[RE-wrenches] Small commercial or even smaller residential car ports
I am wondering if there is anyone out there that knows of a solar car port manufacturer that can supply equipment for smaller carport structures. All of the companies I have reached out to only want to deal with larger projects, 500 kw and up. who is making structures for small commercial or even residential clients? We happy to take on design and engineering in house we just want to use the racking equipment. Thanks Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 Ext. 500 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] GS battery use?
forgot to include the link to the GS batteries. http://www.gsbattery.com/PDFs/SLR1000-2.pdf Thank you Steve for the information on the construction of the batteries and how that affects cycle life. Cheers- Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 Ext. 500 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Thu, Jan 4, 2018 at 10:49 AM, Daniel Tittmann <dan...@greenwired.com> wrote: > I am reaching out to the group to see if there is any experience with GS > batteries. Their cycle life graph is better than I have seen in any VRLA > battery I have seen (see comparison below). I wanted to know if anyone on > here has used them and if so have you experienced the cycle life that they > are reporting. I am waiting for a reply from the manufacturer for more > info as well. > > [image: Inline image 2] > > as comparison: > Rolls gel cell cycle life is more classic to what we see in most batteries > http://www.rollsbattery.com/wp-content/uploads/batteries/S2-1070GEL.pdf > [image: Inline image 3] > > or Full river DC400-6 > http://www.fullriverbattery.com/product/batteries/DC400-6 > [image: Inline image 1] > What am i missing or how do they do this? > thanks > Daniel > > Daniel Tittmann > CTO > Greenwired > www.greenwired.com > dan...@greenwired.com > 707-923-2001 Ext. 500 <(707)%20923-2001> (office) > 707-206-5088 <(707)%20206-5088> (Cell) > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] GS battery use?
I am reaching out to the group to see if there is any experience with GS batteries. Their cycle life graph is better than I have seen in any VRLA battery I have seen (see comparison below). I wanted to know if anyone on here has used them and if so have you experienced the cycle life that they are reporting. I am waiting for a reply from the manufacturer for more info as well. [image: Inline image 2] as comparison: Rolls gel cell cycle life is more classic to what we see in most batteries http://www.rollsbattery.com/wp-content/uploads/batteries/S2-1070GEL.pdf [image: Inline image 3] or Full river DC400-6 http://www.fullriverbattery.com/product/batteries/DC400-6 [image: Inline image 1] What am i missing or how do they do this? thanks Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 Ext. 500 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Breaker trip
looks like you have the answers here. When we have this issue the way we have fixed in the past is re route the battery positive from the CC to the battery terminal it self. This makes the inverter take the current form the batteries not from the CC capacitors. See Jay's note on battery health as well as that is likely a problem if not now, then soon. Good luck Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 Ext. 500 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Wed, Dec 6, 2017 at 12:45 PM, b...@midnitesolar.com <b...@midnitesolar.com> wrote: > > What can sometimes happen when the charge controller is wired electrically > close to > > the inverter and long-ish battery cables are used from that connection > point to the batteries is > > that surge currents from the inverter DC connection will be drawn from the > charge > > controller and its battery side filter capacitors. That might not be the > problem here > > but the way to fix that is to wire the charge controller's battery wires > closer to the > > battery terminals so the inverter is forced to draw its current more from > the batteries. > > > On William's PS note, the Classic has both negatives tied together at the > terminal block > > but the Kid has the separate negatives for the shunts to read battery and > PV current > > so they need to be separate for the Kid. > > boB > > > > > On 12/6/2017 10:03 AM, William Miller wrote: > >> Mac: >> >> Is this breaker perchance a GFDI breaker? If so, the tripping could be >> indication of current flow in the bonding leg. This is a more nuanced >> problem. >> >> William Miller >> >> PS: I am not familiar with the Midnite charge controllers. I do know >> there >> are differences on how charge controller negative leads should be >> connected >> from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, Outback