[RE-wrenches] backfeeding "six disconnect" panel

buses. How do I deal with 690.64 (B) (2) when there's no main breaker? Thanks! Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@l

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power line shading

I have a system with Enphase inverters that has a 1/2" cable crossing 8-10ft above the array. I used the Enphase inverters specifically for isolating that shading, but have seen no noticeable impact on production from the modules being shaded. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems

Re: [RE-wrenches] backfeeding "six disconnect" panel

ems the real question is about that top bus. Can we consider a connection there a supply side tap? If not, who do we do the 690.64 (B) (2) calculation without a main breaker? Thanks! Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Thu, Oct

Re: [RE-wrenches] backfeeding "six disconnect" panel

the service entrance cables."* Is there something special in the busing on these main-lug-only panels that means we don't have to be so conservative or is it a matter of the code not really being consistent? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d.

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA -40 Arc Faults

nks, Dana Dana Brandt d...@ecotechsolar.com 360.318.7646 x700 www.ecotechsolar.com On Tue, May 8, 2018 at 12:15 PM Blake Gleason wrote: > Hi Matt - A couple of years ago, I worked extensively with an inverter > manufacturer (sorry I can't name) who was seeing a lot of arc-fault &

[RE-wrenches] does the federal grant affect depreciation?

Wrenches, I feel like this must have been discussed before, but I can't find it in the archives. If a business takes the 30% federal grant, do they get to depreciate 100% of the system cost, or just the remaining 70%? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenerg

Re: [RE-wrenches] does the federal grant affect depreciation?

Thanks, Randy. Do you have a reference for the depreciable basis being reduced by half the tax credit? I've emailed the treasury dept. and will report back what I hear from them. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Tue

Re: [RE-wrenches] does the federal grant affect depreciation?

Thanks, David! That's exactly what I needed. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 12:34 PM, David Brearley < david.brear...@solarprofessional.com> wrote: > Dana, > > Here is an exc

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA GFDI Err Tip was PV Powered vs SMA

In my experience tightening the fuse holder and cleaning the contacts didn't help but a 30 minute burn in did the trick. No problems since. SMA tech support said this has be a common problem for them in humid environments. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sanyo 210N Hit Power Modules

Conergy and SunWize carry them. Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Tue, Dec 8, 2009 at 6:51 AM, Drake Chamberlin < drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org> wrote: > Does anyone have a source for Sanyo 210N Hit Powe

Re: [RE-wrenches] EnPhase/Racking Best Fit

em only practical on standing seam roof. I'm a big fan of Unirac, but I think they missed on this one. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Sat, Jan 16, 2010 at 3:06 PM, wrote: > Erika, > > I can tell you from expe

Re: [RE-wrenches] anti islanding?

Hi August, I wrote a not-too-technical description of anti-islanding for the Ask the Experts section of Home Power a while back. You can find it online at: http://homepower.com/article/?file=HP130_pg28_ATE_2 or in print in the Apr/May 2009 (#130) issue. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems

Re: [RE-wrenches] Generators and Grid-tie Systems

SMA has an intelligent dump load that works with their AC coupled systems. It's call a Smart Load, but I don't think they have a UL listed version. SMA has some pretty impressive technology along the lines of AC coupling that they've chosen not to make for the US market. Dan

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase performance

rters is a good design. I recently installed 4kW of 230s with the Enphase 190s and have seen their output as high as 199W. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Fri, May 7, 2010 at 4:48 PM, Chris Worcester wrote: > D

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase performance

clip - at least not around here. One thing to consider is that if you go with smaller modules you need more inverters. You might compare the cost of the additional inverters to the value of the 0.2% energy loss from clipping over the lifetime of the system. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric Suneye 210

Do those apps have location specific info that will translate percentage sky blockage into percent annual solar energy so it can be used for PV calculations? Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Thu, May 13, 2010 at 10:40 AM

Re: [RE-wrenches] GT 3.0 FAILURES

er use any Xantrex GT. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Mon, Jun 7, 2010 at 11:22 AM, i2p wrote: > SORRY FOR THE BLANK, > > > I am replacing some GT 3.0 multiple times. Though Xantrex pays the labor, > this i

[RE-wrenches] Tigo

We haven't used any of these yet but I'm considering it. Anyone have any experience they can share? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 ___ List sponsored by

[RE-wrenches] Module Degradation - voltage or current?

ose on the array over 30 years. Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver ema

Re: [RE-wrenches] Module Degradation - voltage or current?

isted differently for different AC voltages. Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 On Wed, Jun 4, 2014 at 3:53 PM, Bill Brooks wrote: > Folks, > > > > Voc does not degrade as much as Isc, but neither is key.

[RE-wrenches] Pathfinder vs. Suneye

rison? What have you seen? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email

Re: [RE-wrenches] Pathfinder vs. Suneye

Hi Allen, Thanks for the assessment. I think that makes a lot of sense. I prefer to be conservative with my grid-tied numbers, too. Maybe I'll just round down the Suneye projections. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 O

Re: [RE-wrenches] Pathfinder vs. Suneye

won't allow for string shading. Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 On Tue, Oct 28, 2014 at 10:48 PM, William Miller wrote: > Dana: > > > > You can evaluate multiple points with a Pathfinder, thusly:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Code reference request

olectria's new TL inverters and found this: "Per NEC 690.47, a GEC must be installed, and the Grounding Electrode Terminal (GET) conductor must be sized in accordance with NEC article 250.166." What am I missing? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LL

Re: [RE-wrenches] Code reference request

language in the code. We'll see Thanks again! Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 On Mon, Nov 3, 2014 at 12:45 PM, August Goers wrote: > Hi Dana, > > > > This is still a confusing issue, I agree. Thi

Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack

Hi Jason, We've used Unirac for years but have been contemplating Ironridge. I'm curious what your experience was and why you went back to Unirac? Anyone else have input on best racking systems for flush-mounted residential systems on comp roof? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Ener

Re: [RE-wrenches] getting PV modules up to the roof

Hi Wrenches, I'm curious if anyone has updates to this thread 3 years later. What are people using to lift modules to the roof? I've been looking at ladder hoists online and wondering how well they'd work in practice. Any experience or advice? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech

[RE-wrenches] Sub Panel Mounted on Roof Slope

Hi Wrenches, Does anyone know of a 480VAC panelboard that can be mounted flush to a 10 degree pitched roof as opposed to vertically? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sub Panel Mounted on Roof Slope

Thanks, Kirk. I understand that if a panel isn't list for other than vertical mounting we can't lay it down. I was hoping a wrench may know of a panel that *is* listed for other than vertical mounting. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotech

Re: [RE-wrenches] Metal roofs

7;re reliant on compression on the rubber for the rest of time in order to stay water tight. It seems to me that an adhesive might still hold water better if things loosen up a bit over the next 30 years. Eternabond has been recommended here in the past for this. Thoughts? Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech

Re: [RE-wrenches] Multiple angle conundrum

s four from the other and a third has two from each side. The one with two from each side produces the exact average of the other two. The theory works! Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 11:39 AM, Howie M

[RE-wrenches] Unirac SolarMount rail caps

fully installed. Unirac has endcaps for the SunFrame, but those aren't compatible with SolarMount. Anyone run into this before? Thoughts on solutions? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318

Re: [RE-wrenches] Unirac SolarMount rail caps

I checked out caplugs, but couldn't find anything that looked like it would work. Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 On Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 6:24 AM, Mark Richardson < mrichard...@newyorklightenergy.com> wrot

Re: [RE-wrenches] Unirac SolarMount rail caps

I just bought some Aluminum Trim Channel for 3/4 Plywood and it fits perfectly over the end of the rail. It's very similar to this: http://www.lowes.com/pd_55981-37672-11385_0__?productId=3058185 Thanks everyone your input! Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Ballasted Roof Racking Recommendations?

We just did a system on 10 degree AET and liked it. I think they have a 30 degree option. I'd be worried about inter-row shading, though. The DPW POWER-FAB BRM has more flexibility with row spacing, but I found it to be pretty expensive. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power line communications interference

Enphase recommends this ferrite toroid you can put on the lines to the pump to filter out the noise: http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?vendor=0&keywords=Epcos%20B64290L0082X087&cur=USD Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechen

[RE-wrenches] Davis Bacon

Hi all, What Davis Bacon federal wage categories do you use for different aspects of installation? Electrician is obvious for direct electrical work, but how about roof penetrations and rails? Moving and placing ballast blocks? Modules? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC

[RE-wrenches] Wasps

Hi Wrenches, I have a client who has developed quite a problem with wasps behind her array. Does anyone have experience getting rid of them? I'm afraid of the possibility of sprays damaging the backsheet. Is that a legitimate concern? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems

Re: [RE-wrenches] Wasps

Thanks for the input everyone. She's pretty set on getting rid of them. I'll recommend hosing them down with water at night. I think she's going to want to go chemical, though. I'd love to hear anyone's experience with sprays damaging the backsheet or not. Thanks,

[RE-wrenches] trouble shooting system with Sun Tie

uth. This certainly has a detrimental impact on the performance, but it doesn't seem to me that it could account for all of that energy loss. Thoughts? Thanks a lot! Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] 360.510.0433

Re: [RE-wrenches] grid-tie inverters & generators

ht explain the generators being fried in these SI/SB AC coupled systems. I would think that with regular gridtied SB's they'd shut down before damaging the generator. Bottom line, though, I'd probably install the NC relay powered off the generator input to be safe. Dana --

Re: [RE-wrenches] More on AC coupling

he SI for AC minigrids and the multi-master operation in HP 109 - Oct/Nov 2005. It's frustrating to me that SMA hasn't UL listed a full-featured SI for us in the States, but they must figure it doesn't make financial sense for them. Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC w

[RE-wrenches] building permits for PV

zy to me. What are other jurisdictions requiring? I'd love some information I can take to the city showing that other jurisdictions aren't requiring this type of process. Thanks a lot, Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com [EMAIL PROTECTE

Re: [RE-wrenches] building permits for PV

I just got back from the inspection which verified that - yes indeed, there are L-feet and rails on the roof. Seems pretty silly... Thanks again, Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] 360.510.0433 On Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 8:11 AM, Paul Israel &l

Re: [RE-wrenches] Back feeding battery inverter with grid-tie inverter

x to ok it first. Do you already have the XW? If not, another option for AC coupling would be to talk with Outback. They've done a few of these systems and can help you put it together. Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 O

Re: [RE-wrenches] prevailing wages

Washington doesn't have a PV installer category for prevailing wage. We've been told to use Carpenter or Electrician depending on which part of the installation they're doing. Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.043

[RE-wrenches] automatic DC switch

-- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cg

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Micro Inverter Energy System

can log in and see in almost real time the output of each individual module as well as any number of energy production reports and the like. It's addicting! I think in certain applications (very small systems, partial shading, multiple module orientations) they're a great solutio

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Micro Inverter Energy System

and we had to mount the inverters under the L-feet instead of on top. Anyway - good to know there aren't usually tolerance issues. The L-feet are definitely the way to go to attach the microinverters to SunFrame. Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.

Re: [RE-wrenches] AC disconnect options

That's our experience here in Washington, too. Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 11:37 AM, Louis Woofenden wrote: > > Hi Andrew, > > We haven't been able to get any of the uti