Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Board Repair

Friends: I have noticed the new verbiage on the vice line but as of yet I have not been denied tech support due to the age of the equipment. By the way, I called Fronius tech support yesterday for the first time in quite a while about 3 dead IG inverters (no surprise to me). Fronius was will

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

Friends: Now that RSS is required on almost every installation, I am having trouble finding a plain old, non-battery, non-MLPE string inverter. This is for a ground mount with the inverter mounted to the rack-- the only scenario I can imagine that does not require RSS. I don’t need or want bat

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

6 PM Jay via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Hi william Fronius 7.6 kw are in stock. I’ve installed a number of fronius with no issues. Jay On Feb 22, 2024, at 4:56 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:  Friends:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fwd: Re: $300 + transmission fee!

Friends: I am pondering a plan to prevent usage spikes. It would involve installing a battery inverter that has true generator support. Connect the utility to the generator input on the inverter and program the generator amps to just below the threshold that incurs peak demand charges. If the load

[RE-wrenches] Electrolyte level measurement

Friends: In spite of all of this talk about Li batteries, I still maintain a whole lot of flooded cells. I have always struggled with getting accurate measurements of the electrolyte level. Staring past a flashlight down into a cell looking with one eye through scratched safety glasses, it is

Re: [RE-wrenches] Electrolyte level measurement

Todd: This is about batteries that exist. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 1:23 PM Todd Cory via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Another option for grid tied with battery based systems, is to use flooded > lead c

Re: [RE-wrenches] Older Sunny Islands charging newer Lithium's

Peter: I have been working at interfacing a set of SIs with LiFPO4 batteries. It is documented here . Because the Sis are so SOc-centric they can be hard to intergrate with Lithium. Wil

Re: [RE-wrenches] TPM Search

https://solarrackworks.com/top-of-pole-racks.html Jeff Randall has been in the business for years and he is as solid as they come. He started DPW. William Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 -Original Message- From: RE-wren

[RE-wrenches] Evaluating battery health

Friends: Evaluating the state of health of a battery array is one concept I struggle with. It pretty easy with flooded batteries—charge them up and check SG. Sealed batteries are different. I do track “at-rest” voltages of discrete 2 volt VRLA cells. This generally can’t be done for mono

Re: [RE-wrenches] Insurance for solar design and inspections

Dave: I have thought about this dilemma pretty carefully in the past. I have come up with a line of logic that works for me. I will try to keep the explanation short but there is some nuance to it that might take some ‘splaning. As a licensed electrical contractor it is my responsibility to

Re: [RE-wrenches] Adding customer to Optics RE system-Solved

lliam Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Friends: This is a subject that has frustrated me for a long time. I have asked Outback Tech support but none of their people do this because they are not customers. I will connect anew system to Optics and send th

[RE-wrenches] SMA 22 series inverters, resetting AFCI fault

Friends: I learned something yesterday about the SMA 22 series string inverters: I have a client that experienced an arc-fault shutdown. I tried to reset the error condition by following the procedure in the manual. This involves shutting down the inverter and then knocking on the front panel

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark 15K AC Output

Jason: I am wondering on the advisability of hardwiring the outputs of all four inverters together. If one inverter fails the other three can backfeed into it without any means to disconnect the failed inverter and without over-current protection. Have you considered landing the output of each

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark 15K AC Output

ur inverters need to be removed from service? Then absolute 150A generator power can flow through the remaining single inverter, meaning the output conductors need to be sized accordingly. Jason On Tue, Mar 26, 2024, 9:15 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark 15K AC Output

|Principal, VT Solar, LLC* *Celebrating our 33st Anniversary 1991-2024!!* dba Vermont Solar Engineering 802.559.1225 On Wed, Mar 27, 2024 at 3:15 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Jason: Replies below. Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atas

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark 15K AC Output

on QO breakers. *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar * *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC* *Celebrating our 33st Anniversary 1991-2024!!* dba Vermont Solar Engineering 802.559.1225 On Wed, Mar 27, 2024 at 3:15 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.

[RE-wrenches] Good tech support

Friends: Some of you may remember the problems I am having integrating a set of Fortress batteries with an off-grid Sunny Island/Sunny Boy ac-coupled system. If not, here is the case study.

