tting in the dark later.
Ray
If a client does not want to do this process, I generally pass on the
job. From experience the client who is unwilling to do proper load
analysis is the first to threaten legal when it doesn't work. Many
times years later they come back with tail between leg
Hi Brian;
Invoking 90.4 is a decent idea; the only problem is those smarty pants
over at Midnite have been working on their Birdhouse disconnect system
for several years already in anticipation of this requirement. I'm not
up on all of this (still waiting for my copy of the 2014 Handbook) bu
I must jump on my soap box, as I have so many time in the past, and
follow up Glenn's comment here. We worry so much about details of PV
arrays, while batteries are serious safety hazards that no one
(including the NEC) ever wants to address. Not only can they not be
de-energized, they have a
ed?
Dan Fink,
Executive Director;
Otherpower
Buckville Energy Consulting
Buckville Publications LLC
NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers
970.672.4342
On Thu, Jan 23, 2014 at 12:23 PM, Bill Brooks <mailto:billbroo...@yahoo.com>> wrote:
Jeffrey and Ray,
I've heard that the entire array can build a surface static charge,
though I don't recall getting zapped by the array. Seems like better
grounding would take care of that. I get popped touching ungrounded
metal like my truck. It can be very alarming, much more voltage than you
might expect.
I
No suggestions on modules, but possibly you could swap all the good
modules onto 2 poles, and modify the 3rd rack to hold a set of all newer
modules?
I just sold a customer a bunch of Solar World 270s, to replace dead
Astro Power modules on Wattsun racks.
They went for a total square footage tha
I'd 2nd Hilton's comments. Energy efficiency can reduce heating loads
to almost nothing. The German standard "passive solar" design uses
almost R100 insulation, triple pane Lo E windows, doors with multiple
seals, and are so tight they require an air to air heat exchanger to
insure fresh air.
Good point, Jason.
I like Snap N Rack's products, but when I tried to order equipment (no
distributors carry their stuff in Colorado) they never returned my
calls or emails. I'd certainly be wary of their future support, if they
won't even return calls for sales.
Frankly I'm going to start
I can give you one example for them to consider: UPS systems. They all
use sealed VRLA batteries, and are not vented to the outside.
2nd thing for them to chew on: The Midnite Battery boxes are ETL
listed, and you are installing them to the manufacturer's recommendations.
3rd, your use of arti
We use Anti- Seize Lubricant made by Permalex. I get it at the auto
parts store. I have an 8 oz. bottle with built in brush on applicator.
Definitely recommended on all SS hardware. I took apart another
installer5's rack to add modules, and half the bolts were ruined and had
to be replaced.
I
1 PM, Chris Mason
mailto:cometenergysyst...@gmail.com>>
wrote:
Probably Permatex.
On Thu, Feb 6, 2014 at 4:55 PM, Ray Walters mailto:r...@solarray.com>> wrote:
We use Anti- Seize Lubricant made by Permalex. I get it at
the auto parts store. I have an 8 oz. bottle w
I started using automotive SAE rated resettable circuit breakers like these:
http://www.delcity.net/store/Hi!Amp-Surface-Mount-!-%3Cbr%3EManual-Reset-%28Switchable%29/p_193073
I'm only using these on smaller stand alone (non NEC) off grid systems,
but they are sealed, and allow protection right a
I'm working on something similar. I think the Flex 1000 is the only
reasonable choice that can handle more than 2 of the large format DC
breakers. Midnite has the more expensive MNBCB -1000 Battery Combiner
box, but there just isn't enough documentation to figure out what it
can and can't do
Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 2/8/2014 6:59 AM, Richard L Ratico wrote:
Ray,
Way back in 2002, you mentioned using Boltswitch products for battery string
fusing
immediately outside the battery box. Might one of these be a partial solution
for William?
