[RE-wrenches] Retail sales and other issues
Thanks for staying on top of this Jeff Here are the other questions ... 1. Do you have some type of retail store or public display area in addition to your installation work? No, from home. But we're about to build a new rural house with a separate dedicated building to lease to NTREI. 2. If so, do you offer parts like inverters, charge controllers, or hard-to-find solar hardware, or only sell turn key systems? Only design install PV. Occasionaly make sales to diy's businesses. 3. Do you purchase factory direct for most items or from one of the main whole-sellers? Buy 90% from established distributors, DC Power, AEE, Sunwize but sometimes Kyocera. 4. If you also sell retail parts or other over the counter solar items, what percent mark-up do you try for, or do you just sell at manufacturer's suggested retail price? n/a 5. Do you have a web site that includes a basket for selling these solar items, or do you have a web site that lists complete systems with pricing, or just an informational web site? no 6. Have you sold enough systems of similar size to start offering packaged pricing for typical system sizes, or are you still quoting each specific job based on a job specific bill of material? The latter but I'm working to create packages 7. Do you warehouse larger quantities of modules and inverters, or order for each project with just a few items on hand? I order per job but keep some BOS items in stock, disconnects, wire, the usual fittings and hardware so we're not having to run to the elec supply house more than once 8. Have you had problems with credit cards being back-charged or voided after shipment, and if you have, how did you reduce this problem? Don't yet have the volume to justify CCs 9. Have you had modules or inverters damaged in shipment, and has this ever happened and not be discovered until after acceptance of delivery? Pallet of PV with forklift damage not discovered till after delivery. Inverters (2) with minor, field reparible problems, out of the box. Always received prompt service from PVP. 10. What advertising have you found to be the most cost effective? I have yet to find a good local source to advertise since there are no concentrated target markets. I use national magazines, HP etc. Thanks, A summary of all replys will be added to the contract terms we are completing and distributed to all in a format you can cut and paste as needed. Jeff Yago,P.E., CEM NABCEP Certified DTI Solar email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Netscape. Just the Net You Need. -- ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)
Jim, August, I like the Wiley clips the best as well after using zip ties and other products over the years. The challenge I found with Plastic is it does not last over the long haul and of the many styles I've used none have performed better. The clips hide the cable cleanly and securely and will last as long as the system. Jason On Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 5:38 PM, August Goers [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Jim - I haven't used the Thomas Betts product you found but we've had excellent results with the Wiley Acme Cable Clip found here: http://www.we-llc.com/ACC.html We use these clips on all our installations these days and it has allowed us to get almost completely away from zip ties. I don't trust zip ties over the long haul. Let us know what you think of the Thomas Betts product if you end up using it. -August August Goers Luminalt Energy Corporation 4000 Irving Street San Francisco, CA 94122 Office: 415.564.7652 Mobile: 415.559.1525 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.luminalt.com -- *From:* North Texas Renewable Energy Inc [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* RE Wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org *Sent:* Tuesday, December 2, 2008 3:30:56 PM *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] (no subject) Wrenches I'm proposing a ground mounted PV installation that will have the usual exposed DC conductors and so need to be secured into a raceway of some sort. I stumbled across this Thomas Betts cable tying system which looked like it would work well for neatly securing long straight runs of one or more conductors attached behind a raceway or inside the module frame. Has anyone tried this method of mounting long or short wire runs? The Deltec plastic is rated as very good UV resistance. TB Part numbers are TCP5255, TYDLH, TYD50R http://www-public.tnb.com/shared/inst/ta00903-tb2.pdf Thanks as always Jim Duncan North Texas Renewable Energy Inc 817.917.0527 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.ntrei.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org -- Jason Lombard CSBA Open Hand Solar LLC. Pecos, NM. 87552 505 795 8646 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Wind anemometer
Hello all - I have a wind project to do a year's worth of study on and need to set 3 anemometers on a site. One has 120 VAC available and 2 will need to be remote and stand alone. I clocked 20-24 MPH standing in the back of my truck with a hand held meter yesterday, and the fields was scoured of 14' snow to the ground. Great site but we want more than just the occasional observation. What suggestions do you all have for towers and instruments.? What has worked what is not worth purchasing? Thanks - Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc www.solarwork.com E - [EMAIL PROTECTED] V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 I'd put my money on solar energy. I hope we don't have to wait 'til oil and coal run out before we tackle that. -Thomas Edison, in conversation with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, March 1931 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Soldering electrical conductors