[RE-wrenches] Thread relevancy.

st Anniversary 1991-2024!!* dba Vermont Solar Engineering 802.559.1225 On Wed, Mar 27, 2024 at 3:15 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Jason: Replies below. Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600

[RE-wrenches] Minimum bus size, new requirements

Friends: A local building official recently wrote this: This is to comply with the new codes (California Energy Code and the Nation Electric Code) that require this minimum buss rating regardless of the service size or main size. The new code allegedly requires a minimum bus rating of 225A

Re: [RE-wrenches] Minimum bus size, new requirements

eritus Director, Sunstruck Consulting ll...@sunstruckconsulting.com 845-657-8132 (office) 914-844-3404 (cell) -- *From:* RE-wrenches on behalf of William Miller via RE-wrenches *Sent:* Thursday, March 28, 2024 1:00 PM *To:* RE-wrenches *Cc:* William Miller *Subject

Re: [RE-wrenches] Plaques

Lou: I tried this with my little, cheap shapeoko CNC router. It can be done but it kind of became more of a hobby than I wanted. Your bed has to be dead nuts flat, much more so than through-cutting parts (like interlock plates, for example). Holding the material tight to the bed really requires

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Optics RE and Starlink

Dan: There was a period of time when the Mate3 or 3s would lock up pretty regularly. We built a system that could disconnect the Mate from the hub via a din rail mount RJ-45 relay. This link may pro

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid array far, far from the batteries

Chris: The Outback 100 amp controller operating at a max of 300 VDC might be a good solution. Pondering this further: I suppose a 600 volt charge controller would be better for voltage drop but I suspect one string of 12 would exceed 600 VDC. If true then strings of 6 would exceed 300vdc. If usi

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV/Charge Controller Troubleshoot Help

If the fan fails would there be an error message? As always, I looked this up before posting. The manual is not clear on the matter. William Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 -Original Message- From: RE-wrenches [mailto:r

[RE-wrenches] Converting from transformer to transformerless

Friends: I researched this and got no clear answer: If I were to replace an old Sunny Boy transformer inverter with a modern transformerless inverter, what are the implications? I know I need PV rated or conduited feeders. Is PID an issue? Should I disable arc fault as a legacy entitlement or

Re: [RE-wrenches] Large transformer losses

Should be easy enough to look up on the manufacturer’s website. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Fri, Apr 26, 2024 at 3:54 PM Jay via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Hi all. > > Anyone know what the tare loss and efficiency is of a 75

Re: [RE-wrenches] PWM Controllers in parallel

Andrew: I see no problem paralleling the Charge Controller outputs but I would not parallel the inputs. With parallel inputs, unless there is protection to prevent excessive current, there is a risk that one CC will take over and try to regulate the entire array. I suggest you divide up the

[RE-wrenches] Bootstrapping and AC Coupled Sunny Island

Friends: I am still wrestling with problems integrating a Sunny Island / Sunny Boy AC coupled system to a set of 5 E-vault Max battery cabinets. As a refresher, with closed loop comms, the Frequency Shift Power Control system is not working, or not working quickly enough, and when nearing ful

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bootstrapping and AC Coupled Sunny Island

e voltage > triggered to prevent the battery volts from getting higher than you want. > > The SI has 2 aux relays I think? Or could do a tristar with RD-1 relay > that has 4 channels. > > Just a thought > > jay > > On May 7, 2024, at 11:11 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches <

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bootstrapping and AC Coupled Sunny Island

relay on the SB PV input that would be voltage >> triggered to prevent the battery volts from getting higher than you want. >> >> The SI has 2 aux relays I think? Or could do a tristar with RD-1 relay >> that has 4 channels. >> >> Just a thought >> >> jay

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fortress Avalon

Dave: Have you actually used the product? William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Tue, May 14, 2024 at 5:38 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar via RE-wrenches wrote: > Huge mistake to me to use high voltage battery. I am biased for offgrid. > > > > *Dave Angelini Offg

[RE-wrenches] Optics

Friends: 100% of our Optics sites are down since 11 AM yesterday. Is it just us? William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address

Re: [RE-wrenches] Optics

Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Friends: 100% of our Optics sites are down since 11 AM yesterday. Is it just us? William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com ___ List sponsored by Redw

[RE-wrenches] Outback:

Friends: Optics is still down as of Monday morning. Outback does not answer telephone calls. Options on their automated attendant are Tech Support and Sales. Either selection directs you to sales but no one picks up. I left several messages. I called Zonna Energy to ask. They told me Out

Re: [RE-wrenches] I know you've all said, "I told you so..." SolarEdge...

