Re: [RE-wrenches] Working on DIY systems and Junkers

I don't mind servicing older, existing systems. It is fun to work with the older components, like APT power panels, SW inverters, and Trimetric monitors. I will frequently bust out the solder gun and repair old modules and components. On most of these systems, I will recommend upgrading s

Re: [RE-wrenches] XW config tool

Hi Jay: I recently upgraded the software on a large XW system with 3 inverters, an MX-60, controller, and a Gen Start Module. Schneider mailed me the adapter cable, and everything worked great. You have to upgrade the software to all XW components if you are going to upgrade the AGS softwa

[RE-wrenches] AC coupled, grid-tied Sunny Island - contactor & bypass

Wrenches, We are including 2 Sunny Island inverters into a previously battery- less grid tied design utilizing 20 kW of PV on Enphase micro inverters and 2 SMA Windy Boy 6000 inverters (10 kW XZERES 442 turbine). Our customer wishes to run his fuel generator as little as possible when the g

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Freezing (was Trace...)

I feel the same way, it seems like a can of worms. I think it has to be a complete do over... That seems like a lot of work for free! Jesse Sent from my iPhone On Jan 13, 2011, at 1:57 PM, Kelly Larson wrote: >> "Warning: those old DIY setups quickly become a can of worms, the further >> you

Re: [RE-wrenches] 690.14 (4) Max Number of Disconnects

This is based on an inverter that can be mounted outdoors. Here we cannot mount outdoors and inverters have to be indoors even if it is just a shed due to temp ratings -30 F one many years ago. Most inverters are rated to -14F. We have to install an AC disconnect external even if the main AC panel

Re: [RE-wrenches] Dankoff Flowlight pumps

I may have a #. What were they before Argand bought them? Ha, Ha, after Conergy. Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 web - www.solarwork.com "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988" Do not ev

Re: [RE-wrenches] Working on DIY systems and Junkers

We've taken many of these on over the years: it can have a satisfying outcome, if the customer is really willing to pay to fix it. We don't even try to work with what's there; everything comes off the wall, and we rebuild the whole system using any decent parts that can be reused. Most customers

Re: [RE-wrenches] XW config tool

Jay, The one time I had to use it (to upgrade a 4548 unit with old firmware) it worked fine the first time. As I'm not a software nerd, I walked through the steps with Schneider tech support on the line, and this smoothed out all the bumps. I downloaded the firmware

Re: [RE-wrenches] Dankoff Flowlight pumps

Chad, Try Matt Leimbach Dankoff Pumps m...@dankoff-pumps.com ord...@dankoff-pumps.com (505)471-3469 Matt treated me really well! Roy Butler NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer® NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer PA Sunshine Program Approved PV Install

Re: [RE-wrenches] Working on DIY systems and Junkers

Yes to all what Dana says. I've had one good friend who will only work on such projects if hes allowed to do. 1. fix any and everything that needs to be, and yes its going to cost. otherwise he walks away. and 2. he still has them sign a contract that says hes not responsible for things hes

Re: [RE-wrenches] Dankoff Flowlight pumps

Chad, There is yet another big change going on. Windy gave me the two-sentence synopsis, but said it was not public yet, and I didn't ask any questions. But I suspect that it will be really good news for those of us using Dankoff pumps. In the meanwhile (and I'm gues

[RE-wrenches] Working on DIY systems and Junkers

DONOT assume anything! Photograph. Draw schematics. Specific gravity test. Do wire pull tests. Check tightness on all connections. Verify voltage and polarity. Wire calc every wire. Measure distances. Double check. Get paid for this , you did not create this mess. Dana Orzel

[RE-wrenches] Dankoff Flowlight pumps

Greetings Wrenches, I am in need of a Dankoff Flowlight booster pump with accessories. I have tried on multiple occasions to reach Ben Kerr over at Argand Energy Solutions for pricing and availability, but have yet to receive a response (going on 2 weeks). Is anyone aware of another source for

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Freezing (was Trace...)

