Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid overvoltage and undervoltage issues on SMA install

2021-05-20 Thread August Goers
Hi James - Is there a long run between the inverters and the point of interconnection? As others have pointed out, it appears that the symptoms you describe are voltage drop related. If the wire size is too small it will result in voltage at the inverters going up when current starts to flow. The

Re: [RE-wrenches] Vehicle to Grid

2021-06-17 Thread August Goers
Hi Carl - V2G (Vehicle to Grid) is one of the most exciting areas of technology coming down the pipes. It's easy to imagine a day where you can tap into ~100 kWh or more of storage sitting in your EV and benefit from bi-directional charging with PV. I'm trying to get my head wrapped around the sta

Re: [RE-wrenches] Vehicle to Grid

2021-06-17 Thread August Goers
you kept the refer cold, its smokey > and you have no recharge-ability. > Jerry > > > On Thu, Jun 17, 2021, 7:24 AM August Goers wrote: > >> Hi Carl - >> >> V2G (Vehicle to Grid) is one of the most exciting areas of technology >> coming down the pipes. It'

Re: [RE-wrenches] Vehicle to Grid

2021-06-18 Thread August Goers
said battery due to excessive > cycling. Like l said yes it can be done but we have very good stationary > battery tech so why. But hey that just my opinion > Jerry > NABCEP PV inspector > > On Thu, Jun 17, 2021, 8:34 AM August Goers wrote: > >> Jerry - there are some

Re: [RE-wrenches] Air Conditioning energy usage

2021-06-23 Thread August Goers
William - As others have pointed out, there are all sorts of factors that would increase or decrease energy consumption for an AC unit. I like to refer to the Energy Star guide to get an idea of average annual energy consumption: https://www.energystar.gov/products/most_efficient/central_air_condi

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tile roofs

2021-08-18 Thread August Goers
Hi All - William makes some really good points - the underlayment can be a big problem on tile roofs. We have a (nearly) squeaky clean track record with roof leaks, but have had one nightmare of a problem on an old tile roof where the felt underlayment was failing and leaking essentially all over t

Re: [RE-wrenches] Over-torquing Module Clamps?

2021-09-03 Thread August Goers
wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > > -- August Goers Lum

Re: [RE-wrenches] "Re-powering" Aging Utilty Scale PV systems

2021-09-08 Thread August Goers
Hi William - You raise a great question - can you install 600 VDC modules on a 1000 VDC SolarEdge system? Of course the DC optimizer output circuit would need to be rewired with 1000 VDC wiring and connectors, but I think the answer is "yes." According to this article

Re: [RE-wrenches] "Re-powering" Aging Utilty Scale PV systems

2021-09-09 Thread August Goers
in the same demanding environment and > exposed to high voltages as well. Equipment failure is always a > possibility. > > > > Thanks again to those many participants who have replied to my question. > I am much smarter because of my wrench forum friends. > > > > Wil

Re: [RE-wrenches] "Re-powering" Aging Utilty Scale PV systems

2021-09-09 Thread August Goers
ad, Atascadero, CA 93422 > > 805-438-5600 > > www.millersolar.com > > CA Lic. 773985 > > > > > > *From:* August Goers [mailto:aug...@luminalt.com] > *Sent:* Thursday, September 9, 2021 9:34 AM > *To:* William Miller > *Cc:* RE-wrenches; Greg Notley; jonath

Re: [RE-wrenches] Transformerless inverter conversion

2021-09-16 Thread August Goers
Hi William - I think this article by Bill Brooks directly answers both of your questions: https://www.southportland.org/files/8814/8156/0204/NEC_2017_Updates_for_PV_Systems___SolarPro_Magazine.pdf -August On Thu, Sep 16, 2021 at 9:19 AM William Miller wrote: > Friends: > > > > Thanks to all o

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sun power 327 modules

2021-09-17 Thread August Goers
SunPower still sells 327s to authorized dealers. August On Fri, Sep 17, 2021 at 7:54 AM Jay wrote: > Hi all > > I have a customer wanting to add 3 x 327 sunpower modules to his existing > array of 327 sunpower modules. > > 2 questions. > > Does anyone know where I could find 3, yeah doubtful

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sun power 327 modules

2021-09-17 Thread August Goers
er wrote: > That may be true but no one is making inverters that work with sunpower > anymore and that is a big problem > Jerry > > On Fri, Sep 17, 2021, 9:17 AM August Goers wrote: > >> SunPower still sells 327s to authorized dealers. >> >> August >&g