Tell that to your local fire fighters. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Fri, May 24, 2024 at 12:25 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar via RE-wrenches wrote: > Well to me the final, final straw is their stock price losing 2/3 its > value in a year. > > I tell all

Re: [RE-wrenches] I know you've all said, "I told you so..." SolarEdge...

Sorry but my previous post went out before I finished my thoughts. I know MLPE electronics can be a pain. I hated the RSS requirements when first introduced. However solar energy sources pose unique safety concerns. There is no safety disconnect on the sun. IMHO, having a means to safely work on h

Re: [RE-wrenches] How many times can a rafter have a lag screw put in and out before it is no longer structurally sound? Some roofs getting their 3rd set of new shingles

Scot: Fascinating question. It’s a bit ironic that the changing climate is damaging the equipment we are utilizing to combat climate change. A lag unscrewed will damage a wooden member less than a lag ripped out. >From your post it seems we are dealing with the former, rather than the latter

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark 15k solar panel frame grounding

Friends: On a related subject, I was researching the question: What color should my grounded PV conductor be? History: In the beginning, negative leads were always black. When it became apparent that negative PV leads were indeed grounded, the requirement to have them white or grey beca

[RE-wrenches] Need 1 Siemens SP160-24P

To replace a failed unit. As always, off list response is appreciated. Thanks, William Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional mem

Re: [RE-wrenches] Dual battery bank switch for 48 VDC system

Greg: Let me say I think the idea is generally bad. Your client would need to be actively involved managing this system on an hour by hour basis or both battery banks are likely to be ruined. If you want to switch between batteries, unless both battery arrays are at a very similar voltage (+/- 0

[RE-wrenches] AC V DC RE: electrolysis

Friends: I have an installation of 12 Enphase IQ inverters that is downstream from a generator transfer switch. During power outages the generator will run poorly when the Enphase is on and the sun is shining. The problems go away when the Enphase is shut off. No surprises about this. The

[RE-wrenches] Need SMA SB1800U

Friends: I have a low voltage PV array that is begging for a Sunny Boy 1800U. If anyone has one they are willing to part with, please contact me directly. Thanks, William Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 _

Re: [RE-wrenches] Mate 3 programming issues

Jim: You may be logged in as a limited access user. Try logging in as installer. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 2:12 PM Jim Gowdy via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > I'm having issues trying to set this Mate 3

Re: [RE-wrenches] Mate 3 programming issues

wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > > Hi jim. > > William > Might be right, but what equipment do you have on this system? > > Doing a cat 5 unplug,plug back might help > > Jay > > > > On Jul 18, 2024, at 3:18 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches < >

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback in general

I can’t get through to tech support and they don’t return my calls. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Sat, Jul 20, 2024 at 1:48 PM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > What’s up with Outback as a biz? > Are they back? > Statu

[RE-wrenches] Sol Ark 12 k PV monitoring

Friends: I have been through the manual and I can’t find anywhere where you can see on the inverter front panel the PV volts or amps for each of the MPPT inputs. Am I missing something? Thanks, William Miller Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millers

[RE-wrenches] Neutral run to critical loads sub-panel

Friends: I found a grid-tie battery-backup system with a 120/240 VAC critical loads sub-panel that has no neutral run to it. All of the 120 VAC loads have their neutrals land in the meter panel. I have always felt instinctively that the neutrals should land in the breaker panel that feeds th

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol Ark 12 k PV monitoring

.com; RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol Ark 12 k PV monitoring On the touchscreen, touch the battery icon, you will find it there. On Mon, Jul 29, 2024 at 8:52 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Friends: I have been through the ma

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol Ark 12 k PV monitoring

.com/mdelectricandsolar On Jul 29, 2024, at 9:58 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:  MD Electric: I touched the screen and it did not respond. Could the display be defective? This unit is a 12K-P. The serial number is blank. I am not

Re: [RE-wrenches] Neutral run to critical loads sub-panel

Friends: Thanks for the feedback on the issue. The relevant code sections are below (2020 version). ·I see nothing that prevents splicing in a panelboard as long as there is adequate cross-sectional area (312.8). ·Note that if circuits run through a panel and do not origin