charge >> controllers >> can accept just one negative lead from a common bus. Blue Sky >> controllers, >> on the other hand, require both a negative connection from the PV and one >> to >> the battery bus. This should be checked to eliminate as a contributing >> factor. >> >> William >> >> >> >> Lic 773985 >> millersolar.com >> 805-438-5600 >> >> -Original Message- >> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On >> Behalf Of August Goers >> Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2017 7:00 AM >> To: RE-wrenches >> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Breaker trip >> >> Hi Mac, >> >> What size breaker is tripping? I assume you are running at 48 v? >> >> August >> >> >> >> On Wed, Dec 6, 2017 at 4:18 AM, Mac Lewis <maclew...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Hello wrenches, >>> >>> I've got a mysterious breaker tripping that I need some ideas on how >>> to fix. >>> >>> Original system: >>> Array 6 x 235W Kyocera modules >>> 1 x Outback FM60 charge controller >>> 1 x Magnum MS 4024 PAE inverter >>> >>> Upgraded system we stacked a second inverter to accommodate an air >>> compressor: >>> Array 6 x 235W Kyocera modules >>> 1 x Outback FM60 charge controller >>> *2 x Magnum MS 4024 PAE inverter* >>> >>> There have been no changes to the solar array, just to the inverter >>> side of the system. We have been getting intermittent breaker >>> tripping (a couple of weeks between) on the battery breaker side of the >>> charge controller. >>> The basics have been checked and rechecked. Torque is good on all >>> sides of the breaker all the way to the battery bussing. >>> >>> The only thing that I can think of is that during a surge on the AC >>> side its sucking enough current out of the charge controller caps to >>> trip this breaker occasionally. >>> >>> Has anyone experienced this? The only way I can see to fix it is to >>> go with a larger breaker ampacity, but maybe there is something >>> better. Does anyone no how quickly the max current setting in the >>> Outback can respond, would dropping this help? >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> -- >>> >>> >>> >>> Mac Lewis >>> >>> *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates* >>> ___ >>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >>> >>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >>> >>> Change listser
[RE-wrenches] Undersize wire on REC meter lug
wondering if anyone has a simple lug solution for a problem i found my self in. with out looking I used a meter socket for a REC meter that is not rated for #12 AWG wire. it is on a 20 breaker but wire size is too small for the lugs. Is there a simple Lug solution that will pass muster or do I need to up size wire or swap out the meter socket? problem with up sizing the wire is we ran 1/2 conduit so we can only go up to #10. without overfilling or replacing the conduit run. Hoping there is experience out there that can point me to a simple solution. Thanks Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Off grid
Just had a client with a 20 + yr old top loader tripping the 30 amp input breaker on a magnum 2012 even when running a 10 K generator. Lock rotor current on these old beasts can be a real issue, and it got worse over time. Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Thu, Jul 28, 2016 at 12:56 PM, Allan Sindelar <al...@sindelarsolar.com> wrote: > Bill, > I concur with Jay. Some of the older top loaders, especially Maytag, were > known as problem loads in the early days. In the 80s Windy Dankoff > developed a kit to run the controls off of mod-square inverter AC but adapt > a DC motor to spin the agitator and tub. Inverters of that time couldn't > handle the surge. I would not expect any high-frequency-switcher inverter > like the Samlex to handle an older toploader. A better modern washer makes > more sense than an oversized transformer-based inverter for that one load. > Allan > > *Allan Sindelar* > al...@sindelarsolar.com > NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional > NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional > New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician > Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc. > *505 780-2738 <505%20780-2738> cell* > > > On 7/28/2016 11:43 AM, Jay wrote: > > Spend $600 and get a front loader. > I just checked mine > 150 watt max watt load > .11 kWh > > VS > > 3000+ watt surge. > I've seen old top loaders bury a old stout trace U2512. > It will destroy the samlex > > Jay > Peltz power. > > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Jul 28, 2016, at 9:21 AM, frenergy <frene...@psln.com> <frene...