Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

[jay peltz]

HI Allan,

I"ve got to disagree  on the tracker part.
The cost to buy and ship a tracker to some far off land, I think if you do the 
math, modules are cheaper and more reliable.

jay

peltz power

On Feb 10, 2011, at 5:20 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:

> Just one note - if batteries fail - no, make that when batteries fail - the 
> system is dead. If a tracker fails, the system continues to operate at a 
> reduced output. So the risk is reduced. I, too, would prefer a fixed array, 
> but a tracker is a concession to their gpd request.
> 
> In this application - fairly low latitude, warm climate - a Zomeworks passive 
> tracker ought to be a good choice. Pretty reliable, no electronics, and if it 
> does fail ropes can face it to the sky.
> Allan
> 
> Allan Sindelar
> al...@positiveenergysolar.com
> NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
> EE98J Journeyman Electrician
> Positive Energy, Inc.
> 3201 Calle Marie
> Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
> 505 424-1112
> www.positiveenergysolar.com
> 
> On 2/10/2011 4:57 PM, Jeff Oldham wrote:
>> 
>> I strongly agree with the "no batteries" approach. All issues mentioned come 
>> to fruit and in far too few years those batteries will be abused to toast 
>> and now the system will sit for a very long time if not forever and no water 
>> for the community. Your best options are to live with what you can get 
>> PV-direct (I'm even hesitant to use trackers in these applications) or drill 
>> additional wells nearby if you cannot stack pumps in the well with minimal 
>> drop pipe sizing or larger boreholes.
>>  
>> On a side note, I'm always hearing from remote folks that they cannot get 
>> distilled water and are forced to use whatever and those that can pay 
>> through the nose for tiny red bottles of it. I point out that it falls for 
>> free from the sky whenever it rains - collect it!
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> From the Solar, Wind and Hydro powered office of Jeff Oldham/Regenerative 
>> SOLutions
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> $65/Hr Job - 25 Openings
>> Part-Time job ($20-$65/hr). Requirements: Home Internet Access
>> Channel11NewsReport.com
>> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Be careful upgrading older Outback products!

[toddcory]

One of the MX options for the aux output in the older software options was to 
switch on and off depending on the amount of current flowing through the unit. 
This has been removed in the "upgraded" software. I will never upgrade those 
old MX60s.

Todd



On Thursday, February 10, 2011 3:41pm, "Jeff Oldham"  
said:


I continue to have issues with inaccurate MX60 meters, I can calibrate for 
EITHER the lower voltage setpoints OR the higher but can't get accuracy across 
full scale. I've seen this on nearly every MX I've been around. This has forced 
many a customer to run to start their genny on low V falsely. It will display 
12.2V when reality is 12.6V. Outback has not adaquately address this to me as 
of yet and at one point they offered to update the software in several MX's 
that I'm involved with. When they came back the metering error was still there 
and now they will no longer communicate with the MATE completely. You can 
access about 1/4 of the data at best. They then updated several MATES and still 
little communication. We don't know if it is a MATE issue or a MX one. This has 
been a giant step backwards and they tell me that they cannot put back the old 
codes. They also have not been able to tell me if the new MATE just released 
can fully communicate with older MX's after several requests for an answer.
 
If you think updating a customers older products will make them happy with your 
awesome service take a long pause. I would be nervous updating a MATE on an 
older system and certainly would not do a MX.
 
-jeff
 
From the Solar, Wind and Hydro powered office of Jeff Oldham/Regenerative 
SOLutions


[http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3132/4d5477de5e3a33050d5st02vuc] Globe 
Life Insurance
$1* Buys $50,000 Life Insurance. Adults or Children. No Medical Exam.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

[Allan Sindelar]

  
  
Just one note - if batteries fail - no, make that when
batteries fail - the system is dead. If a tracker fails, the system
continues to operate at a reduced output. So the risk is reduced. I,
too, would prefer a fixed array, but a tracker is a concession to
their gpd request.

In this application - fairly low latitude, warm climate - a
Zomeworks passive tracker ought to be a good choice. Pretty
reliable, no electronics, and if it does fail ropes can face it to
the sky.
Allan


  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
www.positiveenergysolar.com
  


On 2/10/2011 4:57 PM, Jeff Oldham wrote:

  I strongly agree with the "no batteries" approach. All issues
mentioned come to fruit and in far too few years those batteries
will be abused to toast and now the system will sit for a very
long time if not forever and no water for the community. Your
best options are to live with what you can get PV-direct (I'm
even hesitant to use trackers in these applications) or drill
additional wells nearby if you cannot stack pumps in the well
with minimal drop pipe sizing or larger boreholes.
   
