Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery RSD

What I used to specify for exterior disconnect for a battery bank was the MidNite MNLBC-W250. I believe you can connect larger battery cables to input and output bypassing the smaller busbar input. https://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=687&productCat_ID=9&sortOrder=1&act=p If rap

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar thermal covering

n. > > Which means please let me know of a good resource for solar thermal > products. > Specifically I need to convert this to a drain back system. > I’ll need the drain back tank and new pump station > > thanks > > jay > > On Jun 15, 2025, at 8:35 PM, Bradley Bassett vi

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar thermal covering

One other thought, on some vacuum tube collectors, if I remember correctly, you can simply remove some of the tubes. Brad Bassett On Sun, Jun 15, 2025 at 7:35 PM Bradley Bassett wrote: > When I found that my system was somewhat oversized, I plumbed in a mixing > valve and a heat dump radiator (

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar thermal covering

When I found that my system was somewhat oversized, I plumbed in a mixing valve and a heat dump radiator (a few Cu pipes) in the crawl space to dump the heat. It's on the solar supply line and it works like a charm. It actually adds a very modest amount of heat to the crawl space, not enough to not

[RE-wrenches] Deka Duration batteries

I've just heard that WM is using the Deka Duration batteries. At AEE we had a very good relationship with MK Battery and I brought in the Deka Duration to sell without really looking at all the potential issues first. However, I did become aware of them after looking at how to install them in detai

Re: [RE-wrenches] Explosion proof ceiling fan

Put the fan at the intake near floor level and a passive vent at the ceiling On Tue, May 6, 2025, 12:09 PM Ray Walters via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Hi William; > > Poor ventilation could be part of it, but I've also seen corrosion > problems from: > clients over

Re: [RE-wrenches] Seeking DC breaker to fit ancient AEE/ Gudgel enclosure for Trace PVGFP

Those part numbers indicate an item from between 2003 and 2008 from AEE. I don't remember what they are though, and do not see those items codes in any old AEE catalogs. Besides Schneider, Magnum also sold similar breakers in 70A and 100A I think. You could probably source them from a breaker distr

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tigo inverter experience

wrote: > I thought the FireRaptor was an IMO device? > > -Glenn > > On Feb 15, 2025 10:47, Bradley Bassett via RE-wrenches < > re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > > Oh, I just looked to see if the FireRaptor is still somewhat pricey, and > it looks like they mi

Re: [RE-wrenches] battery questions.

Jay, great questions. One of the few good things about the OutBack Skybox (I think it was that one) was the lifting holes on the upper back corners so that a bar or pipe could be run through making it much easier for a lift into place. Maybe for the 300 lb batteries lifting eyes on all four top cor

Re: [RE-wrenches] 120-240 Transformer loud vibration and humming.

I think this Victron uses a toroid which is more efficient. It's sort of like the ones AEE used to sell. Maybe the efficiency is not so important for a pump as it would be for continuous use. Victron Autoformer

Re: [RE-wrenches] AGM battery recommendations

What I noticed over the years was that batteries made by East Penn, including the Unigy series, both Unigy I and Unigy II, are that they last just as long as they are expected to, no more and no less. We saw virtually no warranty issues with any East Penn products. Other similar batteries tended to

Re: [RE-wrenches] New Outback FXR Series as GTGBB on existing Off Grid Home

As I remember the FXR inverters will rarely connect to any generators beside very well controlled or inverter type generators. I agree that I don't think there is any automatic transfer from grid tie to generator input. Brad Bassett On Thu, Oct 24, 2024 at 3:42 PM Wayne Irwin via RE-wrenches < re

[RE-wrenches] Ultimate failure mode of well pump

A couple of months ago I posted a thread about a failed SQFlex pump. I now believe I have finally discovered the root cause of the failure. After replacing the pump and still not getting good production, I dug out the pitless adapter and plumbing outside the well casing to discover that the pitless

Re: [RE-wrenches] Portable systems

You want to make sure that it has LFP cells and not NMC. Some of them do still have NMC or similar cells. Brad On Fri, Aug 16, 2024, 4:17 PM david quattro via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > I have two Jackery units and both are great. small 500W and the other is > eit

Re: [RE-wrenches] Grundfos SQFlex Pump Repair

An SQF quiet? I've had three 3 SQF-2 and they are all quite loud, even 300 ft down the well. Maybe the 6 SQF is different. My old 3 SQF-2 will still pump water but not against much head. I think it failed because it had been running 24/7 for some time. If the leak is in the well it might even have