@psln.com> > wrote: > > Off-gridders, > >I've got a customer that wants to run a few very small loads (less > than 200 watts) but also a 20 year old washing machine (vertical axis). Any > personal experiences with inverters smaller than the basic outback, Xantrex, > trace, transformer type inverters? I'm hoping to be able to run it with a > 1500-2000 watt Samlex. Clue me in please. > > Thanks, > > Bill > > Feather River Solar Electric > Bill Battagin, Owner > 4291 Nelson St. > Taylorsville, CA 95983530.284.7849 > CA Lic 874049www.frenergy.net > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & > settings:http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette:www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios:www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & > settings:http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette:www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios:www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches. > org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Standing seam metal roof attachments for copper roof
Turns out the roof is Corten not copper anyone with experience using brass clips with Corten or do we need to go SS? Thanks for the input. Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Tue, Aug 9, 2016 at 3:54 PM, jerrysgarage01 <jerrysgarag...@gmail.com> wrote: > Can you use the S-5 brass clamps > Jerry > > > Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone > > > Original message ---- > From: Daniel Tittmann > Date:08/09/2016 10:53 AM (GMT-10:00) > To: RE-wrenches > Subject: [RE-wrenches] Standing seam metal roof attachments for copper > roof > > We have just found out that a project that we have won the contract on had > chosen a corten standing seam roof that does not support aluminium clips > due to copper content and potential corrosion of the clips. Has anyone > found a cheaper work around than getting a custom Stainless Steel clamp? > Thanks > Daniel > > Daniel Tittmann > CTO > Greenwired > www.greenwired.com > dan...@greenwired.com > 707-923-2001 (office) > 707-206-5088 (Cell) > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches. > org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Standing seam metal roof attachments for copper roof
We have just found out that a project that we have won the contract on had chosen a corten standing seam roof that does not support aluminium clips due to copper content and potential corrosion of the clips. Has anyone found a cheaper work around than getting a custom Stainless Steel clamp? Thanks Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Building strings of modules with variable voltages?
In the rough and tumble world of off grid system management for people who have been piecing together systems for years it is not uncommon for our company to come to a project and find many different types of solar modules. In most cases these modules are working fine and producing power but often have different output profiles. In an effort to upgrade systems and increase production I have often had the idea of building string of these different modules and feeding them into an MPPT controller. Can anyone out there explain if this would be a good idea or a bad one? Let say we have 4 x 100 watt 17.5 Vmp modules 2 x 245 watt 30.5 Vmp modules what would be the outcome of 2 strings of modules both with: 2 x 100 watt + 1 x 245 watt would this cause issues with the MPPT controller (say OB FM60) or the modules? Obviously you need to build strings that will fit the profile of the controller and not over to the series string rating and voltage tolerance of the modules but from a production standpoint where does this land? thanks for your advice Cheers- Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Shurflo pump
I'm with Jay on this one, We left the 9300's when we found Sun pumps. But there is nothing like the stainless steal SQ flex. Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Thu, Jun 2, 2016 at 6:20 PM, Jay <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote: > Hi all > > When I need to use a small DC pump, I long ago switched to Sun pumps from > the 9300, and haven't looked back. > Great folks to work with, great tech help, and lots of very cool pumps > besides their submersibles, greater reliability, easier rebuilds( no > leaks), any choice of wire, and more flow options. > > > As to the question of SQ FLEX vs DC submersible, I guess my criteria are > sort of: amount of pumping per year and accessibility. If they pump a lot > then it'll be rebuilds every 1-2 years, and won't take long to make it > cheaper to get the Flex, and if it's a really hard place to get to or long > wire run etc again cost vs reliability points to flex. > > Jay > Peltz power. > > On Jun 1, 2016, at 12:23 PM, Kevin Pegg <kp...