Re: [RE-wrenches] Fast recharge times for Discover, Schneider and Outback

[Will White]

Their website has absolutely no information on cycle life, I find that very
strange.

On Wed, Apr 11, 2018 at 11:49 AM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar <
offgridso...@sti.net> wrote:

> Discover battery is using Schneider Xanbus and soon Outback comms to
> improve recharge times fro their LFP batteries. I have been very happy
> with the results for a few clients.  Just thought I would post the good
> results. Might save you guys some generator run times!
>
> http://discoverbattery.com/news-media/discover-
> collaborates-with-schneider-electric-solar-to-offer-
> closed-loop?utm_source=Discover+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a032e7dcfc-EMAIL_
> CAMPAIGN_2018_04_10&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bebb7cd5e3-a032e7dcfc-
> 174360841
>
>
>
> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines don't"
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> text 209 813 0060
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Mounting on rock

[Will White]

I'm pretty sure Unirac has a flange base that is designed to attached to
the bottom of a threaded pipe as part of their ULA rack that can be used to
mount directly to rock.

On Thu, Apr 12, 2018 at 9:53 AM, Aaron Mandelkorn 
wrote:

> Thanks all.  The flange plate was what I was thinking.  It may be to
> difficult to level a ballast mounting roof system.  Engineering may be a
> little difficult I assume?
>
> Aaron Mandelkorn
> President / Founder
> Renewable Energy Outfitters
> www.reosolar.com
> Off Grid Depot
> www.offgridnow.com
> 970-596-3744
>
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 12, 2018, 7:46 AM Mac Lewis  wrote:
>
>> Hi Aaron,
>>
>> Granite is a great substrate to mount to (once it's done). You could weld
>> a large flange plate onto the bottom of your pole, and bolt it to the
>> granite using anchor bolts. Rock climbers (including myself) drill into
>> granite all of the time.  Bosch, among others, has a great drill and bit
>> setup that works well. Glue in epoxies are a great way to keep moisture out
>> of the hole for many years.
>>
>> Ballast racks are available too but it seems like a shame not to attach
>> to the granite in some way.
>>
>> Good luck
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 12, 2018, 7:28 AM Aaron Mandelkorn 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I have a customer that requires a mounting option I have yet to
>>> encounter.  His site sits on top of of a massive hill of granite.  It is
>>> relatively flat.  Are there any mounting options that could work here?  We
>>> are only talking about (12) to (16) modules for an off grid array.  Is
>>> there anything that can bolt to rock?  I typically use dpw or Mt solar pole
>>> mounts but can't imagine how these options could work.  Any thoughts?
>>>
>>> Aaron Mandelkorn
>>> President / Founder
>>> Renewable Energy Outfitters
>>> www.reosolar.com
>>> Off Grid Depot
>>> www.offgridnow.com
>>> 970-596-3744
>>>
>>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 3-phase with storage

[Will White]

SMA Sunny Island, Outback, and Schneider can all be configured for three
phase systems.

On Tue, Apr 17, 2018 at 1:47 PM, Marco Mangelsdorf 
wrote:

> Aloha all.
>
> I'm on the hunt for workable options for a PV plus storage design for a
> 3-phase 120/208 application.
>
> And there ain't much out there at present.
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> mahalo,
> marco
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Looking for insulated #6 bare standoff

[Will White]

How about an insulated loop clamp like this one:
https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/0216763

You can get them in stainless and they have the rubber grommet so it won't
touch the rack.

On Wed, Apr 18, 2018 at 12:00 PM, Dana  wrote:

> Good Morning Wrenches,
>
>
>
> I am required to keep the bare #6 copper from touching the aluminum frame
> work of a Array Technologies tracker where it is not mechanically connected
> by a pass-through ground clamp on a tracking array [dissimilar metals] and
> am looking for a lead on an insulated standoff or strap to hold the #6 bare
> copper as it passes from panel to panel and rail to rail. The plans
> examiner would accept pass through clamps & this is a worst case-spendy
> solution to this.
>
>
>
> I have searched the inquired at local electrical warehouse &on the
> internet and to no avail under “insulated strap” & “insulated cable
> standoff”.
>
>
>
> Has anyone else encountered his & what did you use? Where did you source
> this strap?
>
>
>
> I remember seeing something like this in the fuzzy past & cannot recall
> where I saw it or what it was for.
>
>
>
> Thanks for any suggestions.
>
>
>
> 
> 
>
> 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.
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[RE-wrenches] Off-grid refrigerator

[Will White]

Hello Off-grid Wrenches,

After 10+ years my Wife is finally sick of our Sunfrost RF-12. We'd like to
upgrade to something a little more modern that doesn't leak water all over
the floor when it's humid

For you off-grid installers what's your go to refrigerator recommendation?
I'm going to go through the energy star website but I thought I'd consult
with the experts too. I'd like to find something that has a form factor
similar to the Sunfrost although I know that's going to be hard to find.

Thanks,
Will White



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Any thoughts on this approach to adding battery backup to an existing grid tie system will be appreciated.

[Will White]

I agree with everything Ray has said when you're using a system with
lead-acid batteries, however this doesn't apply to lithium-ion. Li
batteries don't need multistage charging like LA batteries do so they would
be a perfect fit for a retro-fit battery backup system that can only bulk
charge.

I'd also suggest people check out the Enphase IQ8 system which allows the
inverters to operate without the grid with no storage. They should also be
able to black start an AC coupled system with no grid unlike other AC
coupled designs. I haven't seen it in person but two of my co-workers
toured their demo project and it seems to live up to everything Enphase is
claiming.

Thanks,
Will

On Wed, Sep 12, 2018 at 8:38 PM Ray  wrote:

> I didn't watch the whole thing, but it looked like a standard AC couple
> set up with an Outback Radian.  My understanding is that Outback no longer
> supports AC Coupling, BTW.  I would never use that for an off grid system
> or  for longer outages.  In a very brief explanation,  it essentially
> bypasses any charge controlling to the batteries, and puts full Array power
> into the batteries until a relay (or phase shifting) disconnects the
> array.  No three stage charging, no taper charging, no float, no temp
> compensation.  Its like trying to fill a 5 gal bucket with a fire house, or
> drive a car with a throttle that's either off or at full throttle, no in
> between.  The other issue is that if the batteries get low and the inverter
> shuts off, the system will not recharge, and after a couple of weeks the
> batteries will be sulfated beyond recovery.
>
> My guess is that manus that advocated this approach got into trouble from
> end users that fried expensive battery banks during longer outages.  I
> would consider it the equivalent of cheap backup generators: a great backup
> system for folks that don't need it.   There are probably thousands of
> those out there with happy customers and installers, because its never
> actually been used for more than a few hours, and the batteries are
> properly charged from the grid 99.8% of the time.
>
> Ray Walters
> Remote Solar
> 303 505-8760
>
> On 9/12/18 6:11 PM, Ken Schaal wrote:
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyhkIfS5Z-Q
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] Multi-meters

[Will White]

Hello Wrenches,

I've started doing some work on 1,000 VDC systems so I need to upgrade my
meters. What I'd really like is a clamp-on amp meter that is rated for
1,500 VDC but they don't seem to exist. I want to get something now that I
won't have to upgrade in a few years if I end up working on 1,500 VDC
systems.

The only 1,500 VDC meter I've found are the Amprobe HD160C which is a
multi-meter (not clamp-on amp meter) that is rated for 1,500 VDC but can
only measure up to 2 A with their amp clamp attachment. The other option is
the Seaward Solar Utility Pro but I don't have that much money in the
budget.

Is it worth getting a 1,500 VDC meter or is 1,000 VDC enough? What are you
techs in the field using?

Thanks,
Will

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Multi-meters

[Will White]

I've google searched for 1,500 VDC meters and didn't come up with anything
other than the Amprobe model.

I looked at the Hioki website and it looks pretty amazing and it costs
around $340. It's got many features plus it hooks to an app via bluetooth
so it can datalog.

On Thu, Sep 13, 2018 at 2:18 PM  wrote:

> Hi Will, Jay, et al,
>
> I have three years experience with a lower capacity Hioki clamp meter and
> could not be more pleased.
>
> Have you investigated what a Google search offers?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill Loesch
> 314 631 1094
>
>
> -
> From: "jay"
> To: "RE-wrenches"
> Cc:
> Sent: Thursday September 13 2018 10:07:17AM
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Multi-meters
>
> HI Will,
>
> I found this unit from Japan.   Hioki CM4372
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
>
>
>
> On Sep 13, 2018, at 5:28 AM, Will White  wrote:
>
> Hello Wrenches,
>
> I've started doing some work on 1,000 VDC systems so I need to upgrade my
> meters. What I'd really like is a clamp-on amp meter that is rated for
> 1,500 VDC but they don't seem to exist. I want to get something now that I
> won't have to upgrade in a few years if I end up working on 1,500 VDC
> systems.
>
> The only 1,500 VDC meter I've found are the Amprobe HD160C which is a
> multi-meter (not clamp-on amp meter) that is rated for 1,500 VDC but can
> only measure up to 2 A with their amp clamp attachment. The other option is
> the Seaward Solar Utility Pro but I don't have that much money in the
> budget.
>
> Is it worth getting a 1,500 VDC meter or is 1,000 VDC enough? What are you
> techs in the field using?
>
> Thanks,
> Will
>
> --
> *Will White*
> Curriculum Developer
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid refrigerator

[Will White]

Hey Wrenches,

Thanks for all the great feedback on off-grid refrigerators.

We decided to go with a GE 18 Cu Ft refrigerator. It's a pretty standard
model and uses just over 1 kWh/day (369 kWh/year energy star rated).
https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-specs/GTE18ITHBB

We also purchased it from a local dealer who also provides services.

Thanks,
Will

On Tue, Sep 11, 2018 at 6:58 PM Drake 
wrote:

> We recently installed a Frigidaire refrigerator in our off gird house, and
> it uses about 1 KWh/ Day. It is nothing very special, but works fine.
>
> At 09:20 PM 9/8/2018, you wrote:
>
> Hello Off-grid Wrenches,
>
> After 10+ years my Wife is finally sick of our Sunfrost RF-12. We'd like
> to upgrade to something a little more modern that doesn't leak water all
> over the floor when it's humid
>
> For you off-grid installers what's your go to refrigerator recommendation?
> I'm going to go through the energy star website but I thought I'd consult
> with the experts too. I'd like to find something that has a form factor
> similar to the Sunfrost although I know that's going to be hard to find.
>
> Thanks,
> Will White
>
> Â
>
> --
> *Will White*
> Curriculum Developer
>
> [image: []]
> e:Â w...@solarenergy.orgÂ
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>
> PV Installation Professional
> # 093006-34
>
>
> *FACT:Â Â If we covered 0.33% of the earth with solar panels, we could
> power the world with renewable energy. *
> Do you envision a world powered by renewable energy? Be the change
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Multi-meters

[Will White]

Hey Wrenches,

Thanks for all the meter advice. I went with Jays suggestion of the Hioki
CM4372. It's got all the features you could ever want including:
Auto AC/DC current and voltage sensing (no AC volts or DC volts setting,
same for current)
Bluetooth app that can data log and create reports
Can measure DC current and voltage at the same time
Max, Min, Average measurements
Inrush current measurements
It's rated for 1,500 VDC and has 20 A and 600 A current measurements so you
get the low current accuracy similar to a Fluke 325.
Plus a bunch of other features

I'd strongly suggest checking it out, they have great videos on their
website: https://www.hioki.com/en/products/detail/?product_key=6362

I got it from testequipmentdepot.com for $330 plus free shipping and they
had them in stock.

It's even got a picture of a PV array on the box!

Thanks,
Will


On Thu, Sep 13, 2018 at 11:07 AM jay  wrote:

> HI Will,
>
> I found this unit from Japan.  Hioki CM4372
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
>
>
>
> On Sep 13, 2018, at 5:28 AM, Will White  wrote:
>
> Hello Wrenches,
>
> I've started doing some work on 1,000 VDC systems so I need to upgrade my
> meters. What I'd really like is a clamp-on amp meter that is rated for
> 1,500 VDC but they don't seem to exist. I want to get something now that I
> won't have to upgrade in a few years if I end up working on 1,500 VDC
> systems.
>
> The only 1,500 VDC meter I've found are the Amprobe HD160C which is a
> multi-meter (not clamp-on amp meter) that is rated for 1,500 VDC but can
> only measure up to 2 A with their amp clamp attachment. The other option is
> the Seaward Solar Utility Pro but I don't have that much money in the
> budget.
>
> Is it worth getting a 1,500 VDC meter or is 1,000 VDC enough? What are you
> techs in the field using?
>
> Thanks,
> Will
>
> --
> *Will White*
> Curriculum Developer
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Recording Volt Meter

[Will White]

Blake,

I believe the Hioki can do DC current and voltage recording at the same
time (but not AC).

Thanks,
Will

On Mon, Mar 4, 2019 at 3:59 PM Blake Gleason 
wrote:

> I have used the Hioki for data logging.  It's a super awesome feature for
> a multi meter, and I agree with Rebekah that it's intuitive and easy, but
> it hardly replaces a serious data-logging power meter.
>
> Limitations include the following:
> - must leave your phone (or whatever Bluetooth device) sitting next to the
> Hioki for the duration of recording
> - 24 hour max recording
> - only one phase/leg at a time
> - either current or voltage but not both at the same time
>
> (I haven't needed the 'scope function yet, but I did spend five minutes
> trying to get it to trigger just to see how it worked, and I couldn't
> figure it out.  So that part might not be as easy and intuitive as the
> regular voltage logging function.)
>
> Blake
>
> On Mon, Mar 4, 2019 at 12:30 PM Ray  wrote:
>
>> Always count on Rebekah to point us to cool new stuff.  That looks great,
>> good price, Blue Tooth and  I've been in the market for a better DC clamp
>> on meter.  It says you can look at the waveform through the Blue tooth in
>> real time.  Have you used this?  Can you see distortions in a sinewave, for
>> instance the steps in a "sine" wave inverter?  Having some Oscilloscope
>> functionality would really make this a deal.
>>
>> Ray Walters
>> Remote Solar
>> 303 505-8760
>>
>> On 3/4/19 11:11 AM, Rebekah Hren wrote:
>>
>> The Hioki meter amazes me. It can measure up to 1500VDC, and bluetooth
>> communications to a really simple to use phone app that records single or
>> multiple channels up to 24 hrs, and exports to pdf, it's totally intuitive
>> to use.
>> See pg 34 in the manual.
>>
>>
>> https://www.hioki.com/file/cmw/hdInstructionManual/93535/pdf/?action=browser
>>
>> https://www.amazon.com/Hioki-True-RMS-Frequency-Resistance-Bluetooth/dp/B01CO6I5NG
>>
>> Rebekah
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Mar 4, 2019 at 12:45 PM Drake <
>> drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello Wrenches,
>>>
>>> Does anyone know of a source for a reliable, yet inexpensive recording
>>> volt meter?
>>>
>>> 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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>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Dc discos

[Will White]

Jay,

I saw one of their boxes, I believe it was the E-08W, on a job I recently
inspected and I found the quality of the boxes to be pretty cheap. One of
the posts that receives the screw for the cover was broken off and another
was stripped because someone over tightened it which looks really easy to
do. I can't imagine they'd hold up to much O&M work unless you never take
the cover off.

It did seem like a pretty nice solution but it's all plastic.

Thanks,
Will

On Tue, Mar 26, 2019 at 1:11 PM Jay  wrote:

> 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] Dc discos

[Will White]

The one that I saw was not the rotary switch that's similar to the
SolarEdge one, this was a box with multiple breakers in it for source
circuits.

On Wed, Mar 27, 2019 at 1:20 PM Kirk Herander  wrote:

> The IMO plastic box is comparable to the Solaredge inverter DC disco in
> terms of wall thickness. And the switch itself is identical. In my case, I
> would prefer to pay $200 for a listed compact 4-pole 1000vdc disco than the
> $2k it costs for a SQD metal box version of the same specs which is much
> larger and heavier. And yes, you do need to take care when installing to
> avoid the issues Will discussed. A little common sense goes a long way to
> avoid stripped screws. Just my 2 cents worth.
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches  *On
> Behalf Of *Will White
> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 27, 2019 11:04 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches 
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Dc discos
>
>
>
> Jay,
>
>
>
> I saw one of their boxes, I believe it was the E-08W, on a job I recently
> inspected and I found the quality of the boxes to be pretty cheap. One of
> the posts that receives the screw for the cover was broken off and another
> was stripped because someone over tightened it which looks really easy to
> do. I can't imagine they'd hold up to much O&M work unless you never take
> the cover off.
>
>
>
> It did seem like a pretty nice solution but it's all plastic.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Will
>
>
>
> On Tue, Mar 26, 2019 at 1:11 PM Jay  wrote:
>
> 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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>
> --
>
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>
> Curriculum Developer
>
>
>
> [image: Image removed by sender.]
>
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>
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>
>
>
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
>
> # 093006-34
>
>
>
> *FACT:  If we covered 0.33% of the earth with solar panels, we could power
> the world with renewable energy.*
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Blue Planet Batteries

[Will White]

I haven't used one personally but I know they use cells from the former
Sony plant which are high quality. Their BMS (they call it a BMU) seems
pretty advanced too. They only make 48V systems so you can't retrofit them
into a 24V system and they don't (currently) communicate with any of the
inverter manufactures monitoring.

On Thu, Apr 4, 2019 at 10:09 AM Howie Michaelson 
wrote:

> So I assume therefore you like them compared to others?
> Reasons?
> Comparative pricing?
> Thanks,
> Howie
>
> On Thu, Apr 4, 2019 at 10:04 AM Jerry Shafer 
> wrote:
>
>> Howie
>> Yes been using blue ion for close to 3 years
>> Jerry
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 4, 2019, 6:59 AM Howie Michaelson 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi All,
>>> Anyone have any experience/knowledge about Blue Ion batteries?
>>> Thanks,
>>> Howie
>>>
>>> *Howie Michaelson**Sun Catcher*
>>>
>>> *NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™*
>>>
>>> *Solar Electric Systems Sales & Service802-272-0004*
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Micro inverter OCP

[Will White]

Jay,

You're triggering some serious PTSD with this question. When 2017 NEC came
out Mass was the first state to adopt it and the inspectors started
requiring arc fault breakers on the micro inverter branch circuits, we were
using Enphase. At the time they didn't work, weren't really listed for
backfeed, and caused all kinds of problems. We ended up appealing to the
state board and lost only for the state board to turn around a few months
later and repeal that requirement. We ended up with thousands of dollars in
arc fault breakers sitting in boxes in the shop.

I'm not sure if they've worked out the technical issues but if it's
anything like it was in the past it's going to be a nightmare of false arc
faults.

Thanks,
Will

On Thu, Apr 25, 2019 at 1:10 PM Jay  wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> For micro inverters,  what OCP is available for ground fault ( or arc
> fault)
> for roof top mounted on a living structure?
>
> Thx
> Jay
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Micro inverter OCP

[Will White]

Exactly, when we had problems most inspectors would let us swap out for
standard breakers. I'd check with the micro manufacturer and see if they
have one that's compatible but as Brian said they took that code
requirement out of the 2017 NEC so I must have had my dates mixed up and it
was in the 2014 code version.