  On a side note, I'm always hearing from remote folks that
they cannot get distilled water and are forced to use whatever
and those that can pay through the nose for tiny red bottles of
it. I point out that it falls for free from the sky whenever it
rains - collect it!
  


From the Solar, Wind and Hydro powered office of Jeff
Oldham/Regenerative SOLutions
  
  
  
  $65/Hr Job - 25 Openings
  Part-Time job ($20-$65/hr).
Requirements: Home Internet Access
  Channel11NewsReport.com
  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

[Jeff Oldham]

I strongly agree with the "no batteries" approach. All issues mentioned come to 
fruit and in far too few years those batteries will be abused to toast and now 
the system will sit for a very long time if not forever and no water for the 
community. Your best options are to live with what you can get PV-direct (I'm 
even hesitant to use trackers in these applications) or drill additional wells 
nearby if you cannot stack pumps in the well with minimal drop pipe sizing or 
larger boreholes. On a side note, I'm always hearing from remote folks that 
they cannot get distilled water and are forced to use whatever and those that 
can pay through the nose for tiny red bottles of it. I point out that it falls 
for free from the sky whenever it rains - collect it!


>From the Solar, Wind and Hydro powered office of Jeff Oldham/Regenerative 
>SOLutions

$65/Hr Job - 25 Openings
Part-Time job ($20-$65/hr). Requirements: Home Internet Access
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[RE-wrenches] Be careful upgrading older Outback propducts!

[Jeff Oldham]

I continue to have issues with inaccurate MX60 meters, I can calibrate for 
EITHER the lower voltage setpoints OR the higher but can't get accuracy across 
full scale. I've seen this on nearly every MX I've been around. This has forced 
many a customer to run to start their genny on low V falsely. It will display 
12.2V when reality is 12.6V. Outback has not adaquately address this to me as 
of yet and at one point they offered to update the software in several MX's 
that I'm involved with. When they came back the metering error was still there 
and now they will no longer communicate with the MATE completely. You can 
access about 1/4 of the data at best. They then updated several MATES and still 
little communication. We don't know if it is a MATE issue or a MX one. This has 
been a giant step backwards and they tell me that they cannot put back the old 
codes. They also have not been able to tell me if the new MATE just released 
can fully communicate with older MX's after several requests for an answer. If 
you think updating a customers older products will make them happy with your 
awesome service take a long pause. I would be nervous updating a MATE on an 
older system and certainly would not do a MX. -jeff From the Solar, Wind and 
Hydro powered office of Jeff Oldham/Regenerative SOLutions

Globe Life Insurance
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Re: [RE-wrenches] questions about solar charging 72v UPS

[Darryl Thayer]

the post I responded to started with was the 72 volt nom battery pack charging 
off from solar.  the solution involved using two chager controllers in series, 
charging off the array in sort of a bipolar fashion.  I used this series 
chargers to charge a "lead Sled" 72 volt car in my dark past.  The 72 volt 
battery would involve almost 90 volts to equalize.  

Darryl  





From: "toddc...@finestplanet.com" 
To: RE-wrenches 
Sent: Thu, February 10, 2011 4:42:00 PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] questions about solar charging 72v UPS

I see the FM60 had a 60 volt option. Why not just use a single one at that 
battery setting for charging the battery bank?

Todd


On Thursday, February 10, 2011 9:44am, "Darryl Thayer"  
said:


Hi all 
I have attached a PDF of a charging scheme using Outback FM controllers.  The 
upper voltage 36 to 72 volt CC can not have a communication line connected, it 
will blow something, either the hub, or the controller as the controller floats 
but the communication lines are connected to the negative, and it would be 36 
volts above ground.    



 



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Re: [RE-wrenches] questions about solar charging 72v UPS

[toddcory]

I see the FM60 had a 60 volt option. Why not just use a single one at that 
battery setting for charging the battery bank?

Todd


On Thursday, February 10, 2011 9:44am, "Darryl Thayer"  
said:



Hi all 
I have attached a PDF of a charging scheme using Outback FM controllers.  The 
upper voltage 36 to 72 volt CC can not have a communication line connected, it 
will blow something, either the hub, or the controller as the controller floats 
but the communication lines are connected to the negative, and it would be 36 
volts above ground.


