Re: [RE-wrenches] Tigo to go?

Marco, I understand that the cost of electricity in Hawaii is pretty high so cost can be justified. But don't forget the cost of bolting up each optimizer. And the cost of doubling the number of cable connection, now and possibly in the future. Complexity increase cost in the long run? How clos

[RE-wrenches] SolarEdge v Enphase

Folks, Can anyone discern any compelling benefit of using the SolarEdge architecture over a Enphase? It seems to me that with SolarEdge you get the benefits of a microinverter with all the downside of series string inverters. SolarEdge still leaves you with bolting up a box at every module, with

[RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

Folks, Has anyone used Enphase monitoring data to get warranty replacement on new modules with sub par yield? I have several interesting questions stemming from access to Enphase module level monitoring data. Looking at data from a larger site (80 modules) with no shading issues, instant power p

[RE-wrenches] Paint for Rubber Flashings

Hello Wrenches, We had a discussion on the list previously concerning degradation of rubber boots on flashings due to UV exposure. Apparently painted boots will hold up much better than non painted. Can anyone recommend an appropriate paint to use? Thanks, Drake Drake Chamberlin ATHENS E

Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

Mark, We have nine Trina modules on our roof with Enphase. Enphase says the array has produced 2,680 kWh to date. The revenue grade meter 12 feet away says 2,564. Until I hear otherwise I am reluctant to consider Enphase reporting precise. It seems to be similar to what I would expect from a s

Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

First, I'd suggest swapping the inverter under the suspect module with it's neighboring module's inverter. See if the reduced output follows the module, or the inverter. If it follows the module, then I'd have a frank talk with the module manufacturer, backed with the data you've gathered, to see

Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

Good point, Matt. We've been required to install a revenue-grade solar production KWH meter in Oregon with every system. In 6-7 years with different inverter manus, I've never seen an inverter KWH display that wasn't, shall we say... exuberant, in relation to the revenue grade meter. Bob-O On

Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

Thanks Phil, I have already swapped the module to confim that the problem follows the module, not the inverter. I am currently working within channels with my distributor for warranty replacement having just requested an RMA. Mark Frye Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 303 Redbud Way Nevada

Re: [RE-wrenches] Paint for Rubber Flashings

Roofers often use this type of aluminum paint here in the Bay Area - http://www.gardner-gibson.com/linedetails.aspx?id=57 I think a good quality outdoor latex paint works fine too. Best, August August Goers Luminalt Energy Corporation 1320 Potrero Avenue San Francisco, CA 9411

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge v Enphase

Mark,I thought that the SolarEdge reduced the 'string' voltage to 1V per unit/module, reducing the high DC voltage risk factor, until the inverter switch was turned on? The fact that by hitting the "off" switch on the inverter will reduce the potentially high DC voltage to 1V per unit/module co

Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

I would always expect the power monitoring at the inverter ( or in this case at the module) to be higher, because of wire losses. Matt's case is about a 4 to 5% difference though, so that only explains maybe half the loss at most. I wonder if the inverter monitoring measures incoming watts, or

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge v Enphase

Indeed. Yes it is 1v per module when not operating, but still >250V when operating. That means that all code requirements for >250V still apply to the DC wiring such as bonding bushings for conduit as required etc. SolarEdge is making hay off of this safety feature, but this feature is inhe

[RE-wrenches] Tigo to go?

Nowhere close. I'm not a believer in using micro inverters for large commercial projects. Plus, I'm pushed to the limit on this particular project to keep the costs down in order to satisfy the PPA investors. Off-line I'll tell you what I'm charging. I never thought I could/would go that low. B

[RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

I'm looking for a bare-bones, cheap (hah!) web-based monitoring system for three-phase systems using either Satcon or PV Powered inverters. I'm having a hard time finding any package (it doesn't have to be bloomin' "revenue-grade") under $3,000. Anyone know of anything reputable and lower c

[RE-wrenches] Underwater wire

I have an installation that is a ground mount on a berm with a man-made pond between the array and the BOS. The pond is about 4 feet deep. How would you wrenches make this run? in weighted conduit with primer and glued joints? use boring and go under? out of conduit with wire directly in the wate

Re: [RE-wrenches] Underwater wire

Kris, We work on boat docks on army corps of engineer lakes frequently and they have wire in direct contact with water everywhere. The lakes here are flood control and fluctuate a lot, like 50 feet in a given year. The marinas are dragging the feeder wires all over the place on rocky bottoms. We

Re: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

Daron Stein Locus Energy LLC 646 395 9913(desk) 646 660 5223 (cell) www.locusenergy.com - Original Message - From: Marco Mangelsdorf To: 'RE-wrenches' Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 11:52 AM Subject: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring I'm looking for a bare-bones,

Re: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

The 30kW & up PV Powered inverters we have been installing lately have an Ethernet connection built in. Connect it to a LAN with internet visibility, go to the mypvpowered.com website, enter the S/N of the inverter & a few other details & voila - free logging! Admittedly it has a few flaws, bu

Re: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

I second the motion on Locus Energy. Inexpensive and effective and you can do load monitoring too. Sent from my iPhone On Jun 9, 2011, at 3:37 PM, "Joel Davidson" wrote: > Daron Stein > Locus Energy LLC > 646 395 9913(desk) > 646 660 5223 (cell) > www.locusenergy.com > > - Original Mes

Re: [RE-wrenches] commercial system monitoring

Marco: Define "monitoring." Are you content with recording net AC to the grid with sub metering on each inverter AC? E-gauge can do that. I installed an E-gauge on an off-grid commercial system today and it was not half bad. http://www.egauge.net/ William At 11:52 AM 6/9/2011, Marco

Re: [RE-wrenches] Underwater wire

There utility companies up here in northern MN bring power to islands all the time. The have cable underwater. Maybe contact Minnesota Power Jesse Sent from my iPhone On Jun 9, 2011, at 3:48 PM, Nathan Jones wrote: > Kris, > We work on boat docks on army corps of engineer lakes frequently

Re: [RE-wrenches] Underwater wire

Kris, I don't know a Code-compliant solution, having not faced this. But I'll suggest that you not attempt to glue and seal conduit to keep the conductors dry, as it won't work permanently. Use wet-rated wire, expecting any conduit to provide only physical protection.