Re: [RE-wrenches] Kit Solar

An excellent idea and one that is catching on for DIY also. There is a potential issue using those at below freezing temps, as with all Li batteries they should not be charged at below freezing temps. You'd want to look for one with heated batteries. There are more and more brands of these power bo

Re: [RE-wrenches] Water system with Grundfos SQFlex

t; > since you switch back and forth you could use a DPDT relay to use the > reverse logic float which the CU200 requires. > > > > > On May 27, 2024, at 12:23 PM, Bradley Bassett via RE-wrenches < > re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > > > > OK,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Water system with Grundfos SQFlex

OK, all of the fittings were just fine. After pulling the pump it was obvious that there was a total failure of the Grundfos SQFlex 3SQF-2 pump head, both the rotor and the check valve. Water just pours through it in reverse with no pressure. On the last test in place it would not produce more than

Re: [RE-wrenches] Water system with Grundfos SQFlex

t; just never could afford one. > > Jay > > > > > > On May 26, 2024, at 12:54 PM, Bradley Bassett via RE-wrenches < > re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > > Just went through all of Supplyhouse and did not find anything suitable. > Off to do some looki

Re: [RE-wrenches] Water system with Grundfos SQFlex

Just went through all of Supplyhouse and did not find anything suitable. Off to do some looking down the well... On Sun, May 26, 2024 at 11:44 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Brad – Try supplyhouse.com > > 888.757.4774 > > > > __

Re: [RE-wrenches] Water system with Grundfos SQFlex

the pressure is much lower, but at the pump, and top of the well, > where the pressure is over 100 psi, I'd be using something better. > > Good Luck, > > Ray Walters > Remote Solar > On 5/26/2024 10:12 AM, Bradley Bassett via RE-wrenches wrote: > > Yes, lots of possibiliti

Re: [RE-wrenches] replacement needed for 12 vdc, 20w El-Sid circulator

Let us know what size solar panel works well with the US Pumps D5. I did not see where there was any data to indicate. It looks like you could just use the motor from the D5 and leave the old pump head in the water line? Brad On Sun, May 26, 2024 at 10:45 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches < re-wrenc

Re: [RE-wrenches] Water system with Grundfos SQFlex

mail offgridso...@sti.net > text 209 813 0060* > > > On 2024-05-26 4:26 am, Jay via RE-wrenches wrote: > > Hi Brad > > With 2 check valves leaking I’d look for a broken pipe or a corroded > fitting. > > If there is anyway to isolate between the 2 check valves then you

[RE-wrenches] Water system with Grundfos SQFlex

I have a water system with a Grundfos SQFlex SQF3-2 pump. I'm getting water flow in reverse either through the pump or a leak up to the pump. My question is if the check valve on the top of the pump is not sealing, will the progressive cavity pump allow water to flow through the pump in reverse? I'

Re: [RE-wrenches] 120 Vac and 12Vdc mixed distribution system

I had a lot of trouble keeping QO breakers functional on a 12VDC distribution system. I'd have to move them around every week or so to keep a good contact on the plug in contacts. They seem to work fine on a 24VDC system. I went to using MNPV or MNDC breakers instead in PV combiner or other MidNite

Re: [RE-wrenches] Ballasted ground mounts

Is Aerocompact still around ? They had a nice simple ballasted ground mount Brad Bassett On Thu, Mar 21, 2024, 10:45 AM Kristopher Schmid via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Thanks for the info, Sam. > > I guess that I should have mentioned that I am looking at an 8kw

Re: [RE-wrenches] Non-battery string inverter options?

Growatt MIN. They're capable of battery connection but work fine as a string inverter at a decent price. Brad On Fri, Feb 23, 2024 at 4:09 AM Glenn Burt via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Fronius. > Solis > > -Glenn > Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos a

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Board Repair

Regarding AEE and off grid support, I'm not really in touch with them much any more so I can't say. You could ask Glenn Hall, he'd be able to say if he's heard anything about hiring a new tech. Of course finding someone with much off grid experience would be hard. Glenn and Alex do have some exper

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tigo RSS Off Grid

I powered a MidNite LSOB transmitter from a Classic AUX, though the receivers didn't work with the Classic. The Classic is limited to 200ma output and the Tigo and APS transmitters are rated at up to 800ma input, so it might overload the Classic AUX output if they really do draw that much. I teste

Re: [RE-wrenches] Deka Duration

Read the warranty. Very limited uses to maintain coverage. Mfg by an Italian Co that is somewhat condescending toward customers. But of course East Penn is good to work with. My understanding is that they do work with the three phase Sol-Ark inverters. Brad On Wed, Feb 7, 2024 at 4:52 AM William

Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider Rapid shutdown with 2023 compliance

Note that the MPPT disco RS works only with Schneider charge controllers. With any other charge controllers you'll need to use Fire Raptors. Specifically the power line type rsd do not work with classic cc. I see no reason why the Schneider units would not meet 2020 or 2023 codes. On Mon, Jan 1,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable sizing for high current modules? NEC interpretation/guidance?

