Re: [RE-wrenches] Trace SW Stacking Cable?
Would it be possible to make one if we had a sample to know the wire order? Bob -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Clearwater, Village Power Design Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 6:05 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Trace SW Stacking Cable? Hi All, I need to track down a '98 vintage Trace SW stacking cable. Anyone have or know where I might find one? Thanks, Jeff C. -- ~ Jeff Clearwater Senior Design Engineer NABCEP (tm) Certified Solar PV Installer http://www.nabcep.org/ Village Power Design/NorthEast Solar Design Turnkey Solar Design Installation for the Commercial Sector http://www.villagepower.com goso...@villagepower.com Voice: 413-259-3750 Fax: 413-825-0703 65 Schoolhouse Rd Amherst, MA 01002 ~ ___ 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-wrenches] PV shingles again
Hi All, I take it that since their were no bites on my earlier query about the use of PV shingles, that either no one uses them or you want to keep this fabulous technology a secret... Thanks, Howie -- Howie Michaelson NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer Sun Catcher, LLC Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service VT Solar Wind Incentive Program Partner http://www.SunCatcherVT.com (cell) 802-272-0004 (home) 802-439-6096 ___ 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] Mixing and Matching PV modules--Error Corrected
hi peter I would put 7 type A in a series and 6 type B with one type A This way the extra performance of the type A would not be lost except for the one module. Darryl. --- On Mon, 3/30/09, Peter Parrish peter.parr...@calsolareng.com wrote: From: Peter Parrish peter.parr...@calsolareng.com Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Mixing and Matching PV modules--Error Corrected To: 'Peter Parrish' peter.parr...@calsolareng.com, 'RE-wrenches' re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 5:50 PM I think I understand all the dictums about single-strings of PV modules: all the same modules, all the same azimuth and tilt, but I have a special situation. We are starting to accumulate a number of second hand PV modules. Some have frames slightly damaged by the shipper; some have come from warranty replacements; and some are odd lots that we haven't been able to sell. What I want to do is to set up a demo system composed of two different types of modules. This is my initial design: Total of fourteen modules. Two strings of seven modules each. Each string consisting of four modules of one type (type A) and three modules of a second type (type B). Both module types have 50 cells and the type A module has 155mm-sq cells and the type B module has 150mm-sq cells. So you would think that the performance specs would match pretty well. However, since the type B modules are an earlier vintage, they probably don't have the latest and greatest surface treatment, etc., so the current specs are lower than one might expect. Specs on type A: Voc = 30.8V, Vmp = 24.5V, Isc = 8.70A, Imp = 8.16A. Specs on type B: Voc = 30.6V, Vmp = 24.6V, Isc = 7.38A, Imp = 6.93A. So here's my question: would putting together the strings of four type A and three type B cause any problems? I know the string current would be limited by the type B modules, but above and beyond that, what would be the operating point of the type A modules and what would be the stress if any on the type B modules? I'd like this demo system to last a while and I certainly don't want to see scorch marks on the type B modules after a few months of use. Any thoughts? - Peter Peter T. Parrish, President California Solar Engineering, Inc. 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065 Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885 CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26 peter.parr...@calsolareng.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 ___ 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] PV shingles again
Howie, I did not comment on the first e-mail because you asked for those with experience with pv shingles to comment. I don't have the experience, but I've been around long enough to know of several west coast installers that tried the technology. The word, back several years ago, was the pv shingles were not ready for prime time. I remember disparaging remarks about a shingle that was 17w. So, 17w and two wires. Lots of connections to make for an array, also these connections are obviously in a difficult spot to service if need be. I would think that this problem has not been solved since we do not have manufacturers pushing pv shingles on us. David Palumbo, President Independent Power LLC 462 Solar Way Drive Hyde Park, VT 05655 NABCEP Certified PV Installer