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge inverter blowing fuses

2021-11-01 Thread August Goers
I would definitely check the insulation on the AC-side wiring as Lloyd mentioned. Sometimes small faults don't show up until there is moisture in the air (or conduit) or until max current conditions. As long as you have time delay fuses property sized, it would be rare for them to blow more than on

Re: [RE-wrenches] Pitch Pockets

2021-11-03 Thread August Goers
Adam - This is a good topic. We are finding more and more flat roofs with rigid insulation installed over the wood decking to provide cricketing (for drainage) and insulation for the home. Installing standard stanchions is difficult because it is hard to find the rafters and also we need to use a

Re: [RE-wrenches] Older Flush Mount Sub-panel

2021-11-11 Thread August Goers
Hi Peter - The cost for new equipment is a drop in the bucket compared to labor and just getting it right so it passes inspection. There's not much you can do if the front cover is missing and it looks like an indoor panel located in an outdoor location. Maybe you don't need an inspection? Even the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Older Flush Mount Sub-panel

2021-11-16 Thread August Goers
lient 'till Thursday 11/18 to advise me of their intent. > > It would be a shame to lose a client of long standing. > > We shall see what we shall see. > > - Peter > > On 11/11/2021 3:24 PM August Goers wrote: > > > Hi Peter - The cost for new equipment is a dro

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown Control for a System for a Multimode System Adding an Array to a Subpanel in Garage

2021-11-23 Thread August Goers
Hi Chris - If I'm following you right, you have a PV system on a detached garage that ties into a backup subpanel also in the garage? The code only requires the RSID (rapid shutdown initiation device) to be on the exterior of the building. Would it work to put the RSID on the garage exterior? You c

Re: [RE-wrenches] Transmitting 15kW 3600ft Off Grid.

2022-01-10 Thread August Goers
3600 feet is 0.68 miles. That's a long distance. I totally agree with Ray's suggestion that a second system is probably a better option. August On Mon, Jan 10, 2022 at 11:49 AM Tump wrote: > Hey this is exactly everything I was going to say. Ahh the new owner, the > dentist he’s a real piece o

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Panel Sealant

2022-03-09 Thread August Goers
wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Panel Sealant

2022-03-09 Thread August Goers
ere has used that as well? > > Cheers, > Dave > > On Wed, Mar 9, 2022 at 9:32 AM August Goers wrote: > >> We’ve been using ChemLink M-1 for at least 10 years now, I have not seen >> any signs of issues: >> >> https://chemlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2021

Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable Ties

2022-03-14 Thread August Goers
I'm partial to Heyco Sunbundlers which are PVC coated stainless cable ties: https://www.heyco.com/Solar_Power_Components/product.cfm?product=Sunbundler-Cable-Ties We try to do the majority of our wire management with stainless S-clips mounted on module frames or rail mounted C-shaped clips. Cable

Re: [RE-wrenches] Wires between arrays

2022-03-22 Thread August Goers
This IAEI Magazine article may address this issue a bit: https://iaeimagazine.org/features/electrical-systems-are-you-protected/ Your inspector might be concerned with the rough edges portion of the article: [image: image.png] You may be able to argue with the inspector that you have simply used

[RE-wrenches] Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

2011-09-22 Thread August Goers via LinkedIn
LinkedIn August Goers requested to add you as a connection on LinkedIn: -- Doug, I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. - August Accept invitation from August Goers http://www.linkedin.com/e/-xy4d8h-gsvto

Re: [RE-wrenches] Equipment for 400 Amp Service Supply Side & 2 200s

2022-03-29 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
tap for the PV > backfeed? I need 2 x 200 amp mains plus a 200 amp pv backfees point and > the meter needs to have test bypass links. > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Mar 29, 2022, at 10:34 AM, August Goers wrote: > >  > Hi Jeff - > > There are several 400 A (or 320

[RE-wrenches] Fronius in the game?

2022-04-22 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
ius on this list? Is Fronius pulling out of the US market? Best, August *August Goers* Luminalt Energy Corporation www.luminalt.com ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address: RE-wr

Re: [RE-wrenches] 26% to 30% ITC for 2022?