Re: [RE-wrenches] Blue Planet Energy

They called me today to sell me more batteries but they can’t fix my SMA system. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Tue, Aug 6, 2024 at 5:35 PM Kirpal Khalsa via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Hi Folks > Anyone else having trouble

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback VFX 2812 charger not working

Michael: Sounds like a generator problem, not an inverter problem. Are you able to measure the voltage and frequency from the generator while it is connecting to the inverter? The clicking could indicate the inverter qualifies the AC as good and the transfer relay clicks, but upon connecting the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Cell based monitoring

Jay: I like the Control-by-web product line. It is a Swiss Army Knife type system with many building blocks. Here is a project using the system. William Miller Mill

[RE-wrenches] VFXR4048 stacked with an FXR3048

I’m in the field with a dead VXR3048. Will the FXR play nice with the VFXR? Which should be Master? Tech support did not answer of course. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay opt

Re: [RE-wrenches] VFXR4048 stacked with an FXR3048

FX. > I haven not done VFRX snd FXR but it should be ok. > > newest firmware is master. > > jay > > On Oct 8, 2024, at 12:21 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches < > re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > > I’m in the field with a dead VXR3048. Will the FXR play

Re: [RE-wrenches] All-In-Ones / Sol-Ark fail

Jason: Thanks for the follow-up. Two thoughts: 1. I agree that a PV problem should not cause a system shutdown. I seem to recall Sol-Arc said they can’t do anything to correct the issue due to listing/testing issues. This alone would prevent me from choosing Sol-Arc. There is a lot of d

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Input

Rick: If I had to guess I’d say you have a PV wiring fault. The PV positive may be shorted to ground. This would make the inverter chassis negative in relation to ground. The logic I use is to ask what is the likely source of DC at 195 volts? It is most likely the PV circuits, wouldn’t you

[RE-wrenches] Outback, where are you

Friends: Like many of you I have a big investment in the use of Outback inverters and associated equipment. I have been unable to talk with tech support for months. When I call 360-435-6030 I am immediately shunted to voicemail and my messages go un-replied. I discovered another tech supp

Re: [RE-wrenches] washer on OutBack inverter

Kevin: Your experience sounds a lot like a similar one we had with a Radian system. It is documented here along with the solution we found. I hope you find some value in our case study. William Miller

[RE-wrenches] OB stacking with FXR inverters

Friends: I am completely unable to reach Outback tech support so I am wondering if you can answer a question: I am replacing two VFX3648 inverters with 2 FXR3048-A inverters. The existing setup has two X240 transformers and is programmed as OB stacking. This is the schema that allows one in

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Input

There > are no faults at either inverter (measured or indicated by the > inverter(s)). Both systems are operating normally. > > I’ll be looking at another site to verify whether these readings are > consistent or an anomaly. > > Thanks, > Rick > > On Oct 15, 2024, at 3:4

Re: [RE-wrenches] Racking on residential rooftops

easier, faster and accurate than using string. Also makes it much easier to keep everything straight Jay On Oct 3, 2024, at 7:44 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:  Good question, Jim. We should all want our installations to work go

Re: [RE-wrenches] Racking on residential rooftops

Good question, Jim. We should all want our installations to work good and look good. A lot of this consideration is purely aesthetic. As such, it doesn’t always have to be good, it just has to look good. What I mean by that is if there are some misalignments that can’t be seen from any vanta

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power Crimper and Stripper Recommendations and Questions

Am: Check with PV Cables to see if they have a recommendation. William Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Sam Haraldson via RE-wrenc

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

Jeremy: Question: Did you install the ATS as a work-around to the problem described? William Miller Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf

[RE-wrenches] XW F69 error

Colleagues: I have a client with a single XW inverter system (circa 2008) that suddenly exhibited an F69 error. Coincidentally the client was watering their batteries when this happened. F69 applies to the AC sync system which is not used in a single inverter system. The system has an SCP,

Re: [RE-wrenches] XWPro and SCP

Jay: I just configured a new XW Pro with an old SCP. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Mon, Nov 11, 2024 at 2:23 PM jay via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > > I know this has been discussed before but I couldn’t find what I needed in