 
  


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Re: [RE-wrenches] questions about solar charging 72v UPS

[Darryl Thayer]

HI all I check into the Tristar and it connects the same as the Outback, what I 
could not remember was the set up and communications cableing.  The set up 
relies on the negative floating and in this case, the MS software and a Laptop, 
sets the 36 volt charging profile, the communications port is isolated from 
solar negative.  This is true for the Tristar and Tristar MPPT
Darryl   









 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

[penobscotso...@midmaine.com]

Tom,
You might consider just using an SQ-O series Grundfos pump. They
operate at 120 VAC (or 240, 
depending on the model) and have the capability of pumping up to 10 GPM.
You could buy two for the 
cost of one SQ Flex and have the other as a backup. I use one of these at
my (solar powered) home and 
have had no problems for the last six years since I installed it.
FYI, I have had 18 solar panels stuck in customs for the last TEN
MONTHS in Haiti, so leave yourself 
plenty of time for that installation...

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design

Original Message:
-
From: Phil Undercuffler solarp...@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2011 05:59:22 -0800
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping


Tom,

It can be done, depending upon how deep the static water level is and what
additional lift or pressurization needs to be overcome.

The SQ-Flex will run at highest capacity off an AC source, so I'd consider
using an inverter system and grid power, with additional solar designed to
supplement the grid.  You can run the SQ-Flex off a 120v source, so a single
inverter works fine.  I run my Flex off my FX2024 along with all my regular
household loads, no problems.

Size the array to cover the load through the longest expected grid outage
(minimum) or you can size the solar to provide the majority of the power,
and use the grid as "bonus" energy or to cover up for sizing shortages or
the inevitable load creep.

Phil Undercuffler

"imagine if..."





On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 5:29 AM, Tom DeBates  wrote:

> hello Wrenches,
>   I have an organization in Haiti that I have assisted with PV projects in
> the past. They drill public wells and have a well (4" casing) that they
> would like to pump with PV. Problem (one) is that well will draw at ~ 20
gpm
> and they want ~ 25,000 gpd from the well. I have tried to look at every
> option I can and it looks like a battery bank will be necessary and an
> inverter ( 48 volt battery bank) to pump at the rate required. OOPPs,
forgot
> they want to use a Grundfos SQ Flex pump, 16-SQF-10. The gird is
> "present".very erratic and stressed, of course. They really would not
> like to stress gird further and do not want to add a generator. Yep, they
> made this easy. There are more details, but has anyone designed a PV water
> pumping system under these constraints and, if so, what have been your
> results?
> thanks,
> tom
>
> Tom DeBates
> Habi-Tek
> 524 Summit St.
> Geneva,IL. 60134
> 630-262-8193
> fax 630-262-1343
>
> ___
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>
>
>



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[RE-wrenches] Wanted - [1] Xantrex GTI box with functional guts

[Dana]

Needed - [1] Xantrex GTI box with functional guts, new would
be best. 
Need to replace a lightning damaged GTI. 
Schneider Electric does not have one.

Please contact off list, Thanks.

Dana Orzel
Great Solar Works, Inc
E - d...@solarwork.com
V - 970.626.5253
F - 970.626.4140
C - 970.209.4076
web - www.solarwork.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
Do not ever believe anything, but seriously trust through
action.


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[RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

[Dana]

Ditto on the AC option. Most of the "battery  based" PV
systems I have seen outside the US are completely lacking
for maintenance esp. the battery bank. Most folks  are not
aware of or have available distilled H20. 

I saw a village PV - telephone system in Fiji that "the
batteries only work after the sun comes out" , no water in
the battery bank to be seen and no-one in the village had
heard of distilled H2O. The installer from the phone company
sad to "use fresh water [well], not salt-water  in the
bank".

 

So maybe sealed batteries? 

 

Higher initial cost and shorter life-span than wet LA
batteries but lots less no maintenance issues. 

 

Are in-country sealed  batteries available?

 

Dana Orzel

Great Solar Works, Inc

E - d...@solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.4140

C - 970.209.4076

web - www.solarwork.com

 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"

Do not ever believe anything, but seriously trust through
action.

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf
Of Warren Lauzon
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2011 8:17 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

 

The SQ-Flex can run directly from a high voltage battery/PV
system, but with a battery based system at over 60 volts or
so, you have a lot of problems finding a good charge
controller.

 

So, even with the associated losses you are going to get
with an inverter system, that is probably the only good
option.

 

But I would also advise that systems such as that,
especially those involving a large battery capacity, are
very highly subject to failure through mis-operation, poor
maintenance, and outright theft in many 3rd world countries,
so if you end up designing the system keep that in mind.