www.independentpowerllc.com http://www.independentpowerllc.com/ 802-888-7194 -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]on Behalf Of Howie Michaelson Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 8:07 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again Hi All, I take it that since their were no bites on my earlier query about the use of PV shingles, that either no one uses them or you want to keep this fabulous technology a secret... Thanks, Howie -- Howie Michaelson NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer Sun Catcher, LLC Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service VT Solar Wind Incentive Program Partner http://www.SunCatcherVT.com (cell) 802-272-0004 (home) 802-439-6096 ___ 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] PV shingles again
Ditto... we've quoted Atlantis Sunslates at least a dozen times but the extreme price premium and need to do the entire roof in an odd-sized Swiss-made roof tile always kills the project. I've also been told many of the PV shingles being used in the warmer southern states are not applicable to freeze/thaw climates. Would love to see a reasonably priced product in a normal form factor for the north though, as I'm sure there's a market. Jeff Irish Hudson Valley Clean Energy -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Wind-sun.com Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 8:50 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again Not so fabulous... A pain to install, expensive. We have never gotten past the quoting stage on them. Once sticker shock hits they either back out or go with conventional panels. .. Northern Arizona Wind Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979 Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ .. - Original Message - From: Howie Michaelson ho...@suncatchervt.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 5:06 AM Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again Hi All, I take it that since their were no bites on my earlier query about the use of PV shingles, that either no one uses them or you want to keep this fabulous technology a secret... Thanks, Howie -- Howie Michaelson NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerT Sun Catcher, LLC Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service VT Solar Wind Incentive Program Partner http://www.SunCatcherVT.com (cell) 802-272-0004 (home) 802-439-6096 ___ 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 ___ 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] Trace SW Stacking Cable?
Carl: This cable is *not* a standard computer cable. I don't know, but I suspect that severe inverter damage could occur with use of the wrong cable. William Miller ___ 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] Trace SW Stacking Cable?
Last time I checked, Xantrex had no more SWI cables available. However, I do have the pinout for the SWI that they were willing to share, if you care to homebrew your own. DB25 male to male connectors and ribbon cable -- should be able to find those pretty easily. If interested, contact me OFF-List. Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Distribution Sales Group Conergy Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103 Santa Fe, NM 87507 p.undercuff...@conergy.us Direct | 505.216.3841 Toll Free | 888.396.6611 x4841 Fax | 505.473.3830 www.conergy.us -Original Message- From: bob ellison Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Trace SW Stacking Cable? Would it be possible to make one if we had a sample to know the wire order? Bob -Original Message- I need to track down a '98 vintage Trace SW stacking cable. Anyone have or know where I might find one? Thanks, Jeff C. ___ 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] Trace SW Stacking Cable?
Hi Jeff, I have a Db-25 male to male 4' long connector that I think is what you are looking for. I have always thought it was a stacking connector but it's been in the van for a while If someone had a pinout I could test it to make sure, and send out if it is the right one. Best, jason -- Jason Lerner Waldron Power and LIght Co. (888) wapalco office/fax (360) 588-6194 On Mar 30, 2009, at 3:05 PM, Jeff Clearwater, Village Power Design wrote: Hi All, I need to track down a '98 vintage Trace SW stacking cable. Anyone have or know where I might find one? Thanks, Jeff C. -- ~ Jeff Clearwater Senior Design Engineer NABCEP (tm) Certified Solar PV Installer http://www.nabcep.org/ Village Power Design/NorthEast Solar Design Turnkey Solar Design Installation for the Commercial Sector http://www.villagepower.com goso...@villagepower.com Voice: 413-259-3750 Fax: 413-825-0703 65 Schoolhouse Rd Amherst, MA 01002 ~ ___ 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] Trace SW Stacking Cable?