Dick Ratico
Solarwind Electric
pick bulletins 129, 130, and 130 A those
are the sizes most of us will be interested in.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 2/9/2014 2:26 PM, Ray Walters wrote:
Here's the spec sheet on the 400 am
Boltswitch used to make pullout discos for the smaller R fuses too. You
can use them, but they are a time delay fuse, so you need to look at
trip curves for sizing (don't just substitute the same amp rated RK5 for
a T)
The R fuses are physically much larger, and are rated to 300 vdc, class
T t
I just had an idea on this situation from August's comment. I'm sure
you've checked already, but are you sure that ground and neutral aren't
bonded in both locations, causing current to flow through the ground
system? I've seen many multiple building properties inadvertently send
both a ground
The Midnite Classic can be set with the onboard screen, and the Classic
Lite can be set with dip switches, but I actually prefer to pull both up
on the router in Windows. The software finds any Classics connected in a
few seconds, and its much easier to navigate and check all the settings
in a
1000 cycles at 80% DOD for a small format sealed battery is impressive.
It all gets down to what they cost, and if they really live up to those
numbers in the real world. It also looks like they only have a group 31
sized 12 volt model, so that limits their use to smaller GTB
installations mo
Alot of these generator setups need 2 regulators, so usually the regular
one stays at the tank, size the pipe for the flow rate ( just like wire
and amps;-) .) and put the 2nd regulator right at the generator.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master E
:
to further complicate things, i have seen "regulator oscillation"
problems with 2 in series.
todd
On Monday, February 17, 2014 2:30pm, "Ray Walters"
said:
Alot of these generator setups need 2 regulators, so usually the
regular one stays at the tank, size the pi
Volatile memory was a pet peeve of mine with the Trace SW inverters. I
quit even trying to program them, because they would always end up
getting reset anyway. However, I've tested this feature on the Midnite
Classics and I could not get them to drop programming. I used the
computer app, set
We've done some research on this, as we're doing an XL.1 project at 12 v
right now.
I don't have first hand experience with the Clipper yet, but I have over
a decade of XL.1 experience and many years with Midnite's electronics.
The Clipper is exactly what is needed. It also moves the rectifier
thout dropping the
tower...h, time to sleep.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 2/19/2014 7:56 PM, All Solar, Inc. wrote:
Ray,
Are you referring to Midnite's wind turbine control box,
I agree that middle point is tough. I actually still use PWM for small
stuff, when I can find reasonably priced 12 v modules. I use the Blue
Sky 30 amp PWM.
I'm testing a Midnite Kid right now that will probably fit the bill.
Also they're new Whizbang Jr can work with all their controllers an
Here's a supplier of mine in the Electric Vehicle world where Li+ is
becoming the go to battery choice because of the higher energy density.
http://www.thunderstruck-ev.com/batteries-ev/lithium-ion-ev.html
I'm still talking customers out of Li+ for solar, because of the cost
and charging issues
Larry;
You mentioned you tested CALB batteries; what was your experience with
them?
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 2/27/2014 4:44 PM, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:
Jay,
What is the length of the conduit to
the subpanel? That will determine whether to apply the derates.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 3/4/2014 1:34 PM, Kirk Herander wrote:
New Mexico used to have a low voltage electrician. It was for
communications guys, and was limited to under 50 v.
Actually pretty useless, since most systems had inverters. Also it
wasn't that much harder to just get a regular electrical license.
Also, some considered even 24 v systems to be ov
I've got one customer that has one, they're pricey, but seem well made.
They had quite a few problems and are going to a regular AC generator
setup and decent inverter/ charger.
The off grid solar biz has tried DC gen sets several times, and it has
never worked out. The theoretical gain in ef
Consider the HUP Solar One battery, the 125-33. It has 2490 AH at the
20 hr rate. The warranty is for 2100 cycles to 80% DOD. Also most of
the jumpers are included (bus bars within each 12 v group)
We've had nothing but happy customers since we started using the HUPs.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Sol
wable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com <http://www.oregonsolarworks.com>
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o
On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 8:05 AM, Ray Walters <mailto:r...@solarray.com>> wrote:
Consider the HUP Solar One battery, the 125-33. It has 2490 AH at
the 20 hr rate.
