Re: [RE-wrenches] 10 Degree Ballast Racking--Recommendations

Thanks Glenn, In quick glance it appears that the RayPort system does not integrate wind deflectors and it looks like more ballast blocks are required, of course the required ballast will be based on the specific site parameters, but in general have you seen the PSF of the RayPort system being a

Re: [RE-wrenches] 10 Degree Ballast Racking--Recommendations

We have been using the AET RayPort on the last few jobs. Much like the RapidRac in design, but made of stainless steel. Goes together quickly. Looks good, easy grounding. Slight drawback is walkability between rows is a little more tricky. http://aetenergy.com/products/ YMMV Glenn Fro

[RE-wrenches] 10 Degree Ballast Racking--Recommendations

Hi Wrenches, I was hoping to get a little feedback on what folks are installing and what they prefer for 10° tilt—fully ballasted racking systems. So far we have worked with SunPower T10, Unirac RapidRac, and PanelClaw. There has been positive feedback from our installation for the PanelClaw s

Re: [RE-wrenches] cycling flooded batteries is not necessary

Thanks John for your continued helpful explanations. With respect to equalizing in a cycling application (e.g. off-grid), if the battery cells are getting a regular bulk/absord charge which brings them back to full at least every 3-7 days, and they are being kept or brought up to a high state of c

Re: [RE-wrenches] cycling flooded batteries is not necessary

Wrenches, Sorry for late answer as I was/am busy in meetings. I will recap as follows: In a nut shell, Todd made a great point: equalizing and cycling are two different necessary steps in a full charge of a flooded lead acid battery. “Floating applications” means exactly that: they stay in flo

Re: [RE-wrenches] cycling flooded batteries is not necessary

Todd, If in fact one was only equalizing in a grid-tied float service, do you have a clear sense of how often or under what criteria equalizing would be indicated? Howie -- Howie Michaelson NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™ Catamount Solar, LLC Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service VT S

Re: [RE-wrenches] cycling flooded batteries is not necessary

the two battery manufacturers say that cycling of floated batteries is 100% unnecessary. equalizing is still important to prevent stratification of the electrolyte... but equalizing and cycling are different things. todd On Tuesday, February 21, 2012 6:33am, "Drake" said: In my exp

[RE-wrenches] Question about Solar Tax Credit basis

Hi All, I know this question has gone around quite a bit before, but somehow I can't find the discussion in the archives. What are folks experience with having the tax basis for the 30% tax credit (either residential or commercial) incorporate some of the cost of a building that was built specifi

Re: [RE-wrenches] cycling flooded batteries is not necessary

In my experience, at least my batteries need to be cycled. Here is the data. AC coupled backup system. The batteries are usually only supplying the inverter controls, with the pair of Outback 3524 inverters connected but turned off at the Mate. 80 watts of pv is used for a battery maintain