About 28 years ago I read a study, by either Niehoff or Prestolite, on the pros and cons of soldering or crimping, heavy duty starter cables, for over the road trucks. The finding was, that a properly crimped lug made a solid (molecular) connection while solder did not make as good a connection because solder was not as good a conductor as copper. They concluded that the crimped connection carried more amperage and did so over the long haul. We use an air over hydraulic crimper on all our cables with a hydraulic gauge reading of 10,000 lbs PSI. I have done a pull test with this connection by pulling a truck behind another with this connection Tom Duffy The Solar Biz From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of North Texas Renewable Energy Inc Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 10:08 AM To: RE Wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Soldering electrical conductors Wrenches Over the years I have heard almost nothing about soldering of electrical connections in PV circuits, AC or DC. The only reference I recall is from the recommendation that one should crimp AND solder larger compression fittings to assure a permanent connection. There were references to factory made battery cable crimps not holding after installation and during the final pull-test. I can't find any reference to the practice in the NEC, either pro or con. It seems that any technique so susceptible to poor results would be at least addressed. The reason I want to definitively address this practice, by the Wrenches community, is this. A group of PV industry specialists were invited to help develop a curriculum for a state funded technical college with 4 separate campuses. The Waco Campus, with the fuel cell and wind degree programs, is now creating a solar installer technician degree program. A group of experts spent two days picking our brains to help create an overview plus detailed duties, tasks and the separate steps involved in the design/installation process. So now that the initial draft is finished we are asked to critique it. One of the General Knowledge items is soldering techniques. I need to mention that the degree will cover both PV and thermal installs. Of course some soldering is necessary in the thermal installation process, less since the introduction of compression connections, but I'm interested in addressing the electrical side. If any negative long-term effects from solder joints have been discovered I would like to hear about them. If they seem serious enough, I would consider recommending that the staff include a clarification that electrical soldering should be avoided. If the long-term effect is negligible, it is still possible to do an electrically poor job even using top quality equipment. I'll defer to the collective knowledge of this organization. Thanks as always Jim Duncan North Texas Renewable Energy Inc 817.917.0527 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.ntrei.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Soldering electrical conductors
Good wire splices and connections require good mechanical connections first. Some people like to solder the wire after they make the mechanical connection, but solder can hide a bad mechanical connection and provide a place for corrosion to form. Joel Davidson From: The Office of Tom Duffy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 9:48:28 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Soldering electrical conductors About 28 years ago I read a study, by either Niehoff or Prestolite, on the pros and cons of soldering or crimping, heavy duty starter cables, for over the road trucks. The finding was, that a properly crimped lug made a solid (molecular) connection while solder did not make as good a connection because solder was not as good a conductor as copper. They concluded that the crimped connection carried more amperage and did so over the long haul. We use an air over hydraulic crimper on all our cables with a hydraulic gauge reading of 10,000 lbs PSI. I have done a pull test with this connection by pulling a truck behind another with this connection Tom Duffy The Solar Biz From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of North Texas Renewable Energy Inc Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 10:08 AM To: RE Wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Soldering electrical conductors Wrenches Over the years I have heard almost nothing about soldering of electrical connections in PV circuits, AC or DC. The only reference I recall is from the recommendation that one should crimp AND solder larger compression fittings to assure a permanent connection. There were references to factory made battery cable crimps not holding after installation and during the final pull-test. I can't find any reference to the practice in the NEC, either pro or con. It seems that any technique so susceptible to poor results would be at least addressed. The reason I want to definitively address this practice, by the Wrenches community, is this. A group of PV industry specialists were invited to help develop a curriculum for a state funded technical college with 4 separate campuses. The Waco Campus, with the fuel cell and wind degree programs, is now creating a solar installer technician degree program. A group of experts spent two days picking our brains to help create an overview plus detailed duties, tasks and the separate steps involved in the design/installation process. So now that the initial draft is finished we are asked to critique it. One of the General Knowledge items is soldering techniques. I need to mention that the degree will cover both PV and thermal installs. Of course some soldering is necessary in the thermal installation process, less since the introduction of compression connections, but I'm interested in addressing the electrical side. If any negative long-term effects from solder joints have been discovered I would like to hear about them. If they seem serious enough, I would consider recommending that the staff include a clarification that electrical soldering should be avoided. If the long-term effect is negligible, it is still possible to do an electrically poor job even using top quality equipment. I'll defer to the collective knowledge of this organization. Thanks as always Jim Duncan North Texas Renewable Energy Inc 817.917.0527 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.ntrei.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] system commissioning time frames