2022-08-15 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
This SEIA link has a PDF fact sheet you can download with info: https://www.seia.org/research-resources/inflation-reduction-act-solar-energy-and-energy-storage-provisions-summary August Luminalt On Fri, Aug 12, 2022 at 4:51 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wr

Re: [RE-wrenches] 26% to 30% ITC for 2022?

2022-08-15 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
kup with solar? > > Jason Szumlanski > Florida Solar Design Group > > On Mon, Aug 15, 2022, 4:32 PM August Goers via RE-wrenches < > re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > >> This SEIA link has a PDF fact sheet you can download with info: >> >> >> http

Re: [RE-wrenches] 26% to 30% ITC for 2022?

2022-08-15 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
ere the government folks actually work through the exact interpretations of this bill, so there will be more info coming I’m sure. On Mon, Aug 15, 2022 at 1:32 PM August Goers wrote: > This SEIA link has a PDF fact sheet you can download with info: > > > https://www.seia.org/res

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase

2022-09-26 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
//lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenche

Re: [RE-wrenches] Onboard PV Charging Kit for Electric Vehicle

2022-10-05 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
I've been happy with Victron charge controller / inverter equipment, they seem to be very popular in the RV space. Here is a potential 3000 VA inverter model that might work, other sizes and configurations are available as well: https://www.victronenergy.com/inverters-chargers/multiplus-ii#downloa

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA without WiFi

2022-11-01 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Many WiFi range extenders on the market also include an ethernet port. This will allow you to hardwire your Sunnyboy to the extender via ethernet. First, you setup the extender to join the existing WiFi network. Then you just plug in your ethernet cable and should be good to go. Here is an example:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunpower Performance Warranty Claim

2022-11-23 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
dress & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.o

[RE-wrenches] NEC 230.46 spliced and tapped conductors

2023-01-31 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Wrenches - Occasionally we will do supply side connection for our PV systems. As of 1/1/2023 in CA, we follow the 2020 NEC 705.11 Supply-Side Source Connections section. Recently, an inspector asked us to comply with the following: 230.46 Spliced and Tapped Conductors Service-entrance conducto

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

2023-02-03 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
> > https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ >> > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> > >> > List rules & etiquette: >> > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> > >> >

Re: [RE-wrenches] California NEM3 specific question

2023-03-03 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
I'm not aware of any other option than completely removing and decommissioning the old PV system and installing a new system to lock in NEM2 for a new 20 year term. We are experiencing unprecedented demand for PV right now as people sign up to lock in under NEM2. There are a lot of nuances to getti

Re: [RE-wrenches] California NEM3 specific question

2023-03-03 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
The NEM2 / NBT transition is only mandated for the three investor-owned utilities in California. Other privately or municipally owned utilities play by their own rules - I believe there are several such as Palo Alto, SMUD, Alameda Municipal Power, LADWP, etc that aren't necessarily changing their r

Re: [RE-wrenches] PID and iLumen

2023-03-15 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Marco - You might want to check with SunPower again, my understanding is that they are planning on releasing a PID solution (it might be the iLumen PIDbox). I don't know about timing or other details at this point. Best, August Luminalt On Fri, Mar 10, 2023 at 5:23 PM Marco Mangelsdorf via RE-

Re: [RE-wrenches] Attaching Array To or Through Ply

2023-03-29 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
We've found that in the Bay Area that deck-mount solutions typically pencil out structurally (via a structural professional engineer) as long as the deck is 1/2" plywood or thicker, assuming we have all the info on how the roof is constructed. The big assumption is that we can get all that roof con

[RE-wrenches] active vs apparent power readings with solar

2023-04-27 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Wrenches, We have a residential site with grid tied solar where there is an electrician involved who has gotten into taking site readings and thinks there is a power factor problem. My gut on it is that there is some sort of measurement reading error, and that the power factor should be around

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2018 Residential Code Fire Setbacks

2023-06-07 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
It looks like Virginia is indeed on the amended 2018 version of the IRC. I've found that UpCodes is pretty cool (normally I just use the California codes since that's where we work): https://up.codes/codes/virginia I think that article that Rick pointed to was talking about the 3' pathways requir

Re: [RE-wrenches] AFCI tripping on SB 4000US-12

2023-06-19 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi William - Is this a TL-21 inverter line from maybe 8 or 10 years ago? If I recall correctly, that was around the time period that SMA was first shipping with AFCI detection - we h