 

From: Phil Undercuffler   

Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2011 6:59 AM

To: RE-wrenches   

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

 

Tom, 

 

It can be done, depending upon how deep the static water
level is and what additional lift or pressurization needs to
be overcome.  

 

The SQ-Flex will run at highest capacity off an AC source,
so I'd consider using an inverter system and grid power,
with additional solar designed to supplement the grid.  You
can run the SQ-Flex off a 120v source, so a single inverter
works fine.  I run my Flex off my FX2024 along with all my
regular household loads, no problems.

 

Size the array to cover the load through the longest
expected grid outage (minimum) or you can size the solar to
provide the majority of the power, and use the grid as
"bonus" energy or to cover up for sizing shortages or the
inevitable load creep.  

 

Phil Undercuffler 

 

"imagine if..."
  

 





On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 5:29 AM, Tom DeBates
 wrote:


hello Wrenches,
  I have an organization in Haiti that I have assisted with
PV projects in the past. They drill public wells and have a
well (4" casing) that they would like to pump with PV.
Problem (one) is that well will draw at ~ 20 gpm and they
want ~ 25,000 gpd from the well. I have tried to look at
every option I can and it looks like a battery bank will be
necessary and an inverter ( 48 volt battery bank) to pump at
the rate required. OOPPs, forgot they want to use a Grundfos
SQ Flex pump, 16-SQF-10. The gird is "present".very
erratic and stressed, of course. They really would not like
to stress gird further and do not want to add a generator.
Yep, they made this easy. There are more details, but has
anyone designed a PV water pumping system under these
constraints and, if so, what have been your results?
thanks,
tom

Tom DeBates
Habi-Tek
524 Summit St.
Geneva,IL. 60134
630-262-8193
fax 630-262-1343



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1979


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Meter base minimum conductor size

[Carl Adams]

Thanks for the responses all.  I think it's interesting that the same
type of lug is listed for smaller wire in one meter socket versus
another.  I have used Mick's suggestion in the past and I will try out
the ferrule or barrel connector on our next project.

Cheers
Carl

On Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 10:43 PM, Kent Osterberg  wrote:
> Carl,
>
> You won't find the lugs being any different than the models that aren't
> listed for small wire, but using a meter base listed for the right wire is
> best.
> The Murray/Siemens 135-amp meter bases are listed for 14 AWG to 2/0
> http://cmsapps.sea.siemens.com/murray/murraycatalog/2008/08Murray_pdfs/08Murray_03/03_04-05.pdf
>
> Kent Osterberg
> Blue Mountain Solar
>
>
> Carl Adams wrote:
>>
>> Wrenches,
>>
>> We often use a conventional 100A meter base and analog meter as an
>> independent metering system for inverter output.  These meters
>> typically have a minimum conductor size of #6 AWG.  For smaller
>> systems the inverter output conductors are smaller than #6 AWG.  We
>> have upsized the conductors to match the meter base requirement, but
>> this adds expense.  I am looking for other suggestions for resolving
>> this.
>>
>> With Regards
>> Carl Adams
>> SunRock Solar
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunpower and SMA

[Marco Mangelsdorf]

I’ve used that line, Tom, with non-SunPower mods.

 

Those three models definitely should NOT be used with SunPower modules due to 
the fact that there’s no grounded current-carrying DC conductor in the circuit.

 

marco

 


Have any of you SunPower dealers used their modules with the fairly new SMA 
line of transformerless inverters (8, 9 and 10 kW @ 120/208 only)?

 

I’m trying to get a compatibility answer directly from SunPower tech support, 
but am wondering if any of you have tried this combo.

 

Thanks,

marco

 

hello Marco,

   I am interested in same, have not contacted SMA tech about this, but see 
that they list the SunPower modules in their String Sizer for their TL 
inverters. Did you receive a response from them?

thanks,

tom



Tom DeBates
Habi-Tek
524 Summit St.
Geneva,IL. 60134
630-262-8193
fax 630-262-1343

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

[Allan Sindelar]

  
  
Tom,
Warren makes a good point that I'll build on here. Just because
someone asks for a particular output doesn't mean you should give it
to them!

If their desired gpd requires an extreme solution, Just Say No. If
you have to add a large battery bank and inverter in order to
achieve the desired goal, you have added all sorts of opportunities
for lack of proper care and maintenance to lead to premature
failure. There are plenty of systems in the less-developed countries
that sit there inoperational because the money's not there to
replace the prematurely failed batteries. 

