosure?



I have had this discussion and lean toward the other side that splices made
in the enclosure need only be rated to the protection rating of the
enclosure, as long as all conduits are properly terminated with fittings
that meet the minimum rating of the enclosure.

 

Thanks,

 

Glenn Burt

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kent
Osterberg
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 12:30 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Push-in Wire Connectors

 

Jason,

The roof is a wet location so connectors rated for wet locations are
required. The NEMA 4 rating of the junction box doesn't change matters.

Kent Osteberg
Blue Mountain Solar

 

Jason Szumlanski wrote: 

Anyone see a problem using Ideal In-Sure Push-In Wire Connectors in a NEMA 4
roof mounted PVC junction box? Specifically, Ideal Model 39 for splicing #10
AWG.

 

They are 105C, 600V rated, but not rated for wet locations. I've had
inspectors require wet location rated twist-on wire connectors before in
these boxes. I foresee an issue.

 

Unfortunately, these connectors were not addressed in John Wiles code corner
Making Connections article in 2003. May be time for an update!

 

Jason Szumlanski

Fafco Solar

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA electrical noise?

[Glenn Burt]

Dave,

 

Is the 8000 one of the transformerless inverters? Maybe there is a grounding
problem causing excess electrical noise when the inverter is in the 'grey'
zone where there is not quite enough energy from the sun to remain in a
known state.

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dave Palumbo
Sent: Friday, October 28, 2011 8:46 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA electrical noise?

 

Wrenches,

 

This is a new one on me. Any ideas of what may be happening?

 

In a follow up she said it happens every day. System was installed two
months ago. SB8000US inverter 8.28kW array.

 

<< Dave

We are experiencing electrical noise at dawn and dusk. The power back ups
for our computers start beeping, going off and on, and finally causing the
computers to shut down. This is probably not good for the computers. Is this
something you are aware of in these systems?

Can you give us some advice or perhaps come over to check into it?

Like I said, at dawn and dusk, just when the sun is changing intensity. >>

 

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 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] High Voltage MPPT units

[Glenn Burt]

Siemens makes a line that are UL listed.

Their VBII series like HNF361PV – 30A

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of 
la...@starlightsolar.com
Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2011 2:45 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] High Voltage MPPT units

 

With 4800 watts and HV input, it seems to me that a simple battery backup can 
be formed from an existing PV grid tie system. Block diagram attached. Where 
can one find a 600 volt rated DC transfer switch?



 

Larry

 Original Message 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] High Voltage MPPT units
From: John DeBoever 
Date: Sat, November 05, 2011 6:09 am
To: "'re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org'"


Todd,
It is 2,560 Wp for 24V battery banks and 4,800 Wp for 48V battery banks.
John
 

From: toddc...@finestplanet.com [mailto:toddc...@finestplanet.com] 
Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2011 12:42 AM
To: RE-wrenches  
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] High Voltage MPPT units 
 

what is the max wattage the unit can handle? (it can't be 80 X 600?)

todd

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA micro

[Glenn Burt]

I just received a notice email from SMA that the Sunny Boy 240 will be
available mid 2012.

There is also a webinar by SMA on 11/15 to cover their new products,
including a 'step up' transformer with other bells & whistles.

 

FWIW there is a webinar tomorrow by Sunpower to introduce their two just
released AC modules incorporating microinverters.

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of North Texas
Renewable Energy Inc
Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2011 1:41 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] SMA micro

 

Anyone been able to lay their hands on a preliminary spec sheet for the new
SMA micro inverter?

Last Monday at the 2011 Texas Renewables annual meeting for TREIA.org, Elie
Nasr, SMA Dir of business development, was asked when the SMA micros are
coming to the US market. His reply was that they are not coming any time
soon. What that means is open for interpritation.

 

Jim Duncan

North Texas Renewable Energy

NABCEP Certified Solar PV

Installer No.031310-57

TECL 27398

  nt...@1scom.net 

817.917.0527

  www.ntrei.com

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] combiner bus bar for Sunny Tower DC input?

[Glenn Burt]

Are you sure you need to split them?

IIR, there are only a pair of conductors going from each SB into the tower.
They must be combined on the SMA side of the touch-safe fuse holders in some
way.

 

We opted to run all our source circuits from array through 6 external discos
then into the ST instead of combining them - the distance in our case was
around 150'.

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk
Herander
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:10 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] combiner bus bar for Sunny Tower DC input?

 

But I don't believe the Sunny Tower internally  has single conductor lugs
leading to the respective SB it's wired to. The DC tower input/output to
each respective inverter is effectively a combiner box which combines all
fused inputs to a single positive prewired to the respective SB inverter. I
have already combined the strings in an external box and need to "uncombine"
them through the individual fused strings in the SunnyTower.

 

Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM Certified installer Charter Member

NYSERDA-eligible Installer

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Brian
Teitelbaum
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 8:28 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] combiner bus bar for Sunny Tower DC input?

 

Hi Kirk,

 

The Sunny Boy inverters also have a pair of lugs for a single conductor pair
coming in from the array. They are meant to be used if you have an external
combiner. No bus bars as you describe are needed.

 

Brian Teitelbaum

AEE Solar

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk
Herander
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 2:57 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] combiner bus bar for Sunny Tower DC input?

 

Hello,

 

The Sunny Tower has four individual fuse holders on the DC input of each
inverter. I am combining the array output for each inverter in a combiner
box before the tower, so there is only a single positive, negative, and gnd
going to each inverter's DC input. I want to fan this input out to each of
the four dc fuses via a combiner bus with a single lug and prongs which fit
directly into each fuseholders' input, ala the Outback combiner bus. Is
there something similar made for the SunnyTower dc input? I have not been
able to talk to SMA yet about this. Thanks.

 

Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM Certified installer Charter Member

NYSERDA-eligible Installer

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] GT inverter

[Glenn Burt]

SMA makes a fused combiner specifically for their TL line of inverters as well.

 

-Glenn

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of jay peltz
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 11:07 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] GT inverter

 

Hi Brian,

 

I just found on Midnite's  site a brand new set of combiners that do the job, 
very cool, can be configured in multiple ways!

 

For the size I was looking at it would need 3 strings, ( 5+ amps per string, 15 
 series fused rating)

So as I understand it, I've got to install fusing, which means that I'd need 2 
of those expensive discos.

 

So usual that the manufactures are not providing the equipment to do the 
install. 

 

I have to say, given the confusion for this hook up, I might opt for the tried 
and true sma.

 

Thanks all for your imput.

 

Jay

 

Peltz power

 

 

 

 

 


Sent from my iPad


On Nov 21, 2011, at 7:10 AM, Brian Mehalic  wrote:

Hey Jay-

Schneider/Square D does make a fusible, 4-pole, 30 A, 600 Vdc disco, allowing 
you to fuse and double-break both the positive and negative, but I have a 
feeling it is quite pricey.  Should be model number H461x, depending on the 
NEMA category you require.

Brian

 

On Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 5:36 PM, jay peltz  wrote:

HI mac,

 

I like this choice also.

 

But what is on the market for a TL fused disco?

 

jay

On Nov 20, 2011, at 1:59 PM, mac Lewis wrote:





I would see if the Aurora 6000 would be a good fit.  I believe it will string 
but it may clip depending on tilt, orientation and anticipated temps.

 

 

Mac

On Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 2:44 PM, jay peltz  wrote:

Hi All,

Anybody have  a favorite string GT inverter for the following.

6700 watts
30 x sanyo 225 watt

no shading
240v output

thanks,

jay

peltz power





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-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

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

 

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-- 



Brian Mehalic 
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™ R031508-59

IREC ISPQ Certified Affiliated Instructor/PV US-0132

PV Curriculum Developer and Instructor

Solar Energy International
Carbondale, CO 81623
http://www.solarenergy.org

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] array commissioning

[Glenn Burt]

We recently began using the PVA-600 Solmetric with its wireless options.
I have found it to be a real timesaver for commercial commissioning. Testing
can be done from the rooftop, both V & I without making a run to the
inverter(s) and waiting for generation (to measure each string's Imp).

Running down the normal Voc, manual irradiance and module temperature is
better than nothing, but really does not compare with the immediacy and
accuracy you get when all the measurements are performed within the same few
seconds.

Does require a Windows based computer to operate the analyzer and I bought
an Acer tablet that works great for this. It needs a couple of USB ports to
run the wireless dongles as well.

-Glenn

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago
Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2011 10:44 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] array commissionning

In addition to designing and installing solar systems for all kinds of
clients since to 1980's, I am starting to receive requests from owners to
commissioning new solar installations that were designed and installed by
other firms.  In many cases these may have been installed by a large
commercial electrical contractor with no prior experience with solar
installations but installed the rest of the wiring on the new facility, by
just follow the construction documents provided by the electrical engineer.
It is also possible that the engineer who designed all of the electrical
work on the new facility had no prior experience with solar design, and just
did a "cut and paste" outline spec using guidance from suppliers wanting to
provide the modules and inverters on the project. 

Since I am also a consulting engineer I am sometimes asked to commission new
schools and hospitals, so I am very familiar with the "normal" LEED type
building commissioning process.  However, although I typically use a
voltmeter, ampmeter, and ground fault meter for checking my own
installations, I am thinking that if I am being asked to commission solar
systems installed by other firms (in some cases my competition) I better use
one of the new recording IV curve tracer test meters that would be easier to
use and would provide data recording for documentation.

My concern is I probably will not need this level of system verification
more than one or two times per year, and the IV analyzers by Solmetric,
Daystar, and Seaward are very costly.  Of course this would also be useful
for checking my own system installations, but so far my manual testing has
been acceptable to all involved.

Is anyone doing commissioning on larger solar arrays using these "do-it-all"
testing devices, and which meter was the easiest to use and best performance
for the $$.   I don't not need some very high-end high $$ system, just
something that can provide separate and combined IV curves for multiple
string arrays with data files that I can convert to print back in the
office.  I am also not a computer expert, so would want a meter that is very
easy to download the data and print custom graphs without going through all
kinds of data conversion issues.