Hi George, It's good to see you're still with REC. I'd assume this would fall under the purview of UL rather than NEC. Anything that meets UL will pass NEC. With temperature derates I think you'd have had to go to larger wire long ago to meet NEC standards. It might be good to go to a larger wire

[RE-wrenches] APsmart and charge controllers

I had a talk with tech support at APS about using the APSmart RSD devices in my DC coupled system. I found it hard to understand him so I'm not completely clear on what he said. One thing was clear and that is they do not test these for use with charge controllers, so can't support that use. Other

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off Grid, Cloudy Days, Solar Tilt Question

riosity, what is the actual difference between the two on those > cloudy days. > > Thx > Jay > > > > On Oct 25, 2023, at 5:04 PM, Bradley Bassett via RE-wrenches < > re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > >  > I used to have both an array at a 60° til

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off Grid, Cloudy Days, Solar Tilt Question

I used to have both an array at a 60° tilt and one at 14° tilt. In the winter the high tilt array did better on sunny days, and on cloudy days the shallow array did better. They were different modules and different sized arrays, so without more analysis than I did, it would be hard to tell which is

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hawaiian Tie in

I have no experience with the Hawaii connection, but another choice for a tap connector is the Ilso GTA type with cover. You don't have to cut the tapped line and don't rely on piercing it. Brad Bassett Application Engineer (ret.) 1985 Solar Eng Svcs -> Applied Power -> Applied Power (Idaho Power

Re: [RE-wrenches] Parallel Homegrid Stack'd Busbar

Note that MidNite now also makes 2000A and 500A versions of their BCB. With two Sol-Ark 15k you do need to use the 1000A version with 275A each inverter. I can also confirm that you do need to use both of the battery terminals in the Sol-Ark 15k for full power, or the Homegrid bus bars that Jason s

Re: [RE-wrenches] Magnum Energy ME-AGS-S

AEE might still have some of those if I remember Brad. Retired On Thu, Jun 15, 2023, 7:41 AM Chris Daum via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Hi folks: > > > > Any chance one of you has this auto gen start module they can part with? I > do NOT need the one with the netwo

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tech Support Issues with Sensata

Just so you know, AEE Solar still has a bunch of Magnum panels and controls, no inverters, no support though. At least until they find someone to take it all. Keep an eye out for other close out stuff too. But, yes they are still going and working on getting better. Brad Bassett Retired--- 1985 So

Re: [RE-wrenches] Backwards compatibility Schneider

I have an XW5548+ with Gateway and Discover AES battery and can vouch that it works slick. Brad AEE Solar Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 29, 2023, at 9:26 AM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar via RE-wrenches > wrote: > > It will be some work to make this work right for you! The XWP is based on Soc

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off Grid Battery Charging

I tried this back in the 1970's with an exercise bike and a high efficiency generator (still have this if anyone wants it). If I pushed hard I could get it up to 200W, but only sustain about 100W. The only time I used it is when my battery was depleted and I wanted to watch TV. I had a 12VDC 5" B&W

Re: [RE-wrenches] absolyte GP battery question/ sideways mounting.

; > Solar Energy International > http://www.solarenergy.org > > > > On Mon, Feb 20, 2023 at 3:13 PM Bradley Bassett via RE-wrenches < > re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > >> Flat is the preferred orientation and they say that if installed with the >> cel

Re: [RE-wrenches] absolyte GP battery question/ sideways mounting.