Thanks,
Will

On Fri, Apr 26, 2019 at 10:12 AM Jay  wrote:

> Hi Will,
>
> Sorry, didn’t mean too.
>
> Reading between the lines, once inspected the faulty breaker was somehow
> replaced with a normal one.
>
> And so to my question, at this point they are no known arc/ground fault
> backfeed approved rated breakers?
>
> Jay
>
>
>
> On Apr 25, 2019, at 11:45 AM, Will White  wrote:
>
> Jay,
>
> You're triggering some serious PTSD with this question. When 2017 NEC came
> out Mass was the first state to adopt it and the inspectors started
> requiring arc fault breakers on the micro inverter branch circuits, we were
> using Enphase. At the time they didn't work, weren't really listed for
> backfeed, and caused all kinds of problems. We ended up appealing to the
> state board and lost only for the state board to turn around a few months
> later and repeal that requirement. We ended up with thousands of dollars in
> arc fault breakers sitting in boxes in the shop.
>
> I'm not sure if they've worked out the technical issues but if it's
> anything like it was in the past it's going to be a nightmare of false arc
> faults.
>
> Thanks,
> Will
>
> On Thu, Apr 25, 2019 at 1:10 PM Jay  wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> For micro inverters,  what OCP is available for ground fault ( or arc
>> fault)
>> for roof top mounted on a living structure?
>>
>> Thx
>> Jay
>>
>>
>> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 1 kW 120 Vac grid tied inverter

[Will White]

Why not use a couple of micro inverters? You'd have to check the specs to
see if they're compatible but that may work.

Thanks,
Will White


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On Sun, Apr 28, 2019 at 11:49 PM Peter Parrish <
peter.parr...@calsolareng.com> wrote:

> I replaced a number of AES (?) 120 Vac 1 kW grid tied inverter back when I
> was just starting out (2000) There was one poor design element with the DC
> fuse holders that I discovered and was able to work around, but I usually
> advised my clients to swap these inverters out for the SMA SWR 2500 and add
> some PV panels into the mix. I kept a couple of the AES 1000s for a while
> and then finally gave them to our local scrap metal purveyor.
>
>
>
> I have a 900 W off-grid system that I used to haul around to “green
> events”. Blue Sky CC, Xantrex 1000 W inverter, 24 V AGM battery set. But as
> time goes by I spend very little time demoing this big an off-grid system,
> and I wish I had an AES-1000 to covert my seldom-used off-grid system into
> a revenue producing grid tied system.
>
>
>
> Did anyone else keep a working AES-1000 (or low power grid tied inverter)
> that works and would be willing to part with it for a modest sum. Is there
> a solid  ~1,000 W 120 Vac grid tied inverter out there on the market?
>
>
>
> My system is comprised of five (5) Tata 180s. Vmpp=35.8 V.
>
>
>
>- Peter
>
>
>
> Peter T. Parrish
> SolarGnosis
> 1107 Fair Oaks Ave. Ste. 351
> South Pasadena, CA 91030
> (323) 839-6108
> peter.parr...@solargnosis.com
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Large Off-Grid Residential System and ciculating currents

[Will White]

William,

August is right, the Blue Ion batteries are rated for 100% DOD so to get
the same usable capacity from an L16 at 50% DOD you'd need twice the
overall capacity. Plus most lithium-ion batteries will last significantly
longer than lead-acid so you have to factor in replacement costs when doing
a life cycle cost comparison.

All reputable lithium-ion batteries will come with a battery management
system (Blue Ion calls theirs a battery management unit) that controls
charging and discharging of the cells to ensure even charging. That's why
you can run many more in parallel because the BMS will make sure the cells
are evenly charged. The only limit to units in parallel with lithium-ion is
the manufacturers maximum. You still need to make sure the parallel cables
are the same length. With most lithium-ion batteries you need to order the
battery at the nominal voltage of the system. For example, if you have a 48
V system you need a 48 V battery, you can't (usually) use two 24 V
batteries in series with lithium-ion.

Thanks,
Will
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On Wed, Jul 24, 2019 at 9:22 AM August Goers  wrote:

> Hi William - Yea, your kWh calculation is correct. However, the 16 kWh
> Blue Ion is comparable to eight L16 (6 volt x 333 Ah each) batteries, not
> one - nameplate rating. Typically you can go way deeper discharge with the
> lithium products, so the Blue Ion might be more comparable to sixteen (or
> even more) L16 batteries in the real world.
>
> I can't speak to the parallel battery issue you raise with Blue Ion or
> other similar batteries such as Discover - it would seem like their
> engineering team could help with that.
>
> August
>
> Luminalt
>
>
> On Tue, Jul 23, 2019 at 4:59 PM William Miller 
> wrote:
>
>> Friends:
>>
>>
>>
>> I am a complete newbie to any lithium technologies, so please forgive
>> some newbie questions:
>>
>>
>>
>> I am used to working in amp hours.  If we are looking for a battery bank
>> in the range of 100 kWh, this converts to about 2,083 amp/hours at 48 VDC.
>> Is my arithmetic correct?  An on-line calculator seems to confirm this.
>>
>>
>>
>> The biggest Blue Ion 2 battery is 16 kwh.  At 48 VDC this is about 333
>> amp/hours.  This is like an L16.  To get 100 kwh you would need to parallel
>> 6 strings of the 16 kWh batteries.  I would never do this with L-16s.  Is
>> anyone worried about circulating currents in this type of installation?  Is
>> there technology to prevent one string from cannibalizing another?
>>
>>
>>
>> Here is another, more academic question below:
>>
>>
>>
>> In case I am using a term I made up (which is often the case), I define
>> circulating currents as currents flowing between parallel strings without
>> any outside influence.  For example, if you disconnected all charging and
>> loads from an array with two parallel strings, unless the strings were
>> absolutely identical in electrical characteristics, there would be some
>> current flowing between the two strings.  In my opinion this is the
>> Achilles heel in parallel strings.  Also my opinions:  2. The more strings
>> you have the more chance there will be debilitating circulating currents.
>> 3. The older the batteries, the more the electrical characteristics will
>> vary and the more likely you will get higher circulating currents.
>>
>>
>>
>> It is my theory that if you can measure the circulating currents, or the
>> difference between parallel battery strings at any point in the operation
>> of same, you can get a read on the health of the strings.  The more the
>> operating or idle currents diverge, the more one string will discharge the
>> other string.  I guess this is some part of a battery management system.  I
>> am guessing for the Blue Ion 2 to work in 6 parallel strings, they need to
>> monitor and control this difference in currents.
>>
>>
>>
>> We just installed a flooded battery array (2 strings of 4 Deka M6100-33
>> batteries).  My plan is to retrofit the installation with a 1000A/100mv
>> shunt in the negative leads of both strings.  With a DVM I can spot check
>> the circulating currents to learn about the battery health.  In fact I have
>> a remote monitoring system
>> <https://millersolar.com/MillerSolar/Portfolio/Commercial/Cal_Trans/Remote/Remote_Control.html>
>> with some spare ports that can log these values.  Might be an interesting
>> experiment.
>>
>>
>>
>> I appreciate any input 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase and Tesla Powerwall

[Will White]

I think they're only selling the Enphase AC battery in Australia currently
but from what I understand they're phasing that product out in favor of the
Ensemble (IQ8) battery system that is schedule to come out later in the
year. You can get info about it on their website if you search Ensemble. It
looks more like the LG RESU but it's AC and has multiple microinverters in
it.

Thanks,
Will

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On Fri, Jul 26, 2019 at 10:27 AM Christopher Warfel <
cwar...@entech-engineering.com> wrote:

> Most people I have communicated with say the Tesla battery solution is
> extremely hard to obtain, and there are other options out there.  Tesla
> never responded to any of my inquiries.
>
> Does Enphase even have a battery option that they sell?   My vendor says
> no, yet that seem to surprise the Enphase Technical Support people. I
> forwarded to them the vendor email regarding this, and Enphase has not
> responded.   I have four projects that have asked me to look at a battery
> solution.  Chris
> On 7/25/2019 2:49 PM, August Goers wrote:
>
> No, we haven't done any zero export. I guess both the Powerwall and
> Enphase systems would need to be independently programmed for zero export?
> I should add a caveat - all of our IQ7 systems have been the SunPower
> branded Equinox type, not Enphase. The main difference being that Enphase
> would use their envoy box and SunPower uses the PV Supervisor 6.
>
> August
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jul 25, 2019 at 10:53 AM Marco Mangelsdorf 
> wrote:
>
>> Sounds encouraging, August. Mahalo.
>>
>> Are any of those systems zero export by any chance?
>>
>> marco
>>
>> On Thursday, July 25, 2019, August Goers  wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Marco - We have dozens of systems with this combo, so far no problem.
>>> Tesla's AC coupling mechanism in general seems to be very robust - we've
>>> paired them with many inverter types and brands, and they always seem to
>>> couple up during our grid-off tests. Since the vast majority of our systems
>>> are grid tied, the real test will be how they will work over the long haul
>>> if we have major grid outages - who knows if and when that might happen.
>>> I've been in PG&E territory in the Bay Area for about 15 years and can only
>>> recall one or two short (less than one hour) power outages.
>>>
>>>
>>> August
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Thu, Jul 25, 2019 at 7:58 AM Marco Mangelsdorf 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Aloha,
>>>>
>>>> I’m thinking about combining the Enphase IQ 7 micros with a Tesla
>>>> Powerwall or two.
>>>>
>>>> Anyone out there try this?  With bueno or not so bueno results?
>>>>
>>>> Mahalo,
>>>> marco
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Fluke 87 replacement

[Will White]

The Hioki CM4372 seems to be the best clamp-on amp meter for PV out there
these days. 1,500 VDC, two current ranges, and a ton of other features
including a bluetooth app that can do logging. Plus it's about the same
price as a Fluke clamp-on amp meter.

https://www.hioki.com/en/products/detail/?product_key=6362

Thanks,
Will

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On Mon, Oct 14, 2019 at 2:33 PM Chris Schaefer 
wrote:

> G'Day All,
>
> Well my 24 year old Fluke 87 finally passed. It was a great unit and fit
> all my needs. Before I go out and buy another I thought I'd reach out to
> see if any of my peers would suggest anything different or possibly a step
> above in the Fluke family or another brand?
>
> Thanks,
> Christopher-
>
> Chris Schaefer’s
> 
>
> *Tel/Fax 585-229-2083 or Cell 585-748-1870 *
> *5115 South Hill Road ~ Canandaigua New York 14424**www.solarandwindfx.com
> <http://www.solarandwindfx.com> ~ E-mail: ch...@solarandwindfx.com
> *
>
>
> 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: [RE-wrenches] Reactive Power

[Will White]

The 25 W would be used to size the batteries, 49 VA would be used to size
the inverter.

Good luck,
Will

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On Tue, Dec 17, 2019 at 10:17 AM 
wrote:

> Hello Wrenches,
>
> I checked my laptop with a Kill A Watt meter. It drew 25 W,but 49 VA.
> Which number represents the true draw on the batteries?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Drake
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] LI Batteries

[Will White]

Zeke Yewdall who does a lot of off-grid installations and teaches at SEI
has worked with LI batteries from a supplier who works with electric cars
like this before so I reached out to him. I know he had a lot of problems
with the BMS because it wasn't designed for use with solar and the support
he got wasn't great. Here's his response:

"That isn't the one that I did not like.  It looks like yet another
prepackaged Chinese option, and the price is certainly attractive.
Usually, LFP is between 50 and 55 or 56 volts, not 46 to 58.4 like they
claim, so I suspect those are actually the voltages where the built-in BMS
shuts off the contactors.  But if you kept it to the middle range with your
solar equipment, then it would probably behave okay.   A lot of these BMS's
get grumpy if you exceed current, even for the inrush charging the inverter
capacitors, so that's something I've run into sometimes.  If it can't take
a second or two of inrush current, you may need to do a precharge circuit
which is a pain.  Some (ReLion) seem to not have an issue with inrush
though.   I've bought some small stuff from ECP before, and they were slow
and not super responsive, but eventually, I did get it...

Certainly, the type of thing that I'd use on my own system before I tried
to sell it to a customer...  I've learned over the years to do that with a
lot of stuff (and some stuff -- even from well-known manufacturers like
Schneider for example that I thought I didn't need to look out for, I've
regretted NOT doing that).

Also, with Chinese equipment, a lot of us suspect that the certification
means nothing -- they learn that it sells better if they print a
certification on it, but they don't necessarily actually do the tests and
all.   So. unless you can get the actual letter with the UL numbers, I
wouldn't necessarily put much faith in that. This is coming more from the
radio side of Chinese equipment, but I suspect it could apply to the solar
side as well."

Thanks,
Will


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On Thu, Jun 11, 2020 at 4:16 PM  wrote:

> Hello Fellow wrenchers. Has anyone purchased and used any batteries from
> Electric Car Parts out of Utah. They have a 48 volt, 5, 7.5 and 10 KW Lipo
> battery made by Energetech ( China ) . I have a customer that would like to
> use the product ( low cost ) but it is tough getting any actual info from
> the company i.e UL Certification paperwork or do the batteries have a BMS.
> If anyone has any experience with these folks please let me know. Just
> looking out for my customer and the lack of response and follow up from ECP
> is making me nervous. Thank you all in advance.
>
>
>
> Thx
> Peter Giroux
>
> American Solar
>
> Roswell Ga
>
> 678 525 0468
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BIG dual axis trackers

[Will White]

The All Earth Trackers will hold about 5 kW of modules: 
http://www.allearthrenewables.com/

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Chris Daum
Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2013 1:06 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] BIG dual axis trackers

Dear people:

Does anyone have a line on a really large dual axis tracker--something that 
would hold 25 or 30 modules in the ~250W range?  I've seen some really big 
commercial units, but I have a client wanting a dual axis tracker that'll hold 
25 of the Helios 255s.

THANKS!


Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.
406-777-4309
406-777-0830 fax
www.oasismontana.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Hawker versusu MK

[Will White]

I don't have any experience with this brand of battery but wanted to add my 
battery story to the thread.

I have a bank of Power Battery brand batteries at my house and when I got them 
the price was right, I had a good relationship with the distributor and the 
warranty was 10 year (5 full, 5 prorated).  A couple of years ago they went out 
of business and with them went my warranty.

At this point I don't think I'd buy from any manufacture who hadn't been around 
for a while.  I'd mostly stick with Trojan and Surrette.

That's my $0.02

Thanks,
Will

______
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>



From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of William Miller
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 3:28 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Hawker versusu MK

Friends:

We are shopping for industrial, flooded, lead acid batteries.  We are 
considering 12 volt packages in the 1800 AH range.  Under consideration are:

Hawker 12-25W-23S at 1705 AH or MK 106M1033STB at 1896 AH.

Have any of you had experience with either, or recommend another option?

As always, I am extremely grateful to all of you for the limitless wisdom 
offered.

Sinceerly,

William Miller

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[RE-wrenches] Presentation to Fire Fighters

[Will White]

Wrenches,

I know some of you have done presentations to fire fighters in the past.  I 
have one of these presentations coming up in about a month and wanted to see if 
anyone was willing to share their slide shows.  If you are please contact me 
off list.

Thanks,
Will
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Will White
Operations Manager - New England
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is 
prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Flashing vs Sealant... again (is sealant code defensible?)

[Will White]

I've had a similar experience as August.

We're using Ecofasten Green Flashing plus all holes get a dab of Geocel 
Proflex.  We've also never had a problem with a properly flashed penetration.

Thanks,
Will

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2014 3:44 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Flashing vs Sealant... again (is sealant code 
defensible?)

Hi Troy,

There has been an ongoing debate on the RE-Wrenches list on this issue for 
years now. I've personally serviced many old L-feet systems that are fine and 
some that are leaking. The leaks normally occur in the missed holes adjacent to 
the L-foot. Also, many installers were using Sikaflex which over time loses its 
adhesion to comp shingles. Sloppy work is the worst culprit.

We've used all sorts of flashings over the years and primarily stick with 
Quickmount E-series these days. All holes, both hits and misses, are squirted 
with M-1 sealant (from Chemlink) and we slide aluminum flashing (standard rolls 
of aluminum cut to size in the field) under the shingles for the missed holes.

We've never had a leak with a properly flashed system and I am a strong 
proponent for using flashing products for all mounting points.

Best,

August

Luminalt

From: 
re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
 On Behalf Of Troy Harvey
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2014 12:20 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Flashing vs Sealant... again (is sealant code 
defensible?)

1. I'm interest in a poll of installers who are using flashings vs sealant. Now 
that the flashing market has evolved, what are you using today? When did you 
switch to flashings (if you did). And why not, if you still prefer sealant.

2. Is there a any code defense for sealant systems ? (L-foot sealed down to 
shingles). Does anyone know of a scientific shootout between sealants and 
flashings?

Here is my view: The construction industry is slow to evolve. Sealants, clauks 
& adhesives are not trusted in general, due to the legacy of code, and we have 
a mechanical vs. chemical industry bias.

There is something about seeing a flashing that says, that is a "professional 
job", it must comply with code. And yet, my experience says I'd trust a 50-year 
silicone over a flashing that depends on gravity. Gravity should be dependable 
right? But anyone in snow country can tell you in spring, water can go uphill 
after ice dams form. There are high-rise buildings that use "structural 
glazing" which is just glass and silicone. These systems are now getting to be 
50 years old without issue.

The cost of flashings have come down in the last few years, but so has the cost 
per watt of installs. With 50 feet in a typical install around here that is 
$150 in feet, lags & silicone. Or $1500 in flashings, and extra labor. That can 
be a large part of a bid, and make you more expensive in a competitive 
landscape. That is fine, if it adds value... but I personally don't see the 
proven value, other than the "appearance" of code defensibility. Anybody have 
proof?

thanks,

Troy Harvey
-
Principal Engineer
Heliocentric
801-453-9434
tahar...@heliocentric.org
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Publicity rights?

[Will White]

We had a new competitor take a video of one of our installs (with owner's 
permission) and post it on the front of their web page.  I believe it's still 
there almost two years later.

It's a shady thing to do but I don't think there was anything we could legally 
do to stop them.

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Rebecca Lundberg
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2014 6:34 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Publicity rights?

I have come across a new (small) installer taking photos of solar projects that 
others installed, and promoting them on their web site in their "gallery" 
without getting permission or giving any credit to the installer. This seems 
unethical, and I'd like to be able to point to a law related to this so that my 
sites are not used in this way. Even if a customer gives this person permission 
to take a photo of their site, it doesn't make sense that this installer could 
imply any credit for this project by using it on their web site. Isn't there 
some kind of law that relates to this?
Thanks in advance for your input!
Keep Shining!
Rebecca Lundberg
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer (r)
Owner/President
Powerfully Green(r)
763.438.1976 | 
rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com

Powered by the Sun!