Thanks for any advice,

Jeff Yago


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Re: [RE-wrenches] calculating low string voltage

[Glenn Burt]

ASHRAE temp data as applicable to PV can be found (with some digging) on the
Solar ABCs website.
http://solarabcs.org/about/publications/reports/expedited-permit/map/map_int
ro.html

-Glenn

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 3:49 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] calculating low string voltage

That's more detailed info, but I still am wondering what ambient temp to
apply (which AHSRAE #) with the temp adder.  Daryl suggested using a 2% high
temp.  Also, where are you all getting your weather data?  I found the NEC
suggested ASHRAE manual to be close to $200.  That's a bit much just to get
a couple of numbers for our design.
It seems this calculation of low voltage is far from being entirely
codified, and I'm trying to standardize it somewhat for my PV class. Non of
the design manuals I have currently are even close to this level of
complexity, yet this is obviously an important calculation.  Should I
suggest that my students just use the inverter manufacturers' online tools,
and forget about trying to run this voltage calc themselves?

Thanks,

Ray

On 12/1/2011 6:30 AM, Dave Click wrote:
> At an SMA training last year they recommended the following 
> temperature adders:
>
> Open field: +22°C
> Rooftop, lots of ventilation: +28°C
> Rooftop, some ventilation: +29°C
> Rooftop, little ventilation: +32°C
> Rooftop BIPV, no ventilation: +43°C
> Façade, some ventilation: +35°C
> Façade, little ventilation: +39°C
> Façade BIPV, no ventilation: +55°C
>
> For your Sanyo project, I'd agree that the pole mount would be a good 
> fit and +25C would seem to be OK. As you know, the 301VDC VMP on an 
> inverter with a 300V+ tracking window wouldn't work very well during 
> the summers for very long. My own rooftop system has a design VMP of 
> around 294 at 70C module temperature and I've seen it a bit lower than 
> that on a sunny day-- I think it's because in irradiances below 
> 1000Wm/2, the modules can still get plenty hot but the lower 
> irradiance doesn't bring the VMP up to 100%. So all told, maybe plan 
> for an array minimum of:
>
> Inverter Tracking Minimum
> /0.85 (degradation and voltage tolerance)
> /0.95 (effect I just described)
> /0.825 (60C operating temp)
> = minimum string VMP at STC
>
> (similar to what Bill said)
>
> On 2011/11/30 11:04, Kirk Herander wrote:
>> Thanks for all the good response. Speaking of monkey wrenches, these 
>> are Sanyo HIT Double panels, mounted on a rack which is 5 ½ feet  
>> above the roof surface. They will absorb reflected light on the 
>> backside, so I assume the cells will operate at a higher temp. But 
>> they are elevated enough to simulate a pole-mount, thus lowering 
>> operating cell temp. So what operating temp to use? If I use 25 C as 
>> the operating temp, the low voltage calc comes out to 301 vdc 
>> (inverter min is 300 – using SMA US8000). If I use 15 C the calc is 
>> 308 vdc. This is for a 6 panel string. Unfortunately I really don’t 
>> want to use 7 panel strings due to the layout. If I used a US7000 it
would work since min vdc in is 250.
>> However the inverters are part of a SunnyTower and I can’t swap a 
>> 7000 for an 8000 without voiding the Tower UL listing.
>>
>> Kirk Herander
>>
>> VT Solar, LLC
>>
>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>>
>> NABCEP^TM Certified installer Charter Member
>>
>> NYSERDA-eligible Installer
>>
>> VT RE Incentive Program Partner
>>
>> *From:*re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of 
>> *b...@midnitesolar.com
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 30, 2011 1:03 AM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] calculating low string voltage
>>
>>
>>
>> If you really want to throw a monkey wrench into the mix, bring up 
>> partial shading...
>>
>> Or, maybe that's just not allowed in that debate ?? Just a thought.
>>
>> boB
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 11/29/2011 8:39 PM, Kent Osterberg wrote:
>>
>> Kirk,
>>
>> You've got some good feedback on this from Ray and Bill. I'll try to 
>> add a little more. Most module datasheets show a normal operating 
>> cell temperature, NOCT, value that's typically 47.5°C. That's 20°C 
>> ambient temperature, 800 W/sq m, and calm wind and nothing blocking 
>> the airflow on the back of the module. That 27.5°C temperature rise 
>> should be pretty close to the temperature rise that occurs for a 
>> pole-top mount. It's common to see people use 25°C for modules on a 
>> pole and 30°C or 35°C on a roof and there are data that support these 
>> "typical" values. With 1000 W/sq irradiance, the temperature rise can 
>> obviously be more too. Between the intensity of the sun, the 
>> direction of the sun, the color of the roof, the spacing off the 
>> roof, and the wind speed there is a lot that is different from one system
to the next or even one day to the next.
>>
>> Mo

Re: [RE-wrenches] Monitoring 10kW and 30kW PV Systems

[Glenn Burt]

We have been using the Locus Energy products for over a year now and like
them.
http://locusenergy.com/

They recently introduced a product (the LGate 310) that includes a kWh
socket meter and the recorder acquires all of its power information directly
from it, eliminating the need for CT's and voltage taps. It seems to be
their most cost effective solution at this time for 3 phase commercial
systems.

-Glenn Burt

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Joel
Davidson
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 7:23 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Monitoring 10kW and 30kW PV Systems

Wrenches,
The California Solar Initiative requires performance monitoring and
reporting service for some PV systems down to as small as 10kW. The CSI
eligible service providers list keeps growing making it hard to tell who are
real providers and who are resellers of someone else's service or only
provide reporting service for their own projects. Your recommendation for a
reliable, reasonably priced reporting service would be really appreciated. 
Thanks in advance.
Joel Davidson

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Covering modules

[Glenn Burt]

Hi Jay,

I think you can find the UL information here:
https://ulfirefightersafety.org/research-projects/firefighter-safety-and-photovoltaic-systems.html

Regards,
Glenn Burt

-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of jay
Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2017 7:38 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Covering modules

HI Dan,

Would you have a link to that UL test?

These folks hopefully will  listen to UL but they won’t listen to me, I don’t 
have enough letters after my name.

And thanks to all for chiming in.  Yes I agree with all of you, all good 
points.  But you know, an engineering group is going to want some evidence to 
change their mind.  I get that, I’d want evidence too.  

Cheers,

jay



> On Dec 23, 2017, at 3:18 PM, Dan Fink  wrote:
> 
> Just look at the latest UL test results on tarps, and firefighter 
> foam. A tarp blowing off in some wind could expose workers to a 
> high-voltage situation when they thought it was safe. Blue tarps don't 
> work, you have to get the better grade. FF foam slides off and doesn't 
> block enough wavelengths.
> 
> False sense of security rings true to me also.
> 
> Dan Fink
> Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute IREC Certified 
> Instructor™ for:
> ~ PV Installation Professional
> ~ Small Wind Installer
> Executive Director, Buckville Energy
> NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™
> 970.672.4342
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote monitoring via landline

[Glenn Burt]

I think the Morningstar devices can be made modem compatible.
Good Luck!
Glenn

-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of William Miller
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2018 12:49 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Remote monitoring via landline

Friends:



I am designing a remote off-grid system to run some traffic lights.  Due to the 
critical nature of this traffic control function, remote monitoring is 
desirable.  There is apparently a landline on site.  I don’t imagine the S/N is 
very high.



Do any of you now a way to monitor and control a remote system using a dial-up 
landline?



Thanks in advance.



William Miller



[image: Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com 
805-438-5600
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off grid DC Loads: DC Converter

[Glenn Burt]

I have use an Astron 48-12V converter with good success. The one I have used
is the 4812-20, but they also make a less powerful one.

They are not small in form factor, but seem to be reliable.

http://www.astroncorp.com/dcdc.shtml

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Daniel Young
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2018 3:32 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches' 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Off grid DC Loads: DC Converter

 

Hello Wrenches,

 

I have a client that is running into an issue with his off grid system. The
system is 3yrs old and they are starting to notice their AGM battery bank is
loosing capacity, in reality they are noticing the generator is triggering
more often. They want to try to lower the frequency of the generator
triggering if possible.

 

The system is not occupied during much of the winter (unconditioned, which
further hurts the battery bank capacity), but the client has a security
system with a cell modem installed and always on. This fortunately allows
Optics-RE access, but unfortunately based on the FNDC shunt readings, is
pulling a consistent 150w from the battery bank. Currently the network and
security equipment is powered from standard wall-warts running on AC.

 

I'd like to help the client extend the time between generator cycles by
taking the network loads and powering them directly from the battery bank
(the loads are all 12Vdc). Does anyone have any recommendations for a decent
quality DC_DC converter that would be applicable? Given inverter losses and
the efficiency of the typical wall-wart, I'd expect the running loads to be
closer to 80-100w rather than the 150w we see now. The intent is to then
take the inverter into search mode, or even switch it off, to remove the
tare losses there, and also to take all the wasted power from the standard
wall-warts and go to a single, more efficient dc power supply.

 

Any recommendations on a good DC_DC converter are appreciated.

 

With Regards,

 

Daniel Young, 

NABCEP Certified PV Installation ProfessionalTM: Cert #031508-90

Dovetail Solar and Wind

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] 1,000V combiners

[Glenn Burt]

Shoals Technology Group makes 1000V combiner/disconnects, but may be oversized 
for what you are looking for.
GlennSent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse spelling and typographical 
errors.
-- Original message--From: Chris MasonDate: Fri, Jan 19, 2018 8:13 
AMTo: RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] 1,000V combiners
We are looking at Fronius Symo  24.0-3 480 for a 120KW rooftop project but I am 
having problems identifying a 1,000V fused disco combiner for the six strings. 
I'm looking for suggestions for suitable products.