@energyalternatives.ca> > wrote: > > This is the cable we use for the 9300's. Haven't had any issues as long as > prepared properly. But would much prefer pigtails and heat shrink butt > splicing, way faster and leak-free. > > > > > https://www.anixter.com/en_ca/product-detail.PS-Copper%2BShipboard%2BCable.LSDSGU-9.html > > > > Kevin > > > > *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org > <re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>] *On Behalf Of *Allan Sindelar > *Sent:* June-01-16 12:08 PM > *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Shurflo pump > > > > Gary, > What I suspect may be at issue is the wire. Shurflo requires jacketed > cable (10 or 12 AWG) of a particulat dimensional range. The issue is that > few suppliers carry the right cable. It's a Code issue - any pump with a > metal case requires an equipment bonding conductor (silly, I know) which > means three conductors, which won't fit in the cable gland. Having a > nonconductive plastic case, the 9300 only needs two conductors, will only > fit two conductors, and no pump or electrical supply house carries > two-conductor cable because nothing they sell uses it. Sort of a catch-22. > > Also, using unjacketed (yellow) multiconductor cable is a guaranteed way > to get water into the motor. > > Hope this helps. > Allan > > *Allan Sindelar* > *al...@sindelarsolar.com* <al...@sindelarsolar.com> > NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional > NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional > New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician > Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc. > *505 780-2738 <505%20780-2738> cell* > > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] 60 Amp PV breaker tripping
The classic 150 with a 100 amp breaker tripping. Solution was to swap out the charge controller and breaker. No more problems, sent them both back to midnite and they both tested fine. New controller and breaker are working fine. Never did find what was causing the issue just found a solution. Cheers- Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Tue, Apr 19, 2016 at 5:35 PM, jay <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote: > I’d put my money on the batteries are getting really bad. > The easiest “fix” is to put say 10’ of #6 between the CC and the battery > connection. It will probably keep the surge down to below the CC breaker > trip point. > boB at midnite suggests you actually wire it to the battery and not the > main battery buss in the XW box. The reason is for more wire, to help > dampen the surge that is put onto the CC > Hope this helps > > jay > > peltz power > > On Apr 19, 2016, at 12:15 PM, Kristopher Schmid <sol...@legacysolar.com> > wrote: > > No recent changes, Jay. System has been installed since 2009. > 16 Kyocera KD180 > Wattsun tracker > Xantrex XW4548 > Xantrex XW MPPT60-150 > 24 L16s (very tired but surviving) > > Could the old batteries cause the CC to pull too much PV current? Even at > 1.25 times the Isc of my strings, i should only be pulling 41.75A maximum. > > On Tue, Apr 19, 2016 at 12:03 PM, Jay <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote: > >> Is this a new or old problem >> And any changes ( equipment etc)just before the problem started? >> >> Jay >> Peltz power >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> On Apr 19, 2016, at 9:04 AM, Kristopher Schmid <sol...@legacysolar.com> >> wrote: >> >> Hi All, >> >> I recall a thread not so long ago where someone was having an issue with >> a system tripping the 60 A PV input breaker. I am unable to find it by >> searching the archives. I have a system with the same issue. I tried >> replacing the breaker but it did not solve the issue. >> >> Can someone connect me to that post thread and/or remind me of the >> solution to that problem (if one was found). >> >> Thanks much, >> Kris >> >> -- >> Shine On! >> >> Kris Schmid >> Legacy Solar, LLC >> 864 Clam Falls Trail >> Frederic, WI 54837 >> www.legacysolar.com >> 715-653-4295 >> NABCEP Certified PV Installer >> Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician >> BSEE >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List-Archive: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List-Archive: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> >> > > > -- > Shine On! > > Kris Schmid > Legacy Solar, LLC > 864 Clam Falls Trail > Frederic, WI 54837 > www.legacysolar.com > 715-653-4295 > NABCEP Certified PV Installer > Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician > BSEE > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & sett
Re: [RE-wrenches] HIQ Inverter Experience?