I would encourage you to run the pump array-direct only, with a
tracked array of maximum, optimized size (1,200 W?). What the pump
can produce in this setup is what can be done, period - likely
around 10K gpd. To attempt to exceed this invites eventual and
likely premature system failure. This just seems like the right time
to apply the KISS principle.

My $.02.


  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
www.positiveenergysolar.com
  


On 2/10/2011 8:17 AM, Warren Lauzon wrote:

  

  The SQ-Flex can run directly from a high voltage
battery/PV system, but with a battery based system at over
60 volts or so, you have a lot of problems finding a good
charge controller.
   
  So, even with the associated losses you are going to get
with an inverter system, that is probably the only good
option.
   
  But I would also advise that systems such as that,
especially those involving a large battery capacity, are
very highly subject to failure through mis-operation, poor
maintenance, and outright theft in many 3rd world countries,
so if you end up designing the system keep that in mind.
  

   
  
From: Phil Undercuffler

Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2011 6:59 AM
To: RE-wrenches

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping
  

 
  
  Tom,


It
  can be done, depending upon how deep the static water
  level is and what additional lift or pressurization
  needs to be overcome.  


The
  SQ-Flex will run at highest capacity off an AC source,
  so I'd consider using an inverter system and grid
  power, with additional solar designed to supplement
  the grid.  You
can run the SQ-Flex off a 120v source, so a single
inverter works fine.  I run my Flex off my FX2024 along
with all my regular household loads, no problems.


Size
  the array to cover the load through the longest
  expected grid outage (minimum) or you can size the
  solar to provide the majority of the power, and use
  the grid as "bonus" energy or to cover up for sizing
  shortages or the inevitable load creep.  

  
Phil Undercuffler
   
  "imagine if..."
 

  
  

  
  
  
  
  On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 5:29 AM,
Tom DeBates 
wrote:

  

  
hello Wrenches,
    I have an organization in Haiti that I have
  assisted with PV projects in the past. They
  drill public wells and have a well (4" casing)
  that they would like to pump with PV. Problem
  (one) is that well will draw at ~ 20 gpm and
  they want ~ 25,000 gpd from the well. I have
  tried to look at every option I can and it
  looks like a battery bank will be necessary
  and an inverter ( 48 volt battery bank) to
  pump at the rate required. OOPPs, forgot they
  want to use a Grundfos SQ Flex pump,

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

[Warren Lauzon]

The SQ-Flex can run directly from a high voltage battery/PV system, but with a 
battery based system at over 60 volts or so, you have a lot of problems finding 
a good charge controller.

So, even with the associated losses you are going to get with an inverter 
system, that is probably the only good option.

But I would also advise that systems such as that, especially those involving a 
large battery capacity, are very highly subject to failure through 
mis-operation, poor maintenance, and outright theft in many 3rd world 
countries, so if you end up designing the system keep that in mind.

From: Phil Undercuffler 
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2011 6:59 AM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

Tom, 


It can be done, depending upon how deep the static water level is and what 
additional lift or pressurization needs to be overcome.  


The SQ-Flex will run at highest capacity off an AC source, so I'd consider 
using an inverter system and grid power, with additional solar designed to 
supplement the grid.  You can run the SQ-Flex off a 120v source, so a single 
inverter works fine.  I run my Flex off my FX2024 along with all my regular 
household loads, no problems.


Size the array to cover the load through the longest expected grid outage 
(minimum) or you can size the solar to provide the majority of the power, and 
use the grid as "bonus" energy or to cover up for sizing shortages or the 
inevitable load creep.  


Phil Undercuffler 

"imagine if..."
  






On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 5:29 AM, Tom DeBates  wrote:

hello Wrenches,
  I have an organization in Haiti that I have assisted with PV projects 
in the past. They drill public wells and have a well (4" casing) that they 
would like to pump with PV. Problem (one) is that well will draw at ~ 20 gpm 
and they want ~ 25,000 gpd from the well. I have tried to look at every option 
I can and it looks like a battery bank will be necessary and an inverter ( 48 
volt battery bank) to pump at the rate required. OOPPs, forgot they want to use 
a Grundfos SQ Flex pump, 16-SQF-10. The gird is "present".very erratic and 
stressed, of course. They really would not like to stress gird further and do 
not want to add a generator. Yep, they made this easy. There are more details, 
but has anyone designed a PV water pumping system under these constraints and, 
if so, what have been your results?
thanks,
tom

Tom DeBates
Habi-Tek
524 Summit St.
Geneva,IL. 60134
630-262-8193
fax 630-262-1343 


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Online Solar Store
Free Solar Discussion Forum

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Trojan L-1r studs

[bob ellison]

If they are too tight this can happen also. I have asked my battery
distributor about torques in the past with no definite answers.