[RE-wrenches] NEP PVG wiring

Friends: I am repairing a site with NEP PVG RSD devices. We will be removing all of the modules and finding out why the system is underperforming and why 2 of the units are not reporting. The quick start guide includes this line: PVG’s PV-lead pairs must be connected to PV modules before co

Re: [RE-wrenches] NEP PVG wiring

. Best regards, Lloyd Lloyd Hoffstatter, M.S. Applied Solar Energy Director, Sunstruck Consulting *ll...@sunstruckconsulting.com * 845-657-8132 (office) 914-844-3404 (cell) *From:* RE-wrenches *On Behalf Of *William Miller via RE-wrenches *Sent:* Monday, November 11, 2024 11:30 PM *To:* RE

Re: [RE-wrenches] AGM recommendations?

David: I use the Deka UnigyII. They come in various ratings and sizes. They have been very reliable. Take the time to learn the model numbering scheme so you get the right ones for your project. Unless you have access to the back side of the stack get the interlocking version. These bat

Re: [RE-wrenches] GSLC DC BUS BARS

I’ve got lots of those. Contact me off list. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 5:41 AM Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > If anyone knows of a source for the DC negative and positive bus bars for

Re: [RE-wrenches] SunnyBoy 2500

Howie: The SB2500 is a 240 VAC inverter. So is the rare SB2100. The SB1800 is 120 VAC. I have a 2500 I could spare. I am in need of an 1800. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Wed, Oct 2, 2024 at 7:29 AM Howie Michaelson via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Input

appearing once the Grid relay kicked on. Actually, the high voltage ramped up slowly once the Grid relay turned on. We’ve been installing these for years and have never seen this. Then again, we’ve never measured that point. On Oct 15, 2024, at 2:32 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches <

[RE-wrenches] Bench Testing RSDs

Friends: I am repairing a system installed by others. The production is far below what I calculated it should be and what it used to produce before being worked on. The string voltages and currents do not makes sense with the number of panels on each string. The system has NEP PVG-2 smart r

Re: [RE-wrenches] Small Pole Mount Brand Recommendations

The one and only TOP rack manufacturer I will work with: https://solarrackworks.com/tablet/index.html j...@solarrackworks.com William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Wed, Nov 13, 2024 at 2:55 PM Sam Haraldson via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> w

[RE-wrenches] Sunny Portal

Friends: I am unable to log onto the SMA Sunny Portal. I called tech support and received some vague information about a new server and “merging accounts” but when pressed for details I was provided none. I was told my problem would be escalated to a second level but it’s been almost a week an

[RE-wrenches] Boot-strapping discharged lithium batteries.

Bruce: There has been some correspondence here on boot-strapping low SOC lithium batteries in protect mode. Buying an outboard battery charger seems hard to accept when you are standing next to a sophisticated battery charger. We had a few occasions of a large E-vault system shutting down for low

Re: [RE-wrenches] 1/2 wave loads

Friends: Half wave loads would be those that pass through a single diode or a device acting like a diode. A resistive load like a heater would not be considered a half-wave load. AC-DC power supplies have diodes but if operating correctly will provide full wave rectification. Switching powe

Re: [RE-wrenches] Panel installation in snow country 0.02

Pieter: Interesting. One would think the Coast Guard would have access to the space lasers. These should easily melt off any snow accumulation. William Miller Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 *From:* RE-wrenches [m

Re: [RE-wrenches] AGM battery recommendations

Jay: What AH or Kwh level are you looking for? Trojan was acquired by another company a few years ago and quality had gone downhill. Rolls is very sensitive to high temperatures. They will deny a warranty claim if all of your parameters are not exactly right. For larger AH systems: I like the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fm-80 oddness

Jay: I saw this exact behavior recently with an older MX80. Replacing it resolved the problem. William Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 -Original Message- From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.o

[RE-wrenches] IQ8: Envoy needed for California installations

Friends: Will the Enphase IQ8 operate in California right out of the box without connecting to a gateway? (I know I will not get monitoring or firmware updating. My question is will the IQ8, straight out of the box, if fed proper PV and line voltage, produce power?) Thanks in advance.