I have been contacted by the inverter sales rep that provided this product to us and he has asked that I clarify the situation. first off the HiQ inverter system used was test equipment from the manufacturers so it may not represent their current product line. This project is located in Redway ca where we get an average of 58 Inches of rain a year. (predominately in large storms with high volumes of rain) The inverters were installed using S-5! brackets on standing seam metal roof so the balancers were not oriented vertically. (company rep was on site for installation and had no issues with the orientation.) This was a small system of 12 modules and we used 3 balencers. If I remember correctly the balencers have space for 4 modules so the final opening was sealed by method recommended by manufacturer. We had repeat failure of a single balencer (in the same location) due to water damage on the inside of the equipment. It was suggested that the cause of this water was due to a pore seal on one of the MC4 connections that allowed water to "wick" through the connection and into the inverter. Here is where the manufacturer rep and I part ways. Upon replacing the inverter a second time we checked connections and MC4 seals and found nothing indicating water or corrosion due to water damage and thus we did not replace them. This is what the manufacture is stating caused the inverter to fail the third time and perhaps it was. At the end of the day we ended up replacing the HIQ system with a string inverter and have had no issues with the system. (we did check the MC4 seals and connections again and found no corrosion or water.) Perhaps it was a connection issue and we just haven't found the proper connection causing the problem, and over time it will show it self. I did not mean to disrespect the company and the product line, it was simply my intention to share my experience with the product that we had with others in my field so that they might avoid similar headaches for other installers. I hear that they no longer use balencers and are just a string inverter manufacturer at this point. So perhaps the whole experience was of value and the issue that we experienced was solved. there are obviously many other locations out there that have functioning inverters from HiQ without this problem. The fact that the same balancer failed 3 times is suspicious and does point to some sort of environmental / installation reason. just wanted to outline the full story as I was not trying to sling mud, just trying to share our experience. cheers- Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 2:17 PM, Daniel Tittmann <dan...@greenwired.com> wrote: > We were a test site for HiQ inverters at our warehouse in Redway ca. long > way from the ocean, but plenty of rain. We had to replace the "Balancers" > three times due to water damage before we switched to a string inverter. > even at free HiQ wasn't worth the hassle. > Maybe they have fixed the issues but I would not put them in any sort of > challenging env. > Daniel > > Daniel Tittmann > CTO > Greenwired > www.greenwired.com > dan...@greenwired.com > 707-923-2001 (office) > 707-206-5088 (Cell) > > On Fri, Mar 11, 2016 at 1:19 PM, Patrick Shortell <pshorte...@gmail.com> > wrote: > >> Hi Jay, >> I did cut open one of the inverters. >> The electronics are potted but I noticed that there were studs that >> appeared riveted to the external casing which appeared to be aluminum. It >> appeared that the saltwater had entered along this stud and eventually made >> its way to the circuit board. I assume that the stud performed a grounding >> function since that model inverter is externally grounded. >> I could see the green evidence where the stud entered the potting that >> salt water had indeed passed through the potting and encountered some >> copper. I think Enphase has gone with a ground wire in the cabling >> nowadays. Maybe a new design has eliminated that route to the board. >> Pat >> >> >> >> On Fri, Mar 11, 2016 at 12:58 PM, jay <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Hi Patrick >>> >>> I would add that the NEMA 6 rating is for dust/water intrusion, not >>> corrosion resistance. >>> >>> I don’t know what the metallurgy of the Enphase was/is or the HIQ. >>> But I would not make the assumption that whats bad/good for one is the >>> same for any other. >>> >>> jay >>> >>> Peltz power >>> >>> >>> On Mar 11, 2016, at 9:29 AM, Patrick Shortell <pshorte...@gmail.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>> Hi Chris, >>> M