Check the specs carefully, I had a customer looking at the GBs, and the
amp hr rating was suspicious, seems like they were claiming a much a
higher AH per lb than other lead acid batteries. Also they had verbally
told the customer a higher cycle life than what was listed in the actual
warranty
I use Turbocad, it can open Autocad
files, and is much more affordable. Seems to work well.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 3/12/2014 5:16 PM, Jason Szumlanski wrote:
Hi All;
I'm exploring options for an off grid project with an existing 30 Kw
Kohler wired for 208 vac 3 phase. The generator runs some 8 hp air
compressors, so rewiring it is not an option. We're primarily
interested in reducing gen run time from the current situation: 14 hrs/ day.
So far, o
sed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 3/24/2014 8:58 PM, William Miller wrote:
Ray
Sunny Island or XW.
Wm
-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters
Sent: Monday, March 24,
illersolar.com wrote:
Ray:
Sunny Islands being discontinued: Did not know that!
XW inverters: Not impressed and have had mixed results. I have resolved
most issues but dealt with glitchy, overcomplicated software and firmware.
Some are reluctant to connect to generators and earlier fir
, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 3/25/2014 4:21 PM, Kevin Pegg wrote:
Hi Ray,
I have several 3-phase off-grid inverter/battery/generator systems out there.
- SMA Sunny Island is the best. Can scale to at least 180 kW, maybe
ay will be on the garage roof, with equipment below. Only
50 ft run for the PV, so I was planning on using Midnite Classics.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 3/25/2014 4:21 PM, Kevin Pegg wrote:
ning kicks on...
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 3/25/2014 8:53 PM, William Miller wrote:
Ray:
I went through the same set of mental Q&A you are when I was exposed to my
first AC coupled sys
x27;ll hit up the folks at SMA, as I think that SIs will be in the mix in
some fashion.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 3/25/2014 10:08 PM, Kevin Pegg wrote:
Hi Ray,
Suggest you give the techs a
/2014 7:31 AM, Phil Undercuffler wrote:
You mentioned this is out of the country -- is it 230v line to
neutral, or 120/208? OutBack's export Radian can do three phase, up
to 72kW continuous.
HTH,
Phil
On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, Ray Walters <mailto:r...@solarray.com>> w
Hi Bob;
This sounds like once again Midnite is solving my problems, before I
even know I have them. Can your interface work directly with the SI, or
does it require the Sunny Web box, too?
Also, is Midnite's Whizbang Jr. shunt sensing usable in this, or do you
just defer to the SI's current s
First look at what his actual pumping needs are, and come up with a more
efficient way to provide the water.
I just got back tonight from changing out hydronic circulators for a
customer with new Hi Efficiency brushless ECM models. I was able to cut
the watt draw by 65%.
Also, its very possible
I've had the contacts arc and not disconnect at 144 vdc. I used a
modified relay from an electric vehicle company: KTA services.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 4/4/2014 7:06 AM, Michael Morningst
It definitely depends on the flashing. The Oatey type with the rubber
gasket die after several years, and leak.
For our installations, it really depends on the roof. In some cases
with metal roofs, a flashing can't really have the overlap needed, and
so it just becomes a big gooed on L foot rea
Hi Allan;
Sounds like a great presentation, that I would want most customers to
see before even talking to them.
One thing you that might already be covering: Now that PV modules are
so cheap, many people are assuming a quality installed system goes for
$1/ watt. I have to bust the myth ever
I'm game: let's do it. I was just at Home Depot this weekend talking
about male male extension cords..
Ray
I also admit to, when in a whimsical mood, asking staff at Home Depot /
Ace hardware etc., how to make up a male to male extension cord so my
Honda generator can run my h
Hi Glenn;
How do you and the roofers deal with Propanel steel roofs? That's
hundreds of penetrations for the screws, with no flashings, and
they depend on just a little rubber gasket. Or how about the lead
head nails on a corrugated metal roof? Roofers t
Funny the timing of the Wrenches list, just Saturday I added some
Enphase inverters to an existing GTB Outback system. The Enphase are
not AC coupled to the Outbacks, as I didn't want to get into the battery
charging issues, and the customer has plenty of PV relative to the
battery size. Howe
On 4/16/2014 9:52 AM, d...@energysolarnow.com wrote:
As Ray Walters wrote, L feet installed with the correct sealant have
lasted as long as the comp roofs they're
on.