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Data acquisition system for Mass-CEC

[Will White]

We use Locus in MA.  It’ autoreports.

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of James Gustafson
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 1:13 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Data acquisition system for Mass-CEC

Hello Hard Working Wrenches,

I am working on a residential grid tied PV system design for a friend in 
Massachusetts.  He would like a DAS that reports automatically to the Mass-CEC. 
 Does anyone have a suggestion for a reliable DAS solution?

Thank you,

Jibril
Tava Solar LLC
jib...@tavasolar.com


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[RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC

[Will White]

Wrenches,

Is anyone else having problems with inspectors and the 2014 NEC?  In Mass we're 
having all kinds of issues with inspectors requiring/allowing an array of 
different things for 690.12 rapid shut down ranging from roof top disconnects, 
disconnects on the side of a house 20' up, disconnects in attics, or only 
disconnects that can be activated on the ground.  It varies between inspectors.

We're also having problems with one inspector requiring arc fault breakers on 
Enphase even though there are no UL listed arc fault breakers that can be back 
fed or he wants us to run the trunk cable in a raceway.

It's getting very difficult to install in Mass.

Thanks,
Will

Will White
Operations Manager - New England
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>







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Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC

[Will White]

Phil,

Do you find that the DC optimizer adds to the amount of time on an install?

Thanks,
Will

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Phil Forest
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 1:26 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC

Will,
No problems with inspectors for us in MA, regarding rapid shutdown, since we 
recently switched to using SolarEdge central inverters with optimizer under 
each module, for roof mounted installs.
So far so good. They seem well made and engineered. Tip: you have to enable the 
arc fault protection when commissioning, ships disabled.
Phil Forest
South Mountain Company

On May 20, 2014, at 10:59 AM, Will White 
mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>> wrote:
Wrenches,

Is anyone else having problems with inspectors and the 2014 NEC?  In Mass we’re 
having all kinds of issues with inspectors requiring/allowing an array of 
different things for 690.12 rapid shut down ranging from roof top disconnects, 
disconnects on the side of a house 20’ up, disconnects in attics, or only 
disconnects that can be activated on the ground.  It varies between inspectors.

We’re also having problems with one inspector requiring arc fault breakers on 
Enphase even though there are no UL listed arc fault breakers that can be back 
fed or he wants us to run the trunk cable in a raceway.

It’s getting very difficult to install in Mass.

Thanks,
Will

Will White
Operations Manager - New England
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>







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Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC

[Will White]

We’ve run into the problem in MA where the electrical board suggested we cut 
apart Enphase trunk cable to put it in a raceway.  We all know that isn’t 
possible.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Bill Brooks
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 3:18 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC

Nick and Jay,

There is a basic problem that products are not currently available to 
specifically address this application. I know Enphase has done a lot of 
research lately about this issue, so they may have uncovered problems that were 
previously not known. My information is that the products are actually 
bi-directional devices. GFCIs are not bi-direction and can fail with voltage on 
the load side of the device. It is possible that some AFCIs have the same 
problem.

This AFCI provision is a requirement that was sold to UL and the Code Making 
Panel with the assurance from a very large breaker manufacturer that developing 
products for this application was simple and straightforward.

That manufacturer has not stepped forward with a product and so we find 
ourselves in 90.4 land (use the previous version of the code). Some AHJs have 
chosen not to read it that way and have been requiring micro-inverter systems 
to be installed raceways (even though not compatible with raceways). NFPA 
likely have to issue an official interpretation on this since it is unclear 
whether a product will be developed in the reasonable future.

Bill.



From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Jay Peltz
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 11:32 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC

Hi nick

Good to know, I was told this by bill brooks at a training a few months ago.

Jay

Sent from my iPhone

On May 27, 2014, at 9:00 AM, Nick Soleil 
mailto:nsol...@enphaseenergy.com>> wrote:
Hi Jay,
It is not acceptable to wire the AFCI breaker with the utility power on the 
output of the AFCI breaker.  That does not meet the specifications for the AFCI 
breakers.  These breakers are sensitive to having voltage on their output when 
the breaker is opened, which can damage the AFCI breakers.
Currently, there are no AFCI circuit breakers that are listed for back-feed.

On Tue, May 20, 2014 at 8:10 AM, jay peltz 
mailto:j...@asis.com>> wrote:
HI Will,

You can do this.

Take a standard breaker panel, install a Arc fault and run the wiring from the 
enphase like it is the grid: ie into the main lugs.
Then this will go out through the breaker in the correct fashion, and onto the 
main panel.

jay

peltz power

PS as to the code, they want it this way


On May 20, 2014, at 7:59 AM, Will White wrote:

Wrenches,

Is anyone else having problems with inspectors and the 2014 NEC?  In Mass we’re 
having all kinds of issues with inspectors requiring/allowing an array of 
different things for 690.12 rapid shut down ranging from roof top disconnects, 
disconnects on the side of a house 20’ up, disconnects in attics, or only 
disconnects that can be activated on the ground.  It varies between inspectors.

We’re also having problems with one inspector requiring arc fault breakers on 
Enphase even though there are no UL listed arc fault breakers that can be back 
fed or he wants us to run the trunk cable in a raceway.

It’s getting very difficult to install in Mass.

Thanks,
Will

Will White
Operations Manager - New England
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | 
fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>







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--

Cordially,

Nick Soleil

Field Applications Engineer

Enphase Energy

Mobile: (707) 321-2937


<http://enphase.com/enlighten_conte

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sheeting-attached roof mount

[Will White]

Have you checked out Eco Fastens ECO-65?  It's a large plate with 8 screws and 
it's got flashing for both asphalt and membrane roofs.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of will...@millersolar.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2014 12:09 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Sheeting-attached roof mount

Friends:

I see two issues:  Strength and sealing:

Strength:  I have researched sheeting attached roof mounts.  Direct Power has 
their "Easy-feet" product.  It relies on a specific fastener made in Canada.  I 
contacted the screw manufacturer and they disputed the claims DPW made.  Their 
testing was for a minimum 1" penetration in wood.  You can't get 1" penetration 
in 5/8" of sheeting.  Also, I don't believe that OSB can hold a screw like 
solid wood or even standard laminate plywood.

I reported this to DPW.  They were concerned enough to call me back.  They 
claim they will be doing their own pullout testing and in fact it was going to 
be available in the near future.  I don't know if they have completed it yet.  
I know DPW to be highly reputable, so please don't think I am impugning their 
products, just reporting what I discovered.

Sealing:  to flash or not to flash.  That is the question... that has been 
discussed in this forum before.  With any hole in the roof, I need to satisfy 
myself and I need to satisfy any roofer who holds a warranty on the roof.  I 
have made enough holes in roofs to make me loose a night's sleep with each 
first season storm.  The cost of one roof leak can erase the profit from 5 
installations or more.  If you add up: removing the system for repairs, drywall 
damage, insulation replacement, carpet, furnishings, artwork, etc., you soon 
realize there is no room for doubt.  A qualified roofer will have the same 
concerns and economic interests and I doubt they will allow a non-flashed roof 
mount.

We have been discussing amongst our crews some method to flash a 
sheeting-attached mounting foot.  We never finished the design.  Is there a 
flashed, sheeting-attached mounting foot on the market?  If so, I'm a possible 
customer.  If not, I can't take the risk.

William



[Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com
805-438-5600

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Canadian Solar

[Will White]

We’ve used tons of them.  Pretty standard Tier 1 Chinese panel.  They’re you’re 
average PV panel, nothing exceptional but nothing bad either in my experience.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Kristopher Schmid
Sent: Friday, July 11, 2014 2:53 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Canadian Solar

Hi All,
I have a client interested in using Canadian Solar modules.  Anyone that can 
share their experience with them good, bad, or otherwise would be greatly 
appreciated.  Also, a recommended distributor?
Thanks,
Kris

--
Shine On!

Kris Schmid
Legacy Solar, LLC
864 Clam Falls Trail
Frederic, WI 54837
www.legacysolar.com
715-653-4295
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician
BSEE
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Concentrics at 250 volts plus

[Will White]

It's still a good best practice to bond both ends in case of a fire if the 
conduit becomes separated in the middle it will still be bonded.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of William Miller
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2014 1:47 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Concentrics at 250 volts plus

Kelly:

Just as I suspected.  I wish you could be here to share the lunch I have earned 
on my bet.

Thanks,

William


[Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com
805-438-5600

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Kelly Larson
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2014 10:16 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Concentrics at 250 volts plus

Hi William,

The requirement for bonding on BOTH ends comes when the wire though the conduit 
is a GEC.  For EGC, just one end of the conduit is sufficient.

Blessings,
Kelly


~
Kelly Larson
707-223-3209

Box 504
Ukiah, CA 95482
Electrical Engineer
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional
IREC Certified Master Trainer for Photovoltaic Installer
CA Electrical Contractor# 868189
SolarKelly.com

On Jul 14, 2014, at 3:11 PM, William Miller wrote:

Friends:

Please help us settle a crew debate before we come to blows:  for circuits 250 
volts and higher, do we need to bond EMT at both ends?  Or, if there is bonded 
cabinet with a concentric on one end and a solid, bonded metal cabinet on the 
other, do we need a bonding bushing on the concentric end?

I say a conduit needs to be bonded only on one end. My misguided employee says 
both ends. Both cabinets are independently bonded.

Thanks in advance.

William
Miller Solar
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverters Maximum Input Ratings

[Will White]

In my opinion in regards to that SolarWorld recall even though they had the 
wrong lay in lug part specified in their manual (not tinned).  Any installer 
worth his salt knows that you don’t put copper and aluminum together so shame 
on any installer who put untinned lugs on a module, SolarWorld or otherwise.

Thanks,
Will

Will White
Operations Manager - New England
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is 
prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.






From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Marco Mangelsdorf
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2014 2:11 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Inverters Maximum Input Ratings

Look, guys, what’s beyond dispute is that when we size the solar array higher 
than the nameplate inverter output, there will be clipping that takes 
place….i.e., harvestable solar power that goes nowhere.  The higher that 
oversize percentage, the more clipping will take place.

If the design choice, as noted below, is to use a 270-watt module (from a 
manufacturer that learned last week that a recall notice was published by the 
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 
https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/SolarWorld-Recalls-Solar-Systems-with-Copper-Grounding-Lugs/
 ), does it make sense to use a micro inverter that has a max output of about 
225 watts (M215) or 250 watts (M250) when there are micros (e.g., ABB 300) that 
can handle the full output of the 270 which guarantees NO clipping?

marco

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Jerry Shafer
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2014 8:00 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverters Maximum Input Ratings


Why dont you use the m250 anyway as the 250's so far are more reliable then the 
215 have been. A little off topic i know.
On Aug 25, 2014 1:41 PM, "Jason Szumlanski" 
mailto:ja...@fafcosolar.com>> wrote:
I had a tough customer recently that grilled me on how we can put a 270W solar 
module on a 215W inverter. Fortunately, Enphase has a wonderful white paper on 
the subject. However, it got me thinking... Enphase has demonstrated that 
higher output panels in many climates (hot SW Florida included) can benefit 
from modules that far exceed the inverter rating, and even exceed the 
inverter's "recommended input" rating. Enphase has shown that 270W+ modules can 
show energy harvest on the M215 where it makes sense to "oversize" the module.

I also received a similar query from a rather uninformed plan reviewer in an 
area AHJ along similar lines. Fortunately I was within the "recommended input" 
rating on the spec sheet of 270W with a 265W module, but I wonder what would 
happen if I had paired the M215 with a 280W module on my plans, which are 
becoming readily available now in 60 cell modules with 300W modules on the near 
horizon. I'm pretty sure my plan would have been kicked back for exceeding the 
manufacturer's recommendation.

My question, which applies to string inverters and microinverters, is how much 
is too much, what would happen if you paired an array that far exceeded the 
rating, and how do inverter manufacturers determine the recommended and/or 
maximum rating of the connected module or array? Also, why do some 
manufacturers have a simple recommendation while others have a "maximum" rating?


Jason Szumlanski
​Fafco Solar​



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid shutdown questions

[Will White]

Our experience in MA with rapid shutdown unfortunately varies with AHJ.  Some 
are letting us put an Eaton NEMA 4 disconnect on the roof next to the array.  
Some are letting us put a disconnect in an accessible attic within 5’ of the 
penetration.  Some are requiring the Midnight Birdhouse remote switch which is 
expensive.

Rapid shutdown doesn’t apply to pole or ground mounts.

Hope this helps.

Will

Will White
Operations Manager - New England
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is 
prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.






From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Mac Lewis
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 8:32 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Rapid shutdown questions

Hello wrenches,

I am still trying to wrap my head around how to comply with rapid shutdown in 
off-grid and hybrid situations.  I've got a few questions that maybe you can 
help with.

1.  What is a (currently listed) rapid shutdown system that will accommodate 8 
strings?  I know I can do this with Midnite combiners but as I understand these 
aren't listed yet.
2.  On a remote pole mount, does rapid shutdown apply?  If the intent is to 
isolate a safe zone around an array for fire fighting, it seems as though a 
standard pole mounted DC disconnect can cover this concern.
3.  I estimate on a typical hybrid installation, rapid shutdown will cost at 
least $3000 to implement. This includes remote shunt trip battery breakers, 
contactors on PV side of charge controller and roof combiners, and running 
control cable from remote disconnect to all locations.  As of now, this would 
also require me to modify listed interconnection equipment.  Is this what 
others are finding?
4.  AC coupling with microinverters may be the easiest way to comply with most 
of these requirements.  However, this doesn't seem like a great alternative to 
the standard charge controller installation in an off-grid system.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts


--



Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid shutdown questions

[Will White]

That’s correct it’s a manual disconnect and I agree it totally defeats the 
purpose but some AHJ’s are accepting that it’s within 5’ of entering the 
building and nowhere in the code does it say it has to be readily accessible.

We had one AHJ make us put the disconnect on the side of the house about 15’ 
feet up.  I believe that photo was in the last issue of SolarPro.  It was the 
dumbest thing we’ve ever had to do and it looks ridiculous but that’s what the 
inspector wanted.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Mac Lewis
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 10:02 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid shutdown questions

Hi Will,

Yes I'm sure AHJ's will be all over the place for a while here in Colorado.  To 
clarify, is this a manual disconnect in the attic?  If so, that is really 
missing the whole idea of a rapid shutdown.

Thanks

On Wed, Aug 27, 2014 at 7:47 AM, Will White 
mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>> wrote:
Our experience in MA with rapid shutdown unfortunately varies with AHJ.  Some 
are letting us put an Eaton NEMA 4 disconnect on the roof next to the array.  
Some are letting us put a disconnect in an accessible attic within 5’ of the 
penetration.  Some are requiring the Midnight Birdhouse remote switch which is 
expensive.

Rapid shutdown doesn’t apply to pole or ground mounts.

Hope this helps.

Will

Will White
Operations Manager - New England
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | 
fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is 
prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.





From: RE-wrenches 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>]
 On Behalf Of Mac Lewis
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 8:32 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Rapid shutdown questions

Hello wrenches,

I am still trying to wrap my head around how to comply with rapid shutdown in 
off-grid and hybrid situations.  I've got a few questions that maybe you can 
help with.

1.  What is a (currently listed) rapid shutdown system that will accommodate 8 
strings?  I know I can do this with Midnite combiners but as I understand these 
aren't listed yet.
2.  On a remote pole mount, does rapid shutdown apply?  If the intent is to 
isolate a safe zone around an array for fire fighting, it seems as though a 
standard pole mounted DC disconnect can cover this concern.
3.  I estimate on a typical hybrid installation, rapid shutdown will cost at 
least $3000 to implement. This includes remote shunt trip battery breakers, 
contactors on PV side of charge controller and roof combiners, and running 
control cable from remote disconnect to all locations.  As of now, this would 
also require me to modify listed interconnection equipment.  Is this what 
others are finding?
4.  AC coupling with microinverters may be the easiest way to comply with most 
of these requirements.  However, this doesn't seem like a great alternative to 
the standard charge controller installation in an off-grid system.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts


--



Mac Lewis

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

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--



Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Poletop rack with easy tilt change...anybody got that?

[Will White]

DP&W makes an off price list option that is some type of mechanical adjustment. 
 It has to be ordered beforehand and can’t be retrofit.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Mick Abraham
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2014 10:11 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Poletop rack with easy tilt change...anybody got that?

Hi, My client wants one of the larger "top of pole" racks but we all know that 
adjusting the tilt on those is not easy once they're loaded with glass. Does 
anyone make a poletop rack with a geared adjustment which could be cranked by 
hand? OR: how about a satellite dish actuator to which power is applied to 
change the tilt? OR: Does the esteemed Wrench List have other options or 
suggestions to consider?

Thanks as always. The Wrench List is the Bomb!

Mick Abraham, Proprietor
www.abrahamsolar.com

Voice: 970-731-4675
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Decking only flashed attachment?

[Will White]

We’ve used Ecofasten ECO-65 successfully on both SIP roofs and membrane roofs.  
They’re expensive and a bit labor intensive but it’s a good solution.  They 
have metal flashing for asphalt roofs and you can also use membrane patches on 
pretty much any type of membrane or rolled asphalt roof.

http://www.ecofastensolar.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=4&idcategory=9#.VBg7U_ldV40

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Lars Ortegren
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2014 4:21 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Decking only flashed attachment?

Wrenches,
I have a customer who has a system attached on a SIPS panel home, and I need to 
find a solution to fix the never ending leak. For those of you that are not 
familiar with SIPS, its structural OSB panels with foam in-between. We first 
did the install six years ago using 20' sticks of unistrut running vertically 
up the roof to catch the purlins every twelve feet. This method hasnt held up 
over time. Im wondering if anyone out there has had a good experience using any 
"decking direct" attachments that dont require an attachment to a structural 
member. We have tried the Sunpower "smart mount" (hated it) but Im looking for 
the right attachment that will work with Unirak and give him a flashed 
penetration to add to the roof that we will undoubtedly pay for. Any advise?

--

Lars Örtegren

[California Solar Electric Company]

PO Box 480/149 E.Main St
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Phone : (530)274-3671 Fax: (530)274-7518
California C-10 Electrical Contractor #779624

[http://i57.tinypic.com/14w6aac.jpg][http://i61.tinypic.com/13znwa8.jpg]

ATTENTION
This E-mail may contain CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of 
the Individual(s) named above.  If you are not the intended recipient of this 
E-mail, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended 
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying this 
E-mail is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this E-mail in error, 
please immediately notify us by telephone at (530)274-3671 or E-mail 
la...@cal-solar.com or 
cont...@cal-solar.com.



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 [http://i39.tinypic.com/29co0lz.png] 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Gen4 - How Is It Doing?

[Will White]

We've found the M250 to be just as stable as the M215.  Usually when we have an 
issue it's right out of the box.

Thanks,
Will
Will White
Director of Construction - East Coast
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is 
prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.






From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Mark Frye
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2015 12:15 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Gen4 - How Is It Doing?

All my M215's are stable in the field. (100% of M190 and M380 replaced at 
Enphase's cost)

Anyone using the M250? Any feedback?