Greetings..we recently installed a solar pv system on a residential customer and it has been inspected by both the local electrical inspector and the state rebate authority and approved. Now that we have passed those inspections, the next phase of the process is having the utility company come out and install their new meter for net metering..I was wondering if anyone has a definitive answer as to what actually commissions the system? We are thinking of having the power company hold off until after the new year so that the customer can get the 2009 tax credits instead of the 2008 credits... The question is does the system get commissioned once it is inspected or once the power company gets the new meter installed so that the system can actually be turned on. Thanks for any advice...It actually could be worth its weight in gold!... Cheers, Kirpal Khalsa Renewable Energy Systems www.oregonsolarworks.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] system commissioning time frames
Kirpal, Back in 2005 when the rebates were first on the horizon, Austin Energy would voluntarilyat the request of customershold off placing their PV kWh meter until after January 1, 2006. The intent was to put off commissioning systems before the rebate was available. Best, David On 12/3/08 12:59 PM, Kirpal Khalsa [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Greetings..we recently installed a solar pv system on a residential customer and it has been inspected by both the local electrical inspector and the state rebate authority and approved. Now that we have passed those inspections, the next phase of the process is having the utility company come out and install their new meter for net metering..I was wondering if anyone has a definitive answer as to what actually commissions the system? We are thinking of having the power company hold off until after the new year so that the customer can get the 2009 tax credits instead of the 2008 credits... The question is does the system get commissioned once it is inspected or once the power company gets the new meter installed so that the system can actually be turned on. Thanks for any advice...It actually could be worth its weight in gold!... Cheers, Kirpal Khalsa Renewable Energy Systems www.oregonsolarworks.com http://www.oregonsolarworks.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] system commissioning time frames
Dear Kirpal, Control your work. You (not the AHJs or the utility company) should define commissioning and when it occurs. Make your own commissioning form. You can copy someone else's form, see http://www.atlantisenergy.org/Atlantis_Commissioning_Plan.pdf or search the internet for other forms at http://www.google.com/search?hl=enq=commissioning+pv+system I use the commissioning and/or final inspection form as a customer sign-off and a record that the job is completed, inspected, approved by and turned over to the customer. Joel Davidson From: Kirpal Khalsa [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 10:59:59 AM Subject: [RE-wrenches] system commissioning time frames Greetings..we recently installed a solar pv system on a residential customer and it has been inspected by both the local electrical inspector and the state rebate authority and approved. Now that we have passed those inspections, the next phase of the process is having the utility company come out and install their new meter for net metering..I was wondering if anyone has a definitive answer as to what actually commissions the system? We are thinking of having the power company hold off until after the new year so that the customer can get the 2009 tax credits instead of the 2008 credits... The question is does the system get commissioned once it is inspected or once the power company gets the new meter installed so that the system can actually be turned on. Thanks for any advice...It actually could be worth its weight in gold!... Cheers, Kirpal Khalsa Renewable Energy Systems www.oregonsolarworks.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] system commissioning time frames
Correct, but w/out the PV meter the system could not be commissioned. For the customer, it created a paper trail helping to verify the commissioning date. On 12/3/08 1:32 PM, Joel Davidson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: It is nice to have a good working relationship with the utility, but scheduling and placing meters are just part of the job, not commissioning. From: David Brearley [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 11:19:11 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] system commissioning time frames Kirpal, Back in 2005 when the rebates were first on the horizon, Austin Energy would voluntarilyat the request of customershold off placing their PV kWh meter until after January 1, 2006. The intent was to put off commissioning systems before the rebate was available. Best, David On 12/3/08 12:59 PM, Kirpal Khalsa [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Greetings..we recently installed a solar pv system on a residential customer and it has been inspected by both the local electrical inspector and the state rebate authority and approved. Now that we have passed those inspections, the next phase of the process is having the utility company come out and install their new meter for net metering..I was wondering if anyone has a definitive answer as to what actually commissions the system? We are thinking of having the power company hold off until after the new year so that the customer can get the 2009 tax credits instead of the 2008 credits... The question is does the system get commissioned once it is inspected or once the power company gets the new meter installed so that the system can actually be turned on. Thanks for any advice...It actually could be worth its weight in gold!... Cheers, Kirpal Khalsa Renewable Energy Systems www.oregonsolarworks.com http://www.oregonsolarworks.com/ http://www.oregonsolarworks.com http://www.oregonsolarworks.com/ ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org David Brearley, Technical Editor SolarPro magazine NABCEP Certified PV Installer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Direct: 541.261.6545 Fax: 541.512.0343 Visit our Web site at solarprofessional.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] system commissioning time frames