-- 
Chris MasonNABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™Solar Design EngineerGenerac 
Generators Industrial technician


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Concorde Lifeline Battery failures

[Glenn Burt]

So the Lifeline models, not the SunXtender models?
GlennSent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse spelling and typographical 
errors.
-- Original message--From: Starlight Solar Power SystemsDate: Fri, Jan 
19, 2018 12:02 PMTo: RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] Concorde Lifeline 
Battery failures
Drake,

We have at least a dozen systems that failed early from lost capacity over the 
last 2 years with 2-4 year old battery banks. The AGM failures are all Lifeline 
battery made by Concorde.  

Lifeline and my distributor both told me I was “the only one” with failures. I 
dropped Lifeline battery after being a dealer for 16 years and many hundreds of 
systems installed. Historically we had seen 7-10 years average life from 
battery banks that we installed. One regular customer is at 12 years and still 
going. I have a sense of vindication now hearing from others about Concorde 
capacity issues.

Thank you,

Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems
(928) 342-9103





On Jan 18, 2018, at 9:18 AM, Drake  wrote:

A Concorde AGM PVX 3050T recently failed in a bank of 8. Larry mentioned a 
couple of brands experiencing problems. These batteries are 4 years old and 
have been kept in float in an off grid system, never stressed. Hopefully 
Concorde batteries are not going the way of Trojan L-16s. Has anyone else had 
problems with Concorde?


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Re: [RE-wrenches] 12/24v garage door opener.....

[Glenn Burt]

I put a couple of a.c. powered garage door openers in my garage a couple of 
years ago. They both had an onboard 12v battery as backup that allowed a few 
operations when the grid was down. I used them for a couple of months that way 
before I got power run out from the house. I charged them with a small 
Morningstar CC and about a 20W module. I bet they could easily do what you are 
looking for, and be ready if AC ever makes it to them.I am pretty sure they are 
made by Genie, and my model is not made anymore, but they have a current 
equivalent.
GlennSent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse spelling and typographical 
errors.
-- Original message--From: JohnDate: Wed, Jan 31, 2018 3:39 AMTo: 
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] 12/24v  garage door 
opener.
Hi all,   any recommendations where to find 12 or 24v garage door openers.    
Can’t remember this coming up on the list beforehand.   It is just for a single 
car garage door.    Don’t want to use an inverter, usually better to go direct 
to a dc motor.Once I have a suitable opener, I can design the rest of the 
system around it.Thanks for any/all input.   John 
Veix, GoSolar Ltd,   N.Z.___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 12/24v garage door opener.....

[Glenn Burt]

My bad – they are Chamberlain openers, if it still matters.

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Glenn Burt
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2018 12:48 PM
To: John ; re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 12/24v garage door opener.

 

I put a couple of a.c. powered garage door openers in my garage a couple of 
years ago. They both had an onboard 12v battery as backup that allowed a few 
operations when the grid was down. 

I used them for a couple of months that way before I got power run out from the 
house. I charged them with a small Morningstar CC and about a 20W module. I bet 
they could easily do what you are looking for, and be ready if AC ever makes it 
to them.

I am pretty sure they are made by Genie, and my model is not made anymore, but 
they have a current equivalent.

 

Glenn

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





-- Original message--

From: John

Date: Wed, Jan 31, 2018 3:39 AM

To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
<mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> ;

Cc: 

Subject:[RE-wrenches] 12/24v garage door opener.

 

Hi all,   any recommendations where to find 12 or 24v garage door openers.
Can’t remember this coming up on the list beforehand.   It is just for a single 
car garage door.Don’t want to use an inverter, usually better to go direct 
to a dc motor.

Once I have a suitable opener, I can design the rest of the system around it.

Thanks for any/all input. &nb sp; John Veix, 
GoSolar Ltd,   N.Z.

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Re: [RE-wrenches] experience with the Tesla Powerwall

[Glenn Burt]

An installer I have been working with here in southern VT has also repeatedly 
applied to become an installer with Tesla for powerwalls with no response.I 
cannot in good conscience recommend their products based on their history and 
unresponsiveness in our area. They may be great for Puerto Rico, and now 
Australia, but have currently rated a thumbs down here. We are happy with the 
sonnen product, delivery and support.
GlennSent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse spelling and typographical 
errors.
-- Original message--From: Dave TedeyanDate: Tue, Feb 13, 2018 11:35 
AMTo: RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:Re: [RE-wrenches] experience with the Tesla 
Powerwall
I think that this may have come up before, but I do not remember there being a 
resolution:Do you guys have any tips on becoming a Tesla dealer? We have people 
ask about it all the time, but we have not been able to get Tesla to respond. 
We have installed Sonnen, which is also a great system, but the up front 
expense scares many people away. We are located in upstate NY which may have 
something to do with it.
Cheers,Dave

--
Dave Tedeyan
Senior Engineer
Taitem Engineering, PC10 Verizon Lane, Lansing, NY 14882Voice: (607) 930-3481 
x6www.taitem.com

On Tue, Feb 13, 2018 at 10:36 AM, August Goers  wrote:
Marco,
Thanks for sharing, it is good to hear details from an installer who is living 
with a Powerwall. We starting selling the Powerwall 2 in 2017 and have worked 
up a large pipeline. We have about 20 installed so far, but are still waiting 
on utility permission to operate which is taking a long time. We have spent a 
good deal of time commissioning and testing each system. For the most part, our 
experience has been good although the commissioning software and internet 
connectivity features have been buggy. Hopefully those are issues that will be 
ironed out by Tesla. Otherwise, we've had the systems correctly operate in 
on-grid and off-grid modes with both Solaredge and SunPower Equinox AC coupled 
systems. 
We installed conventional lead acid battery backup systems for over 10 years 
and I can confidently say that Tesla's Powerwall and Gateway setup  is truly 
market-disruptive. The design flexibility of the Gateway setup, the small size, 
minimal labor to install, and performance blow other systems out of the water. 
I hope that other manufacturers are able to catch up with this type of design. 
Best,
August
August GoersLuminalt Energy Corporationo: 415.641.4000

www.luminalt.com

 

On Sat, Feb 10, 2018 at 12:23 PM, Marco Mangelsdorf  wrote:
Aloha Wrenches,

I thought I'd share my own experiences with the Powerwall as my company is now 
launching a program to add PW to existing NEM systems since the vast majority 
of them do not have storage which means that if the grid goes down, so does 
their PV system.  (With the exception of the SMA SB line and their Secure Power 
Supply.)

And no, I'm not a shill or toadie for Tesla.

marco



I wanted to walk my own
talk.  Before we launched adding
Powerwall to existing Net Energy Metered solar electric systems, I wanted
to make sure that what was promised on paper would work in the real world.  I 
added Powerwall to my NEM system
last year and have been monitoring and testing it during normal grid-on and
grid outage modes.  And I’m very pleased
to report that Powerwall has performed flawlessly and as expected.

 

When used in a NEM
system, Powerwall is programmed to be in “Backup” mode.  When utility power is 
on, Powerwall
stands ready in a full state of charge for any power outage.  During normal 
grid-on conditions, my Powerall
takes about .6 kilowatt-hours every other day to stay fully charged.  Over the 
course of the month, this Powerwall’s
electricity consumption comes to about 9 kWhs or about $3/month at the current
HELCO R rate.

 

I have turned the utility
power off to my home on a number of occasions in order to experience how 
Powerwall
would perform in a simulated grid outage. 
When the grid goes down, my house effectively becomes a self-generating
micro-grid.  That is, my photovoltaic
system (solar modules and inverters) and Powerwall (battery storage and
integrated inverter) form a power grid with energy being created and stored and
then consumed by my electric loads.

 

Several things I noted
from my simulated grid outages:

·
I purposefully overloaded Powerwall by
turning on my electric dryer and electric oven at the same time.  As expected, 
since the maximum output of Powerwall
is 5 kilowatts, it shutdown.  Meaning
that all the power in my house went off. 
Within seconds, Powerwall reset itself and the power came back
on, with the dryer and oven having shut down after the power went off.  If 
power does not come back on after your Powerwall
trips off, you will need to turn off those high-power loads and reset Powerwall
by turning its black on-off switch, located on the right side of the unit, from
on to off and then on again.  The
important takeaway: during a ut

Re: [RE-wrenches] B3 Bypass breaker

[Glenn Burt]

But if you are net metering, doesn’t your utility have to replace the kWh meter 
anyway?

Here and in NY, it is common practice for an installer to pull a meter where a 
supply side connection is to be made.

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Dana
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2018 6:55 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches' 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] B3 Bypass breaker

 

Per my Master AC electrician, you do not have to arrange for a meter pull with 
the utility. That to me is one less piece of brain damage to deal with.

I have not checked out the cost of a back fed breaker VS this item.

 



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com 
 

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.biz 
 

"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 Lorenzo Ortiz
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2018 1:10 PM
To: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] B3 Bypass breaker

 

How is this different/better/less expensive than just doing a supply side tap 
using insulated connectors (NSI's)?

 

>From what I can tell, it only works on panels that are fed with wire 
>conductors from the meter not hard bussing, so why not just tap it?

 

 

 

On Thu, Feb 22, 2018 at 7:20 AM, Sam Haraldson mailto:s...@onsiteenergyinc.com> > wrote:

On Wed, Feb 21, 2018 at 8:00 AM, Dana mailto:d...@solarwork.com> > wrote:

Has anyone used the B3 buss-bar bypass breaker setup yet?  
 www.qfe002.com

 

At SPI this year I spoke with one of their reps briefly and they indicated that 
after many years of trying to get the product ready it was finally going to be 
in production.  I have researched it no further than that however.  

 

- Sam

 

 

-- 

Sam Haraldson, Installation Manager
Office: 406.551.6135  
s...@onsiteenergyinc.com  
onsiteenergyinc.com   

   


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-- 

Lorenzo Ortiz   Commercial Design/Support

 

lore...@cal-solar.com    (530) 274-3671



 

 


  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] TJI rafters

[Glenn Burt]

We have had to install blocking between TJI beams and anchor to them.Piercing 
the top member was a no-no.