Re: [RE-wrenches] Service rated tap devices

2023-07-20 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Mac - Here's a list of NEC 230.46 compliant multitap connectors from NSI, maker of Polaris brand: https://www.nsiindustries.com/line-side-skus/ Note that only the two-port variants are currently on their list, which is sort of a pain. We've been using the IT-350 which has dual-side wire entry

Re: [RE-wrenches] sealing a carport array

2023-09-13 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Kirk, This probably isn't the answer you want, but we insist that a conventional roof is installed (could be metal, bitumen, etc) and then install the array on top if the client needs it to be watertight. It just seems like everything else such as rubber gaskets or tape will be temporary or pro

Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning PV mods

2023-10-20 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
I now live in a more rural part of California and the dust buildup and bird droppings on my modules cuts energy production down by about 5% during the dry months. I imagine that professional cleaning services would still cost more than the recouped energy production, especially since the dirt build

Re: [RE-wrenches] Metal Truss Roofs

2023-10-26 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi James, I haven't had an application exactly as you describe with a tile roof / plywood deck over metal trusses. However, we have installed systems with metal roof support structures many times. Metal self-drilling screws have impressive pullouts, so you might be able to use them with any sort o

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Gateway causing lamp to flicker

2023-12-11 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
I don't have experience with Enphase's battery system nor have I seen this issue with the touch lights. However, I wonder if there might be something up with neutrals or grounds on the site? Disconnected neutrals, neutrals bonded to ground in more than one location, lack of a good ground grounding

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA TL-22 insulation resistance error

2023-12-13 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
You might want to make sure that the SMA inverter has the latest firmware. It's been a long time since we've routinely installed these, but at one point arc faults were being falsely tripped and firmware updates from SMA helped with the issue. https://my.sma-service.com/s/article/Loading-Firmware-

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA String inverters

2024-01-10 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
We're starting to install the Tesla Solar Inverter with good results: https://www.tesla.com/support/energy/solar-inverter/tesla-solar-inverter It is going to be a tough product for others to compete with - the price point is low and features are high. 4 x MPPTs with low tracking voltage (60 VDC),

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA String inverters

2024-01-11 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
offgridsolar/>https://offgridsolar1.com/ > <https://offgridsolar1.com/> <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/> > e-mail offgridso...@sti.net > text 209 813 0060* > > > On 2024-01-10 3:25 pm, August Goers via RE-wrenches wrote: > > We're starting to inst

Re: [RE-wrenches] Recommendation on DC Breaker

2024-01-18 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
I've used Midnite DC combiners in the past with good results. Since you are over 150 VDC, I believe you'd need to select the 1000 VDC fuse holder(s) for your application: https://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=78&productCat_ID=9&sortOrder=4&act=p August On Thu, Jan 18, 2024 at

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

2024-02-22 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
The last I checked, Fronius's inverters were not compatible with current CA smart grid requirements, so won't be approved to connect to the grid, so be careful there. Maybe they have new models now? Tesla's 7.6 kW PV inverter is good, affordable, and can be installed without MLPE. It also has 4 in

Re: [RE-wrenches] Converting from transformer to transformerless

2024-04-23 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi William, I'll rattle off a few notes based on some of my experiences: If I were to replace an old Sunny Boy transformer inverter with a modern transformerless inverter, what are the implications? *[August Goers] I'll forward you and the group an old SolarPro Magazine article calle

Re: [RE-wrenches] Transformerless inverter conversion

2024-04-24 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Here is a link to download the SolarPro May/June 2016 issue reference below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eiBt5n-ABfNn2ng8IwVl2yMvVHpQlZ_U/view?usp=sharing -August On Tue, Apr 23, 2024 at 4:34 PM August Goers wrote: > Hi William and All - > > The SolarPro Magazine article o

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power Control System for Main Panel Upgrade Avoidance

2024-08-06 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Jason - There are many options on how a manufacturer can implement Power Control Systems (PCS) and based on my experience with Tesla products, I'd say it's the best thing since sliced bread. I expect that all major manufactures will be implementing more advanced PCS features as soon as they are

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power Control System for Main Panel Upgrade Avoidance

2024-08-07 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
gt; >> I hope I have this wrong. >> >> Jason Szumlanski >> Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group >> NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP) >> Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956 >> Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power Control System for Main Panel Upgrade Avoidance