Kirpal et al,I'm wondering how the tax code will allow a 2008-installed but 2009-commissioned system to be expensed as a 2009 expense, for tax credit purposes, if the payments were made by the system owner in 2008? Bruce EricksonMendocino Solar Service707-937-1701707-937-1741 faxPO Box 1252Mendocino, CA 95460 "Serving the Solar System" On Dec 3, 2008, at 10:59 AM, Kirpal Khalsa wrote:Greetings..we recently installed a solar pv system on a residential customer and it has been inspected by both the local electrical inspector and the state rebate authority and approved. Now that we have passed those inspections, the next phase of the process is having the utility company come out and install their new meter for net metering..I was wondering if anyone has a definitive answer as to what actually commissions the system? We are thinking of having the power company hold off until after the new year so that the customer can get the 2009 tax credits instead of the 2008 credits... The question is does the system get commissioned once it is inspected or once the power company gets the new meter installed so that the system can actually be turned on.Thanks for any advice...It actually could be worth its weight in gold!... Cheers,Kirpal KhalsaRenewable Energy Systemswww.oregonsolarworks.com___List sponsored by Home Power magazineList Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.orgOptions settings:http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.orgList-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.orgList rules etiquette:www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htmCheck out participant bios:www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Soldering electrical conductors
From: The Office of Tom Duffy [EMAIL PROTECTED] About 28 years ago I read a study, by either Niehoff or Prestolite, on the pros and cons of soldering or crimping, heavy duty starter cables, for over the road trucks. The finding was, that a properly crimped lug made a solid (molecular) connection while solder did not make as good a connection because solder was not as good a conductor as copper. They concluded that the crimped connection carried more amperage and did so over the long haul. Good point, Tom. Remember that lead free solder is a better conductor than the regular old 60/40 stuff. Just needs about 25 degree C more (or there abouts) to solder with it. I don't know how rugged it is mechanically. Maybe better. It doesn't look as nice of a joint though. boB ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Soldering
Soldering is not restricted by the NEC - see section 110.14 Electrical Connections for details. Properly crimped connections can be as reliable and are electrically similar to properly done crimped AND soldered connections (the NEC does not allow soldered only connections - perhaps that was what you meant? See 110.14(B) for that restriction.) I do not think that soldering skills is a must have requirement for a solar installer technician anymore - other than for plumbing - which is a different thing. Christopher Christopher Freitas Director of Research and Development OutBack Power Systems, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel 360 435 6030 Cell 360 202 4239 19009 62nd Ave NE Arlington WA 98223 USA www.outbackpower.com http://www.outbackpower.com/ MESSAGE CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. sections 2510-2521, is confidential, and may also be protected by attorney-client or other privilege. If you believe that it has been sent to you in error, please do not read it. If you are not the intended recipient,you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete it. Thank you. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Insurance classification
Does anyone know what the insurance classification is for installation of renewable energy equipment installer? My insurer has me under 95647, heating and AC contractor. I asked about this and was told there is no class for RE installers. Kindest Regards, Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar 11279 S. Glenwood Ave #4 Yuma, AZ 85367 (928) 941-1660 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.starlightsolar.com Retail Store: 2998 Shari, Yuma, AZ Renewable Energy Products, Service and Installation ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Insurance classification
I am listed on my insurance as "99080 solar electric contractor". Todd Starlight Solar, Yuma, AZ wrote: Does anyone know what the insurance classification is for installation of renewable energy equipment installer? My insurer has me under 95647, heating and AC contractor. I asked about this and was told there is no class for RE installers. Kindest Regards, Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar 11279 S. Glenwood Ave #4 Yuma, AZ 85367 (928) 941-1660 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Wind anemometer
I have used NRG extensively over the years. I haven't done much met tower work in the last few years, being dedicated mostly to hot water now. NRGsystems.com you can buy packaged systems right there on the website good equipment in the moderate to really expensive (as in $1800 heated calabrated anemometers for turbine performance verification) if you can get or arrange a tower space, APRS has a number of instruments available for wind and other monitoring. www.aprsworld.com much more economically priced. met towers from indiana to colorado. karl Dana wrote: Hello all – I have a wind project to do a year’s worth of study on and need to set 3 anemometers on a site. One has 120 VAC available and 2 will need to be remote and stand alone. I clocked 20-24 MPH standing in the back of my truck with a hand held meter yesterday, and the fields was scoured of 14’ snow to the ground. Great site but we want more than just the occasional observation. What suggestions do you all have for towers and instruments.? What has worked what is not worth purchasing? Thanks - Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc www.solarwork.com E - [EMAIL PROTECTED] V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 “I'd put my money on solar energy… I hope we don't have to wait 'til oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” —Thomas Edison, in conversation with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, March 1931 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org -- Karl Schwingel NABCEP Certified Solar Thermal Installer NorthWind Renewable Energy LLC PO Box 723 Stevens Point, WI 54481 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cell: 715 209 0446 Fax : 715 952 4501 This e-mail message is confidential, is intended only for the named recipient(s) above, and may contain information that is privileged or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you have received this message in error, or are not a named recipient(s), you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please immediately notify the sender by return e-mail and delete this e-mail message from your computer. Thank you. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Insurance classification
In New Mexico, you just need to be a licensed electrician to do solar, so we were just listed as electrical contractors, but we recently switched category : Solar Energy Contractor 95648 Todd's listing sounds even better, though. Ray Ray On Dec 3, 2008, at 4:44 PM, Todd Cory wrote: I am listed on my insurance as 99080 solar electric contractor. Todd Starlight Solar, Yuma, AZ wrote: Does anyone know what the insurance classification is for installation of renewable energy equipment installer? My insurer has me under 95647, heating and AC contractor. I asked about this and was told there is no class for RE installers. Kindest Regards, Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar 11279 S. Glenwood Ave #4 Yuma, AZ 85367 (928) 941-1660 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re- wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org R. Walters Solarray.com NABCEP # 04170442 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Insurance classification
Colleagues: If y'all don't mind my asking, what are you paying in these categories? I know I am mis-categorized and I've notified my carrier in writing, and I've been audited, but they insist on keeping me as some kind of electrical machinery installer. My rates are less than $20.00 per hundred, so I've stopped complaining. Wm PS: Do you also get a little irritated when you lose a bid to someone you know is not paying worker's comp? (I know because it is easy to look up in California). Wm At 03:44 PM 12/3/2008, you wrote: I am listed on my insurance as 99080 solar electric contractor. Todd Starlight Solar, Yuma, AZ wrote: Does anyone know what the insurance classification is for installation of renewable energy equipment installer? My insurer has me under 95647, heating and AC contractor. I asked about this and was told there is no class for RE installers. Kindest Regards, Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] NEC Signs, Labels, Plaques,?
This came up on the list a couple of weeks ago, and we ordered some label kits (Alt E Store) that supposedly had everything needed to meet NEC requirements for signage. I then double checked it against articles 690, 700, 702, and 705. I found some interesting things, specifically 702.8 (B) covering standby systems (we do mostly grid tie with battery backup, so I think this applies) It says we need to have a plaque at the grounding location?! Also, 700.8A, 702.8A, and 705.10, 705.12D4, 705.70(4) all require a plaque or directory at the Service Entrance that lists the type and LOCATION of all power sources. An example photo is in the 08 Handbook under 700.8. Its a big plaque with a lot of verbage. Is anyone doing this? We always put a sticker (that comes with the inverter) warning that the system has a DC to AC inverter, and to disconnect all sources, but no info on location. Considering I found found 5 places (so far) in the NEC that require this, I'm thinking about doing it. Also, back to the sticker collection from Alt E, it also doesn't include stickers for the following: 690.5 C labeling DCGFI 690.10C labeling single 120 vac no branch circuits 690.35 F ungrounded DC.. Finally, do we really need to label disconnects with the 690.17 (4) both sides energizedblah,blah if the inverter is going to cut its output in milliseconds after the switch is opened? I know I'm always asking for trouble, (like what is the difference between a sign, a plaque, a directory, a label, and marking??) Thanks in advance, R. Walters [EMAIL PROTECTED] Solar Engineer ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC Signs, Labels, Plaques,?
Ray wrote: like what is the difference between a sign, a plaque, a directory, a label, and marking?? None of these are actually in NEC Article 100 Definitions. So, it¹s actually a perfectly good question to ask. The one thing I¹m super clear onbecause it was a favorite with our local inspectoris that a directory is a map, showing the relative location of components that are related but not grouped together. Locating inverters on a roof that is not readily accessible, for example, triggers the requirement for a directory. It¹s a great for the tech who has to service the project 10, 15, 20 years from now. But it¹s especially useful for inspectors, facilities personnel, fire fighters and electricians unfamiliar with a/the PV system. As for the rest: when you say ³plaque², I think engraved...³label² not so much...³warning sign² sounds pretty serious, but Exhibit 110.8 of the NEC Handbook basically calls a sticker a ³sign². Some of these label/sign/plaque issues are dealt with in more detail in local codes. Their probably detailed best in RFPs and RFQs, which typically have a spec section calling out approve sign materials. Whatever the Code does or does not say, the only label I trust implicitly outdoors and in full sun for 20+ years is engraved. That¹s what all the best facilities require. Anyone actually own an engraver? How much do you have to spend engraving labels every year before you just go out and buy the equipment? ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