GlennSent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse spelling and typographical 
errors.
-- Original message--From: frenergyDate: Fri, Mar 2, 2018 9:18 PMTo: 
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org;Cc: Subject:Re: [RE-wrenches] TJI rafters

Jerry,
            Metal roof? comp? tile?
Bill




On 3/2/2018 1:23 PM, Jerry Caldwell
  wrote:



  
Dear Wrenches,



I have a customer with a low slope roof supported by TJI
  beams. Does anyone have experience permitting and installing
  on TJIs? I'm curious if jurisdictions are requiring Structural
  Engineer stamps. 



Since the top chord of the beams is only 1 3/8" thick
  should we be using shorter lag bolts for these installations?
  It also seems that it would be undesirable to penetrate into
  the web of the beam.



Any advice would be appreciated here.



Thank you,



Jerry Caldwell


  
  

  
  

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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
  




Virus-free. www.avast.com


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Re: [RE-wrenches] rail less standing seam attachments

[Glenn Burt]

We use these with pretty good success, and pretty cheap compared to other 
options we found.

http://www.industrialsafetyproducts.com/guardian-10600-fall-protection-two-way-universal-standing-seam-clamp/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwzIzWBRDnARIsAAkc8hF_TnEnoT5LwV1uyLKfvdTsmWkwrh-qWaUQFCCJywDd6QSHXmXFEhsaAiBoEALw_wcB

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Benn 
Kilburn
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2018 8:24 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] rail less standing seam attachments

 

Ray,

I believe S5! offers an approved roof anchor that attaches to standing seams. 

A bit pricy (few hundred, I think) especially considering they are one per 
person but sometimes that's the cost of safety.  

Benn Kilburn

SkyFire Energy

780-906-7807


On Mar 31, 2018, at 11:19 AM, Ray mailto:r...@solarray.com> 
> wrote:

Hi Bill;

Not to hijack the thread, but how did you handle fall protection and work 
safely on that 12:12 pitch metal roof?  I have a steep standing seam roof 
project coming up.  We wanted to set a ledger board on S5 clips, but were 
worried they would leave visible damage to the new roof.  

Thanks

Ray Walters

Remote Solar

 

On 3/31/18 11:00 AM, Bill Hoffer wrote:

Jay 

Just finished using S5PV railess on standing seam roof 12x12 pitch.  Worked 
great, but wire management was challenging with minimal clearance under 
modules.  Had to think ahead to make it work.  And still was a struggle.  I 
also used 6 rather then 4 per module to even out the loads on the roof panels.  
I feel confident that it is solid, but I know how the roof was connected to 
include proper clip spacing and screw size for maximum wind load here in the 
Columbia Gorge and proper tacking of the top of the panel under the ridge to 
prevent sliding down.  If I had it to do over I would however have used rails 
to make wire management easier!

 

Bill

 

On Fri, Mar 30, 2018, 6:03 PM jay mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com> > wrote:

HI All,

I’ve got a client who is set on wanting to do rail less racking.   I’m just 
working with him on overall design, hes doing the work.

Its not a large system.  16 modules on two roof orientations, ( 4 on one, 12 on 
the other)  with offset modules.  Standing metal seam roof that is being 
installed with solar in mind,  lots of fasteners.

Hes very competent and pays attention to details.

Any positive/negative recommendations.

thanks in advance,

jay

peltz power


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Location of DC disconnect vis-a-vis rapid shutdown exemption

[Glenn Burt]

Mark,

 

Darryl might be alluding to the 690.13A requirements for a DC disconnect – 
typically located outside the structure before conductors enter the building, 
and readily accessible.

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Mark 
Frye
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2018 12:04 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Location of DC disconnect vis-a-vis rapid shutdown 
exemption

 

Thanks Darryl.

I guess I can add that I am in CA and so looked only at the 2014. I also looked 
at the 2017 article. Man, I have to say, my impression remains that really 
starting with 2008 the code has just gotten worse and worse when it comes to 
PV, but that is just me.

Not really sure what might need to be "Outside readily accessible". Is there 
something other than 690.12 that I need to look at?

Mark

On 4/15/2018 8:26 PM, Darryl Thayer wrote:

I think the code says Outside readily accessible, 

 

On Sun, Apr 15, 2018 at 12:22 PM, Mark Frye mailto:ma...@berkeleysolar.com> > wrote:

Folks,

As I recall, an inverter and it's integrated DC disconnect need only be placed 
in an accessible location. I am thinking of putting an inverter high up on the 
wall inside a garage. That would be OK vis-a-vis the location of the disconnect 
(still accessible for maintenance).

If I do put the inverter high up on the wall, I can limit my DC conductors to 
less that 10 feet total from the array and less that 5 feet inside the garage.

That means I get the exemption from the rapid disconnect requirement, right?

There is nothing in the Code linking the accessibility of the DC disconnect to 
the exemption from rapid shutdown, right?

Mark Frye


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Re: [RE-wrenches] wireless relays for load shedding?

[Glenn Burt]

This company seems to have many wireless relay options, although you will have 
to use a contactor actuated by the receiver relay, but looks like they could do 
what you are looking for.I don't have first hand experience with this company, 
but wireless control is pretty much ubiquitous these days.
http://relaypros.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=NCD&Category_Code=Wireless&gclid=CjwKCAjwopTYBRAzEiwAnU4kb2mPYyZIMxBdIyVhNALpPn_0aqcdwOHzrvgEDQncJgMFOt6nkkCI5xoCfLcQAvD_BwE


GlennSent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse spelling and typographical 
errors.
-- Original message--From: Eric YoungrenDate: Wed, May 23, 2018 3:28 
PMTo: RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] wireless relays for load shedding?
Howdy Wrenches,
I'm working on a generator powered mini-grid for an island fishing resort in 
Alaska. They have 3 XW6048 inverter/chargers to charge batteries while the 
diesel runs and power the loads from the batteries when the diesel shuts down.  

They have several high power heating loads not typically seen in battery-based 
off-grid electrical systems. Two 4kW hot tub heaters and six 1kW infrared space 
heaters.  We have the 46 kW generator run-times set so that the infrared 
heaters are (in theory) powered only while the generator is running, but the 
hot tubs are thermostatically controlled and cycle on and off every 4-5 hours 
or so.  
I want to make it so that these big heating loads can never be powered from the 
batteries, and will only come on while the generator is running.  The current 
plan is to use the Auxillary output 12V terminals from one of the XWs to 
control power relays to switch the hot tub circuits, based on battery voltage 
triggers. One of those hot tub circuits is fed from the main panel right next 
to the inverters so that is easy enough.  But the other hot tub is fed from a 
sub-panel located in a different building around 200 feet away from the 
inverters. Pulling a pair of wires to control the second relay at that 
sub-panel is not practical.  So, I'm looking for wireless options that could 
control a power relay for the hot tub circuit in the remote sub-panel. Ideally, 
the control signal would come from the same AUX terminal so both hot tubs will 
not receive power when the battery voltage is below 50 volts or so, which would 
indicate that the generator is not running.  
I would also like to put the infrared heaters on a similar control system so 
that we are not dependent on people remembering to switch off the heaters 
before the generator shuts down.  
Has any of you done this kind of thing?  Any suggestions on equipment or best 
practices?  THANKS!
Eric Youngren
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Re: [RE-wrenches] AC-coupled storage

[Glenn Burt]

Sonnen eco series.
GlennSent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse spelling and typographical 
errors.
-- Original message--From: Marco MangelsdorfDate: Wed, May 23, 2018 
6:28 PMTo: 'RE-wrenches';Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] AC-coupled storage




Aloha,

 

Other than the Tesla Powerwall, does anyone know of any
other AC-coupled residential storage products currently on the market?

 

Thanks,

marco

 








Virus-free. www.avast.com


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Three phase lightning protection

[Glenn Burt]

We use the APT Spdee line of surge devices and have been satisfied with 
them.Looks like they were bought by ASCO.
http://www.ascopower.com/en-us/products-catalog/products/surge-protective-devices/asco-series-400-surge-protective-devices/


GlennSent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse spelling and typographical 
errors.
-- Original message--From: Foxfire EnergyDate: Sun, Jun 10, 2018 5:18 
PMTo: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] Three phase 
lightning protection
Anyone got a line on half decent three phase 600 V lightning suppression? delta 
603 just ain’t getting it.. thanks

Dan Brown 
Foxfire Energy Corp.
(802)-483-2564
www.Foxfire-Energy.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] grounding on metal roofs

[Glenn Burt]

NEC 250.4(A)4 Also states that normally non-current-carrying electrically 
conductive materials that are likely to become energized shall be connected 
together and to the electrical supply source in a manner that establishes an 
effective ground-fault current path.

 

So the logic goes if an array develops a ground fault, and the faulted 
conductor contacts a metal roof surface, there is a possibility that the roof 
may become energized. So for many reasons, bond the roof to ground.

 

-Glenn

Renewable Energy Engineer – Cadmus

Principal Engineer – Power Guru

Principal – glb, Consulting Company

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
br...@willpowerelect.com
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2018 1:42 PM
To: RE-wrenches ; AE Solar 

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] grounding on metal roofs

 

NEC 690.47 (A) requires the array to be grounded, not necessarily the roof. If 
you have bonded the rails and modules and your grounding conductor goes back to 
the service you should be good. 690.47 (B) allows installation of an auxiliary 
grounding electrode (ground rod or building steel). Not a bad idea in lightning 
prone areas. ;) Local AHJ may have different opinions.