William, I used an off the shelf cable to use with the SW and PS remote, it was a double male ended 25 pin cable. They were formally used as printer/computer cables. I believe the stacking cable is the same style. You could check with Xantrex. Carl Hansen___ 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] Mixing and Matching PV modules--Error Corrected
[Bill: I think our disagreement a while ago had to do with the dependence of Voc and Vmp with insolation. I said there was one and you said there wasn't. The way I resolved it in my mind is that there is a small change in Voc with insolation as well in Vmp, but to zeroth order one could ignore the change for most practical calculations.] I should have mentioned this, but I don't have the luxury of putting together a string of type A and string of type B. I have 8 of type A while I have only 6 of type B. I wish I did have 8+8 but I only have 8+6 and I wanted to use them all (I am guilty of optimizing). It seemed a shame to go the 6+6 route, and I'd guess I'd have to do some research on low voltage, grid tied inverters (I think even a Fronius needs 8 module strings). So, if I accept the lower operating current, limited by the type B modules, in a split string...will this stress out the type B modules in the string? - Peter Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President California Solar Engineering, Inc. 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065 Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885 CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26 peter.parr...@calsolareng.com -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bill Brooks Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 5:57 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Mixing and Matching PV modules--Error Corrected Peter, Although last time we discussed, you didn't seem to agree with me, I guess I'll try responding to this question. The best situation is to keep the two strings of modules in their own strings. 7 of the older in series, paralleled with the 7 of the newer in series. The operating voltages, and open circuit voltages are for all practical purposes--identical. It appears that the only difference is the size of the cell--producing a higher current as expected--with little or no change in voltage. Operating voltage is the key--as in our last discussion. Mixing the strings will result in lower output overall. Perhaps trying it both ways would prove it to you. An I-V curve tester will clearly show the benefit of not mixing the modules within the string. As I teach my classes, you have to think like a PV. The I-V curve is limited by the lower current modules in both strings if you wire as you suggest. If you wire the modules with the like modules, each string will produce their maximum current. Draw out the I-V curves and it may make more sense. Bill. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Peter Parrish Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 3:50 PM To: 'Peter Parrish'; 'RE-wrenches' Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Mixing and Matching PV modules--Error Corrected I think I understand all the dictums about single-strings of PV modules: all the same modules, all the same azimuth and tilt, but I have a special situation. We are starting to accumulate a number of second hand PV modules. Some have frames slightly damaged by the shipper; some have come from warranty replacements; and some are odd lots that we haven't been able to sell. What I want to do is to set up a demo system composed of two different types of modules. This is my initial design: Total of fourteen modules. Two strings of seven modules each. Each string consisting of four modules of one type (type A) and three modules of a second type (type B). Both module types have 50 cells and the type A module has 155mm-sq cells and the type B module has 150mm-sq cells. So you would think that the performance specs would match pretty well. However, since the type B modules are an earlier vintage, they probably don't have the latest and greatest surface treatment, etc., so the current specs are lower than one might expect. Specs on type A: Voc = 30.8V, Vmp = 24.5V, Isc = 8.70A, Imp = 8.16A. Specs on type B: Voc = 30.6V, Vmp = 24.6V, Isc = 7.38A, Imp = 6.93A. So here's my question: would putting together the strings of four type A and three type B cause any problems? I know the string current would be limited by the type B modules, but above and beyond that, what would be the operating point of the type A modules and what would be the stress if any on the type B modules? I'd like this demo system to last a while and I certainly don't want to see scorch marks on the type B modules after a few months of use. Any thoughts? - Peter Peter T. Parrish, President California Solar Engineering, Inc. 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065 Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885 CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26 peter.parr...@calsolareng.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:
Re: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again