[RE-wrenches] grid tied systems with seperate generator back up
Esteemed colleagues- We are finding more and more clients with existing utility back up generators that are wanting grid inter tied solar systems. Many of these clients are not willing to go the extra mile to interface the solar system with the back up gen. I am wondering if any of you out there have found simple fail safe solutions for preventing generator back feed when relays and switch gear are difficult or impossible to implement. I have been thinking perhaps a large enough diode on the gen output could do it, but then what happens to the grid tied inverter when there is no where for the power to go? I know this is vague, but I am searching the hive to see if there is a better way to make these customers happy and make the sale. Thanks Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] enphase AC battery
from their SLD it looks like grid support as there is no transfer switch. this will probably change as they continue to develop the product. https://enphase.com/sites/default/files/AC_Battery_Brochure_NA_web.pdf Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Tue, Jan 19, 2016 at 8:19 PM, jay <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote: > Hi All, > > Does anyone know if the enphase battery system is designed to work for > battery back up? > > > or just grid support? > > thanks > > jay > > peltz power > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Classic 150 100 amp output breaker tripping
thanks all for the thoughts. Ended up replacing all breakers and the controller and the problem has gone away. sent the controller back to midnite and came back with no issues so we are assuming it was the breaker. Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Mon, Nov 2, 2015 at 4:44 AM, Chris Mason <cometenergysyst...@gmail.com> wrote: > Good tip, and also prompts me to remind that a thermal camera will see a > lot of problems the eye cannot. We have a fluke thermal camera and I make > it a practise to survey a customer's electrical room prior to doing a > proposal, as identifying the overloaded components can help to avoid the > blame game later. It's the old story, you installed solar so you are > responsible for everything that went wrong later. > I did a survey recently for a customer as part of a proposal and with the > camera could see that the middle phase on their 800A main breaker was very > hot, although it carried the lowest current relevant to the others. The > main breaker was clearly faulty and would fail soon. Had we a solar > installation in place, it would have been construed as being because we > back fed the breaker. > > On Sun, Nov 1, 2015 at 3:46 PM, Daniel Duffield <dduffi...@me.com> wrote: > >> Some years ago, we had a similiar problem with a 50 amp breaker nuisance >> tripping, we over analyzed the problem and still could not prevent this >> erratic issue, sometimes it would work fine for weeks - sometimes days >> apart, sometimes on sunny days, sometimes on cloudy days. >> In the end the answer was simple and so easy it was overlooked more than >> once. >> It was just a matter of the proper torque, with the copper compression >> fitting on a Sq D QO breaker, just a hair breathe too loose, enough heat >> would build over many hours to change the trip curve. >> We measured, swapped breakers, everything you could think off until we >> employed a torque wrench with a screwdriver bit. >> Problem vanished, never to come back. >> Not saying this is answer, but sometimes tightening a compression fitting >> to the correct "feel", by a journeman electrician with 20 years experience, >> is not good enough. If your crew or organization has torque screwdrivers, >> we had no excuse not to use them, and back then we found out the hardway. >> >> Daniel O. Duffield >> NABCEP Certified PV Installer since 2005 >> EE 98 & ER01, Albuquerque, New Mexico, IEEE member 1995 >> DPW Solar (Integration-Division) >> > >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List-Archive: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> > > > -- > Chris Mason > NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™ > Solar Design Engineer > Generac Generators Industrial technician > > www.cometsolar.com <http://www.cometenergysystems.com> > 264.235.5670 > 869.662.5670 > Skype: netconcepts > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback customer service???