 

Bruce Fiero-RMI

 



 

"Energizing the Rogue Valley"

 

4115 S Pacific Hwy

Medford, OR 97501

 

P: 541.535.3965
F: 541.512.0061
E: br...@willpowerelect.com  
W: Willpower Electric, LLC   

 

CCB 191852
Oregon Electrical Contractor C681
NABCEP Certified Solar (PV) Installer 031409-38

DUNS 191470363 

Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally Solar (PV) Installation & Energy Efficient 
Commercial Lighting Programs  


 

**This email may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or 
otherwise exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the 
addressee, or if it appears that you have received this email in error, please 
advise me immediately by reply email, keep the contents confidential, and 
immediately delete the message and any attachments from your system. 

 

 

 Original Message 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] grounding on metal roofs
From: "glenn.b...@glbcc.com  " 
mailto:glenn.b...@glbcc.com> >
Date: Sun, June 17, 2018 6:17 pm
To: AE Solar mailto:autonomousenerg...@gmail.com> >
Cc: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >

Depends on the seam profile. Same device may be used in many cases. We have 
Also drilled and used the standard direct burial lugs on the underside of the 
pans, at the wave when they hang over enough to get working space. Then a 
horizontal run of copper wire to connect.

 

Don't be lulled into thinking that S-5 clamps are listed for grounding roof 
pans - they are not. They are only listed for module bonding to ground.

 

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

 

-- Original message--

From: AE Solar

Date: Sun, Jun 17, 2018 8:46 PM

To: glenn.b...@glbcc.com  ;

Cc: RE-wrenches;

Subject:Re: [RE-wrenches] grounding on metal roofs

 

thanks glenn. and what about commercial? anyone have code references regarding 
grounding when doing solar on metal roofs? i thought a few years back there was 
a conversation on this but i can't seem to find it.




Adam Katzman
Autonomous Energies
PO Box 1245

Kingston, NY 12402
www.autonomousenergies.com  
(518) 567-1468  

 

On Sun, Jun 17, 2018 at 1:46 PM, glenn.b...@glbcc.com 
  mailto:glenn.b...@glbcc.com> > wrote:

We use the Ilsco SGB-4 ground lug on every pan under the array for residential 
systems.

 

-Glenn

 

Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone

 

-- Original message--

From: AE Solar

Date: Sun, Jun 17, 2018 12:29 PM

To: RE-wrenches;

Cc: 

Subject:[RE-wrenches] grounding on metal roofs

 

wrenchers,

what methods are you all using for grounding on metal roofs? thanks

adam




Adam Katzman
Autonomous Energies
PO Box 1245

Kingston, NY 12402
www.autonomousenergies.com  
(518) 567-1468  

 


  _  


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Re: [RE-wrenches] 5 battery strings

[Glenn Burt]

Hi Christopher,

 

I buy my copper buss material from McMaster Carr in appropriate dimensions for 
the current I am expecting.

I then cut it to the lengths I need, drill for appropriate size fasteners and 
use 2 layers of heat-shrink tubing to protect the exposed bar.

 

Hope this helps.

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Chris Schaefer
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 2:28 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 5 battery strings

 

What source are you all using for buss bars for these multiple battery string 
set ups?

 

Christopher

 

On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 2:16 PM, mailto:t...@wagonmaker.com> > wrote:

Separate out the individual series strings and run each string to a buss bar 
setup.  Remember it isn't just resistance differences between batteries but 
resistance difference between cells as well.  In a setup like the existing one 
the resistance differences can really add up and if one battery fails the 
entire system will be offline.  Running each string to a positive and negative 
common buss bar means you can remove individual strings without disrupting the 
entire storage and the system can continue operating.  Also, it means the only 
resistance issues of substance are within individual series pairs not the 
entire interconnected bank.

I ran 10 series pairs of 12v AGM batteries, each pair to a common buss and it 
was the longest lasting, most stable battery bank I had.  That was years ago 
and now it would require fusing each string but for longevity and stability it 
is the best bet.

Tom

On 2018-07-23 03:56, Dave Tedeyan wrote:

Since we are on the topic of bad battery practices...

I may be fixing up a system that was both designed and installed very
poorly.
They have a 24V Outback VFXR inverter, and ten 12V AGM batteries wired
into
5 parallel strings. I know that is a bad idea, but since they already
have the
equipment, are there any safety issues by re-using this equipment? It
is for a
grid tie battery backup system that will remain in float most of the
time. I assume
that the batteries will not last particularly long, but is there any
harm in using them
and then just getting new batteries once they fail?

Stringing is shown in the attached picture.
Cheers,
Dave

--

Dave Tedeyan

SENIOR ENGINEER

TAITEM ENGINEERING, PC
10 Verizon Lane, Lansing, NY 14882
Voice: (607) 930-3481 x6
www.taitem.com   [1]

Links:
--
[1] http://www.taitem.com/
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-- 

Chris Schaefer’s
  
Tel/Fax 585-229-2083 or Cell 585-748-1870 
5115 South Hill Road ~ Canandaigua New York 14424
www.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] Aqueon disposal

[Glenn Burt]

Howdy wrenches,

 

Does anyone have any experience with disposing of the Aqueon battery stacks?

We have a number that have failed and our local waste station is balking,
regardless of how much hand-holding we provide and specifications, MSDS and
manufacturer info we supply.

We have been referred to the state Environmental Conservation Agency and
they are discussing haz-mat and recycling requirements with no understanding
of their components.

Any suggestions, recommendations or experience with recycling/disposing of
these batteries?

 

Thanks,

Glenn

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Batteries in 4' tall crawl space

[Glenn Burt]

Interesting idea, but it looks like to service them you would have to lay on 
your stomach and get your face right in there? Not my idea of a good time!

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Ray
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2018 3:32 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Batteries in 4' tall crawl space

 

Article 110.26 covering clearances in front of electrical equipment applies.  I 
worked on a couple like that, and I didn't like it. Very hard to move the 
batteries, and Combined with H2S, you are in what OSHA considers a confined 
hazardous space.  

Another way to use that crawl space is to build a trap door access from the 
floor above.  This can work really nicely, and put the batteries right under 
the inverter without violating article 110.26.  I think I saw a system that 
either Allan Sindelar or Windy Dankoff did like that. I've tried it a few 
times, and everyone (customers and inspectors) was happy.  Here's a pic of some 
HUPs in a floor vault just below the inverter:



 

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 7/30/18 8:37 AM, Dana wrote:

Safe working clearance is 6’-8”.

I have been confronted with this issue in the past taking over other’s systems 
care. This is a head banger & a major safety issue if something goes bad. If 
the batteries are 18-20” tall that only leaves anther 28-30” between bottom 
side of the floor joist & the top of the battery. Your face is way too close to 
a battery esp. if there is an issue to address.

The installation is bent over back-heavy move situation. I am assuming you have 
a dirt or gravel floor to move across?

It seems like a good use of space up front but the reality of the install 
plagues you down the road.

If it is WLA batteries it is the worst of situations.

 

Even if this is not inspected, please avoid this situation.

 



Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com 
 

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.biz 
 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches   
 On Behalf Of Jerry Caldwell
Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2018 6:10 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Batteries in 4' tall crawl space

 

Wrenches,

 

I have a customer who wants to have batteries installed in a 4' tall crawl 
space / short basement. Are there any accessibility code issues with installing 
batteries in a crawl space? Does the NEC address this?

 

Thanks,
Jerry Caldwell






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Re: [RE-wrenches] Aqueon disposal

[Glenn Burt]

We only had a single installation of the Aqueons – you know, bleeding edge
stuff.

We installed 12 stacks and of them, 5 stopped taking a charge after a year
of operation.

The entire bank was never stiff enough to work well – constantly swinging
voltage that has become too wide of a swing to program the system to operate
reliably or smoothly.

I was not here for the installation, however in speaking with those who
were, it seems that they were handled per the installation instructions.

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of
Drake
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 7:12 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Aqueon disposal

 

How many of these are going bad? Is this a major problem, or has
mismanagement ruined a few?

Drake 


At 06:54 PM 7/26/2018, you wrote:



I was lucky that my local county Hazo-house took a look at the MSDS and said
drop them off. The person there saw my big MSDS printout and said uh oh, but
then she knew just where to look and said fine no problem drop them off. Too
bad not everyone is that knowledgeable about what they are looking at.

These are so much easier to move when you take them apart too. 30 lbs cell
blocks. Then you have some interesting parts to do something with. Attached
is a photo of my Super Aquion Gravel Tamper tool.  Some of the other
aluminum parts will get incorporated into one of my homemade telescopes.

Brad
AEE Solar

On Wed, Jul 25, 2018 at 4:22 PM, Glenn Burt mailto:glenn.b...@glbcc.com> > wrote:

Howdy wrenches,

 

Does anyone have any experience with disposing of the Aqueon battery stacks?

We have a number that have failed and our local waste station is balking,
regardless of how much hand-holding we provide and specifications, MSDS and
manufacturer info we supply.

We have been referred to the state Environmental Conservation Agency and
they are discussing haz-mat and recycling requirements with no understanding
of their components.

Any suggestions, recommendations or experience with recycling/disposing of
these batteries?

 

Thanks,

Glenn

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Content-Type: image/jpeg; name="Aq GT sm.jpg"
Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="Aq GT sm.jpg"
X-Attachment-Id: f_jk35mu4a0

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Aqueon disposal

[Glenn Burt]

Thanks Brad.

 

I too tried to match up the threaded lifting bolt per their spec with pieces 
from McMaster for moving, and ordered eyes and nuts and adapters to do so. Went 
to the site yesterday expecting to use them, only to find that the lifting bolt 
on the stack was NOT per their spec, and it left me high and dry. 

 

Fortunately I had some 1” tubular webbing with me for plan B or C and was able 
to snake it under the pressure plate and used that to lift the bad stacks we 
had planned for that day. Turns out a good hand cart works just as well as a 
direct lift onto a moving dolly, so we abandoned that as well.

Interesting about the 45 degrees on the quick start guide. I tend to ignore the 
glossy stuff and read the installation instruction manuals – 15 degrees is the 
only allowable tip mentioned there.