As can be seen in the attached pictures of L-feet on a roof that I
will soon be repairing, the wrong sealant eventually s
HI All;
Anyone have any experience with Franklin Electric's new Subdrive
SolarPAK submersible pumps?
They're showing 1.5 and 3 Hp options. Its a 3 phase motor powered by
an above ground VSD type controller that allows for array direct
pumping. This particular project needs about 10,000 GPD
The bottom corner modules are the likeliest to be damaged by somebody or
something moving past the array. I'd check for any damage on the edge of
the frame. I had kids run a vehicle into a pole mounted array once. No
one would cop to it, but I found the matching damage on the roll cage of
the
Charge controller failure = system failure = customer sitting in the
dark off grid.
I would only use proven, UL listed equipment. Those are ridiculous
current ratings. You would need to wire that with 500 MCM cable.
If you look, you'll notice reputable brands like Midnite Solar, Outback,
and B
Interesting so does "require a tool" include taking a screw off the
cover plate of the combiner box, too?
What a game changer. I'm going to Mexico for my next project; I'll
actually enjoy even more being the sole AHJ on the project.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installe
Lerner wrote:
Hello Ray,
I teach a 4 day class for Outback, mostly for installers and distributers.
Could I use that picture you just posted on the Wrenches list, with
credit to you (or not) as an example of how to not hook them up? I
mention in the class how although it is possible to hook
secured
by removable fasteners and connected by a flexible
wiring system.
This is not a change. Please help me understand the concern.
Bill Brooks.
*From:*re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Ray
Walters
*Sent:* Monday,
Hi All;
In order to avoid any of my work showing up in someone's slideshow of
horrors, I'm trying to find the correct way to wire 3 Sunny Islands with
Cobra X flex cable.
While it doesn't actually mention it in the SMA manual, a call to SMA
tech support confirmed my suspicions: the DC lugs in
I get my cable and lugs from Quick Cable but I could not find the fine
strand UL listing.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 4/30/2014 8:09 AM, jay peltz wrote:
Hi ray
As an FYI. Most of the lugs
ant
installation (per 110.3(B)).
-Glenn
-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of jay peltz
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2014 10:09 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Flexible stranded Connec
aster Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 4/30/2014 12:25 PM, William Miller wrote:
Ray:
Thanks for sharing the research. If you could forward to me of-line an
email contact and part number I need to order for 4/0.
Miller Solar
On Apr 30, 2014, at 10:22 AM, Ray Walters <
4/30/2014 12:56 PM, Dave Click wrote:
This may be useful:
http://www.cobrawire.com/lugs/lugs.php?cat=xflex
On 2014/4/30, 14:25, William Miller wrote:
Ray:
Thanks for sharing the research. If you could forward to me of-line
an email contact and part number I need to order for 4/0.
Miller Sola
Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 4/30/2014 1:29 PM, Phil Forest wrote:
We use ferrules for fine stranded wire at terminals.
Www.ferrulesdirect has it all.
Phil Forest
South Mountain Company
On Apr 30, 2014, at 3:17 PM, Ray Walters <mailto:r...@solarra
I've used Solamotor Jack pumps for that application. Excellent product
with good support.
http://www.solamotor.com/
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 5/6/2014 6:07 PM, All Solar, Inc. wrote:
Hi all
I agree with Bob-O, no torque arrestor is needed. We've hung small
submersibles in hand dug wells 5 ft in diameter. You can actually hang
several pumps, as long as you keep them from knocking into each other on
installation. The pump does not move around like you might think,
something is w
Funny, I'm working on one of those right now. We're pulling it all out
and putting in Outback inverters.
