Re: [RE-wrenches] Side-by-side microinverter, maximizer, and conventional inverter comparisons

2011-05-09 Thread Joel Davidson
Hello Bill, Henk Oldenkamp is the inventor of the OK4U microinverter. Perhaps David Katz knows what Henk is up to lately. The OK4U inverter that I first tested on the Solec International factory roof in 1994 worked ok (as specified). The central inverters vs. multiple small inverters side-by-

[RE-wrenches] "Colored" Solar Panels

2011-05-09 Thread Peter Parrish
The is a relatively new company in Southern California, Gold Coast Solar, that is marketing colored PV panels a/k/a "Stylish Solar Panels™". Back in late-2010, they were in the process of getting CEC listing. They are not listed today, at least not under "Gold Coast". They made some technically i

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread Dana
We pay $85 each on a 1x purchase, thru the local Fergusson plumbing supply. Totally worth it. 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

[RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread Dana
Your local NAPA auto parts has several grades of refractometers and back when we used hydrometers they cut pretty good deal if you purchased 10+. Check first to see which one is the better, I have not bought any in 5 years. Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.62

[RE-wrenches] Fwd: Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread John McNicholas - Key Power Services
We have been using a digital unit for a few years - Sper Scientific 300055 Pocket Digital Refractometer - expensive ($300+), but it appears to be very accurate. has built-in temperature compensation. John McNicholas NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ™ Key Power Services, Inc. Begin forw

[RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread Dana
I have probably put this out before - we use refractometers a light refracted measuring device. Works on Propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and battery electrolyte. You take 1 drop out of the battery to test VS. 1/8 cup. I think it is less invasive. The reading is instantaneous. No jiggling and d

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread William Miller
http://www.wescotools.com/p-208-robinair-75240-coolant-and-battery-refractometer.aspx At 07:56 AM 5/9/2011, you wrote: Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="=_NextPart_000_011F_01CC0E37.B616CF00" Content-Language: en-us Hi Dave, We use and recommend NAPA 700-1145. $12.0

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread North Texas Renewable Energy Inc
http://www.rwctesting.com/engine.htm RWC carries refractometer type hydrometers that are much more accurate and easy to read. SG reads 1 .100 to 1.400 in 0.01 increments, temp compensation is automatic, F or C scale. Doesn't need to be flushed out after each use to remain accurate and best of a

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread Kirk
Sears auto locally sells them off-the-shelf. About $7 as I recall. Kirk Herander VSE On May 9, 2011, at 10:56 AM, "Rob Shappell" wrote: > Hi Dave, > > > > We use and recommend NAPA 700-1145. $12.00 I am starting to look at digital > Refractometers. Any recommendations? > > > > Rob Sh

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread Rob Shappell
Hi Dave, We use and recommend NAPA 700-1145. $12.00 I am starting to look at digital Refractometers. Any recommendations? Rob Shappell From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dave Palumbo Sent: Monday, May 09, 20

Re: [RE-wrenches] Working on metal roofs.

2011-05-09 Thread matt
I would add that Korkers makes a product that I find superior for work on metal roofs. Unfortunately they seem to switch their pad composition regularly and the new version lasts a day at best. Korkers are also over-shoes which can be a pain in the neck unless the fit is perfect. Cougar Paws are

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread Ken Schaal
We get them from our Deka warehouse-- Ken - Original Message - From: "Howie Michaelson" To: "RE-wrenches" Sent: Monday, May 09, 2011 8:44 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source Hi Dave, I've had luck at various automotive/hardware stores finding appropriate (5/1000's

Re: [RE-wrenches] Working on metal roofs.

2011-05-09 Thread Gary Willett
Ditto Mark's and Bob's reply - Cougar Paws are the only thing I'll wear on a pitched asphalt roof. They're worth every penny. Gary Willett, PE Icarus Engineering/Solar Services LLC NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer # 031310-246 On 5/8/2011 11:37 PM, Mar

Re: [RE-wrenches] Side-by-side microinverter, maximizer, and conventional inverter comparisons

2011-05-09 Thread Bill Loesch
Joel, As I remember Trace rebranded the (nominal 100 watt) OK4U units as MicroSine about 2000 AD. Didn't SMA (or someone else) recently take over the OK4U product line? Do I understand you were not impressed with the MPPT OK4U microinverters performance (vs. the non-MPPT SMA?) under full sun? D

Re: [RE-wrenches] Metal roof w/o standing seams.

2011-05-09 Thread Jason Lerner
Hi Jesse, I never did scab, having similar concerns of not doing it right, and use blocking. Best, Jason On May 7, 2011, at 6:46 PM, Jesse Dahl wrote: > Jason, > > If you scab onto a truss, is there a certain length the scab board should be? > I have never heard of this practice. I wo

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread Bill Loesch
Hi Dave, http://www.freasglass.com/ These are the upscale hydrometers Backwoods did stock when Steve ran the place. USA manufactured product. Bill Loesch Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar 314 631 1094 - Original Message - From: Dave Palumbo To: 'RE-wrenches' Sent: Monday, May 09,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread Christopher Warfel
New England Solar carries them at a reasonable price. On 5/9/2011 8:17 AM, Dave Palumbo wrote: We used to buy temperature compensated hydrometers from AEE to include with the sale of a battery bank for off grid customers. My sales person says AEE is no longer carrying that item. I believe the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread Howie Michaelson
Hi Dave, I've had luck at various automotive/hardware stores finding appropriate (5/1000's gradations) hydrometers for under $10. They are not temp compensated however. Howie -- Howie Michaelson NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™ Sun Catcher, LLC Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service VT

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hydrometer source

2011-05-09 Thread Dave Palumbo
We used to buy temperature compensated hydrometers from AEE to include with the sale of a battery bank for off grid customers. My sales person says AEE is no longer carrying that item. I believe they were made by Dekka. Recommendations for a new source for battery hydrometers in the $8 to $ 15