1996-97 we had the North American exclusive for Uni-Solar BIPV. In addition to doing a few standing-seam roofing projects before peel-and-stick, we solar Uni-Solar shingles to only 2 installing contractors. They were enthusiastic to do the shingles, but they never placed a second order. Drilling holes for each shingle and installing Panduit in the attic on your back was a drag. The customers liked solar and the shingles but did not like the added cost. We tried to sell Atlantis shingles to some prospects, but they did not like the added cost. I'm sure we would all like to hear some solar shingle success stories but none seem forthcoming. Joel Davidson --- On Tue, 3/31/09, Jeff Irish j...@hvce.com wrote: From: Jeff Irish j...@hvce.com Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 7:45 AM Ditto... we've quoted Atlantis Sunslates at least a dozen times but the extreme price premium and need to do the entire roof in an odd-sized Swiss-made roof tile always kills the project. I've also been told many of the PV shingles being used in the warmer southern states are not applicable to freeze/thaw climates. Would love to see a reasonably priced product in a normal form factor for the north though, as I'm sure there's a market. Jeff Irish Hudson Valley Clean Energy -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Wind-sun.com Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 8:50 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again Not so fabulous... A pain to install, expensive. We have never gotten past the quoting stage on them. Once sticker shock hits they either back out or go with conventional panels. .. Northern Arizona Wind Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979 Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ .. - Original Message - From: Howie Michaelson ho...@suncatchervt.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 5:06 AM Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again Hi All, I take it that since their were no bites on my earlier query about the use of PV shingles, that either no one uses them or you want to keep this fabulous technology a secret... Thanks, Howie -- Howie Michaelson NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerT Sun Catcher, LLC Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service VT Solar Wind Incentive Program Partner http://www.SunCatcherVT.com (cell) ___ 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] PV shingles again
We are using the Open Energy / Applied Solar Inc. roof tile, but I guess it is not a shingle technically speaking. The product is better suited to new construction (90% of our business) than retro-fits when it comes to cost. One thing that you have to remember when selling a tile product is that you are offsetting some of the cost associated with the roof, i.e. roofing material and installation. With the tile product from OE / ASI (which is actually manufactured and warranted by Suntech) it does not go on the roof, it is the roof, class A rating and everything. To all getting ready to send me an e-mail about marketing, I am not trying to sell the product, but did help design it when I worked for them, so I have first hand experience. Someone made a comment about running conduit from one tile to the next. We do not view this requirement the same, and do not install any type of conduit above the roof. The requirement for metal conduit states that metal conduit has to be used from the point of building penetration to the first disconnect. The one advantage that I really enjoy, is that with the tile, it makes system sizing much easier as far as string Voltage is concerned. Each tile is a 6.07 Voc, so you can just add or subtract as many tiles as needed to get to the sweet spot of the inverter. My 2 cents. (to all, my apologies if that funky attachment comes with my e-mail that I was informed of previously, it has something to do with my remote access, and is not harmful) Best Regards, Brian C. White Sr. Design Engineer - PV System Eagle Roofing Products 120 North Auburn Street - Suite 212 Grass Valley, CA 95945 Phone: 530-273-2948 Cell: 530-575-5550 e-mail: bri...@eagleroofing.com mailto:bri...@eagleroofing.com From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org on behalf of Joel Davidson Sent: Tue 3/31/2009 10:14 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again 1996-97 we had the North American exclusive for Uni-Solar BIPV. In addition to doing a few standing-seam roofing projects before peel-and-stick, we solar Uni-Solar shingles to only 2 installing contractors. They were enthusiastic to do the shingles, but they never placed a second order. Drilling holes for each shingle and installing Panduit in the attic on your back was a drag. The customers liked solar and the shingles but did not like the added cost. We tried to sell Atlantis shingles to some prospects, but they did not like the added cost. I'm sure we would all like to hear some solar shingle success stories but none seem forthcoming. Joel Davidson --- On Tue, 3/31/09, Jeff Irish j...@hvce.com wrote: From: Jeff Irish j...@hvce.com Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 7:45 AM Ditto... we've quoted Atlantis Sunslates at least a dozen times but the extreme price premium and need to do the entire roof in an odd-sized Swiss-made roof tile always kills the project. I've also been told many of the PV shingles being used in the warmer southern states are not applicable to freeze/thaw climates. Would love to see a reasonably priced product in a normal form factor for the north though, as I'm sure there's a market. Jeff Irish Hudson Valley Clean Energy -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Wind-sun.com Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 8:50 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again Not so fabulous... A pain to install, expensive. We have never gotten past the quoting stage on them. Once sticker shock hits they either back out or go with conventional panels. .. Northern Arizona Wind Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979 Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ .. - Original Message - From: Howie Michaelson ho...@suncatchervt.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 5:06 AM Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV shingles again Hi All, I take it that since their were no bites on my earlier query about the use of PV shingles, that either no one uses them or you want to keep this fabulous technology a secret... Thanks, Howie -- Howie Michaelson
Re: [RE-wrenches] Trace SW Stacking Cable?