Mark
On 2/8/2015 6:46 AM, Jason Szumlanski wrote:
M215 failures? I've seen only 1 or 2 out of thousands. The M215 was a 
remarkable improvement over the M190. Are you having a different experience?

Jason Szumlanski

On Fri, Feb 6, 2015 at 12:56 PM, Mark Frye 
mailto:ma...@berkeleysolar.com>> wrote:
Folks,

How is the Gen4 Enphase (M250) holding up in the field? Any marked improvement 
over M215 in terms of failures?

Mark Frye

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Slate roof attachment?

[Will White]

We recently did a slate roof.  We used the Unirac standoff posts and Oatey 
flashings.  We had the roofer who installed the slate put the posts in.  He 
also left his staging up for us to work on.  This is the only slate roof we’ve 
ever done because the cost of the roofer usually makes the job too expensive.

I wouldn’t install the mounts in house because slate is so difficult to work 
with.  You also can’t walk on it or it cracks.

Good Luck,
Will

Will White
Director of Construction – East Coast
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is 
prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.






From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Lars Ortegren
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 5:02 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Slate roof attachment?

Wrenches,
Anyone out there attach to slate roofs? we've had one, that ended with us 
re-roofing the portion of the roof under the array, but I'm wondering if there 
is a great product out there that others have used? Thus far, the only 
attachment I can find is the PV Quickmount shake flashing that even mentions 
slate.  Ideas?

--

Lars Örtegren/ President

[California Solar Electric Company]<http://www.californiasolarco.com/>

PO Box 480/149 E.Main St
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Phone : (530)274-3671 Fax: (530)274-7518
California C-10 Electrical Contractor #779624

[http://i57.tinypic.com/14w6aac.jpg][http://i61.tinypic.com/13znwa8.jpg]


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Mate Drop and Charge Functions

[Will White]

I live off grid with an Outback system and I occasionally manually run my 
generator.  I always drop the charging for a few minutes before I shut the 
generator off and I have to remember to put it back in Use or the generator 
won't charge the next time it automatically comes on.  It's kind of a pain and 
I could see how a less savvy customer could mess this up pretty easily.

Thanks,
Will

Will White
Director of Construction - East Coast 
RGS Energy

64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980
RGSEnergy.com | william.wh...@rgsenergy.com 
Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is 
prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.





-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of William Miller
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 3:31 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Mate Drop and Charge Functions

Friends:

How many of you have customers who have accidentally engaged the "drop" 
function or disabled all battery charge functions whilst simply trying to stop 
a generator or EQ cycle?  I have seen customers ruin battery banks by mistaking 
these functions. 

I think it is a big mistake to put these similar-appearing functions together. 
The drop and charge functions really should be behind a password or deleted 
altogether. Either function can be accomplished by opening the correct circuit 
breaker. 

I am engaged in a conversation with Outback strongly encouraging them to fix 
this problem. More voices would help. 

William Miller


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator brains

[Will White]

This is what I did at my house.  There's large conductors going to the house 
for the generator output and small conductors coming back from the main load 
center to power the charger and electronics.  I live off the grid and the load 
isn't noticeable.

Thanks,
Will

Will White
Director of Construction - East Coast 
RGS Energy

64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980
RGSEnergy.com | william.wh...@rgsenergy.com 




-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Allan Sindelar
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2015 1:54 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator brains

Bill,
This is the new reality, for better or worse. Most gennies are primarily built 
for residential backup and use the grid AC to maintain readiness. 

In a new installation, running one more conductor to carry system AC for the 
generator, often no larger than 14awg, with the output and signal bundle, makes 
the gennie's tare just another base load. 



> On Jul 16, 2015, at 8:03 AM, "frenergy"  wrote:
> 
> Wrenches,
> 
>   We recently discussed the significant load the brains of  many gensets 
> requires, especially in off-grid.  I have been trying to keep the start 
> battery and brains of a Kohler 14KW gen charged with a ~40 PV.  This works 
> fine until the winter.
> 
>   Any issues with keeping that PV connected (with its charge controller) 
> and re-connecting the supplied-by-Kohler power source connection to keep the 
> battery and brains happy?  I would like to think the PV would take some of 
> the load off the AC connection to the main off-grid system, with no conflicts.
> 
> TIA
> 
> Bill
> Feather River Solar Electric 
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Using the North Facing Roof

[Will White]

I did a quick simulation using PV Watts for a small system in Western Mass.  
Here’s what I found:

Azimuth   Roof Pitch   kWH/year   % of optimum
180 40   2593   
100%
0  40   1291
   49%
0  10   1996
   79%
75   40   1829  
 70%

Looks like roof pitch makes a pretty big difference in our area.

Thanks,
Will

Will White
Director of Construction – East Coast
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is 
prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.






From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Chris Mason
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 1:50 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Using the North Facing Roof

In the Caribbean, low tilt roofs that face North can work very well, we (16 
degrees) are below the Tropic of Cancer (23 degrees) and the sun is in the 
North for much of the year.

On Tue, Jul 28, 2015 at 12:24 PM, 
mailto:billbroo...@sbcglobal.net>> wrote:
Jarmo,

The sun’s geometry is not nearly that simple. To understand the impact of 
north-facing arrays, you have to perform a simulation. PV:WATTS does this just 
fine and it is easy to show that a 18-degreed North-facing tilt produces 75% of 
a perfect 30-degree south-facing array. Far more than your assumption of 50%.

To compare 15-degrees South to 15-degrees North, the numbers are slightly 
better at 77%. We are going to see a lot of north-facing arrays once people 
understand that low tilt angles are very forgiving on North slopes. Steep 
slopes are a totally different story and you have to run the numbers….

Bill.

From: RE-wrenches 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>]
 On Behalf Of 
jarmo.venalai...@schneider-electric.com<mailto:jarmo.venalai...@schneider-electric.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 8:04 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Using the North Facing Roof

I did a slide on the effect of North facing modules.  For even a fairly 
aggressive rotation North as shown, the effect is "only" a 50% reduction.

The questions of whether or not to do it, are,

- is the mounting structure simpler, lower cost
- security against wind
- can I put a larger array on the roof  (typically yes, if you make back to 
back pyramid shaped structures)
- overall, what is the cost versus benefit
[cid:image001.gif@01D0C941.007047C0]
JARMO
_

Jarmo Venalainen  |   Schneider Electric   |  Xantrex Brand  |   CANADA  |   
Sales Application Engineer
Phone: +604-422-2528  |   Tech Support: 
800-670-0707  |   Mobile: +604-505-0291
Email: 
jarmo.venalai...@schneider-electric.com<mailto:jarmo.venalai...@schneider-electric.com>
  |   Site: www.Xantrex.com<http://www.xantrex.com/>  |   Address: 3700 Gilmore 
Way, Burnaby, BC V5G4M1
<http://www.xantrexrebate.com/>

[cid:image003.gif@01D0C941.007047C0]<http://www.xantrex.com/>

[cid:image004.gif@01D0C941.007047C0]<https://www.facebook.com/Xantrex>

[cid:image005.gif@01D0C941.007047C0]<https://twitter.com/Xantrex>

[cid:image006.gif@01D0C941.007047C0]<https://twitter.com/Xantrex>




*** Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

From:

"Peter Parrish" 
mailto:peter.parr...@calsolareng.com>>

To:

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

Date:

07/28/2015 12:22 AM

Subject:

[RE-wrenches] Using the North Facing Roof

Sent by:

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






I recently read 

Re: [RE-wrenches] clear sealant recommendations

[Will White]

We’ve use Geocel 2300 for years now with good results.  They’ve also come out 
with a new product specifically for solar:  
http://www.geocelusa.com/product/all-constructionbuilding-products/s2-solar-panel-sealant-detail.html

I’m not sure what the technical differences are but I know it comes in a 
plastic tube instead of the paper one so that helps prevent them from blowing 
out when they get a little damp.

Thanks,
Will

Will White
Director of Construction – East Coast
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is 
prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.







From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of August Goers
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2015 5:53 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] clear sealant recommendations

Hi Wrenches,

For the most part we are using Chemlink M1 sealant for to seal our rooftop 
penetrations. It hasn’t let us down yet.

M1 is a available in several opaque colors and grey is the most common. 
Sometimes we want a good quality clear sealant to put around conduit fittings, 
where our conduit enters buildings, etc. We used Geocell 2300 in the past and I 
don’t have anything bad to say to it but our current supplier doesn’t carry 
Geocell products. More recently we’ve tried Chemlink Clear sealant but I’ve 
already seen signs that it doesn’t hold up well in the elements – it seems to 
peel off the surface it was installed on and turn brown relatively fast.

Does anyone have a good multipurpose clear sealant that they like?

Best,

August


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Re: [RE-wrenches] DPW Rack Problems

[Will White]

I second the last paragraph.  Even though we’ve had issues with DP&W I still 
like their product.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of William Miller
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2015 3:14 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] DPW Rack Problems

Howie:

At one time I shared your dream: that if only the manufacturer’s would build 
wire management and shielding systems, consumers would flock to buy them.  I 
asked DPW to help me develop some wire shielding hardware and Steve Schumacher 
was willing to give it a try.  See this 
link
 for some pictures of the system Schu helped us develop.  Unfortunately, I was 
one of the few people that ever asked for this product, and there was no reason 
for DPW to put any more energy into the idea.

Over time I came to realize that what is hindering the development of better 
wire management and wire shielding systems is not the lack of manufacturers 
building the systems-- it is due to the lack of demand for them in the market.  
Wire management and shielding systems will add to the cost of any installation. 
 If installers can get away without using these systems, why should they bother?

They get by without them because building officials are all too often ignorant 
and lazy.  I have tried and tried to convince the officials in the county in 
which I live to read the black and white of the current NEC but they refuse.  
Most of the inspections of my work by building officials last less than 2 
minutes.  When I ask inspectors and plan checkers questions about codes and 
practices I usually get quizzical stares.

The engineers at DPW know what the code requires for wire shielding: they can 
read and I have highlighted the requirements many times.  DPW was willing to 
experiment, but apparently no one asked to buy these systems so there was no 
reason to put them in the catalog.

I have had my problems with the DPW painted parts for years.  It is not a new 
problem.  Hopefully with the attention they are getting this will be resolved.  
I have also waited way too long for even the most minor parts orders.  This 
needs to improve.  How hard can it be to put a few dozen bolts in a box?  Why 
should it take almost two weeks?  They need to fix the paint and get parts and 
assemblies out the door in a reasonable time.

I must say, however, that DPW has provided a very consistently good range of 
products over the years and they have been more responsive than 99% of the 
manufacturers out there.  I am still a fan of DPW.

Sincerely,

William Miller


[Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com
805-438-5600

From: RE-wrenches 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
 On Behalf Of Howie Michaelson
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2015 6:15 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] DPW Rack Problems


Thanks Michael for the communication conduit.

While I appreciate DP&W's effort to address the issues raised, I don't feel 
their response really speaks to the issues - for us, these are long standing 
problems, although they appear to possibly be getting worse more recently.

More importantly, for me this is one of the most valuable aspects of this list 
- the power of the group to garner a manufacturer's attention in order to 
address a problem (think warranty replacement issues, or equipment failure 
rates) or make an improvement.

For instance, if a ground mount racking manufacturer developed a functional, 
code compliant wire management system, I would expect to hear about it first on 
this list, get highly useful evaluations of the innovation, and then watch the 
sales of that system take off due to the "viral" nature of information shared 
on this list. If there are any racking manu reps that still read this list, 
perhaps they could take the ball and run with it. One can dream...

Howie

Howie Michaelson
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™

Catamount Solar
Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service
VT Solar Electric Incentive Partner
http://www.CatamountSolar.com
802-272-0004
On Oct 7, 2015 7:51 PM, "Michael Welch" 
mailto:michael.we...@re-wrenches.org>> wrote:
I have had off-list contact with DPW, and I've been asked to post the following 
for them. If you have questions about my posting this on their behalf, contact 
me off list.

Thanks.

Thank you for alerting us to the problems you recently encountered with the 
paint used in our TPMs.  It is our intent to respond to customers' concerns to 
maintain your trust and support.  We recently had a problem when a supplier 
discontinued a paint we've used since the inception of our TPM product line.  
After testing multiple formulations over the course of several weeks we were 
able to source a silver paint comparable to the original and now have that 
paint problem resolved.  A

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hailstorm damage

[Will White]

I’ve seen photos from one of the leasing companies of arrays right next to a 
golf course that got multiple ball strikes.  They were having to constantly 
replace modules which lead to a rule of no arrays within some number of feet 
from a course.  I think it was 300’.


From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Jason Szumlanski
Sent: Friday, October 09, 2015 8:09 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Hailstorm damage

Not to hijack the thread, but the timing is perfect for another related 
question I had. A client approached me about putting solar panels on a golf 
course maintenance building. The pitch is 2 in 12 and the location is 
supposedly not in the typical direction/are where golf balls are likely to be 
hit (most likely because I don't have a membership there). The question will 
naturally come up about golf ball strikes. We have several systems along 
fairways on residences and have not had any reported issues. Does anyone else 
have systems in the cross-hairs of errant golf balls? If so, any feedback on 
resistance to strikes?

​Jason Szumlanski​
​​Florida Solar Design Group​


On Fri, Oct 9, 2015 at 1:47 AM, Allan Sindelar 
mailto:al...@sindelarsolar.com>> wrote:
Wrenches,
From time to time I see posts about hail damage. The message below was sent 
internally among Positive Energy's three offices, and I thought worth sharing 
here.
Allan, Sindelar Solar

 Forwarded Message 
Subject:

Big hailstorm in LC

Date:

Tue, 6 Oct 2015 08:04:14 -0600


Hi all,
We had a big hail storm in Las Cruces on Saturday.  Because so many potential 
clients ask about how solar panels hold up to hail, I thought that I would 
share a bit of what we found.

The hail that was falling was about golf ball sized.  I have seen a picture of 
a hailstone next to a tape measure that was about an inch and a half in 
diameter.  On the install that we started yesterday, all of the customer's 
skylights (about 6) were busted out; not just cracked, but with big holes 
punched through them.  Several of our clients called to tell us that their 
skylights were destroyed, but their solar panels were undamaged.  We went up 
onto roofs for four of our clients that are out of town and found no damage to 
the PV arrays.

We have only one report of a damaged panel, which you can see in the attached 
photos.  This was a unique installation, because the modules are mounted flat 
on a nominally flat roof, so they have about two degrees of pitch.  That means 
that the hailstones hit almost perpendicular, so with more force.  Even at this 
installation, only one 1 out of 15 modules was damaged.  This is a Suntech 
module.

All in all, our modules fared well.  To my knowledge, this is only the second 
time that a module installed by Positive Energy has been damaged by hail.  The 
first time was in Taos a few years ago.
Cheers,
Westbrock
-- Forwarded message --
Date: Mon, Oct 5, 2015 at 7:19 PM
Subject: Broken Panel

Here is what the panel looks like! It is just like safety glass, the entire 
panel is shattered.
Bob

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Fed Tax Credit

[Will White]

Talk to your tax advisor (or have the customer talk to theirs).  Don't ever 
give out tax advise (unless you're licensed to) as it opens you to liability 
should you give them the wrong advise and they get audited by the IRS.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Drake
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2015 12:01 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Fed Tax Credit

Hello Wrenches,

Is it permissible to take the the tax credit on the batteries and backup 
inverter of an AC coupled system when the system would be capable of feeding 
the grid without the backup inverter and the batteries?

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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Re: [RE-wrenches] SIPS panel roofs

[Will White]

We’ve also used the ECO-65 which works great but the problem with your roof 
will be flashing.  The roofs we installed on were asphalt so we could use the 
flashing.  It’s going to be hard to seal a ECO-65 plate on a metal roof.


Will White
Director of Construction – East Coast
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
or the taking of any action in reliance on the information herein is 
prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.






From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Luke Christy
Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 9:45 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SIPS panel roofs

Hi Dana,
We had to do this very thing for a project some years ago. I searched 
extensively for a product that could allow us to attach directly to the top 
skin of a SIP panel without having to use blocking or through fasteners. We 
ended up using an attachment made by EcoFasten Solar. It uses a steel plate 
with a number of screws (8, I think) that collectively  create the required 
pullout resistance. They had engineering to support using the product on SIPs, 
which was awesome.

A quick look at their website shows that they still make a SIP-specific 
attachment. Their flashing isn't ideal for Pro-panel, but I would think that 
you could make it work.

-Luke


On Dec 16, 2015, at 16:45, Dana mailto:d...@solarwork.com>> 
wrote:
SIP ROOF INSTALLATION

I was asked to install on a SIP panel roof today. 5/8” OSB over 6” of foam on a 
9:12 roof pitch at 9800’ elevation with a Pro panel metal roof skin.  There is 
a finished ceiling underneath the lower side of the SIP roof panel.
I explained that it was not ideal due to the lack of good attachment etc. They 
were not concerned and said “you’ll make it work!”

I have done SIP panels in new construction and we could install backing from 
underneath and refoam.
My first thought was to do 2-2.5 times the normal L feet.
One thought was to use expanding moly-bolts.

Has anyone have experience attaching to SIP roof that was not prepared for an 
array?


Dana Orzel
Great Solar Works, Inc -  NABCEP # 051112-136
E - d...@solarwork.com<mailto:d...@solarwork.com>  - Web - 
solarwork.com<http://solarwork.com>
O - 970.626.5253  C - 208.721.7003
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
P Please consider the environment before printing this email.


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Re: [RE-wrenches] What are the most reliable OTG washers these days?

[Will White]

I had a problem with one of the control boards on my front load dryer on my off 
grid Outback system.  Seems that some type of surge fried the board.  It was 
replaced and I added a whole house AC surge protector.  I don’t know if the 
surge protector worked but I haven’t had any problems since.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Jerry Shafer
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2015 1:32 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] What are the most reliable OTG washers these days?


I got a kenmore front loader no issues, i always tell my customers to go with 
off the shelf rather then something else
Jerry
On Dec 22, 2015 8:29 PM, "jay" 
mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com>> wrote:
HI Jeff,

I’ve got a new front load digital kenmore that works on my 10 yr old VFX 3524.
no problems at all.
I don’t have the exact model, can get it for you.

jay




> On Dec 22, 2015, at 5:00 PM, Jeff Oldham 
> mailto:starpowe...@juno.com>> wrote:
>
> I'm particularly interested in ones that are happy on Outback inverters, 
> front loaders preferred.
>
> Thanks and Happy Holidays!!
>
>
> From the Solar, Wind and Hydro powered office of Jeff Oldham/Regenerative 
> SOLutions
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] What are the most reliable OTG washers these days?

[Will White]

I totally agree.  One thing I’ve noticed at my house with two Outback VFX3524’s 
and a Kohler 12RES generator is when on inverter power the lights work fine but 
when on generator power they flicker.  I’ve had the generator tech check it out 
multiple times with no fix.

Thanks,
Will

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Rich Nicol
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2015 9:24 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches' 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] What are the most reliable OTG washers these days?