 

Still getting pushback from the state EnCon about any liquid being disposed of 
at a landfill, so we may also be doing some experimental disassembly…

 

Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Bradley Bassett
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2018 9:14 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Aqueon disposal

 

They do not spill liquid when turned up side down, the valve only opens on high 
pressure. But there could be free liquid inside that would escape if they are 
broken. When I hired a couple of strong guys to move mine into place we tried 
using the eye and a bar through it, but that did not work well. One would need 
to find a way to prevent the eye from sliding on the bar. A bloody hand was had 
by one of the guys. They ended up using a hand truck. The attached document 
shows that you can tilt them up to 45° for up to one hour. My eye has moved on, 
I think I bought it from McMaster-Carr. I had to get a male threaded eye and 
coupling nut, they did not have a female threaded eye that fit. 

 

The cell packs also make good shop weights, very flat on bottom, just don't 
drop them. I kept a few for the purpose.

 

Brad

 

On Thu, Jul 26, 2018 at 5:00 PM, Rick Brown 
mailto:r...@solshineenergyalternatives.com> > wrote:

Quite resourceful, Brad. 

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 26, 2018, at 6:54 PM, Bradley Bassett mailto:bbasse...@gmail.com> > wrote:

I was lucky that my local county Hazo-house took a look at the MSDS and said 
drop them off. The person there saw my big MSDS printout and said uh oh, but 
then she knew just where to look and said fine no problem drop them off. Too 
bad not everyone is that knowledgeable about what they are looking at.

 

These are so much easier to move when you take them apart too. 30 lbs cell 
blocks. Then you have some interesting parts to do something with. Attached is 
a photo of my Super Aquion Gravel Tamper tool.  Some of the other aluminum 
parts will get incorporated into one of my homemade telescopes.

 

Brad

AEE Solar

 

On Wed, Jul 25, 2018 at 4:22 PM, Glenn Burt mailto:glenn.b...@glbcc.com> > wrote:

Howdy wrenches,

 

Does anyone have any experience with disposing of the Aqueon battery stacks?

We have a number that have failed and our local waste station is balking, 
regardless of how much hand-holding we provide and specifications, MSDS and 
manufacturer info we supply.

We have been referred to the state Environmental Conservation Agency and they 
are discussing haz-mat and recycling requirements with no understanding of 
their components.

Any suggestions, recommendations or experience with recycling/disposing of 
these batteries?

 

Thanks,

Glenn


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Trackers

[Glenn Burt]

There are a lot of All Earth trackers going up in these parts. 
Of course they are made just North of here, so that may be part of it.

Dual axis active tracker – seem to be well made and pretty reliable.

https://www.allearthrenewables.com/

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
ch...@oasismontana.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2018 4:41 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches' 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Trackers

 

Dear people:

 

What trackers are y’all using nowadays?  I have a customer (with a great site) 
who’s insisting on a pair.  We’ve sold Zomeworks and Array Technologies in the 
past, but I know there are more offerings now.

 

Thanks for the input!

 

Chris Daum

Oasis Montana Inc.

406-777-4309 or 4321

406-777-4309 fax

  www.oasismontana.com 

 

 

 

 

  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Neutral sizing

[Glenn Burt]

Here is the code reference explaining this conductor size disparity from 2017 
NEC:

"According to Table 310.15(B)(16), a 3/0 AWG, Type THW copper conductor
has an ampacity of 200 amperes. However, for a 3-wire, single-phase
dwelling unit service, as shown in Exhibit 215.2, 310.15(B)(7) permits a
service conductor (or a main power feeder conductor) with an ampacity
of 83 percent of the service rating. This permits a minimum of 2/0 AWG,
Type THW copper conductors or 4/0 AWG, Type THW aluminum conductors
for services or a main power feeder rated at 200 amperes"

-Glenn

-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Dana
Sent: Saturday, September 22, 2018 10:32 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches' 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Neutral sizing

What about 4/04/02/0 aluminum, service feed? Or is that utility excepted?


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


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Marco Mangelsdorf
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2018 10:39 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches' 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Neutral sizing

At the risk of sounding like a grandpa Wrench...I've never had or seen a 
neutral conductor be smaller than current carrying.

marco

-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Jay
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2018 3:47 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Neutral sizing

Hi all,

I’m wondering if there is code reference to size of neutral vs power 
conductors. 

County is requiring neutral same size as mains 240vac. 
As it’s 500 mcm due to VD (200 amp service) it’s a non trivial expense. 

I know that where I live, the utility brings in a smaller neutral than L1/L2

Thanks in advance

Jay

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Code signage for battery back-up?

[Glenn Burt]

Hi David,

 

I have taught similar classes for the Southern VT Regional Fire School, and 
here are a few references:

 

NEC 2017

480.7(D) Notification

690.56 Identification of Power Sources (A) Facilities with Stand-Alone Systems

706.7(D) Notification

706.7(E)5

706.11 Directory

 

NFPA-1 2015 is enforced in Vermont

11.12.2.1.4 Secondary Power Source Markings

11.12.2.1.5 Installer Information

 

Hope this helps and good luck!

Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
David Palumbo
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2018 2:56 PM
To: Wrench List 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Code signage for battery back-up?

 

What is the current code requirements around the country for required signage 
for a residence/business with back-up battery storage?

*   For a home with a grid-tied PV system with back-up battery bank in the 
basement.
*   For an off-grid home with a stand alone power system.
*   For a business.

I am volunteering to help fire departments in northern Vermont deal with 
emergency fire response on homes and businesses that may have solar and other 
alternative power sources.

 

Thanks,

 

David Palumbo

Palumbo Consulting

462 Solar Way

Hyde Park, VT 05655

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Ham Radio interference

[Glenn Burt]

I found the issue – April 2016 edition of QST magazine. It is the cover story 
and describes a Solar Edge installation and the mitigation experience – they 
quoted about 10% of the system installed costs could be expected to be needed 
to quiet the RF noise created by the PV system. 

 

I have a modest amateur radio station at my home, and a few modules using M250 
microinverters about 20’ away on the side of my detached garage in an awning 
style. I definitely measure increased RF noise on the ham bands during the 
daytime when the system is operation – I just choose to adapt my radio usage 
around the inconvenience, operating after sundown, or for limited times and 
bands during the daytime. I am only using 100 Watts of power for my transmitter.

 

So that is one of the two possible concerns with PV and amateur radio – how 
does a PV system affect the use of a ham radio.

The other concern is how will a 1500W transmitter in close proximity to a PV 
system affect the operation of the solar electric system. Unfortunately I have 
no firsthand experience with this, however I see posts on other groups that 
indicate poor interaction.

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
glenn.b...@glbcc.com
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2018 6:58 AM
To: Mac Lewis ; RE-wrenches 

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ham Radio interference

 

Hi Mac,

 

A while back the magazine QST which is published by the Amateur Radio Relay 
League had an article written by a ham detailing his experience in quieting a 
rooftop array. I am pretty sure it was microinverters based.

Anyway he ended up with a substantial number of toroidal chokes on most 
conductors if I recall. Sounded labor intensive and definately not free.

 

Good luck.

Glenn

 

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

 

-- Original message--

From: Mac Lewis

Date: Sat, Sep 22, 2018 7:36 PM

To: RE-wrenches;

Cc: 

Subject:[RE-wrenches] Ham Radio interference

 

Hi Wrenches,

 

I've got a proposal out there for about a 11.5 kW grid-tied system.  We are 
planning on using Enphase IQ 7+ inverters.  Quick question, this guy has a 
pretty large Ham Radio setup operating at 3-30 MHz.  He has a directional 
antennae that can push 1500W sometimes.  Has anyone had any issues with Ham 
radio problems with these inverters?  With either the radio setup or the 
inverter?

 

He asked me if it would be an issue and I told him I'd look into it.  I will 
contact enphase as well.

 

Thanks


 

-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

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

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Re: [RE-wrenches] mate 3s locking

[Glenn Burt]

I have found that using only the Conext portal for troubleshooting is 
valueless… 

 

The level of detail and remote control is lost, and I have resorted to 
installing a remote PC control application on a laptop and leaving it at the 
customer’s site for a few months to be able to collect and control a 
troublesome system using a local connection to the Combox.

 

I found TeamViewer allows bi-directional control of the laptop (lid closed and 
mouse disconnected) from anywhere without having to setup a VPN or opening 
ports on a customer’s router, or using a dynamic DNS service.

They even have an app that lets me access it from my phone, a PC or a website.

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Dave 
Angelini Offgrid Solar
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2018 7:22 PM
To: Mac Lewis 
Cc: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] mate 3s locking

 

Hi Mac,

I use a cell for some clients with combox. I use Conext Insight for some, it is 
a web portal like outbacks optics. Insight is nice because I just look at a 
specific site and if I see green, I do not really worry too much. It is read 
only and that is how Schneider gets around port forwarding. It has everything 
that is on the combox from a data push out only.

At this time I am field testing XW pro which will use the conext gateway and 
adds the first wifi monitoring to the power scene.  Insight 2 will be out 
around february and it is read/ right into the conext gateway.

I like the new user interface alot more and it has a fresh new look that works 
for me. The xwp has the cal rule 21 for grid and microgrid, better parameters 
in the power electronics that may add some flexibility in a higher power 
rating/surge than the current 6.8kw. 

Living large here now that we finally got to fill our 18 K gallons of tanks 
with rain! We were down to 3K and that is bare minimum for a wildfire.

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 Fri, 30 Nov 2018 11:28:11 -0700, Mac Lewis mailto:maclew...@gmail.com> > wrote:

Hi Dave Angelini and wrenches, 

 

I'm curious how you are controlling the Combox without port-forwarding set up.  
I have a lot of clients on Hughes net and they won't open ports their 
customers.  Will the new Combox or gateway product get around that?