2024-08-07 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Solar Design Group > NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP) > Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956 > Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208 > > > On Wed, Aug 7, 2024 at 10:10 AM August Goers wrote: > >> Hi Jason - I suspect that Enphase is wor

Re: [RE-wrenches] Portable systems

2024-08-16 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
I have a couple of Jackery units as well and they have worked great for 2 or 3 years now running my fridge, internet, and work computer setup when the power goes out. I've also taken them camping. Mine are slightly older with NMC cells, but I agree that if I was going to buy a new one that LFP is t

Re: [RE-wrenches] Old Unirac Rails

2024-11-05 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Drake - We use the new style Unirac mids and ends frequently on older Unirac SolarMount rails without an issue. I think the vast majority of systems used SolarMount, but you'll want to verify that you have SolarMount rail rather than something that is discontinued - I think for a while they had

Re: [RE-wrenches] SunPower Warranty and Monitoring

2024-09-27 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Dave - The sales rep, Parker, I spoke with at Enphase said that they don't have a way of monitoring the SunPower Type C and D micros since those were manufactured by SolarBridge. They do have an upgrade program where folks can pay for new IQ7 micros, he said. They also have an upgrade program t

Re: [RE-wrenches] ATS Brand Recommendations

2024-09-20 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Sam - It's been probably 6 or 8 years since I've selected a 3rd party automatic transfer switch, but we used to use Briggs & Stratton products with good results: https://energy.briggsandstratton.com/na/en_us/homeowners/products/standby-generators/transfer-switches-and-accessories.html At leas

Re: [RE-wrenches] SunPower Warranty and Monitoring

2024-09-30 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
nd of >> reprogramming. >> >> Being that you got told conflicting information, I am going to call them >> back next week and see if I cannot get a definitive answer. I'll update you >> all here afterwards. >> >> Cheers, >> Dave >> >>

Re: [RE-wrenches] favortie micro inverters?

2024-09-25 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
I've noticed that the Enphase compatibility calculator needs some work - it called out microinverters as being compatible when clearly the operating voltages or currents were outside of the ranges listed on the spec sheet. Need to double check all of the voltage and currents at both high and low ra

Re: [RE-wrenches] SunPower Warranty and Monitoring

2024-11-14 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
the module > junction boxes in the array. I am wondering if anyone has tried just > checking and resoldering these on site to see if that helps with the arc > fault problems. > > Cheers, > Dave > > On Mon, Sep 30, 2024 at 4:50 PM August Goers wrote: > >> Hi Dave - &g

Re: [RE-wrenches] SunPower SunVault black start

2024-12-11 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Bruce - for what it's worth, we're still able to access our systems with SunPower Pro Fleet Management (https://monitor.sunpower.com/) - I think one of our logins doesn't work, but others do. Fingers crossed it keeps working. Best, August On Wed, Dec 11, 2024 at 11:08 AM Bruce Erickson via

Re: [RE-wrenches] big copper wire order

2025-01-23 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
You might try OneMonroe Titan. https://titanwnc.com/?customer_id=323-492-8596&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7se8BhCAARIsAKnF3rxH2aoNi44ou0wr29edZY6X3Bww-VGqmTiVwHfRdeu45fBoEqSZNxAaAmF1EALw_wcB As William Miller mentioned, we purchase a lot through Alameda and generally their wiring pricing is good.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunpower monitoring down?

2025-01-23 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Dave and Other Ex-SunPower Dealers - We found that this SunPower fleet management site is still working: https://monitor.sunstrongmonitoring.com/ If you do a little internet searching, it seems like SunStrong may be involved in managing SunPower's fleet of leased systems, so maybe they are kee

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV watts question

2025-01-27 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Jay, Per your note, annual kWh production should go up as you add more modules to a project, even if you are increasing the DC/AC ratio. I wonder if the metric you are reporting out is kWh per kWp per year, or specific yield? https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/08/specific-yield-overvie

Re: [RE-wrenches] Attaching Ground To Steel Frame

2025-01-28 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Maybe use one of these direct-burial ground clamps (that are made of bronze w/ stainless hardware)? https://www.homedepot.com/p/NSi-Industries-Heavy-Duty-Direct-Burial-Ground-Clamp-with-Lay-In-10-2-STR-GLC-12DB/307286461 The galvanic corrosion between stainless steel and mild steel is probably th