I feel like the most damaging aspect of off grid power to household electronics 
in my experience living off grid for 20 years isn’t the quality of the 
inverters output (thinking of typical high grade inverters such as 
Magnum/Outback/Schneider) but rather the transfer back and forth from inverter 
to generator when backup charging is required. This is the where the sag or 
spike is the most severe – depending on the current being demanded when the 
transfer occurs.
In addition, of course, gen power is often less than stable and clean – 
depending on the quality of the gen, its condition etc.
Staber washer seems very reliable, we had one for years with no issues, it just 
doesn’t clean clothes as well as standard front or top load design.
I’m curious what others use for strategies when firing up or turning off the 
generator?
Thanks,
Rich


From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Will White
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2015 8:10 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] What are the most reliable OTG washers these days?

I had a problem with one of the control boards on my front load dryer on my off 
grid Outback system.  Seems that some type of surge fried the board.  It was 
replaced and I added a whole house AC surge protector.  I don’t know if the 
surge protector worked but I haven’t had any problems since.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Jerry Shafer
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2015 1:32 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] What are the most reliable OTG washers these days?


I got a kenmore front loader no issues, i always tell my customers to go with 
off the shelf rather then something else
Jerry
On Dec 22, 2015 8:29 PM, "jay" 
mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com>> wrote:
HI Jeff,

I’ve got a new front load digital kenmore that works on my 10 yr old VFX 3524.
no problems at all.
I don’t have the exact model, can get it for you.

jay




> On Dec 22, 2015, at 5:00 PM, Jeff Oldham 
> mailto:starpowe...@juno.com>> wrote:
>
> I'm particularly interested in ones that are happy on Outback inverters, 
> front loaders preferred.
>
> Thanks and Happy Holidays!!
>
>
> From the Solar, Wind and Hydro powered office of Jeff Oldham/Regenerative 
> SOLutions
>
>
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Temporary Roof Anchors

[Will White]

We use the RA-35 on the link you had below.  They work really well because they 
only take a few screws.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Benn Kilburn
Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2016 4:20 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Temporary Roof Anchors

Wrenches,
Of our residential installs, i would guess that at least 80% are done on 
composite asphalt shingle roofs typically ranging from 13 to 33deg pitch. The 
rest are made up of various metal roofs, cedar shake, rubber shingles, concrete 
tile, etc...
Obviously, we require roof anchors for fall protection.  Rarely do we come 
across existing homes that have roof anchors already installed.
I have typically been using these...
hinged roof anchor 

or these...
RA15-1/ 

Preferably the RA15-1 since it can use screws (#12's) instead of nails and only 
needs 8 screws compared to the 20 nails for the hinged anchor... ***in order 
for it to be approved***

​What are you all using as temporary anchors specifically for asphalt shingle 
roofs​???
Do any of you prefer to install permanent roof anchors, now that you have just 
installed a "serviceable" piece of equipment on the roof?  What do you use?
Benn

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Successor to SunEye 210?

[Will White]

Has anyone found a viable alternative?

The real issue I see is that we have to use something accepted by incentive and 
finance organizations and so far the only thing they accept (for the most part) 
is SunEye and Pathfinder.

Thanks,
Will

Will White
Director of Construction – East Coast
RGS Energy


64 Main St. |Montpelier, VT 05602
tel 802.223.7804 | mobile 802.234.3167 | fax 802.223.8980

RGSEnergy.com<http://www.rgsenergy.com/> | 
william.wh...@rgsenergy.com<mailto:william.wh...@rgsenergy.com>

Confidentiality Note: This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally 
privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended 
recipient(s). Any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying 
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prohibited. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as 
they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates 
with us by e-mail is deemed to have accepted these risks. RGS Energy is not 
responsible for errors or omissions in this message and denies any 
responsibility for any damage arising from the use of e-mail. Any opinion and 
other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those 
of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.






From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Glenn Burt
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2016 2:36 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Successor to SunEye 210?

That product line was discontinued mid-summer of last year with no replacement 
in sight.

From: Peter Parrish<mailto:peter.parr...@calsolareng.com>
Sent: ‎3/‎7/‎2016 12:27
To: 'RE-wrenches'<mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Successor to SunEye 210?
Can’t seem to find a SunEye product on the Solmetric website. Is it tucked away 
on the Vivent site or somewhere else hard-to-find?

Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D.
President, SolarGnosis
1107 Fair Oaks Ave.
Suite 351
South Pasadena, CA 91030
(323) 839-6108
peter...@pobox.com<mailto:peter...@pobox.com>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Array on different roof

[Will White]

I don't know if there's anything in the NEC but I've had two problems with
the utility in scenarios like this.  First is I've had utilities who won't
let you connect two different systems to two different meters on the same
property.  Second the utility wouldn't allow a system on one building with
it's own meter to connect to a meter on a different building.

I'd suggest you ask the utility what their policy is.

Good Luck,
Will White

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PV Installation Professional
# 093006-34

On Wed, Jul 20, 2016 at 10:31 AM, Steve Romo <
st...@mountainpowersolutions.com> wrote:

> Good morning wrenches,
>
> We have a customer with two separate meters on his property. One for the
> shop and one for the house. We would like to do a system on each meter (
> the utility limits us to 10  kW on each meter)  The house roof is great for
> solar, the shop- not so much. So we would like to put both systems on the
> house roof and back feed both meters individually. Is there anything in the
> NEC that prohibits this?
>
> Thanks
> --
> Steve Romo
> NABCEP certified PV Installer #110112-124
> Kohler Certified Generator Technician
> Generac Certified Generator Technician
> Mountain Power Solutions
> 970-433-6316
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Roof attachment

[Will White]

Ecofasten ECO-65 or ECO-44 would be good options.

On Wed, Jul 27, 2016 at 10:49 AM, Jay  wrote:

> Hi all
>
> I'm looking for a roof attachment for the following
>
> Large base with sealant for plywood roof
> Many smaller screws vs single lag attachment
> Will be for roof with torch down material.
> And with center post attachment so I can mount unistrut to.
>
> I've seen some examples but now of course I can't seem to locate them.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Jay
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] S-5! mini vs 2 screw

[Will White]

The big problem I've had with the minis is when you attach them with rail
and then walk on the rail it can pivot on the single set screw.   Often you
have to go back and straighten out the rails before mounting the modules.
I'd assume the resistance to uplift would be less too but that may not be a
problem.

Thanks,
Will


On Wed, Jul 27, 2016 at 4:28 PM,  wrote:

> Hello Wrenches!
> We're designing a larger standing seam roof array. Other than the little
> bit of wobble from the single set screw on the mini, does anyone have a
> strong engineering opinion on the 2 screw vs single? We've always had good
> luck with the minis and the price is about 1/3 less.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Bruce Fiero-RMI
>
> *Willpower Electric, LLC*
> *4115 S Pacific Hwy*
> *Medford, OR 97501*
>
> *Phone: *541-535-3965
> *Fax:* 541-512-0061
> *Email:* br...@willpowerelect.com
> *Web:* Willpower Electric, LLC
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Protecting Asphalt Shingled Roofs

[Will White]

I've used those mats in the past and they work really well although if I
remember correctly they get slippery when wet.

This doesn't work on roofs but to protect customers floors I'm a big fan of
using sections of carpet runners you can get from Home Depot.  They're
about 3' wide and have a rubber back.  I get them cut in about 10' sections
and lay them out to make a path from point A to point B.  Customers really
appreciate that.

Thanks,
Will

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# 093006-34



On Thu, Jul 28, 2016 at 11:56 PM, James Rudolph 
wrote:

> Aloha Team Wrenches,
>
> How are we best protecting asphalt shingled roofs during the install?
>
> Does anybody use "yellow spaghetti mats" up on pitched roofs with any
> success?
>
> Mahalo in advance,
>
> *James B. Rudolph*
> *Haleakala Solar*
> *Director of Operations*
>
> *NABCEP Certified PV Installer # 091209-155*
>
>
>
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive

[Will White]

Do you find that the installation takes longer because you're basically
installing a micro inverter and string inverter system at the same time?
I've also heard of AHJ's requiring that the inverter be mounted outside
because of the rapid shutdown disconnect attached to the inverter.

Thanks,
Will


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PV Installation Professional
# 093006-34

On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 1:41 PM,  wrote:

> Since I am having such a tough time even getting a call back, never mind
> reimbursments, we have started very happily using SolarEdge with very good
> results so far. Communications, no problem, occasional tech support is
> timely, we are seeing less than a 1% failure on optimizers. Ease and
> safety of installation is excellent as welland no, I don't work for
> them :-)
>
> Daryl
>
>
>
> > Wrenches
> > We have allot of enphase and ya sometimes it a little hard to get them on
> > the line but we always do. I request the re-inbursments, l dont ever see
> > them as they end up in the admin office. We have looked at and used a few
> > other mico-inverters at customer request but they all seem to go out of
> > business so we are sticking to enphase for better or worse.
> > Jerry
> >
> >
> > Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Sâ„¢ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
> >
> >  Original message From: Wayne Irwin
> >  Date:08/05/2016  6:58 AM
> > (GMT-10:00) To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
> > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive
> > 
> > Maybe just dumb luck, but we almost always have quick phone tech
> > support from Enphase and always get reimbursed.
> >
> > Wayne Irwin
> > Pure Energy Solar
> >
> > Sent from my mobile device
> >
> > From: conr...@cape.com
> > Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2016 12:39:02 -0400
> > To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
> > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive
> >
> > Same thing going on here
> >
> > Conrad
> > Cotuit Solar
> >
> >
> > Conrad Geyser, Principal
> > Cotuit Solar LLC
> > 508-428-8442
> >
> > On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 9:59 AM, gary easton  wrote:
> > just a worthless ticket but no action and certainly no timely
> > reimbursement if at all.   I would never do business with this company
> > again.
> >
> > On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 9:38 AM,  wrote:
> > Just to renew this line of conversation, I have been waiting for several
> > call backs form Enphase, with no results, for the past three weeks. I
> also
> > have warranty claims that go back four months+ that have not been
> > fulfilled. I will not sell any more Enphase, at all, until they resolve
> > these communication and warranty issues.
> >
> > Daryl DeJoy
> > NABCEP Certified PV Installer
> > Penobscot Solar Design
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >> It seems like we are talking about inverter and module customer service
> >> (good and bad) a lot lately.
> >>
> >> Has anyone else noticed that Enphase seems to have stopped responding to
> >> tickets submitted via their website? Hold times are unacceptable, so I
> >> gave
> >> up on that, but nobody gets back to you when you try to contact them via
> >> their web form for weeks, even about an existing RMA or ticket, and they
> >> no
> >> longer let you update tickets by email. They are very helpful and
> >> competent
> >> if you get them on the phone, but who has time for that?!
> >>
> >> I'm also waiting an unacceptable amount of time on a major module
> >> manufacturer warranty claim right now. I'd love to see Home Power or
> >> someone do a story on manufacturer responsiveness to dealers. Things are
> >> generally going down hill it seems.
> >>
> >> Jason Szumlanski
> >> Florida Solar Design Group
> >> ___
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[RE-wrenches] SunTech

[Will White]

Does anyone know where I can get two SunTech STP-175 black modules?  Please
contact me off list.

Thanks,
Will

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[Will White]

such
> > small wires for such a long run from transformer to house when I
> > showed up there without a voltmeter. He is a heavy user, using 6,000
> > kwh in some months
> >
> > We?re looking at a 20KW system (he has some other expansion
> > requirements, he has the roof space, and the need.) I roughly estimate
> > that he?ll use onsite 40-50 amps of the 82 amps at peak inverter power
> > output.
> >
> > Interesting to hear of one transformer response and hope to learn more
> > on that, too.
> >
> > *Howard ?Scot? Arey*
> >
> > Owner, Solar CenTex
> >
> > 254-300-1228
> >
> > scot.a...@solarcentex.com
> >
> > www.solarcentex.com <http://www.solarcentex.com/>
> >
> > https://www.facebook.com/SolarCentex
> >
> > Rated #1 Solar Installer in Texas by Solar Reviews
> > <http://www.solarreviews.com/solar-companies/top-100-
> residential-solar-power-contractors-2016/texas/>__
> >
> > Solar Centex Logo - No Back
> >
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 12:16 PM, Howard Arey 
> wrote:
>
> Good day,
>
>
>
> I have a potential client that has an existing 1,000 foot run from the
> meter and transformer at the street to the home. This is 4/0 Al and quick
> calcs show the voltage drop at over 12%. He acknowledges that the wire is
> undersized to keep voltage at/about 240 volts (I have not measured directly
> at the street / transformer yet).
>
>
>
> I know the wire has the necessary ampacity to carry his current service
> needs and to carry amps from the to-be-suggested solar system.
>
>
>
> My concern is that the voltage drop will change the 240 volts at the
> street/transformer/meter to 211ish (or will I see a higher 268?sh voltage
> at the far house end?) at the house. The inverter will try to synch to this
> voltage but of course this is outside of typical inverter parameters.
>
>
>
> So, instead of re-running much large wire, does anybody have experience and
> comments about potentially using a buck-boots transformer at the home to
> get us back to 240 volts? This would need to be service entrance sized.
>
>
>
> *Howard ?Scot? Arey*
>
> Owner, Solar CenTex
>
> 254-300-1228
>
> scot.a...@solarcentex.com
>
>
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] kwh for dishwasher

[Will White]

You should be able to get kWH from energystar.gov.



On Wed, Aug 31, 2016 at 11:58 AM, jay  wrote:

> HI All,
>
> I can’t find usage for a dishwasher.
> And as I don’t have one I can’t test it.
>
> Any ideas for a newer high efficiency one?
>
> Both kw and kwh?  Worst case I guess?
>
> thanks
>
> jay
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Clipping of microinverter output

[Will White]

Mike,

Have you read the Enphase white paper on module to inverter size?  It goes
into good detail on why they do it.

http://www2.enphase.com/global/files/Enphase_White_Paper_Module_Rightsizing.pdf

Thanks,
Will


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On Mon, Oct 3, 2016 at 10:20 PM, Mike Kocsmiersky 
wrote:

> Recently I’ve been concerned about power clipping of micro inverters and
> the design ratio of PV STC array size to inverter.  If I have a 300W module
> going into a 250W micro inverter, there will be times when the potential
> power output is clipped because the micro inverter can’t handle all the
> power.  I’m thinking cold day with 1000W/m2 irradiance.  It is typical
> nowadays to have an STC array size to inverter ratio of 1.2.  Have you seen
> any analysis on how much energy is clipped, vs how much energy output is
> increased by operating at a better efficiency spot on the micro inverter?
> This assumes that the micro inverter performs better when more fully loaded.
>
> Additionally over time the crystalline silicon module will degrade
> slightly as well, reducing the amount of power clipping.
>
>
>
> I welcome your thoughts.
>
>
>
>
>
> Mike Kocsmiersky
>
> Principal
>
> Phone: 413 883-3144
>
> *Spirit Solar*
>
> www.SpiritSolar.net
>
>
>
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] Ring Connectors

[Will White]

Hey Wrenches,

I'm doing an upgrade to an Outback VFX series off-grid system with the
flexware boxes.  What type/brand of ring connectors and crimpers do you all
use for the DC breakers with the post terminals?

Thanks,
Will
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Demand Charges

[Will White]

I think it varies by Utility and rate schedule.

On Thu, Jan 26, 2017 at 4:04 PM, Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> Tom, are you sure it isn’t the highest 15 minute period for the last
> rolling 12 month period? That’s how FPL is set up. It’s brutal for some
> industries that have infrequent high demand.
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jan 26, 2017 at 9:06 AM, Tom Lane  wrote:
>
>> In Florida it is not unusable to have a $700 dollar demand charge AND
>> only a $165 electric useage charge . A classic example is a Church or
>> Temple that has only two services a week and tremendous useage during those
>> brief hourly services . For example Duke Energy's demand charge is for the
>> highest 15 minutes during the monthly billing cycle . I have always
>> suggested to people who come to me for help with Solar that they are better
>> off using multiple time clocks on the heating and cooling units etc . Since
>> they cannot use a tax credit they need a White Knight investor for Solar OR
>> a battery storage system to release power during the demand period
>> obviously. An big battery system and Inverter or inverters . Any ideas .
>> Gator Tom
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Deck Flashing

[Will White]

I've successfully used Ecofastens ECO-65.  Just keep in mind when you're
attaching to decking the weak point becomes the attachment of the decking
to the rafters.  I've seen several roofs where they missed every nail when
trying to nail the decking down.

http://www.ecofastensolar.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=4#.WJxnklUrJQI

On Wed, Feb 8, 2017 at 5:46 PM, Michael Welch  wrote:

> Hi gang. Andrew's mail server is having troubles connecting to ours, so I
> am posting this on his behalf.
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> Can anyone suggest some kind of a deck flashing that can be used for
> mounting on a comp. roof without going into the rafters?  How about plastic
> flashing.  We install a butch of  Heliocol solar pool heating panels and
> are trying to figure out a way to inexpensively flash the gazillion of
> holes we put in folks roofs installing these systems.. including our two
> hole pipe clamps to secure the plumbing run to the roof.  The lower the
> profile the better.
>
> I appreciate your time and input,
>
>
>
>
> *Andrew Koyaanisqatsi President *Solar Energy Solutions, Inc.
>
> *The BRIGHT CHOICE *Since 1987, helping you and your Portland neighbors
> move towards an environmentally sustainable future.
> 503-238-4502 <(503)%20238-4502>
> www.SolarEnergyOregon.com <http://www.solarenergyoregon.com/>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad?

[Will White]

Did they torque the polaris terminals to the proper setting? I'd be willing
to bet they didn't which is why they're failing.