 

Thanks

 

On Sat, Nov 17, 2018 at 12:06 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar 
mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> > wrote:

Hi Drake,

I use both Outback and Schneider for my 200+ offgrid clients. Since the 600v 
mppt came out in 2011 Schneider gets my business. I also test for them and I am 
now working on the XW Pro for circuit validation testing and new cloud based 
gateway replacement for Combox in an EFT.

As for user friendly, it is something new to learn and once a client gets up to 
speed it is pretty easy, I think! Some of my clients do not like all of this 
tech stuff and just want reliable power. I get it!

There were early problems with combox firmware that got solved. The new Conext 
gateway allows me to monitor my clients without special port forwarding and 
easy with cell. The Insight monitoring similar to Optics but easier to use 
occasionally has had issues but nothing that took long for them to fix. There 
is also a tablet ap.

You can contact me offline and I agree that it is pretty bad when issues take 
too long to resolve. maybe Outback will get it done!

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 Sat, 17 Nov 2018 10:43:09 -0500, drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org 
  wrote:

It seems like Outback has too many problems now, with the Mate 3 and the 
discontinuation of the original, excellent FX inverters. I had a Mate 3 loose 
its programming on an AC coupled system so that the batteries had no protective 
relay until the Mate 3 was reprogrammed. Tech support said that this happens 
with the Mate 3. That is unacceptable. Fortunately it was a dual FX system, and 
I had the original Mate to put back on it.

 

How do the Xantrex / Schneider products compare regarding reliability and user 
friendliness?  Are there any downsides to using this equipment. I'm considering 
going full circle back to this line.

 

Thanks,

 

Drake

 


- Original Message -

From:

"RE-wrenches" mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >

 

To:

mailto:will...@millersolar.com> >, "RE-wrenches" 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >

Cc:

 

Sent:

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 19:39:26 -0800

Subject:

Re: [RE-wrenches] mate 3s locking



 

Hi william

 

Very tech fix with the relay!

 

Fortunately or unfortunately there is no reliable web at the location but 
someone who manually checks things. 

 

Yes the 3s still has some of the same problems 

 

Thx

Jay

Peltz power. 

 

 


On Nov 16

Re: [RE-wrenches] 600 Vdc Transfer Switch

[Glenn Burt]

Not a transfer switch. That is a simple DC rated disconnect, like the Square D 
equivalent.

A transfer switch allows one load to be powered by one of two sources – a 
multi-pole, double throw device.

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Chris Mason
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2018 2:41 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 600 Vdc Transfer Switch

 

How about this

https://www.crawfordelectricsupply.com/c/gea-thn3361-30a-3p-hd-ss-n1-600v-nonfuse-sw-7046

 

 

On Wed, Dec 19, 2018 at 8:50 AM Mac Lewis mailto:maclew...@gmail.com> > wrote:

Hello Wrenches,

 

Does anyone have a recommendation for a DPDT 600 Vdc rated indoor transfer 
switch?  This would be for selecting from grid-tied inverter to off-grid charge 
controller during a power outage.  Its for a Morningstar 600Vdc charge 
controller that doesn't have  this feature built in.

 

Thanks


 

-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

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

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-- 

Chris Mason

NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™

Solar Design Engineer

Generac Generators Industrial technician

 

www.cometsolar.com  

264.235.5670

869.662.5670

Skype: netconcepts

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Re: [RE-wrenches] No Communication to XW CC

[Glenn Burt]

The Combox can be directly connected via Ethernet, but it takes a bit of IT 
know-how.

It is easier to take a cheap router with you and connect the Combox and laptop 
to the router, and let it assign IP addresses.

I too am fighting a new install where the single MPPT 80-600 is partially 
visible via combox and internet. Support says to be sure to update all 
equipment to the latest version of firmware and double check all the Xanbus 
cables and terminators.

This system is doing some magic battery charging – no voltage or production 
reported by the charge controller, but Insight and Combox show something 
putting Watts back into the batteries!

 

Good luck!!

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2019 11:28 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] No Communication to XW CC

 

Hello Wrenches,

 

We have a situation on a repair job (that I didn't install), where the charge 
controllers are not showing up on the SCP. There are 3 charge controllers, two 
600 V and one 150 volt units. There is a ComBox and and SCP. 

 

One Schneider tech recommended that I unplug the SCP and plug a laptop directly 
into the ComBox..The manual shows a router being used. 

 

Can a laptop be plugged directly in to a ComBox? Will this be helpful in 
finding the missing CCs? 

 

Even with new Ethernet cables, the CCs don't show up. 

 

Thanks,

 

Drake 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider SW 4048 error

[Glenn Burt]

This number and extension should only be used if you have previously filled out 
their online form to be included as an installer in their records.

We had an extensive discussion revolving around this new procedure in the 
recent past here on this forum.

 

 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Mac 
Lewis
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2019 6:54 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider SW 4048 error

 

Hi Laura,

 

First thing I would try is to update the firmware.  Eeprom is a type of memory 
so maybe you have a bad board but I have remedied this error with a firmware 
update.

 

Here is what works with Schneider tech support last I checked: (833)391-8640 
option 8

 

Good luck

 

On Thu, Feb 28, 2019 at 4:28 PM Laura Conchelos mailto:lauraconche...@gmail.com> > wrote:

Howdy,

I have a Schneider 4048 being used off-grid and it keeps turning off. It shows 
errors 52-56, all of which are EEPROM ERROR. There is no fault light and the 
inverter can be turned on again and runs for a couple of hours before it seems 
to happen again. In the manual it says: "Clear the fault and check the latest 
configuration made or any recent configurations. If fault detection reoccurs or 
occurs frequently, service is required." I can't think of anything I configured 
that would cause this. And Schneider has you fill out a web form rather than 
answer a phone call apparently. Does anyone have a good tech support number for 
Schneider?

 

Thanks!

Laura

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-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

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

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Crimper for Enphase field wireable connectors

[Glenn Burt]

Nick,

I recall an extensive discussion here regarding terminals to be used for
battery terminals and the terminal manufacturer's requirement to use a
specific crimper with their components to maintain their listing.

 

It was the consensus here that the manufacturer could not exclude other
listed tools to make the connections, and retain the listing as it was
built.

 

Please explain to me how what you are telling us is different?

 

Regards,

Glen Burt

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of
Nick Soleil
Sent: Friday, March 08, 2019 11:29 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Crimper for Enphase field wireable connectors

 

Hi Jason,

 

The Field Wireable Connectors Installation Guide specified the following
crimping tools for use with the connectors: Multi-Contact PV-CZM-18100,
-19100, or -22100.  That tool is required for meeting our reliability
requirements and compliance requirements.

 

The document can be found here:

https://enphase.com/sites/default/files/downloads/support/Q-Field-Wireable-C
onnectors-QIG-EN-US.pdf

Cordially,

Nick Soleil

Enphase Energy Senior Product Manager, Envoy and Accessories

(707) 763-4784 x7267  // office

(707) 321-2937  // cell

  Powering What's
NextT | 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 Jason
Szumlanski mailto:ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> >
Sent: Thursday, March 7, 2019 3:03 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Crimper for Enphase field wireable connectors 

 

I have the Rennsteig now. I wasn't sure if it is ok to use since it's not
the exact specified model in the Enphase instructions. There are all kinds
of knock offs for under $50 and I have found a couple that seem to work
extremely well, but again I'm not sure if it violates the listing to do so.


Jason Szumlanski
Principal Solar Designer
Florida Solar Design Group

 

On Wed, Mar 6, 2019, 9:16 PM Jay mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com> > wrote:

Hi Jason

Talk to Bryan at PV cables 

707-923-3000

He's got the Rennsteig tool for under $200 and the MFG tool for just under
$300

Jay

Peltz power. 

> On Mar 6, 2019, at 2:20 PM, Jason Szumlanski
mailto:ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> > wrote:
> 
> Is there a reasonably priced alternative to the Multi-Contact PV-CZM-##100
models? These are the only ones specified in the quick install guide.
Obviously I don't want to violate the listing, but I also don't want to
spend $500 for a tool for each truck. 
> 
> Jason Szumlanski
> Principal Solar Designer
> Florida Solar Design Group
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Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC for Batteries < 60v ??

[Glenn Burt]

Hi Ray,

This is a conversation I have had some time ago with a number of my fellow 
inspectors and code experts. When the 2017 NEC came out, I agreed with Mike 
Holt and Bill Brooks' assessment that the new article was poorly written and 
did not apply to most systems being installed today. After much discussion 
through my Cadmus network of authorities, it emerged that indeed 706 apples to 
the typical residential systems.
So Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are the point of article 706, and I believe 
that the key point is that the SYSTEM is generating AC voltage of 120VAC or 
240VAC, making the system fall under article 706.

Batteries themselves are minimally covered by NEC 480, NFPA 1, and the IFC as 
applicable locally.
So, the bottom line is that the new article does cover the work we do when 
systems provide or interface with 120VAC or above (making the system operation 
exceeding the 60V AC trigger).

My initial problem was believing that the article applied to a component (the 
battery bank), and not the system (all components taken together as a 
generator/storage system). It is an easy misunderstanding to make.

Hope this helps!

-Glenn Burt

-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Ray
Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2019 12:41 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Cc: Bill Brooks ; Bill Brooks 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] NEC for Batteries < 60v ??

Hi Everyone;

I'm updating all my verbage on plansets, and I just realized that the newly 
created article 706 covering Energy Storage Systems is only for Over 60 VDC 
(706.1)  Also article 480 for batteries only requires disconnecting means over 
60 VDC ?! (480.7).   I'm not about to not have a disconnect, so now that NEC 
pulled battery systems out of 690,  where do we go for guidance on normal 
battery systems: 12, 24, 48 VDC?

Overall, I welcome most of the changes in NEC 2017, like separating off grid 
systems into articles 706, and 710, but it seems us off grid installers need 
some more clarification.