Larry- This is normal and don't expect it to work for long. I have had board replacement fail out of the box and many others within months of replacement. We as a company have left outback unless we have to use them for some reason. As an aside I made a pilgrimage to Washington last fall to meet our manufacturers. Received with open arms by Magnum, and Midnite solar, outback offered me a introductory training at a cost of $500. Add to this that every inverter comes with a trash can full of Styrofoam as packaging. as for tech support goes, well the masses have spoken. Those who get through with under 10 mins of hold time are very lucky. Obviously I have a lot of built up frustration with this company. Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 4:01 PM, Starlight Solar Power Systems < la...@starlightsolar.com> wrote: > I received a replacement FET board from Outback that I ordered for an out > of warranty inverter. They sent me a used/refurbished board dated 2003. I > was expecting a new part. Is this normal for Outback? > > Thank you, > > Larry Crutcher > Starlight Solar Power Systems > > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] MiaSole
racking for framless modules is also not fun. they can relay only be racked in landscape. they are also super heavy. Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Mon, Nov 16, 2015 at 5:28 AM, Jason Szumlanski < ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote: > Any opinions on MiaSole CIGS thin film modules? We have a client asking > about it. The efficiency looks like it stacks up. Any idea on cost per W > comparison? > > It looks like the wire management takes up a lot of space, reducing the > real efficiency. The pictures they have on flat roofs look like there is a > big ugly wire management trough that would cast a pretty good shadow, > spreading the array out quite a bit. I'm not sure about wire management on > a pitched metal roof, but it seems there should be a more elegant solution. > > Jason Szumlanski > > > -- > > [image: Logo-Sq-80.png] > > Jason Szumlanski > > Principal Solar Designer > > Florida Solar Design Group > > (239) 491-8010 main office > > (239) 322-5079 direct > > (239) 410-4985 mobile > > > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Classic 150 100 amp output breaker tripping?????
there is a MNSPD 300 AC and a MNSPD 300 DC. are wired into the system. this is a new system. Has been happening since commissioning. it is possible that the generator is charging during those morning hours as there are likely morning loads, coffee pot, but not always as the customer just went on vacation and the breaker tripped while he was gone. On my first return visit I re routed the controller battery + from the battery + buss bar to the battery + on the battery bank itself as this had solved an similar issue in the past. So for tomorrow's visit I am planning on taking a new breaker and a new controller. Is there anything else that I should replace? Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Thu, Oct 29, 2015 at 4:19 PM, b...@midnitesolar.com <b...@midnitesolar.com> wrote: > > Larry, because these MPPT CC's are bi-directional (for efficiencies' > sake), they can convert a large current > at the battery side to a smaller current at the PV side if not adjusted > right. Normally this is just taken > care of and reduced to a bare minimum by the controller watching the > voltages and currents carefully. > It is technically possible though for things to not work exactly > correctly. I am not saying that this is > for sure happening, but it is possible. The ramping up in battery > voltage from the chargers should > be plenty slow enough for this not to be a problem but I am wildly > speculating that this could happen > and cannot rule it out. There may of course be something else completely > different happening here > though. > > If CBI breakers are being used, these are known to be extremely fast at > tripping when overloaded. > > Also, what, if any SPDs are connected to the system ? > > boB > > > On 10/29/2015 2:45 PM, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote: > > After the Magnum Inverter/charger samples incoming AC power, they have a > slight delay before starting the charger. Then, they ramp up current > slowly. > > Even so, how will any current from any other source pass through the > breaker unless the Classic is presenting a load? I suppose something else > could be wired through the breaker but I’m guessing Daniel would have > looked at that. > > > <<>> > > Curious Larry > > > On Oct 29, 2015, at 1:06 PM, <b...@midnitesolar.com>b...@midnitesolar.com > wrote: > > > ...if it turns out to be, say, a surge in battery voltage from the > generator > starting up and causing a reverse current through the battery terminals… > > boB > > > > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Classic 150 100 amp utput breaker tripping?????