On Thu, Apr 6, 2017 at 1:35 PM,  wrote:

> Wrenches,
>
> We have been having Polaris connectors start to fail on older installs.
> About 4 or 5 years ago we abandoned wire nuts in favor of the much more
> pricey, but deemed safer Polaris insulated tap connectors in our combiners.
> About a year ago we transitioned, about 80% away from Polaris to Buchannon
> connectors. We have had two recent call-backs on systems downed due to
> Polaris connectors burning up inside of boxes. (No damage beyond the
> connector itself). Recently we interfaced with another solar install firm
> that has gone back to wire nuts due to this same problem. Anyone else
> seeing this? Wondering if this is an industry-wide issue regarding a
> Polaris manufacturing defect or if we're still in the realm of isolated
> flukes.
>
> Eric
> SunHarvest
> (530) 559-5023
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator choice for Sunny Island

[Will White]

 especially those of you who work on off-grid projects,
>>
>> We have an upcoming off-grid project where we will be powering a storage
>> container with electronics in it. The loads are mostly 120 volt but there
>> is a 240 volt heat pump that might occasionally run. We’re AC coupling the
>> Sunny Island with a Sunny Boy PV inverter. So, we’ll be installing a
>> Outback PSX-240 autoformer to bump the Sunny Island’s output from 120 to
>> 240 volt.
>>
>> We need to select a generator for backup. We need a two-wire electric
>> start
>> (in order to be controlled by the Sunny Island) and preferably a generator
>> that is okay just running 120 volt loads since the Sunny Islands input is
>> only 120 volt. Something in the 3 kVA -7 kVA range should be fine.
>>
>> Does anyone have experience or ideas about what kind of two-wire start
>> generator we might select?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> August
>>
>> Luminalt
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>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Chris Mason
>>
>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
>>
>> Solar Design Engineer
>>
>> Generac Generators Industrial technician
>>
>>
>>
>> www.cometsolar.com <http://www.cometenergysystems.com>
>>
>> 264.235.5670 <(264)%20235-5670>
>>
>> 869.662.5670 <(869)%20662-5670>
>>
>> Skype: netconcepts
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] TPO Roofing

[Will White]

William,

I've used ChemCurb before with a Unirac two part standoff on membrane roofs
and it works really well. It's not the least expensive option but depending
on the size of your system it may work well. I think it works with many
different types of membrane so it may work with the TPO.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWfXAvfRyIM

Thanks,
Will

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On Thu, Aug 31, 2017 at 2:00 AM, William Miller 
wrote:

> Friends:
>
> We are working what is purported to be a TPO roof. We were told the
> roofing is obsolete and no boots (flashings) were available.
>
> I'd really appreciate a brief run-down on the material and practices, if
> anyone is willing. If it would be easier and I'm the only one who cares, I
> could call someone who has worked with it and we could have a brief chat.
>
> Here are some basic questions:
>
> 1. How do you seal in a stanchion?
> 2. Are boots available?
> 3. Is there s caulk you can use?
>
> We will be using a licensed roofer, but I suspect the one we inherited
> might be BSing me and I need to educate myself.
>
> As always, thank you in the extreme for any guidance.
>
> William Miller
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Security / theft questions

[Will White]

We had an array stolen from a ground mount system directly in front of a state 
police barracks.  They drove up in a van during a shift change, took all the 
modules down, and drove off.  Never got caught.

We assumed they used the modules on a camp somewhere in the middle of the woods.

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Rebekah Hren
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2012 1:04 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Security / theft questions

I'm researching an article on PV system security/theft, and I thought it would 
be interesting to ask the wrenches list what y'all have been seeing on sites, 
hoping it might be useful for everyone.

Answers to any of these questions would be really appreciated:

1) On my sites copper has been stolen, but never modules. Is anyone seeing 
stolen modules, or is it more copper/tools/equipment thefts because its easy to 
pawn? What the heck would you do with stolen modules besides use them on your 
own property? Searching craiglist and ebay I haven't seen any sign of what look 
to be stolen modules. I'm having a hard time figuring out what you would do 
with a significant quantity of stolen modules.

2) It is very hard to prove that a security measure works, but you can prove 
that one has failed. Has anyone had experience with thefts on sites using 
security hardware? Using cameras? Using guards? If a theft occurred, was it 
during or after installation?

3) What about theft from non-secured sites?

4) Is theft something you are worried about on residential/ commercial roof 
systems after the installation is complete?


Many thanks!
Rebekah Hren
O2 Energies,
North Carolina





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Re: [RE-wrenches] Thermal storage water stabilizer

[Will White]

Nathan,

We've done a couple of systems with large unpressurized tanks (STSS).  They 
work well but there are a couple of things you need to pay attention to.  We 
use tap water to fill the tank which works fine but you have to make sure the 
PH of the water is in the correct range.  I can't remember what that is off 
hand but the STSS manual has a whole section on correct PH and want to add (I 
think it's baking soda) to correct the PH.  The second tip is make sure all the 
ports and the lid are properly sealed with calk.  The STSS tanks come with the 
calk, I'm not sure if other brands include it.  If you don't seal all the 
openings well when the tank heats up and produces condensation that water will 
leak out the ports and create a mess and reduce the efficiency of the 
insulation.

We used to make our own heat exchangers with K soft copper and trex to hold it 
all together.  That worked well on most systems but we had one where the copper 
eroded where it was in contact with the trex.   We think it was due to improper 
PH of the water in the tank. I'd recommend buying the heat exchangers from the 
manufacture.

Good luck,
Will

______
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>

[Description: 
RGS12_Q2_MYTH_static_signature_1b]<http://realgoodssolar.com/landing/87_solar_myths.php>



From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Nathan Stumpff
Sent: Friday, August 10, 2012 3:03 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Thermal storage water stabilizer

Thermal wrenches,

I have a series of upcoming projects involving large (up to 10,000 gallon) 
water storage. They are closed (air-tight) but unpressurized (oversized 
expansion capability) systems, basically just a mass of water. We move heat in 
(solar, masonry heater) and out (DHW, space heating) exclusively via heat 
exchangers, so once we seal up the lid there is no introduction of any new 
material, including air, until bladder replacement or other maintenance, 
hopefully a long time off.

Obviously de-ionized water would be the best choice for initial fill, but it is 
not going to happen. My thought is that with no new source of oxygen, minerals, 
etc., the small amounts that will be present on fill up can't pose a big 
problem.

Anyone with experience here? Any ideas or leads for a stabilizer to add on 
initial fill? What problems am I not seeing?

Many thanks,
-Nathan

--
Nathan J. Stumpff - Arctic Sun, LLC
NABCEP Certified PV Installer #091209-175
NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer #032412-14
nat...@arcticsun-llc.com<mailto:nat...@arcticsun-llc.com>
Office: 907/457-1297
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase M210-84-208-S12 Inverters Available?

[Will White]

All SunPower modules with NE in the model number are specifically listed to be 
positive or negative ground or ungrounded with transformerless inverters.

Thanks,
Will

__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>

[Description: 
RGS12_Q2_MYTH_static_signature_1b]<http://realgoodssolar.com/landing/87_solar_myths.php>



From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Nick Soleil
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2012 12:38 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase M210-84-208-S12 Inverters Available?

HI Dave,

You are correct.  The Enphase Microinverters bond the DC positive to ground.

This is not an issue.  Most modules will operate normally with either; no 
ground bond, the DC negative bonded, or the DC positive bonded.

SunPower modules are the exception, with a requirement for being positively 
grounded.

Nick Soleil
On Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 5:16 AM, Dave Click 
mailto:davecl...@fsec.ucf.edu>> wrote:
Enphase already positive-grounds the module:

http://enphase.com/support/installation-wiring/
Q: The Enphase Microinverter manual states that the device is positively 
grounded. Don't most PV modules have negative grounds? Is this a problem for 
Enphase?
A: Enphase made the decision to positively ground its microinverters to 
minimize corrosion. Because Enphase Microinverters are positively grounded, 
they are compatible with both positively and negatively grounded modules.


On 2012/8/12 13:29, JRQ wrote:
Louis,

Can Enphase inverters be positively grounded? I wasn't aware that they
could. Otherwise you have an equipment mismatch problem that can't be
overcome under the listing of the modules and the inverters.

Jeffrey Quackenbush.



*From:* Louis Woofenden mailto:lo...@woofenden.net>>
*To:* RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
*Sent:* Tuesday, August 7, 2012 2:54 PM
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Enphase M210-84-208-S12 Inverters Available?



Hi Wrenches,

I'm trying to piece together an SunPower/Enphase job, and looking for up
to 25 Enphase M210-84-208-S12 inverters, which have been discontinued by
Enphase.

If you happen to have any available (or know someone who does), can you
please contact me off-list at 
lo...@netzerosolar.net<mailto:lo...@netzerosolar.net>
<mailto:lo...@netzerosolar.net<mailto:lo...@netzerosolar.net>>, or 
520-237-5040?


Thanks,

Louis Woofenden

Net Zero Solar, LLC
Tucson, AZ

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--

Cordially,

Nick Soleil

Field Applications Engineer

Enphase Energy

Mobile: (707) 321-2937



1420 North McDowell

Petaluma, CA 94954

www.enphase.com<http://www.enphaseenergy.com/>

P: (707) 763-4784 x7267

F: (707) 763-0784

E: nsol...@enphaseenergy.com<mailto:nsol...@enphaseenergy.com>

[nabcep logo] Certified Solar PV Installer #0

Re: [RE-wrenches] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?

[Will White]

We use the Green Flashing system by Eco Fasten.  Works well.  You do have to 
trim the flashing or remove roof nails occasionally.

Thanks,
Will

__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>

[Description: 
RGS12_Q2_MYTH_static_signature_1b]<http://realgoodssolar.com/landing/87_solar_myths.php>



From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of SunHarvest
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2012 5:55 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?

Hey guys,

What's the consensus on the best practice for flashing roof penetrations on 
existing (not new) comp shingle roofs?

I don't like Oatey because the boot degrades quickly and even shaded under the 
modules I don't like the idea of using an inferior product. The flashing on 
Master flash is quite extensive; I don't like disturbing the established 
roofing material as much as is required with Master Flash...nor do I like the 
idea of having to trim so much of the flashing. Quick-mount is easy but I 
really don't like the lack in height versatility plus the fact that there is no 
decent way of retracting the lag bolt. I know there must be a better way.

I recall in the old days (old for me anyway) we used to just mount L-feet to 
the shingles and on my own house I mounted stand-offs directly to the shingles 
because I'm confident in that method. But, I need something with more insurance 
when working on other people's homes.

William, what are you using these days?


Eric Stikes
SunHarvest Solar
A Sustainable Energy Group Partner
+1 (530) 798 - 3738
www.harvesthesun.com<http://www.harvesthesun.com>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?

[Will White]

We use the EcoFasten Green Flashing with the standard Unirac L foot that has 
the oval hole so you get some rail adjustment.  You have to be sure to use the 
Green Flashing compression plate between the flashing and the L foot.

>From what I've experienced with flashing you're going to have to cut the 
>flashing or remove shingle nails no matter what you do or which brand you use.

Thanks,
Will

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of SunHarvest
Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 7:22 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?

Thanks guys. Talked with TTi and mentioned Mr. Miller's experience with rust. 
They said they got a lot of feedback about this problem on their 1st generation 
line and have since corrected the issue. I'll remain cautious...thanks Willy.

TTi, DPW, EcoFasten, and Quick-mount all seem to have the same issue of lacking 
versatility in height adjustment. Anyway, going to check out a sample from TTi. 
DPW and EcoFasten look like they still require cutting of both flash base and 
comp courses. I'm trying to avoid cutting anything as I want to avoid 
disturbing original flashing and original roofing material.

Thanks for all your input!!

Eric Stikes
SunHarvest Solar
A Sustainable Energy Group Partner
+1 (530) 798 - 3738
www.harvesthesun.com

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Surge Protection- PV

[Will White]

We use the LA302R for AC and LA602DC for the DC side.  I don't think I've ever 
had one of them struck so I can't say how well they actually work.

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Keith Cronin
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 4:53 PM
To: RE-Wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Surge Protection- PV

Hi folks

What kinds of products are you using for residential and commercial surge 
protection for your PV systems?

Have a few clients that have been asking.

Is it at the service, using products like this:
http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/public/en/bussmann/electrical/products/surge_protectiondevice/photovoltaic_spd.videos.html

I always wonder what it protects and the fine print in the event of a lightning 
storm to someone hitting a pole on the street and sending the surge back into 
the property.

Aloha,
Keith
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SunnyIsland - was AC coupling and Outback inverters

[Will White]

We've had problems with the Outback auto transformer when used with Sunny 
Islands.  The internal resistance of the transformer bumped the voltage up too 
high on a couple of systems and we were getting over voltage errors in the 
inverter.  We switched to a larger transformer and that fixed the problem.


__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com





-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2012 11:14 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SunnyIsland - was AC coupling and Outback inverters

I'm looking forward to checking out the SMA Smartformer. We're sending one of 
our guys to SMA training later this month to learn more about it is depth. Up 
to date, we used the Outback PSX-240 like the one found here to
120/240 step up:

http://www.altestore.com/store/Enclosures-Electrical-Safety/Miscellaneous-
Electrical-Parts/Transformers/Outback-PSX-240-Autotransformer-with-Fan/p40
89/

My experience with a handful of Sunny Island backup systems has been really 
good. The Sunny Island is a very solid piece of equipment and is easy to 
program if the plan is properly thought through and everything is wired 
properly.

Good luck with your project! -August

-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, October 05, 2012 6:01 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SunnyIsland - was AC coupling and Outback inverters

Check out the new SMA Smartformer, though I'm not sure whether it's actually 
shipping yet. I'm thinking about this for my house eventually (SB5000US).

http://www.sma-america.com/en_US/products/off-grid-and-back-up-solutions/s
martformer-for-sunny-island.html

Alternatively, the new SMA TL inverters (at least the 3, 4, and 5kW units 
according to the press release) have an "Emergency Power Supply"
function that can provide backup power (12A?) during the day when the grid is 
down. This may meet your customer's requirements. No batteries required, though 
since the TLs require ungrounded arrays, you may need to rewire the existing 
array to be compliant with 690.35 (PV Wire or raceway).


On 2012/10/5 8:41, Kirk Herander wrote:
> One Question: Output of the SunnyBoy is 240vac. So this is fed to the 
> critical load panel, of which the SunnyIsland 120 vac output is fed to.
> So we need a 120/240 step up transformer between the SunnyIsland and 
> the critical load panel to fully take advantage of the Sunnyboy array 
> for battery charging, correct?.
>
> Kirk Herander
>
> VT Solar, LLC
>
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>
> NABCEP^TM Certified installer Charter Member
>
> NYSERDA-eligible Installer
>
> VT RE Incentive Program Partner
>
> 802.863.1202
>
> *From:*re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of 
> *David Katz
> *Sent:* Friday, October 05, 2012 2:11 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] AC coupling and Outback inverters
>
> Hi Kirk,
>
> All of the Outback inverters will work AC coupled (GT and FX) as will 
> any bi-directional H-bridge type inverter.  I have used old Trace 
> SW's, SunnyIsland, Apollo TSW, Magnum AE and now I am using an Outback 
> Radian to do exactly what you are talking about.  I have 6 kW of grid 
> tie inverter and an additional 4kw of modules running through a 
> Xantrex 600 volt charge controller to the batteries that the Radian 
> runs on. It all works flawless as long as you have a provision for 
> protecting the batteries when the gid is down and the grid-tie PV 
> system is making more power than the loads are using.
>
> If the customer has SMA inverters, I would recommend using a 
> SunnyIsland because the battery control when the grid goes down is so
elegant.
> Everything else is a bit of a kludge.
>
> David Katz
>
> CTO & Founder
>
> AEE Solar Inc
>
> P: 707 825-1200
>
> F: 707 825-1202
>
> dk...@aeesolar.com <mailto:dk...@aeesolar.com>
>
> www.aeesolar.com <http://www.aeesolar.com>
>
> *From:*re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
> <mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>
> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
> <mailto:[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]> *On Behalf 
> Of *Kirk Herander
> *Sent:* Thursday, October 04, 2012 2:11 PM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] AC coupling and

Re: [RE-wrenches] tax credit questions

[Will White]

We never answer tax questions.  We always refer the customer to a tax 
professional.  You can get in some pretty big trouble giving tax advice and 
open yourself up to some serious liability.


__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com



-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jonathan Hill
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 1:56 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] tax credit questions

Fellow wrenches-
If a customer who has a pv system which was installed before this year adds to 
the system, say a Sunny Island and batteries (but no additional modules), does 
the new equipment qualify for the tax credit or must he order more modules as 
well?
Is there a minimum pv wattage to qualify for the credit?
Do solar pumping systems qualify for the credit?
Thanks so much for you response.

Jonathan Hill, senior solar design engineer Solar Electric Supply
530-559-3781
solar...@solarelectricsupply.com


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Pilot Hole Template

[Will White]

Have you looked at EcoFastens Eco-65 plate?  We used them on a roof similar to 
what you've got and went right into the 2x6 so we didn't have to go into the 
structural members.  They've got a flashing that will work with asphalt roofs.

Just make sure you get the right length fasteners so it doesn't go through the 
finished ceiling inside.

Thanks,
Will

______
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>



From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jesse Dahl
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 9:01 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Pilot Hole Template

Hello,

The roof I'm currently working on is not a typical roof.  The construction is 
as follows:

2"x6" tongue and groove exposed inside, with 4 inches of foam (blue board) and 
on top of that 3/4" plywood with asphalt shingles on top of that.

I'd like to make a template to ensure that my pilot bit doesn't wander when I'm 
going through the blue board.  If I miss the beams inside, the hole or the lag 
would be exposed.

Anybody run across this? Ideas?  I thought of maybe using a qucikmount 
flashing, with a short section of EMT attached to help guide the bit

Thanks!

Jesse
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Squirrel/leaf guard for solar array

[Will White]

We've used the Snap N Rack squirrel guard with good success on a bunch of 
installs.  They've changed it recently to a thicker mesh and you don't have to 
use pop rivets so you can remove it if necessary without having to drill out 
the rivets.


__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>



From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Chris Mason
Sent: Friday, February 15, 2013 1:19 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Squirrel/leaf guard for solar array

SnapNRack makes a wire mesh roof guard, probably works on any installation.

On Fri, Feb 15, 2013 at 11:28 AM, David Brearley 
mailto:david.brear...@solarprofessional.com>>
 wrote:
Hi Carl,

Check out the sidebar by Stephen Kane in this article for info on a couple 
"squirrel guard" product suppliers:

http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP6_2_pg30_Jacoby

I do think that the same system can serve both purposes. Once the screen is in 
place it should be self-evident when the debris builds up and needs to be 
cleaned. When it's under the array, it's out of sight, out of mind and 
potentially a problem.

Best, David

On Feb 15, 2013, at 9:20 AM, Carl Adams wrote:

Hello Wrenches,

I serviced an array yesterday which had accumulated a large amount of leaves 
under the modules.  No evidence of squirrels at this point, but I know there 
has been discussion of protective fencing around arrays to prevent squirrels 
moving in and I wonder if the same system might keep the leaf debri from 
building up under the array.  Do any of you have suggestions for materials and 
methods to do this.  A link to photos of installed projects would be 
appreciated.

Thanks
Carl Adams
SunRock Solar

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Cell: 264.235.5670
Skype: netconcepts
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Snow loads

[Will White]

Most structural engineers I've seen take a reduction for slippery surface but I 
think you'd be stretching things to say adding PV panels reduces the load to 
zero.  I have a 45 degree pitch roof and I get snow build up some times 
especially if we get freezing rain before the snow.

Also if you have an asphalt shingle roof you can create an unbalanced load with 
snow sliding off the south side and sticking on the north side.  Most engineers 
take this into consideration too.

Thanks,
Will

__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>





From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Gary Bassett
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2013 1:48 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Snow loads

Has anyone in the snow belt areas have any luck with convincing their local 
building inspectors that the snow melts or slides from panels, much like a 
metal roof only better. Thus your snow load would be reduced to zero where the 
panels have been installed.

Gary


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sheets of snow vs ice breakers

[Will White]

Drake,

We deal with issues like this in New England all the time.  Yes there are times 
when a large buildup of snow will overshoot the ice breakers.  We just had 2'+ 
of snow and I had one array with a pitch similar to yours where the snow 
overshot an Alpine Snow guard and ripped half the snow guard off the roof (not 
the guards fault, the rafter tails turned out to be rotted).