Re: [RE-wrenches] big copper wire order

Alameda Electric 1200 Holm Road Petaluma, CA 94954 *(707) 778-8881* <707771> The local office gives me good pricing and treats me well. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 10:57 AM david quattro via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wren

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

Ear plugs? William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 7:44 PM John Blittersdorf via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > The only thing I could find in the whole system that was not up to snuff > was incomplete separation of ne

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

John: Sorry, my previous post went out prematurely. The question is: how bad is the noise? I’ve heard buzzing to some degree or another from most transformers. Is the noise level the same without any covers in place? Pumps lose efficiency over time. Could the pump be drawing more power? If the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback radian inverter with FM 100 ground fault

Could be a nuisance trip. Check and replace the fuse. Cross fingers. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Sat, Jan 18, 2025 at 2:41 PM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Hey, all you wise ones, > 37 years in the business and

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

Stuart: Thank you for the follow up. Valuable information. A generator vendor just today proposed the use of an RDT unit to place between two generators and the input to an off-grid inverter/charger system. The idea is to have an automated means to start a secondary generator if the primary

[RE-wrenches] SMA Sunny Island transfer relay sticking

Friends: I have a Sunny Island system that is intermittently experiencing a stuck transfer relay. Has anyone tried to clean these relay contacts or replace the relay? If so, what can you tell me about your experience? Thanks in advance. William Miller Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Ata

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

Mark: Your question is kind of vague and this makes it hard to answer: Who is pushing back and what are they pushing back about? What is your “stand alone power supply” comprised of and what will it be connected to? Lacking specifics, I will try to provide some generic advice. In cases like

[RE-wrenches] PG&E NEM3.0

Friends: I am evaluating my first few bills from PG&E now that I am on the new billing program called NEM3.0. I am finding out some disturbing information. Does anyone on this list desire to start a discussion on the PG&E NEM3.0? Does anyone think we should keep that discussion on this list-s

Re: [RE-wrenches] Offsite

Sent:* Monday, January 13, 2025 5:06 PM *To:* will...@millersolar.com *Subject:* Offsite Hi william I would like to know what’s going on. Thx Jay On Jan 13, 2025, at 6:05 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:  Friends: I am evaluating my

Re: [RE-wrenches] PG&E NEM3.0

t; >>>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I say yes please. This is a major change happening and I would like to >>>>> be as informed as possible. I understood that the billing change had been >>>>> delayed but it sou

[RE-wrenches] PV Modules with short leads

Colleagues: I have finally finished off the half carload of Mission Solar MSE SX5T panels I invested in a few years ago. I am now shopping for panels for my next projects. I am a bit of a stickler for proper PV wire management. I have spent years developing reliable wire management techniqu

Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator Overvoltage Troubleshoot

Jim: I am familiar with this case having worked with you on it. The client is an off-grid public school and reliability is very important to avoid disruption of curriculum. Various factors (tree cover on the site, maximum needs occurring during winter, proximity to the ocean creating frequent

Re: [RE-wrenches] Obscure PG&E NEM 3 question for CA Wrenchers

David: I suspect it will be sooner rather than later the client will have to accept the NEM3 rates and a Smart meter. NEM3 is a time of use rate (metered down to the hour for export) and you can't do that with a mechanical meter. I imagine the concern is about RF data transmission. They may

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

Stuart: I understand the concern and appreciate the consideration to provide more reliability. The approach you suggested sounds like a band-aid, not a cure. I do not know if this complete shutdown is required by the listing (a feature) or is just a bug. Does anyone have information on this

Re: [RE-wrenches] how to record electrical consumption on PV direct pump

I would measure the water pumped with a simple water meter. You get the important data about water pumping rates and total volume. You can extrapolate energy consumption. Simple installation. William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Thu, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:54 PM jay via

[RE-wrenches] RSS: Is it necessary?

David, Ray: I have not had any problems with the Tigo RSS equipment I have installed and I have had minimal problems with optimizers and micro-inverters (which are also RSS equipment). Apparently others have had failures. We don’t know statically how serious this problem is—the posts here are

[RE-wrenches] Generator failure alarm

Colleagues: Is anyone aware of an off-the-shelf device that will give me a contact closure if a generator is called and does not produce AC after a set amount of time? I am sure I could design and build one but before I do I’d like to see if there is a ready-made version. I hope I am not mak

[RE-wrenches] Kohler 24RCLA Programming

Friends: I need to learn how to program a Kohler 24RCLA for exercise cycle and cool-down time and maybe other functions. Does anyone have a reference manual for that they could share that covers all of the programmable parameters? Thanks in advance. William Miller

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