Never underestimate how bad an old system can be. In the past we have seen systems – including those done by “solar companies” – where part of the battery bank was not even wired in to the system. From: Kelly Larson Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2011 12:57 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wre

Re: [RE-wrenches] Standing Seam with direct S-5 attachment & Grounding

Done this too. Ended up not trusting the grounding on it and running lay in lugs. It is hard to ground the pans, as they are thin metal. I used a bolt/nut with a lay in lug with some sucess, (under the cap). #6 bare used here too. Blessings, Kelly Kelly Larson Box 104 Piercy, CA 95587

Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP credits and code webinars

I think these may be: http://www.sunwize.com/webinars/ Blessings, Kelly Kelly Larson Box 104 Piercy, CA 95587 707-223-3209 Electrical Engineer NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ISPQ Master Trainer CA C-10 # 868189 solarke...@asis.com "I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a sour

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Freezing (was Trace...)

"Warning: those old DIY setups quickly become a can of worms, the further you dig into them. Don't assume anything was done right." ...Including checking the polarity of every wire! Who knows what the color meant to the last guy. And don't just mess with a few things and leave it. That cu

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC and impact in the field

Here is the link for the report from Solar ABCs. Don't know if you can get to the webinar anymore, though. http://solarabcs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97%3A2011-national-electrical-code-nec-and-handbook-available&catid=1%3Alatest-news&Itemid=1 Blessings, Kelly Kelly Lars

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC and impact in the field

Hi Mark, I don't know if they are still available, but the 2011 code book I bought had a free PDF download card in it. Blessings, Kelly Kelly Larson Box 104 Piercy, CA 95587 707-223-3209 Electrical Engineer NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ISPQ Master Trainer CA C-10 # 868189 solarke...@a

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC and impact in the field

I got my soft copy of NEC2011 at my electrical supply house for much cheaper than retail, and it came with a code to download the PDF version from online. I now have both, (searchable/ printable is great) but I don't know if I could burn it to a CD. R. Walters r...@solarray.com Solar Engineer

[RE-wrenches] XW config tool

HI All, Any advice about using the XW config tool? I've got to update an AGS module and the SCP I have the tool already, really nice having to buy it. thanks in advance, jay Peltz Power ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wren

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC and impact in the field

Thanks August, NFPA says there are giving away a softcover copy of 2011 to folks who take a years subscription to NECPLUS before February something. Seems like a good value. Mark Frye Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 303 Redbud Way Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 401-8024 www.berkeleysolar.com --

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC and impact in the field

August; There was a webinar from Solar ABCs in autumn 2010 that covered many of these new 2011 NEC issues in detail, in a very practical way for the professional PV installer. I believe you can download the whole thing from them right now after the fact. I'm quite involved in teaching the

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC and impact in the field

Mark - Check out necplus: http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product.asp?title=&category_name=2011+National +Electrical+Code+(NEC)&pid=necplus&target_pid=necplus&src_pid=&link_type=c ategory http://www.necplus.org This is a subscription based service from the NFPA and gives access to both current code

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC and impact in the field

Does anyone here have the 2011 Code available on CD in a searchable format? Know where to get it? Mark Frye Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 303 Redbud Way Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 401-8024 www.berkeleysolar.com -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mail

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC and impact in the field

August, We're currently working on a SolarPro article on this topic. It will appear in SP4.3 (April/May 2011). As usual, there are a fair number of changes that impact PV installations. Our authors have done a good job, in my estimation, of pointing these out, discussing the implications, & provid

[RE-wrenches] 2011 NEC and impact in the field

Hi All - My shiny new copy of the 2011 NEC handbook just came in the mail and I've started reading through it trying to decipher what changes we should be expecting in the future. Although California is now just adopting the 2008 NEC which I'm quite familiar with, many jurisdictions will honor t

Re: [RE-wrenches] 690.14 (4) Max Number of Disconnects

Mark, See answers to your questions below: Al Frishman AeonSolar (917) 699-6641 - cell (888) 460-2867 www.aeonsolar.com From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mark Frye Sent: Wed