Those were legal to grid tie in the day, but they're at least 10 years
behind on complying with UL 1741. No way you could use it in a new
system. They were also really inefficient in GT mo
I agree that Voc doesn't seem to degrade as much. I've had a chance to
measure several modules over 20 years old, and the Voc is only dropping
about 1/2 the rate suggested by others here. I think a more
appropriate number might be 0.25% V drop/ year.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep
The sooner you get started, the easier it is to get off. The paint is
still curing and hardening. Paint doesn't stick well to glass, so
probably mild soap and water ( manufacturer approved) and a nylon
scrubby pad will cure the problem.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV
Woofenden wrote:
Thanks all! We're working on getting in touch with someone from the
module manufacturer who can tell us something substantive before
proceeding.
Best,
Louis
On 6/4/14, 11:33 AM, Ray Walters wrote:
The sooner you get started, the easier it is to get off. The paint
is still c
aller,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 4/30/2014 12:01 AM, William Miller wrote:
Ray:
Darn good question, especially since I will be doing the exact same thing,
*tomorrow*.
I have never been clear on the real problem. Fine stranded cables overheat in
the wrong lugs
The Franklin SolarPak uses a standard AC motor and pump down hole, and a
special inverter/ controller above ground for array direct operation.
The pump is 3 phase though. You didn't mention phase, but I'm guessing
yours is not 3 phase.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Insta
As noted in the previous case, the shattered module is on the bottom
corner. Those are the most vulnerable to damage from animals, kids,
vehicles, etc. The tempered glass always shatters as you described,
when enough force is applied. Look very closely for some slight bending
of the frame w
I just came back from a call back on a system we did last year. Problem?
Bad wire nut connection on the AC side. It it was a pump, so it took
several amps.
I still agree with August though, its not the wire nut; its not doing
the connection right.
This particular connection did not have enough
I've had butt splices fail, due to a ratchet release type crimper that
didn't pinch the wires tight enough.
I now use a good old Klein crimper that puts a big indent on one side.
The problem with this however, is that it damages the built in
insulation. My favorite butt splice is uninsulated,
I also quit doing split bolts, after I had one on an array that wasn't
tightened enough, and it got hot melted the tape. I found it looking
for a 3 v drop.
Not only are they hard and time consuming to tape, you can't check them
later either for voltage or tightness. I've use both the piercing
Butyl tape is what we used for decades on rain catch systems.Check
with the Earth ship folks at Greater World, they're all over the details
on rain catch systems.
http://earthship.com/community
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar
Based on many successful installs, I'd say a 3/4 HP pump is not a
problem at all, and that the Magnum could easily run a 1-1/2 HP
submersible pump.
2 HP probably, but that's where you start worrying.
The Franklin Subpak controller can be used on regular AC pumps and not
only offers constant pre
A 60 amp continuously rated AC breaker is what is actually being used in
the UL listed E Panel from Midnite.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 7/3/2014 9:01 PM, Brian Teitelbaum wrote:
Mac,
Be car
I took an 8 hr Arc Flash Hazard Analysis Training course from HP&P
Safety here in Colorado.
I'm sure there are quite a few places that offer this. Its a standard
course.
Basically after you watch enough video of folks getting blown up, you
start rethinking your approach to opening any live boxe
HUPs are 6 individual cells in a heavy steel case. The individual cells
can be removed without welding lead, and they have a warranty of10
years, 2100 cycles to 80% DOD.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-87
I All,
I'm sorry I was unclear on my question.
I am looking for individual steel cased 2v industrial batteries, not 12v or 24v
packs.
thanks
jay
ps thanks chris.
On Jul 11, 2014, at 4:13 PM, Ray Walters wrote:
HUPs are 6 individual cells in a heavy steel case. The individual cells can b
I put the batteries into a 30 " deep ground vault when possible. Earth
temperature is much more stable.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 7/12/2014 7:13 AM, jay peltz wrote:
Hi all
Yes good points
Everyone is on point with this. This is probably the more dangerous
work I've ever done. You need a truck with a good winch too, along with
pulleys and attachment gear.