Every year someone loses a gutter to snow but it's usually because the gutter 
was poorly installed in the first place.  Usually if you replace the gutter 
with something more substantial and better attached you won't have problems.

Snow is also another reason you don't see a lot of gutters in Vermont.

That's my .02

Thanks,
Will


______
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>



From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Drake
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 11:07 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Sheets of snow vs ice breakers

Hello Wrenches,

We are trying to understand what will happen on a fairly steep roof (34 degree 
pitch) when snow comes off a large array and hits ice breakers on the metal 
roof.  Before the ice breakers were installed on the bottom couple of feet of 
the roof, the gutters experienced damage from sheets of snow and ice sliding 
down.

The concern is that large sheets of snow coming off the array could overshoot 
the ice breakers and take down the gutters.  The proposed array will be 
approximately 22 feet along the direction of the pitch.

Does anyone have experience with this issue or any possible solutions?

Thank you,

Drake


Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric LLC
OH License 44810
CO License 3773
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
740-448-7328
http://athens-electric.com/
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Metal shingles

[Will White]

We've done a couple of installs on metal shingle roofs and we used the Unirac 
stand offs with the Oatey boots.  We had the standoffs and flashing installed 
by the roofer so it wouldn't void the roof warranty.  It cost about $1500 extra 
but we thought it was worth if in case of a leak.

Thanks,
Will


__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com



-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, March 20, 2013 11:33 PM
To: Wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Metal shingles

Hello,

I looked at a site today and the roofing was a brand of metal shingle. This was 
just a quick drive by and check out the site so I don't have access to the 
brand or method of attachment.  

It still got me thinking, what are people doing for attachments to roofing like 
this?  6/12 pitch, and from the photos the client sent me, the structure is 
2"X6" truss running N-S, with 1"x4" strapping every 4' running E-W along with 
5/8" OSB on top of the strapping.  The trusses look to be on 4' centers (just 
judging by the photo).  

The only thing I can think of is EJOT type fasteners through the shingle into 
the truss. The shingles would crush a little bit, but the OSB would support it 
pretty well.  Otherwise removing the shingles where the feet would go and 
then.

As always thanks for all the help.

Jesse

Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Auto Gen on Outback

[Will White]

I've heard the same thing about the Outback auto gen start so I was hesitant to 
set it up on my off grid system.  I ran for three years manually starting and 
stopping the generator.  Over the winter I went away for an extended period so 
I set up the auto start.  I wish I had set it up from day one.  I've never had 
a problem and with the Flexnet DC monitor there are all kinds of great settings 
for when you want it to start and stop.  It's worked flawlessly since I set it 
up.

Thanks,
Will


__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>



From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Drake
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 3:52 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Auto Gen on Outback

Hello Wrenches,

We are adding a Generac EcoGen to an existing Outback VFX 3648 system.  It was 
the recommendations from those of you on this list who have installed them that 
led to this choice. Your testimonials are very much appreciated.

I've read, on this list, that people have had issues with FX family inverters 
starting and stopping generators reliably. The plan was to go with the Atkinson 
GSCM and a separate voltage controlled relay.  It appears that if the system is 
48 volts, it is necessary to center tap the battery bank for a 24 volt feed to 
the GSCM. This I don't want to do.

Is it still agreed that the FX inverters are not reliable for starting and 
stopping generators?

Has anyone used a GSCM on a 48 volt system without problems?

Thank you,

Drake







Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric LLC
OH License 44810
CO License 3773
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
740-448-7328
http://athens-electric.com/
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverter Ramp times

[Will White]

I don't have any experience in large storage but I know Dynapower in Vermont is 
working on a storage solution.  You should check them out: 
http://www.dynapowerenergy.com/ 

Thanks,
Will


__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com



-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2013 2:06 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Inverter Ramp times

Fellow Wrenches;

I am consulting on a larger project out of country, and the utility is (as 
usual) concerned with disturbances to the grid from the variations in solar 
output.  I know that most of the latest utility scale inverters have some 
ability to control the rate that power ramps up and down, but what is the time 
scale?  Is it milliseconds, seconds, a minute?
Also, they are hankering for some type of storage, so beyond the inverter 
controls, what are some of the available short term storage strategies (2 to 4 
hr) these days?  I've heard of several prototype large battery banks (and 
fires?)
Anyone on the list have experience with these?

As always: thanks in advance for sharing your expertise,

--
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SHW Schuco and Labor warranty issues

[Will White]

Viessmann also uses Wilo pumps (you should be able to get them locally from 
Blodgett Supply).  I believe Viessmann also uses Typhocor.  I think they're a 
European glycol manufacturer.

Thanks,
Will

__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>



From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Solar Energy 
Solutions
Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 11:58 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SHW Schuco and Labor warranty issues

Our biggest issue with Schuco moving on is finding their 'typhocor' glycol... 
which is of such a special nature that not even the CIA know what the heck it 
is, or what makes it so special or where in this great country of ours we can 
get it.

So far as Labor warranties it has been my crusade to get manufactures to pay a 
decent labor rate for things that fail all to quickly or worse still, right out 
of the box.  In the Thermal industry I have been hammering panel manufactures 
for a 5 yr $500.00 labor warranty.  The standard is... wait for it... $100.00.

Andrew Koyaanisqatsi
President
Solar Energy Solutions, Inc.
Since 1987,
Moving Portland and Beyond
to an Environmentally Sustainable Future.
503-238-4502
http://www.solarenergyoregon.com/

"Better one's House too little one day
than too big all the Year after."


From: Chris Mason 
mailto:cometenergysyst...@gmail.com>>
To: RE-wrenches 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
Sent: Tuesday, May 7, 2013 12:39 PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SHW Schuco issue

WILO is a standard pump for solar water heating, I can get one if you can't.

On Tue, May 7, 2013 at 3:35 PM, Dave Palumbo 
mailto:d...@independentpowerllc.com>> wrote:
Hello wrenches,

Is there a specific Solar Hot Water list? What I need help with is in tracking 
down a specific circulator for a Schuco 1.3 Pump Station.

It is a WILO Typ Star S 21U-15-130 pump. Schuco has left the solar biz as of 
last November. I called Schuco-USA and they have put in an order for the pump, 
from Germany! One month he says.

If anyone has any info on where these pumps might be available here in the US I 
would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Dave

David Palumbo
Independent Power LLC
462 Solar Way Drive
Hyde Park, VT 05655
http://www.independentpowerllc.com/
Vermont Solar Partner
25 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194


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--
Chris Mason
President, Comet Systems Ltd
http://www.cometenergysystems.com/
Cell: 264.235.5670
Skype: netconcepts

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase / Inverter failures

[Will White]

It's funny because I've had a very different experience from everyone else.  
I've had lots of Xantrex inverters fail and a few Fronius but not to the extent 
that everyone else has.  I've only replaced a few Enphase inverters and they 
were usually dead out of the box.

Thanks,
Will

______
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>


From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Troy Harvey
Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 11:06 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase / Inverter failures



I don't enjoy the PLC interference problems, which are rare. When they have 
occurred, Enphase provided continuous technical support, including factory 
evaluation of line filters and enhanced system analysis.  Did you know that 
each Enphase system has a built in spectrum analyzer? Tech support can provide 
a printout of interfering signals to help in troubleshooting. Installing a 
separate AC load center to accept the AC return breakers helps with solving 
these problems.  I understand that the next release of Enphase inverters will 
be Wi-fi, eliminating the PLC protocol entirely.  When the communication works, 
(which it does most of the time) it is a very valuable resource.

I find we have several times the service calls on enphase due to the customers 
thinking their system isn't working, when in fact it the flakey PLC network. 
And all that monitoring is only really telling me about the inverters or their 
networking, since the long term failure rate of the panels is several orders of 
magnitude better than even the best inverter on the market.

I have only seen 2 Xantrex string inverters go out in the last 5 years (no 
surprise there) out of all of the string inverters, and all of the brands. But 
I've seen failure at everyone of our Enphase installs, and usually failures 
every year (1 or 2 dead micros per year per site).

There is no argument that micros improve flexibility. And the potential for a 
micro to have a higher MTBF is believable. But first they need better design, 
more market experience, and will never reach 25 year lifespan like they say 
until they take electrolytic caps out of their designs.

thanks,

Troy Harvey
-
Principal Engineer
Heliocentric
801-453-9434
tahar...@heliocentric.org<mailto:tahar...@heliocentric.org>

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Monitoring - The Dilemma

[Will White]

We're starting to tell clients that we'll come out and troubleshoot but if the 
problem is found to be with their internet connection we charge them for the 
service call.  We're spending way too much time fixing monitoring systems for 
reasons described below.

Thanks,
Will


__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com



-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers
Sent: Saturday, June 01, 2013 11:31 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Monitoring - The Dilemma

Hi Wrenches,

As we're building up a larger and larger grid tied PV installation portfolio 
we're also building up hundreds of monitoring systems. We have monitoring 
systems from SunPower, SMA, Enphase, Power-one, Locus Energy, SunRun, and 
several others. We also have monitored SHW systems.

I'm finding that except for the occasional inverter failure, our systems are 
running well but we have frequent monitoring issues. Most often the monitoring 
system has become disconnected from the internet for some reason. Other times 
the monitoring system has lost signal strength which is common with Enphase (it 
may have been weak to begin with). Other times the monitoring systems have 
failed. And occasionally there is actually a production problem which really 
needs to be addressed.

I'm a firm believer that monitoring empowers our clients and us to better 
understand how their systems are operating. However, the burden of keeping all 
these systems running is starting to have a significant cost on our business. 
It is easiest to solve problems when we have a motivated client who can help 
troubleshoot remotely on the phone. But other clients really just don't seem to 
care. For example, I spent a couple hours a while back troubleshooting a system 
and it turned out that our client's grandson had disconnected the data logger 
to plug in his X Box. Many people are totally clueless about internet issues. 
Internet service providers and routers are also likely to change throughout the 
years causing even more connection issues.

SunRun's system is good because it uses cell technology to completely bypass 
the client's internet system. However, these don't always run smoothly either 
and cell reception can be a problem.

How are other Wrenches dealing with ongoing customer service and expectations 
for their monitoring systems? Any ideas out there on how to put more 
responsibility on the client while still keeping them happy?

Thanks in advance,

August


August Goers
Luminalt Energy Corporation
o: 415.641.4000
m: 415.559.1525
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[RE-wrenches] Battery Damage

[Will White]

Wrenches,

I have a customer who's got a 24V off grid system with one string of 12 two 
volt, 2000AH Power Battery brand flooded lead batteries.  The bank is about 
four years old and has been working great except the customer forgot to water 
the batteries for an extended period.  When I went out to service them the 
plates were exposed and I had to add about a gallon of water per battery.  
These batteries have a large amount of water over the plates usually so I'm 
guessing that about 1-2" of the top of the plates were exposed which is about 
10% of the total plate surface.

So here's the question.  The bank seems to be working fine, is it likely that 
permanent damage was done?  Is there a good way to test for damage?  Is there 
anything I can to do mitigate any damage done?

Thanks,
Will

______
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>


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Re: [RE-wrenches] 200 Amp Main Equip for 60A Solar

[Will White]

We have one utility in New England who has approved this.  We've used it a 
couple of times and it works great.  

The big problem is most utilities won't let you do a tap in the meter box.

Thanks,
Will

__
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Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
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-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dave Click
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2013 8:33 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 200 Amp Main Equip for 60A Solar

Jeff,

This has been sent out on the list a few times but I don't remember anyone 
sharing their personal experiences with it:

http://solarprofessional.com/articles/products-equipment/product-launches/milbank-offers-load-tap-connector

200+ 60 for a meter main is trickier. The $1100 (list) Schneider
RC2M200S lets you do a 200A main and a 50A PV breaker (interconnecting on line 
side of the 200A), which may be close enough for you depending on your system 
details (10kWac @ 240V -> >52.1A breaker).

DKC

On 2013/6/12 21:09, Jeff Clearwater wrote:
> Hey Wrenchies,
>
> Anybody know of a 200 Meter base with lugs rated for dual wire so we 
> can do a 60 Amp Supply side solar feed on a 200 Amp service?
>
> Or does anyone know the right equip to get to ensure we can install 2 
> dual lug taps on both single lugs? (a meter base with enough room for 
> the T lugs?)
>
> Or better yet any integrated 200 Amp Service / Meter equipment that 
> has an accessible spot to tap 60 Amps for a Disconnect on the meter 
> side of the Main?
>
> I have 2 SB 2500Us existing and want to add a single SB 5000TLUS - I 
> show rated output to be 46 Amps total and hence a 60 Amp needed.
>
> Advice my esteemed colleagues?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
>
> --
> Jeff Clearwater
> Village Power Design
> Renewable Energy Design & Installation Ecovillage Design Consultant 
> www.villagepower.com
> 413-559-9763
> ~~
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] double insulated wire

[Will White]

We use PV Wire which is double insulated on the roof in free air and regular 
THHN/TNWN for the run from the junction box back to the inverter (using no 
white or gray wires of course).

Thanks,
Will

__
Will White
Regional Field Operations Manager - New England

Real Goods Solar
64 Main St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
Tel: (802) 223-7804
Cell: (802) 234-3167
www.realgoodssolar.com<http://www.realgoodssolar.com/>



From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco 
Mangelsdorf
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 1:10 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] double insulated wire

I'm kinda confused.  With more transformerless inverters on the market (e.g., 
SMA and Power-One), it's not clear to me if double insulated wiring needs to be 
used all the way from each series string to their respective inverter.

We've been installing the P1 3-6 kW TL inverters and there's no apparent 
mention of needing to use such conductors, yet I remember needing to do so when 
I installed a number of the 8, 9 and 10 kW SMA TL inverters.

Thanks,
marco
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Re: [RE-wrenches] double insulated wire

[Will White]

As far as I understand it doesn't matter which color you use for which 
conductor as long as it isn't white, gray, or green.

We have different crews using different colors but I think black and either 
blue or red is the most common.

Thanks,
Will

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan Sindelar
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 2:10 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] double insulated wire

On 6/28/2013 11:47 AM, a...@aramsolar.com wrote:

And of course Red for positive and black for negative.
Most building departments have not pick up on this yet. But they will.
Aram

Where does "of course Red for positive and black for negative" come from, 
please? I only know it as an automotive standard that has often caused 
confusion when used by DIY offgridders in years past, as black thus could 
represent either positive or negative in a DC conductor pair.
Is there yet a convention for ungrounded arrays? While red and black are 
technically correct as ungrounded current-carrying conductors, use of this 
color convention could cause as much confusion as resolve it in the future. How 
about "black and black" or for that matter "yellow and orange" (if supplied by 
manufacturers) for ungrounded arrays?
Thanks, Allan
Allan Sindelar
al...@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Positive Energy, Inc., a Certified B CorporationTM
3209 Richards Lane
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
www.positiveenergysolar.com

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Engineer Needed for Large Off-Grid System

[Will White]

Try SEI Professional Services:  http://www.seisolarpros.com/

They've been doing a good amount of battery-based design lately.



On Thu, Jul 16, 2020 at 9:57 AM Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> Hi Fellow Wrenches,
>
> I am looking for an engineer that can produce a complete 3-line diagram
> for an off-grid system. It's a large one with some hefty DC bus
> requirements. We're looking at 60kW inverter/charger capacity, 160kWh LiPO
> battery, and 50kW of PV.
>
> Specifically, I would prefer someone with experience with Victron
> equipment. I need them to specify all BOS equipment in detail and
> preferably identify sources (manufacturers/fabrocators) for all components.
>
> Any leads would be greatly appreciated (contact me off-list).
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Best Battery

[Will White]

Jeff,

I don't have answers to many of your questions but one thing I wanted to
point out as that some lithium-ion manufacturers like Blue Planet underrate
the capacity of their batteries so they can get to the 100% DOD without
impacting cycle life. For example, Their 16 kWh battery is actually
something like a 17.2 kWh battery. Whereas other manufacturers give you the
actual capacity of the battery but suggest limiting the DOD to 80%. This
makes it a bit hard to compare apples to apples.

Also from what I've seen the cycle life curve for 80% DOD or less with
lithium-ion batteries is relatively flat.

Thanks,
Will

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On Tue, Aug 11, 2020 at 2:30 PM Jeff Clearwater <
je...@villagepowerdesign.com> wrote:

> Hey All,
>
> Great Thread - so does anyone have the missing cycle life information for
> the Discover AES and Fortress Eflex below?
>
>
>- Discover AES (42-48-6650) (Spec sheet does not list cycles) (but
>does give 38MWh warranty
>
> see analysis sheet here:
> https://aeesolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DISCOVER-AES-The-AES-LiFePO-Battery-Solar-Off-grid-Advantage-20190124-AEE.pdf
>
> that sheet says  "With a designed DOD of 50% lead-acid batteries are
> expected to last ~1500 cycles or 4 Years of daily cycling. With the
> Discover AES 10 Year 38 MWh Warranty, you’ll be half way into your 3rd Set
> of lead-acid batteries."
>
> That would imply 5250 cycles under warranty - but surely it has more in it
> than that for an expensive LFP!  Can't find a reference anywhere.  38
> MWH/6.65 KWH = 5700 cycles - their own spreadsheet says "Cycle Life (@DOD
> rating):  NA"  Impressive warranty but how much past the warranty they
> don't seem to want to venture.  It's the most expensive of the options
> listed here (well comparable to BI) and comes with highest quality
> recommendation and has great closed loop communications - but would love to
> know the top end cycle figure.
>
>
>- Fortress EVault (18KWH)  (Spec sheet says 6000)
>- Fortress EFlex (5.4 KWH) ( Spec sheet does not list cycles)
>- Simpliphi 3.8 (spec sheet says 10,000+ @ 80%)
>- Blue Ion 2.0 spec sheet says 8000 @ 100% DOD
>
> Does anyone know why Simpliphi and BI an claim such high cycle life
> whereas Fortress says 6000 and AES won't venture it?  same chemistry?  so
> is Fortress underselling or the other folks over selling?
> Has anyone even seen a curve of cycle life vs. DOD for LFP?  or is that
> not so much a curve as a flat line?
>
> thanks!
>
> Jeff
>
> ~~~
> Jeff Clearwater
> VillageLab
> Village Power Design
> www.villagelab.net
> www.villagepowerdesign.com
> cell - 413-559-9763
> ~~~
>
>
>
>
> Richard Scott wrote on 8/11/20 10:35 AM:
>
> Also keep in mind that the battery charge/discharge efficiency is much
> higher for lithium batteries compared to lead acid.
>
> Richard
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 11, 2020 at 8:17 AM Jay  wrote:
>
>> Hi William,
>>
>> I dont do the math based on up front kwh cost, but on lifetime kWh based
>> on the number of cycles per average DOD that are going to be used. I use
>> this same formula to compare all batteries to each other.
>>
>> Jay
>>
>> Peltz power.
>>
>> For example, a Rolls L16 ex has 3500 cycles at 50% DOD, and it’s a 371
>> amp hr at 6v  or 2.226 kWh
>> Retail is $400
>>
>> 3500 cycles x 1.1 kWh At 50 DOD=3850 kWh
>> $400 / 3850 kWh = $.10 kWh
>> 10 years of 50% cycling daily
>>
>> Compared to say a mid grade US battery, 1400 cycles to 50%, 400 amp hr.
>> 2.4 kWh
>> $325/1680 kWh = $.19 kWh.
>> 3.8 yrs life
>>
>> Compare to say BI
>> $1000 kWh roughly.
>> If you get 10,000 cycles, that works out to same cost. $.10 per kWh.
>> 27 yrs, but will the chemistry actually last that long?
>> However, you have a massive upfront money cost.
>> And for those of us off grid, you can’t really cycle 100%. And many
>> lithium in the fine print don’t want you to charge to 100% daily. Let’s
>> assume you start the generator at 10% and charge to 95%, now your usable
>> amount is actually 85%, not 100%.
>> Cost per kWh goes to $.12.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Aug 11, 2020, at 6:04 AM, William Miller 
>> wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> Friends:
>>
>>
>>
>> I am hoping y’all can tell me I am doing something

Re: [RE-wrenches] Puzzle: Dryer does not work during FXR battery charging

[Will White]

I've seen that same issue too. I assumed that the battery charging, house
base loads, and the microwave were too much power for the small generator.
The voltage drops big time which I assume is what was causing the issue
with the microwave and most likely with the dryer too.