Bob Ellison

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Nathan Jones
Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2011 2:12 PM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Trojan L-1r studs

William,
If the connections were not tight enough heat could have built up to melt
the bolt mount. It is not all that uncommon and confirms the importance of
properly torqueing all connections.
Nathan Jones
Power Source Solar

On Wed Feb 9th, 2011 11:23 AM CST William Miller wrote:

>Friends:
>
>We were repairing an install yesterday that contained a group of Trojan
L-16 batteries.  To our surprise, two of the threaded studs pulled out of
the battery cases.  The studs are really just standard machine bolts with
the heads pressed into a socket.  I have never seen this before.  Has anyone
else?
>
>William Miller
>
>
>Please note new e-mail address and domain:
>
>William Miller
>Miller Solar
>Voice :805-438-5600
>email: will...@millersolar.com
>http://millersolar.com
>License No. C-10-773985



 


8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time 
with the Yahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

[Phil Undercuffler]

Tom,

It can be done, depending upon how deep the static water level is and what
additional lift or pressurization needs to be overcome.

The SQ-Flex will run at highest capacity off an AC source, so I'd consider
using an inverter system and grid power, with additional solar designed to
supplement the grid.  You can run the SQ-Flex off a 120v source, so a single
inverter works fine.  I run my Flex off my FX2024 along with all my regular
household loads, no problems.

Size the array to cover the load through the longest expected grid outage
(minimum) or you can size the solar to provide the majority of the power,
and use the grid as "bonus" energy or to cover up for sizing shortages or
the inevitable load creep.

Phil Undercuffler

"imagine if..."





On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 5:29 AM, Tom DeBates  wrote:

> hello Wrenches,
>   I have an organization in Haiti that I have assisted with PV projects in
> the past. They drill public wells and have a well (4" casing) that they
> would like to pump with PV. Problem (one) is that well will draw at ~ 20 gpm
> and they want ~ 25,000 gpd from the well. I have tried to look at every
> option I can and it looks like a battery bank will be necessary and an
> inverter ( 48 volt battery bank) to pump at the rate required. OOPPs, forgot
> they want to use a Grundfos SQ Flex pump, 16-SQF-10. The gird is
> "present".very erratic and stressed, of course. They really would not
> like to stress gird further and do not want to add a generator. Yep, they
> made this easy. There are more details, but has anyone designed a PV water
> pumping system under these constraints and, if so, what have been your
> results?
> thanks,
> tom
>
> Tom DeBates
> Habi-Tek
> 524 Summit St.
> Geneva,IL. 60134
> 630-262-8193
> fax 630-262-1343
>
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[RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

[Tom DeBates]

hello Wrenches,
  I have an organization in Haiti that I have assisted with PV projects in the 
past. They drill public wells and have a well (4" casing) that they would like 
to pump with PV. Problem (one) is that well will draw at ~ 20 gpm and they want 
~ 25,000 gpd from the well. I have tried to look at every option I can and it 
looks like a battery bank will be necessary and an inverter ( 48 volt battery 
bank) to pump at the rate required. OOPPs, forgot they want to use a Grundfos 
SQ Flex pump, 16-SQF-10. The gird is "present".very erratic and stressed, 
of course. They really would not like to stress gird further and do not want to 
add a generator. Yep, they made this easy. There are more details, but has 
anyone designed a PV water pumping system under these constraints and, if so, 
what have been your results?
thanks,
tom

Tom DeBates

Habi-Tek

524 Summit St.

Geneva,IL. 60134

630-262-8193

fax 630-262-1343


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunpower and SMA

[Tom DeBates]

Have any of you SunPower dealers used their modules with the
fairly new SMA line of transformerless inverters (8, 9 and 10 kW @ 120/208 
only)? 

   

I’m trying to get a compatibility answer directly from
SunPower tech support, but am wondering if any of you have tried this combo. 

   

Thanks, 

marco
hello Marco,   I am interested in same, have not contacted SMA tech about this, 
but see that they list the SunPower modules in their String Sizer for their TL 
inverters. Did you receive a response from them?thanks,tom


Tom DeBates

Habi-Tek

524 Summit St.

Geneva,IL. 60134

630-262-8193

fax 630-262-1343


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