Flat is the preferred orientation and they say that if installed with the cells vertical it would lose some small percentage of capacity. They never said anything about reduced life that I remember. It is very easy to have short life on these if not fully charged very often. The will sulphate ve

Re: [RE-wrenches] [EXTERNAL] Solark-Fortress Com? (was Fortress Battery Heater)

That is with Discover batteries. Sent from my iPhone > On Feb 10, 2023, at 8:34 AM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar via RE-wrenches > wrote: > > Agree Will and adding that for generator users closed loop will save 25% or > more on fuel. > > I know alot of you folks do not use Schneider but it

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

My design for one customer was to have one initiator for the PV and inverter, and a separate one for the battery initiator. And, to put up a plaque giving instructions to turn off the PV and inverter first, then the battery. Brad On Sat, Jan 28, 2023 at 4:22 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches < re

Re: [RE-wrenches] Discover LiFe battery question

It’s not required but it has the only reliable means of generator start stop. There are three relays that can be programmed. You can’t get accurate battery state of charge by using voltage except near empty or full. The LynkII also has a little bar graph showing state of charge to the nearest 1

Re: [RE-wrenches] 24V Multi Mode Inverter Options

Samlex EVO4024 is supposed to be a very robust simple inverter. 120VAC output, AC charging, good value. Brad On Tue, Jan 3, 2023 at 6:44 AM Chris Sparadeo via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Hey there, > > I have a client with a dead 24V Xantrex SW…It had a good 20+ yea

Re: [RE-wrenches] BACKUP system revival

The Radian grid AC in is connected to the utility side of the transfer switch. You may need a service rated fused disconnect on that line, probably 60A. Then you can feed the AC out to the generator input on the transfer switch to power the main house panel. It's best and usually required by code (

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sola-ark cold morning

If they are the AES 48-6650 batteries I think they do *not* have low temperature mode, and will be damaged if they are charged while they are below freezing. The AES 48-3000 I think *do* have a low temperature mode and would prevent charging if they are below freezing. Wind will tend to make any o

Re: [RE-wrenches] Low voltage lithiums

On some LFP batteries the cell balancing only happens at full charge, so you do need to get to full every so often. Discover AES is one that needs this. Brad On Sat, Nov 19, 2022 at 10:10 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Another issue is what charge con

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolArk and Tigo compatibility

The issue as I see it is that the Tigo RSS Transmitter and the APsmart transmitter are both rated to draw up to 800ma. The 12VDC output of the Sol-Ark inverters is limited to 100ma. Since some have used this successfully I suppose that means that either these transmitters don't really use more than

Re: [RE-wrenches] HomeGrid batteries

I'm curious what you consider mediocre about the HomeGrid? Brad On Mon, Oct 10, 2022 at 7:07 PM Lou Russo via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Aloha All, > > I am considering doing a job with one of these (14kWH) with a Sol-Ark 12kW > for a client who is demanding them.

Re: [RE-wrenches] AC coupled grid tie only inverter

The ACLD was long ago discontinued. The Morningstar relay driver would work fine. I think Magnum limited the size of the grid tie inverter to 90% of the Magnum inverter max power. So 3960W for a MS4448PAE. Brad On Sat, Oct 8, 2022 at 8:47 AM Jay via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Samlex EVO series and AGS

The EVO has an AUX contact closure, either NO or NC that can be programmed for a two wire generator. If you need 3 or 4 wire start logic you can use the Atkinson GSCM. Brad On Fri, Sep 2, 2022 at 9:30 PM frenergy via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Doesn't the EVO have

Re: [RE-wrenches] solar panel recycling

Matt Ferrell gives a good summary of the issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JqzSsStwF4 Brad On Wed, Aug 17, 2022 at 5:55 AM jay via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Hi All, > > Some asked me a question about recycling of panels and I can’t exactly > find out the a

Re: [RE-wrenches] EG4

Check out YouTube videos by Will Prowse. He’s used them and taken them apart. It would be better if any wrenches have used them though Brad Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 28, 2022, at 12:49 PM, Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches > wrote: > > Hi all, > > Does anyone have any experience with EG4 pr

Re: [RE-wrenches] Magnum Inverters

The Samlex EVO4248SP is a potential substitute. The only system panel is the MidNite E-panel. This is a 4.2 kW split phase inverter. Brad AEE Solar Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 20, 2022, at 1:25 PM, Ron Young via RE-wrenches > wrote: > > I have been waiting literally months for delivery of

Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider XW MPPT 80/600 rapid shut down

The Schneider RSD switch has a Tigo transmitter, which is no longer SunSpec compliant. SunSpec devices do NOT work. I know for certain that the APsmart devices do not work. Fire Raptors are very robust and might be a good choice for off grid where reliability is paramount. But they come with 6ft c

Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider XW MPPT 80/600 rapid shut down

AFAIK Or any of the variants of that like the dual input unit Brad Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 19, 2022, at 9:18 AM, jay via RE-wrenches > wrote: > > HI All > > I’ve got a project coming up that has specified a Schneider XW 80/600 > controller. > > Its going to need RS. > > Is the only