On Sat, Aug 15, 2020 at 11:51 AM Dan Fink  wrote:

> I have the same problem at my place, and a couple client's systems, with
> Magnum inverter/chargers and small ~2-3kw generators (not just Honda). But
> the problem appliance is microwave ovens, doesn't matter which microwave
> brand. They run fine straight from the generator, and fine from the
> inverter with no generator running, but make a strange, loud hum, dim
> internal light, and food doesn't heat if the generator is also charging the
> battery bank. I'll try to figure out how to capture a waveform photo with
> my scopemeter and post it.
> Dan Fink
> Executive Director, Buckville Energy Consulting
> NABCEP PV Associate
> NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector
> IREC Certified Instructor™ for:
> ~ PV Installation Professional
> ~ Small Wind Installer
> NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers
> d anbo...@gmail.com
> 970-672-4342
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Aug 15, 2020 at 9:37 AM Kent Osterberg 
> wrote:
>
>> Matt,
>>
>> I haven't looked at what the FXR does to the waveform of a 3000-watt
>> Honda, but I have used an oscilloscope to look at the waveform of a small
>> generator while an FX inverter is charging batteries -- it pretty much
>> makes an ugly mess of the voltage waveform. Not surprised to hear that some
>> loads don't like to operate when the FXR is charging batteries from a small
>> generator. The FX charger has a poor power factor and little filtering of
>> the current waveform, it is a tough load on a small generator. The
>> generator responds with lots of harmonic voltages and high frequency noise.
>>
>> Kent Osterberg
>> Blue Mountain Solar
>>
>>
>> On 8/15/2020 8:06 AM, Matt Sherald wrote:
>>
>> Hello All,
>>
>> My curiosity was piqued by a recent customer complaint.  I'm hoping
>> someone has bumped up against this issue before.
>>
>> The customer has a OB FXR2812 and a 3,000W Honda gen.
>> Her gas clothes dryer runs just fine off the OB inverter.
>> It runs properly on the Honda gen (when the inverter is bypassed)
>> It will not run when the gen is on and battery charging is taking place.
>>
>> All the other AC loads (including the washing machine) run properly
>> during battery charging with the gen.
>> The OB inverter replaced an old Trace unit.  The dryer worked as it
>> should with the Trace during battery charging.
>>
>> Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance!
>>
>> --
>> Matt Sherald
>> PIMBY Energy, LLC
>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®
>> 304-704-5943
>>
>> www.getpimby.blogspot.com
>> www.getpimby.com
>>
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] License Complaints for Bad Work

[Will White]

Do you not have electrical inspectors out there? I'm also not usually one
to rat on another contractor but this is burn the house down bad.

On Mon, Sep 28, 2020 at 12:14 PM Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> Does anyone have any thoughts on turning in a fellow licensed contractor
> for egregious violations of code and workmanship practices? I ran across
> one this weekend that should definitely not own a ladder or even a
> screwdriver. I'm compelled to turn him into the state, but I don't really
> want to be "that guy." I'm encouraging the homeowner to do something about
> it, but the process is rather difficult.
>
> P.S. This happens to be an Electrical Contractor, not a Solar Contractor.
> In Florida, both specialties can install PV. "Funny/not funny" pictures
> attached, and there are MANY other scary deficiencies.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Metal roof

[Will White]

It's interesting that you experienced this as I've always told customers
that the roof will come off the building with the array attached before the
array comes off the metal roof. Sounds like the issue was with the
attachment (or lack of) between the roof and the building.

Thanks,
Will

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On Sun, Oct 18, 2020 at 5:41 PM Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> I would add that S-5s are only as good as the roof. We saw a large system
> (not ours) that ripped the metal right off the roof during Hurricane Irma.
> It literally tore the meta. The panels, rails, and S-5s were still
> connected, sitting on the ground with chunks of metal roofing still
> attached to the S-5s. It was quite the mangled mess. We salvaged quite a
> bit, but the client built a ground rack after this.
>
> To be fair, this was a totally exposed beachfront home. I don't know what
> the spacing was on the clamps, either.
>
>
> On Sun, Oct 18, 2020 at 12:00 PM Jerry Shafer 
> wrote:
>
>> Wrenches
>> I think what you said is totally true,"its only as good as the
>> instalation" but here is where l differ, S-5's if installed correctly are
>> no different than anything else installed on the roof.
>> Jerry
>>
>> On Sun, Oct 18, 2020, 8:42 AM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar <
>> offgridso...@sti.net> wrote:
>>
>>> The S5 is only as good as the installer. I have seen them come off with
>>> a string of panels on an insurance inspection I did.
>>>
>>> I billed them and made another note in my journal of why the only thing
>>> that should go on a metal roof is rainwater.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
>>> "we go where powerlines don't"
>>> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ 
>>> <https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/1fbcd342a74271c0b7fc10aded3a5898216b29ff?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.sti.net%2Foffgridsolar%2F&userId=1613865&signature=3165bd540eb26abc>
>>> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net 
>>> text 209 813 0060*
>>>
>>> On Sat, 17 Oct 2020 21:37:07 -0400, Hilton Dier III <
>>> hiltond...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> I'm with Jerry Shafer on this one. S-5 clamps with rails work well
>>> without punching holes in the metal roof. If the roof is fastened well to
>>> beefy steel C channel it should be fine. The S-5 clamps themselves are
>>> stronger than the roofing.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Hilton Dier III
>>> Missisquoi River Hydro
>>> Renewable Energy Design
>>>
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>>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Metal roof

[Will White]

That's a really interesting failure mode. I would have thought the
fasteners would have pulled out but I guess it makes sense that the metal
ripped.

On Mon, Oct 19, 2020 at 3:19 PM Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> I would say it was the metal itself. It was torn, so the clips that hold
> the metal to the roof held, at least long enough for the metal to tear. It
> is completely plausible that the point load was too high from too few
> clamps.
>
>
>
> On Mon, Oct 19, 2020 at 8:16 AM Will White  wrote:
>
>> It's interesting that you experienced this as I've always told customers
>> that the roof will come off the building with the array attached before the
>> array comes off the metal roof. Sounds like the issue was with the
>> attachment (or lack of) between the roof and the building.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Will
>>
>>   --
>> *Will White*
>> Curriculum Developer
>>
>>
>> e: w...@solarenergy.org
>> w: www.solarenergy.org
>> <https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/cdc1e1f93adb1352208990ede1e5191895d41435?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarenergy.org%2F&userId=1613865&signature=4501294306ef167a>
>>
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>>
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
>> # 093006-34
>> Do you envision a world powered by renewable energy? Be the change
>> <https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/e6cb1800f9273a5c6a30eed1f13b034e522f98d4?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsolarenergy.org%2Fdonate&userId=1613865&signature=5258e2c2b91b9204>
>> .
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Oct 18, 2020 at 5:41 PM Jason Szumlanski <
>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I would add that S-5s are only as good as the roof. We saw a large
>>> system (not ours) that ripped the metal right off the roof during Hurricane
>>> Irma. It literally tore the meta. The panels, rails, and S-5s were still
>>> connected, sitting on the ground with chunks of metal roofing still
>>> attached to the S-5s. It was quite the mangled mess. We salvaged quite a
>>> bit, but the client built a ground rack after this.
>>>
>>> To be fair, this was a totally exposed beachfront home. I don't know
>>> what the spacing was on the clamps, either.
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sun, Oct 18, 2020 at 12:00 PM Jerry Shafer 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Wrenches
>>>> I think what you said is totally true,"its only as good as the
>>>> instalation" but here is where l differ, S-5's if installed correctly are
>>>> no different than anything else installed on the roof.
>>>> Jerry
>>>>
>>>> On Sun, Oct 18, 2020, 8:42 AM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar <
>>>> offgridso...@sti.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> The S5 is only as good as the installer. I have seen them come off
>>>>> with a string of panels on an insurance inspection I did.
>>>>>
>>>>> I billed them and made another note in my journal of why the only
>>>>> thing that should go on a metal roof is rainwater.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
>>>>> "we go where powerlines don't"
>>>>> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ 
>>>>> <https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/b0e6d73847b0d7d442ccbc699ac04d43af439126?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.sti.net%2Foffgridsolar%2F&userId=1613865&signature=605126a0d342965b>
>>>>> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net 
>>>>> text 209 813 0060*
>>>>>
>>>>> On Sat, 17 Oct 2020 21:37:07 -0400, Hilton Dier III <
>>>>> hiltond...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm with Jerry Shafer on this one. S-5 clamps with rails work well
>>>>> without punching holes in the metal roof. If the roof is fastened well to
>>>>> beefy steel C channel it should be fine. The S-5 clamps themselves are
>>>>> stronger than the roofing.
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> Hilton Dier III
>>>>> Missisquoi River Hydro
>>>>> Renewable Energy Design
>>>>>
>>>>> ___
>>>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>>>>
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>>>>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase IQ7A 3 phase limitations

[Will White]

Jason,

You should dig into the PVWatts help documentation. They get into pretty
good detail on how their calculations work. You might find the answer
you're looking for there.

Thanks,
Will



-- 
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p: 802-272-3092

NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
# 093006-34
Do you envision a world powered by renewable energy? Be the change
<http://solarenergy.org/donate>.

On Wed, Mar 3, 2021 at 6:14 PM Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> I've used that document many times when clients question the ratio. I wish
> I knew exactly how the PVWATTS ratio calculation worked. I know there's
> information on how this is all done, but I don't really have the time or
> inclination to study it. I'm wondering if someone knows how accurate It is.
>
> On Wed, Mar 3, 2021, 4:04 PM Jay  wrote:
>
>> Emphase has a white paper showing production vs module size and locations
>> around the country.
>>
>> I don’t know if it’s more accurate than pv watts but you might check it
>> out.
>>
>> Jay
>> Peltz power.
>>
>> On Mar 3, 2021, at 12:13 PM, Jason Szumlanski <
>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> I'm wondering how accurate the DC to AC ratio is when using PVWATTS. I
>> did a quick PVWATTS analysis at my local area using a typical commercial
>> roof tilt and found that using a 420W module on an IQ7A versus a 385W
>> module on an IQ7+ yields almost identical results. The 420W module has 1%
>> less annual production at to the 145% ratio compared to the 132% ratio with
>> the 385W module.
>>
>> Given that, I can't imagine why anyone would use the IQ7A versus the IQ7+
>> on a 208V system. Why incur the additional cost if the AC output current is
>> identical for both inverters?
>>
>> If PVWATTS is right, I guess it's a non-issue in my local area, but it
>> may vary in other locations where clipping is more common. The heat here
>> results in little clipping at a 132% ratio here, and I guess at 145% the
>> morning and afternoon advantages largely outweigh the mid-day clipping
>> increase.
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 10:00 AM Jason Szumlanski <
>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I was surprised to learn that the IQ7A is limited to 290 W continuous at
>>> 208 volts. That pretty much puts Enphase out of the running for light
>>> commercial jobs with new high-powered 72 cell panels. Any thoughts on this?
>>>
>>> Jason
>>>
>> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] how to prevent selling to grid with grid tie inverter

[Will White]

Many inverters have the option to zero-sell (no export to the grid) but you
need an additional CT on the main service conductors so the inverter can
monitor the loads and ramp down production if it starts to get close to
producing more than the loads require.

I'd suggest getting into the manuals and white papers of the inverter
manufacturers to determine if they can do this. I believe both SolarEdge
and Enphase can do it. I'd assume others can as well.

Thanks,
Will


-- 
*Will White*
Curriculum Developer


e: w...@solarenergy.org
w: www.solarenergy.org
p: 802-272-3092

NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
# 093006-34
Do you envision a world powered by renewable energy? Be the change
<http://solarenergy.org/donate>.


On Tue, Mar 30, 2021 at 9:24 PM greg egan  wrote:

> Wrenches, I've got a small system using SolarEdge inverter (4 kW) that
> is supposed to go in to a small town that does not allow selling power
> to the grid.  That may change but that is how it stands now.  The
> customer wants to use the power that is generated but can not sell or
> even give excess power away.  Do any of you have any experience setting
> up a grid tie no battery system so that it can not sell to the grid
> under any circumstances?  Just wondering before I dig any deeper if
> there's an obvious solution I'm missing. Thanks,
>
> Greg Egan
> Remote Power Inc.
>
>
>
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-- 
*Will White*
Curriculum Developer


e: w...@solarenergy.org
w: www.solarenergy.org
p: 802-272-3092

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# 093006-34
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Odd inspection procedure

[Will White]

William,

I've never had an AHJ request pictures in lieu of a physical inspection but
I've personally performed many inspections as a third-party inspector using
photos. As long as you have quality pictures a good inspector can find most
major issues. The key is having good photos of the proper equipment. At the
very least they should be able to identify when a physical inspection is
necessary.

I'm all for remote inspections which saves time and money for everyone
involved.

Thanks,
Will

On Wed, Mar 31, 2021 at 1:37 PM William Miller 
wrote:

> Friends:
>
>
>
> We just finished a grid-tied project
> <https://millersolar.com/MillerSolar/Portfolio/Rework/BIG-SUR-SERVICE/Big_Sur_Service_Upgrade.html>
> that included a pretty complicated service upgrade.  The project is in
> Monterey County, California.  The site is pretty remote on the south end of
> the Big Sur coastline and Highway 1 is closed (as is not uncommon) to the
> north with a washout.  This makes it time consuming for an inspector to
> reach the site, but even without the washout the travel time is measured in
> hours.
>
>
>
> Days in advance we scheduled the final inspection on the building
> department web-site as is SOP and were awarded a slot for yesterday.
> Yesterday morning an inspector called at 7:30 AM to announce they were too
> busy to make the appointment.  Instead I was directed to take a series of
> photographs to verify the validity of our installation work.  Below is the
> list they provided.  Note how vague the requirements are, particularly the
> fifth one.  I was told that this process will be standard operation
> procedure for the County of Monterey in the near future for solar
> installs.
>
>
>
> This seems wrong to me.  I can’t believe that any collection of
> photographs can accurately portray if even the most simple photovoltaic
> system, let alone one with a 300 amp CT service and 400 amp transfer
> switch, is installed correctly.  I know in the 1980s the solar water
> heating industry had acquired a collective black-eye due to shoddy
> installation procedures and I fear this is where the PV industry may be
> headed.
>
>
>
> I submitted a handful of photos and was granted a final approval.  I have
> very mixed feelings about this “success.”  I feel like I cheated on a
> test.
>
>
>
> I am curious if any of you have had a similar experience to this.  As
> always I am informed and sometimes amused by what I learn on this forum.
>
>
>
> List of requested photographs:
>
>
>
> ☐ PV module model number, quantity, and location according to the
> approved plan.
>
> ☐ Roof penetrations flashed/sealed according to the approved plan.
>
> ☐ Array exposed cables are properly secured, supported, and routed to
> prevent physical damage.
>
> ☐ Grounding/bonding of rack and modules according to the manufacturer’s
> installation instructions.
>
> ☐ Equipment installed, listed and labeled according to the approved plan
> (e.g., PV   modules, dc/dc converters, combiners, inverters, rapid shutdown
> equipment).
>
> ☐ Overcurrent devices are the type and size according to the approved
> plan.
>
> ☐ Disconnects according to the approved plan and properly located as
> required by the  NEC.
>
> ☐ PV system markings, labels and signs according to the approved plan.
>
> ☐ Connection of the PV system to the grounding electrode system according
> to the approved plan.
>
> ☐ Access and working space for operation and maintenance of PV equipment
> such as  inverters, disconnecting means and panelboards (not required for
> PV modules) [NEC 110.26].
>
> ☐ The rapid shutdown system is installed and operational according to the
> approved  plan [NEC 690.12].
>
>
>
>
>
> William Miller
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
> ___
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NABCEP Cert

Re: [RE-wrenches] SHW?

[Will White]

Chris,

I just saw Heliodyne just came out with a new controller that includes
remote monitoring. I don't know anything about it but you may want to check
it out.

Thanks,
Will

On Thu, May 20, 2021 at 1:12 PM Christopher Warfel <
cwar...@entech-engineering.com> wrote:

> We install pv and SHW. It is now about 75% 25% respectively. Actually just
> commissioned a two collector DB system. After 20 years, it was my first
> DB.  It is working great as of this late morning. I'd like to look into
> online monitoring of these.  We have too many customers that are not here
> enough and overheating the glycol. They swore that they would be here year
> round and we did not put in a thermal dump. Now we do on almost every
> system.  There is good product quality out there.  Chris
> On 5/19/2021 1:11 PM, MiJo Nels wrote:
>
> I wish I could help you Nik. I'm doing everything I can to keep the hot
> water flowing in San Diego for all the legacy Jimmy Carter systems out
> there (in addition to the wonderful new ones). SHW IS ALIVE! and please to
> all my renewable brother's and sister's out there don't forget it's value..
> Thermal is worth your time for so many reasons..
>
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
> Get Outlook for Android <https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg>
>
> --
> *From:* RE-wrenches 
>  on behalf of Nik Ponzio,
> Building Energy 
> 
> *Sent:* Wednesday, May 19, 2021 9:14:54 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches 
> 
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] SHW?
>
> Anyone on here still doing solar hot water? We have an orphaned system in
> Rutland County, Vermont that needs service. Referrals appreciated.
>
>
> --
> Nik Ponzio
> Building Energy
> http://www.BuildingEnergyVT.com
> <https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/2d3120228a908ac88d62dc9b12e67aba68df018d?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.BuildingEnergyVT.com&userId=6273276&signature=9a942b62c334cf12>
>
>
>
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> --
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>  ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
> PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
> 401-466-8978
> <http://entech-engineering.com>
>
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# 093006-34
Do you envision a world powered by renewable energy? Be the change
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