The gin pole is probably there; it usually isn't removed.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Li
Is it possible that the inverters are raising line voltage high enough
to make the UPS respond by clicking, but not high enough to have them
actually trip? I'm not familiar enough with UPS control structure, but
it might run a quick test (the click) when the voltage gets close to its
high volt
Midnite makes several good things for this situation, including their E
Panel for the Radian, which I'm sure is better than Outback's version.
They also have low cost AC bypass switch assemblies, and I've recently
used their PV Combiner boxes for AC distribution with AC rated DIN rail
mountable
I'd second that. Let somebody with a 12 v system play with the pair of
gray ones.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 8/15/2014 5:19 PM, m...@hurshtown.com wrote:
I would send them back. If used, I w
The same PWM control used on charge controllers is also used on electric
vehicles for DC motors. We've done many different ones and different
voltages and sizes.
Something like this might work:
http://www.electricscooterparts.com/speedcontrollers24volt.html
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabc
Greetings fellow Wrenches;
I have a customer that just purchased some Sunpower E20 -435 modules
somehow from Ebay, and wants me to design a backup power system for him.
This system would be battery based and not be grid tied. SO the
question is: has Sunpower put to rest the positive grounding
That's good news.
Thanks,
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 8/21/2014 6:35 AM, Isaac Opalinsky wrote:
Ray,
Please contact me off list to verify for these specific. If you have the exact
esign Engineer
303 505-8760
On 8/21/2014 2:26 PM, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:
Hello Ray,
I have been installing SunPower cell modules for about a decade. All of our
mobile installations are ungrounded arrays, off grid we use negative ground. We
have never had any issue using th
Most combiner boxes, DC rated breakers, and DC rated fuses and fuse
holders we use today, qualify as assemblies for the 100% exception
(Outback, Midnite, etc.) so you only have to size the OCP by 125% of
short circuit current rating for edge of cloud effects.
Since the conductor is sized bas
Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 8/23/2014 9:41 AM, Mark Frye wrote:
Ray,
I can't follow you all the way down that path.
Is an insulated wire conductor permitted to be use at 100% of it's
rating under continuous
Th one factor I don't think any of us have enough info on yet is the
reduced lifespan of the inverter. Heat kills electronics, and an
inverter that is running at max capacity more of the time will be
running hotter. The MTBF (mean time between failures) is only going to
get worse at higher hea
So this would make sense that this Rapid Shut down provision would cover
all generator backup systems too, not just solar.
Considering auto start backup generators have been around for many
decades, I have a few questions:
1) Does NEC 2014 require Rapid shutdown for all generator systems, or is
I've done patch jobs on little 12 v systems, and had them hold up for
many years, but I concur, I wouldn't try that at higher PV voltages.
Silicon sealant actually is slightly conductive, at least according to
other Wrenches when this subject came up several years back.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Sol
Dang, I was just shifting my off grid projects over to predominantly
Magnum...
First Trace went to the darkside with Xantrex, then Outback started
hiring "no experience necessary" tech support personnel, and now Magnum
gets gobbled up.
Where is an aging off grid installer to turn to? Start
While I'm proud that our country has strived to protect worker's rights
with Unions, OSHA, Worker's Comp, and minimum wage, the reality is that
small employers like my business are faced with an ever rising hurdle to
actually "create jobs". It IS much easier to buy a gadget, tool, etc.,
or su
We've also added a tractor type turnbuckle to the DPW racks that allows
the tilt adjust without taking loose the array.
As others noted, the Top of Pole mounts are usually center balanced, so
the tilt adjust is fairly easy, but wind can certainly grab the array
while its loose, and cause trouble
I think if we started over fresh with our lead acid battery system
designs, we would find we should have the same Battery management system
requirements that you have mentioned. Those are all problems that
plague lead acid as well.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installe
Sounds like you are driving it too far to the East. You may need to
rotate the tracker on the pole towards the east, and then reset the
limit switches.
Also, don't have the limits more than 180 degrees total, or you start
asking for trouble. It can try to do the morning reset back around to
t
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