Re: [RE-wrenches] AGM battery recommendations

2025-01-13 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
We started installing Powerwalls in 2017, so it's been a while since we've bought AGMs except for system maintenance purposes. That said, I'll second William Miller's note that Deka Unigy II AGMs are very robust. Most of our AGM syste

Re: [RE-wrenches] ATS models to bypass GT hybrid inverters for maintenance/faults

2025-01-14 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
of their own in time, as well as a wireway > to marry the PowerFlo 16 and AIO, both such nicely built solid equipment). > > Hopefully the Kohler RXT or Generac can work to keep the ATS cost below > $1k! > > Sunniest regards, > Stuart > 441 599 2105 > > > On T

Re: [RE-wrenches] ATS models to bypass GT hybrid inverters for maintenance/faults

2025-01-14 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Stuart - Many grid tied PV/ESS manufacturers (Enphase, SolarEdge, Franklin, Tesla to name a few) now have a Microgrid Interconnect Device (MID) that essentially acts as a smart transfer switch thus eliminating the need for a 3rd party automatic transfer switch. What brands equipment are you loo

Re: [RE-wrenches] Class 320 meter main combos, new requirements

2025-03-27 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi William, Yes, we have run into this for the past couple of years since the 2020 NEC went into effect 1/1/2023 in CA. At first we thought it was PG&E that had the requirement, but then found out it was the NEC and I believe PG&E will enforce it as well. There was misinformation from electricians

Re: [RE-wrenches] NEM3 inverter quest

2025-02-18 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi William - I know you're not a fan of Tesla, you so you might want to check out FranklinWH (which is basically like a supercharged Powerwall 2 system): https://www.franklinwh.com/products/apower2-home-battery-backup/ or Enphase: https://enphase.com/store/storage/gen3/iq-battery-5p?srsltid=AfmB

Re: [RE-wrenches] NEM3 inverter quest

2025-02-18 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
This guide from Enphase provides information about how the system charges and discharges under NBT. https://enphase.com/download/ai-optimization-california-net-billing-tariff-nem-30-user-guide?srsltid=AfmBOor2Aj0uW41ejGxYl5znFAPQsneTdxu7AqRxdqjJ5uG5_eOQW_dC Manufacturers may or may not have all t

Re: [RE-wrenches] GEC tap

2025-02-19 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Kris - We use C-taps all the time - if you search for c-tap connector you'll see plenty of results with Burndy being a big player in the market. Depending on your wire sizing, you might be able to use the thin wall variant which requires a smaller tool and overall are lower cost. If you need to

Re: [RE-wrenches] mini splits

2025-03-13 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
I've installed two DIY mini splits and both work very well, one was MRCOOL and the other was Pioneer. Many of our clients and my parents have professionally installed mini splits - I'm not sure whether there are major advantages of getting the professionally installed variants other than a preferen

Re: [RE-wrenches] SunPower AC Modules non-Enphase

2025-02-21 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Jamie - the mods you included the spec sheet for are “E” series micros which are in fact Enphase IQ7 micros. The Mods that Jason has are older, with d series micros according to the part number he posted. SunPower monitoring can be switched over to Enphase for a fee as long as the mods include

Re: [RE-wrenches] SunPower AC Modules non-Enphase

2025-02-21 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
Hi Jason - The “d” series micros on the back of those 350 mods are from Solarbridge and probably need to be scrapped. Enphase, the last I checked, was offering their upgrade program pricing for these mods so if you contact them they will set you up with a kit of new micros and a IQ Combiner for mon

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge Has Gone Too Far

2025-02-20 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
If you go back and look at the stock price, Enphase was just about to go bankrupt in the 2017 period. They had just released their IQ micros which were quite reliable but were riddled by a bad reputation from prior generations with high failures, particularly M190/M210s. We were one of those compan

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar thermal covering

2025-06-18 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
I have a soft spot for solar hot water, but alas it is obsolete in most if not all circumstances. We stopped doing it probably 10 years ago in the Bay Area after finding a) a loss in demand, b) maintenance often costing more than the calculated savings, and c) PV costs and reliability substantially

Re: [RE-wrenches] charging a 2017 Chevy Volt off-grid

2025-06-23 Thread August Goers via RE-wrenches
I've heard that EVs can be picky with lack of proper neutral to ground bond - might be worth checking that you have a good neutral to ground connection at your main panel and good GEC system. August On Mon, Jun 23, 2025 at 12:16 PM david quattro via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.

<    1   2   3   4   5   6