An update on this issue: On my initial visit to diagnose this problem I changed the AGS settings higher volt start and % state of charge start. The report from the client is that this has fixed the AGS issue. So now I am just dealing with the 100 amp breaker tripping. The trip time from the client is when the sun hits the panels and once reset for the day it will not trip until the next morning. What could cause this? You are all right that the first step it changing out that breaker that will be the first on the list when I am back on site. I hope that is the only issue because as usual this system is 2 Hrs from the shop with no cell or internet coverage. Thanks for your input. Cheers- Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) On Mon, Oct 26, 2015 at 10:25 PM, Mac Lewis <maclew...@gmail.com> wrote: > Hi Daniel, > > Do you know what the error is on the AGS? What are the start set points > that you have? Jay could be on to something if the battery voltage is > collapsing before the generator can start, the cc current could be high. Do > you know specifically what time of day the breaker is tripping? > > I'd check the Midnite logs and consider starting the generator sooner. Is > there large voltage swings (this could indicate bad battery or large load)? > Make sure the wire is cleaned and torqued properly onto that breaker. > > How big is the battery bank and what is the tilt and azimuth of the panels? > On Oct 26, 2015 11:05 PM, "Jay" <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote: > >> Hi Daniel >> >> Is this a new classic with OCP? Or maybe they don't have it anymore? >> >> What it sure sounds like like is a big load on the batteries, it hits >> faster than the AGS can start, and the caps in the classic are dumping into >> the super low battery voltage. If this is happening in the AM, guessing >> with enough light to get the CC alive >> >> If there is a trimetric, you can measure the lowest voltage which should >> give you some good info. Super low volts might mean a bad battery or too >> big a load or both. >> >> But I don't believe it's the other way around that the classic is causing >> any issues with the AGS/inverter >> >> You could always try another CC and see what happens >> >> Jay >> >> Peltz power >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On Oct 26, 2015, at 6:30 PM, Daniel Tittmann <dan...@greenwired.com> >> wrote: >> >> Hive mind- >> hoping you all can help me solve this mystery issue. >> >> System: >> Magnum double panel with Parallel stacked 2x4448 pae inverters. >> Classic 150 charge controller wired with an NMEPV 50 (din rail) and >> NMEPV100 >> 18 - 245 watt solar modules (6x3). (not over powered) >> >> Issue: >> every morning the 100 amp din rail breaker is tripping. from what I can >> gather simultaneously the magnum RTR shows the AGS go into error. Re set >> the breaker and the solar works fine for the rest of the day. >> >> Not 100% sure the AGS has worked (under normal operation) at all other >> than at commissioning and recent testing. >> >> Of course on site i cant get it to fail. >> >> Tested the AGS by setting start voltage to 48.2 vdc and put the system >> under load... voltage drops and generator turned on with no pv-> Batt >> breaker issue. >> >> last visit, chasing one theory, I re routed the battery + from the >> mnpv100 directly to the battery + terminal as opposed to the battery + bus >> bar in the inverter panel still didn't solve the problem. >> >> I cant figure out if it the classic causing the issue or if it is the >> inverters and the AGS. >> >> Any input would be appreciated. >> Thanks >> Daniel >> >> Daniel Tittmann >> CTO >> Greenwired >> www.greenwired.com >> dan...@greenwired.com >> 707-923-2001 (office) >> 707-206-5088 (Cell) >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List-Archive: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> www.members.re-wre
[RE-wrenches] Classic 150 100 amp utput breaker tripping?????
Hive mind- hoping you all can help me solve this mystery issue. System: Magnum double panel with Parallel stacked 2x4448 pae inverters. Classic 150 charge controller wired with an NMEPV 50 (din rail) and NMEPV100 18 - 245 watt solar modules (6x3). (not over powered) Issue: every morning the 100 amp din rail breaker is tripping. from what I can gather simultaneously the magnum RTR shows the AGS go into error. Re set the breaker and the solar works fine for the rest of the day. Not 100% sure the AGS has worked (under normal operation) at all other than at commissioning and recent testing. Of course on site i cant get it to fail. Tested the AGS by setting start voltage to 48.2 vdc and put the system under load... voltage drops and generator turned on with no pv-> Batt breaker issue. last visit, chasing one theory, I re routed the battery + from the mnpv100 directly to the battery + terminal as opposed to the battery + bus bar in the inverter panel still didn't solve the problem. I cant figure out if it the classic causing the issue or if it is the inverters and the AGS. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Daniel Daniel Tittmann CTO Greenwired www.greenwired.com dan...@greenwired.com 707-923-2001 (office) 707-206-5088 (Cell) ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