Thanks,

--
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Shopping for an irradiance sensor that can connect to LAN local area network

[Glenn Burt]

Hi Mick,

 

Every pyranometer I have seen are simple devices that must be connected to a 
datalogger which provides scaling, logging and ethernet interface 
functionality. I have never seen a stand-alone device that has built-in LAN 
connectivity. 

Are you sure this is what you are looking for?

Sounds like it would be a custom build or a very expensive DAS system pared 
down to only the pyranometer and LAN functionality.

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Mick 
Abraham
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2019 11:52 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Shopping for an irradiance sensor that can connect to 
LAN local area network

 

Hello, Mechanix~

 

Any leads on finding this item would be appreciated. I'd like the sensor to be 
mounted in the same plane as the PV array. I think the communication protocol I 
need for this is Modbus/TCP.

 

Thanks & Jolliness~




Mick Abraham, Proprietor
www.abrahamsolar.com  

Landline: 970-731-4675

Cell phone or for text messaging: 970-946-6584

  

 ᐧ

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Dc discos

[Glenn Burt]

Hi Jay,

We have been using them at ground mounted arrays to allow us to de-energize 
anything in the trench (DC).
They work fine, but need a little planning because of limited interior space 
for conductor bending and conduit entry points.
We order them direct from IMO.

-Glenn

-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Jay
Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2019 12:41 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Dc discos

Hi All

I’m in need of a few single string 600v nema 1x discos.

I’ve been looking at the IMO brand, they fit the bill and are low cost. 
Any comments pro/con and recommendations as to where to get them?

Thx
Jay
Peltz power. 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider tech support AWOL?

[Glenn Burt]

Vince,We were asked not to share that information...Sent from my Verizon LG 
Smartphone-- Original message--From: Vince McClellanDate: Fri, Apr 5, 
2019 5:28 PMTo: RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider tech 
support AWOL?Hi Kevin Frustrating isn’t it. Try calling the tech support line 
and then enter the number 8. You should get a real person.On Apr 5, 2019, at 
12:34 PM, Kevin Pegg  wrote:








Hi Wrenches, 
 
Curious if anyone has had any response from Schneider renewable energy tech 
support of late? I have submitted 4 cases over the last 3 weeks, couple 
warranty claims, couple tech questions - and have had absolutely zero response. 
 
My clients are starting to get irritated, and it is wasting much time. 
 
Kevin
 



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider tech support AWOL?

[Glenn Burt]

William,If you were to register through the website as the support number and 
the website and the representative on here asked, you would have been provided 
with the access number, just like the others of us who have followed their 
requested procedure.Having worked the other side of telephone support line, I 
understand their attempts to screen calls into installers who they can expect 
will have a modicum of system comprehension, and all others in their 
troubleshooting attempts.They further categorize callers by asking for your 
NABCEP number (if you are so inclined) which would also aid in identifying a 
callers level of experience and comprehension.Circumventing their system helps 
no one.GlennSent from my Verizon LG Smartphone-- Original 
message--From: William MillerDate: Sat, Apr 6, 2019 12:57 AMTo: 
RE-wrenches;Vince McClellan;Cc: Subject:Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider tech 
support AWOL?Friends: I think it unconscionable that Schneider is hiding behind 
an automated façade.  I
  am grateful to receive the “secret” number.  This poor tech support is 
another reason I will not be specifying Schneider. Thanks Kevin. William Miller 
Solar17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422805-438-5600www.millersolar.comCA Lic. 
773985 Quote of the day:  “If there is a job you hate, get really, really good 
at it. Maybe you will hate it less.“ W. Miller From: RE-wrenches 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Glenn BurtSent: 
Friday, April 5, 2019 3:10 PMTo: Vince McClellan; RE-wrenchesSubject: Re: 
[RE-wrenches] Schneider tech support AWOL? Vince,We were asked not to share 
that information...   Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone -- Original 
message--From: Vince McClellanDate: Fri, Apr 5, 2019 5:28 PMTo: 
RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider tech support AWOL? Hi Kevin 
Frustrating isn’t it. Try calling the tech support line and then enter the 
number 8. You should get a real person. On Apr 5, 2019, at 12:34 PM, K
 evin Pegg  wrote:Hi Wrenches,  Curious if anyone 
has had any response from Schneider renewable energy tech support of late? I 
have submitted 4 cases over the last 3 weeks, couple warranty claims, couple 
tech questions - and have had absolutely zero response.  My clients are 
starting to get irritated, and it is wasting much time.  Kevin 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Operating Voltages Outback RE High Capacity Battery

[Glenn Burt]

Hi Larry,

 

I am curious why you would use the 100Hr rate for this approximation and not 
the 20 or 24Hr one, since that is the period in which Mac is reporting the 
anomaly. Happy to learn the details!

 

Thanks,

Glenn 

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
Starlight Solar Power Systems
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2019 3:10 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Operating Voltages Outback RE High Capacity Battery

 

Mac,

 

Only removing 6kWh from 46kWh of storage should not be able to produce the 
voltage sag to trigger AGS. That’s only about 13% at a 100Hr rate. Voltage 
should be no where near that point. Have you verified actual voltage when the 
AGS is triggered? Loose wiring or terminal corrosion can cause voltage drop but 
I would think that an easy find/repair you would have checked.

 

Saying the battery easily charges to 100% worries me as sulfated batteries do 
that. Healthy LA batteries take many hours to reach full saturation. Has cell 
voltage been compared for non-uniformity? Has the equalization charge been 
performed? 

 

I am not a fan of the unusual low voltages that Outback prescribes for 
EnergyCells and seriously wonder how these voltages can properly maintain these 
cells. CV is below the point where balanced O2 and H2 evolution takes place. 
But, thats off point.

 


Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems

 

 

 

On Apr 19, 2019, at 10:27 AM, Mac Lewis mailto:maclew...@gmail.com> > wrote:

 

Hello Wrenches,

 

We recently inherited an Outback system that I've been keeping an eye on via 
Optics.  Its a dual stack 3648 VFXR, with about 4kW of PV with a single string 
of EnergyCell 1100RE battery bank (reported to be ~6 months old) ~.46 kWh at 
C20.

 

I have been observing how the system functions and how the voltage behaves.  We 
keep getting 2 minute voltage starts on the generator in the middle of the 
night that don't seem necessary judging from how much energy has been used from 
the battery bank.  I am hesitant to tweak anything because these battery 
set-points are a bit different than I'm used to.

 

As per Outback:

Absorb Voltage is 55.6V for 2 hours

Float Voltage is 54.0V

 

I've slowly been dropping the 2 minute start voltage to see if there is a 
bottom, but I'm hesitant to take it much lower (maybe I should). 

2 minute start voltage: 44.8 V.

 

 

The system easily charges the battery bank to 100% (and easily reached the 2 hr 
absorb time) every day.  The flexnet DC is correctly set up and calibrated.

 

The load on the system is pretty consistent.  They use between 400 and 600W 
throughout the night.

 

An average night, they may use about 6 kWh before the voltage sags below the 2 
minute start voltage and it starts the generator.

 

Just curious if our 2 minute voltage needs to be dropped or if these batteries 
are degraded.  What corrective changes can I make to get better performance?

 

I have and will call Outback about this, but I'd like other perspectives as 
well.

 

Thanks as always for your expertise


 

-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis




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

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Load break DC breaker for combiner

[Glenn Burt]

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Carling-Technologies/CX2-B0-14-615-22C-06C?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvNllHT6Fj2frBgPAYA3uAUmRvib7gdFxE%3DSent
 from my Verizon LG Smartphone-- Original message--From: gary 
eastonDate: Tue, Apr 23, 2019 8:16 AMTo: RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] 
Load break DC breaker for combinerI’m looking for a load break rated 15amp 600v 
DC breaker din rail mount.  Any suggestions?-- Sent from Gmail Mobile
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Load break DC breaker for combiner

[Glenn Burt]

http://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=336&productCatName=Breakers&productCat_ID=16&sortOrder=21&act=pSent
 from my Verizon LG Smartphone-- Original message--From: gary 
eastonDate: Tue, Apr 23, 2019 8:16 AMTo: RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] 
Load break DC breaker for combinerI’m looking for a load break rated 15amp 600v 
DC breaker din rail mount.  Any suggestions?-- Sent from Gmail Mobile
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider XW AUX plug

[Glenn Burt]

I think they are fairly common these days. I think the ones we used were made 
by Phoenix Contact, but I think a place like Newark electronics would be a 
source.Good luckSent from my Verizon LG Smartphone-- Original 
message--From: Kienan MaxfieldDate: Tue, Apr 23, 2019 7:21 PMTo: 
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] Schneider XW AUX 
plugHello all,

I am working on an orphaned Schneider XW +6848 system, end it looks like the 
original installer threw away the green AUX plug, which you use for the remote 
inverter on/off switch, the AUX output, etc. I’m hoping that somebody here 
might know where I might be able to buy a replacement, or if there is a part 
number/name that I could search for. 

I started by calling Schneider tech-support, and I got a very nice guy on the 
phone who told me that he would find the information and email it to me. That 
was on Thursday, and I have not heard back from them, so I figured I’d reach 
out to you all.

Thank you so much!
Kienan

Maxfield Solar
maxfieldso...@hotmail.com
(801)631-5584
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Bus bar battery jumpers

[Glenn Burt]

I have always bought the appropriately sized for the anticipated current,
copper bar stock from McMaster Carr and cut, drilled and applied heat shrink
myself.

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of
Drake
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 12:27 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Bus bar battery jumpers

 

Hello Wrenches,

I am wiring a set of 2 V Concorde batteries for 48 V. Each battery has 2
terminals which will be about 2 1/2 inches away from the terminals they will
be wired to. Standard battery jumpers would be ridiculous in this situation.
Busbars would be clean and efficient. Concorde doesn't have a solution.

Does anyone know of a source for busbars?

Thank you,

Drake 

Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric LLC
OH License 44810
CO License 3773
NABCEP Certified Solar PV 
740-448-7328
http://athens-electric.com/ 

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