Carl: They are different cables. Substitute them at your peril. William Miller At 10:01 AM 3/31/2009, you wrote: William, I used an off the shelf cable to use with the SW and PS remote, it was a double male ended 25 pin cable. They were formally used as printer/computer cables. I believe the stacking cable is the same style. You could check with Xantrex. Carl Hansen ___ ___ 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] Outback FM80 problems
Larry, On the RV was a modified sine wave or a SW inverter installed ? Darren Emmons Outback Power I don't know the answer but I have forwarded this question to Darren Emmons (the FM80 software engineer) to have him reply. I am travelling internationally right now and may not have email access for a few days. The auto restart mode should not need to changed - I haven't seen a situation like you describe but I suspect its just an issue of the setting and probably the small battery size used in this RV application. Christopher Freitas OutBack Power Christopher - Original Message - From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Fri Mar 27 16:44:59 2009 Subject: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM80 problems Wrenches, Last week I had an FM80 that would operate in bulk mode while reducing the current to a few amps on a 1200 watt RV system. The customer said he had to reset the controller several times through the day. After every reset, full amperage was delivered and the controller would eventually transition to absorb and float. I replaced the controller from stock and put it on the bench. It works just fine with no other equipment attached to the battery. My question is about the auto restart mode. Default is 0. Should Mode 0 continue to track the Vmp thru the day or must one use mode 1 and force restarts? The MX60 had a Sweep Interval that could be programmed for every few minutes. Has this been replaced by the Auto Restart Mode? Larry ___ 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] Trace SW Stacking Cable?
Carl: I have checked with Xantrex. I would not make a declaration on the Wrenches forum to my esteemed colleagues unless I was quite certain. Find the SWI Stacking Cable wiring diagram on our web site at: http://millersolar.com/resources/resources.html under Manufacturer's data. This diagram came directly from a Xantrex engineer. I have no reason to doubt it's authenticity. This is not the pin out for a standard DB25 cable. Not also the link just below it for Not an SWI cable This is your standard cable. I fished this out of my attic this evening and scanned it still in the package. Note it is listed as a straight through cable. This means pin 1 connects to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2, etc. This is not the same wiring as depicted in the SWI stacking cable diagram. I believe you have suggested twice that solar installers grab the nearest standard DB25 cable and give it a try. I feel compelled to correct the record publicly. These are not the same cables and unspecified damage could occur. I know I once shorted out a sync cable for Heart Interface inverters and blew two of them up catastrophically two days before Christmas. It was a very unpleasant surprise for the client (who had guests coming) and for my self. These cables are a direct link to the FET control circuits and need to be treated with the utmost caution. I don't know what would happen to two SW inverters if connected with your straight through cable, but I recommend strongly against trying it. Please do not recommend practices unless you are quite certain they will cause no harm. Respectfully, William Miller PS: Printer cables were never DB25-DB25. They were DB25 to Centronics. Wm At 10:01 AM 3/31/2009, you wrote: William, I used an off the shelf cable to use with the SW and PS remote, it was a double male ended 25 pin cable. They were formally used as printer/computer cables. I believe the stacking cable is the same style. You could check with Xantrex. Carl Hansen ___ 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
