Re: [RE-wrenches] Trace SW4024, 1998 vintage - Still OK for grid-tie?

[David Katz]

The SW requires and inductor to operate in current mode for grid tie.  Maybe 
someone remembers the part number. It may be hard to find.
David Katz

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!


- Reply message -
From: "Bob Clark" 
To: "re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Trace SW4024, 1998 vintage - Still OK for grid-tie?
Date: Sat, Jun 30, 2012 5:10 pm



RE-Wrenches:

Have a potential customer who wants to connect to the grid after many years of 
off-grid living.  He is asking if his older Trace inverter (SW4024 inverter; 
Date of manufacture:  3rd quarter of 1998; S/N:  W07878; 120 volts and 33.3 
Amps) would still be OK to use in a grid-tie system.

What say you?  Does it still comply with the latest standards for grid-tie 
inverters?  Should he start over with a new inverter?

Bob Clark
SolarWind Energy Systems, LLC
___
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] Fronius data logging

[Jesse Dahl]

Hello,

I need some info on data logging for a Fronius IG plus (7.5).  Happy customers? 
Or is third party a better and more cost effective bet?  

Anyone have a contact at Fronius they would like to share?  I'd like to get a 
parts list and discuss the layout with a rep if possible.  They have so many 
logger boxes, easy pro card It makes my head spin!

Thanks everybody,

Jesse
NABCEP PV/Tech Sales Certified
MREA PV site assessor 
IBEW 292

Sent from my iPhone
___
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 SW4024, 1998 vintage - Still OK for grid-tie?

[Jonathan Hill]

I used one made about that time in our home back in . It was the first grid-tie 
in the county and worked flawlessly for about ten years before we sold it. 
While it was approved at the time, I'm not sure if PG&E would approve it now, 
probably not. Might just do it!

Jonathan Hill, senior system engineer and founder
Sierra Solar Systems
563C Idaho Maryland Road
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Celebrating our 32nd year in solar!
tech info and foreign orders:  (530) 273-6754 
order line: (888) ON-SOLAR (US only)   FAX:  (530) 273-1760
e-mail:  
world wide web:  


On Jun 30, 2012, at 5:11 PM, Bob Clark wrote:

> RE-Wrenches:
>  
> Have a potential customer who wants to connect to the grid after many years 
> of off-grid living.  He is asking if his older Trace inverter (SW4024 
> inverter; Date of manufacture:  3rd quarter of 1998; S/N:  W07878; 120 volts 
> and 33.3 Amps) would still be OK to use in a grid-tie system.
>  
> What say you?  Does it still comply with the latest standards for grid-tie 
> inverters?  Should he start over with a new inverter?
>  
> Bob Clark
> SolarWind Energy Systems, LLC
> ___
> 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] Trace SW4024, 1998 vintage - Still OK for grid-tie?

[Bob Clark]

RE-Wrenches:

 

Have a potential customer who wants to connect to the grid after many years
of off-grid living.  He is asking if his older Trace inverter (SW4024
inverter; Date of manufacture:  3rd quarter of 1998; S/N:  W07878; 120 volts
and 33.3 Amps) would still be OK to use in a grid-tie system.

 

What say you?  Does it still comply with the latest standards for grid-tie
inverters?  Should he start over with a new inverter?

 

Bob Clark

SolarWind Energy Systems, LLC

___
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] combiners and the 120% rule

[Kirk]

I would argue a single dedicated load circuit for the Enphase Envoy, in a 
dedicated inverter combiner panel, is code legal. Why? Because 705.12 states 
the distribution equipment must be capable of supplying "multiple branch 
circuits" for the 120% rule to apply. A single  dedicated circuit for the Envoy 
appears to comply. Use a load center with a lockable cover if there are extra 
slots and you have done due diligence. 

Kirk Herander
VSE

On Jun 27, 2012, at 11:51 AM, Jason Szumlanski  wrote:

> If you install a combiner panel that can supply additional branch circuits, 
> it becomes part of the building distribution system. Note that Enphase 
> recommends you install a branch circuit to supply power to the Envoy device 
> right from the combiner panel. If that is the case, the panel is certainly 
> part of the building distribution system and is obviously capable of 
> supplying branch circuits, in which case the 120% rule would apply. I don't 
> like it and I don't necessarily agree with it, but based on my strict 
> interpretation of the code I can see why an AHJ would require application of 
> this section in this case.
> 
> Jason Szumlanski
> Fafco Solar
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Wed, Jun 27, 2012 at 10:59 AM, Chris Mason  
> wrote:
> I don't think this is expressed in the code, but in my opinion, the 120% 
> applies to the building distribution equipment, not to parts of the solar 
> system. In the case where a panel is being used to combine multiple inverter 
> outputs, the panel is part of the solar system only. The 120% rule was an 
> accommodation to allow solar to feed a building distribution panel and is not 
> applicable to solar system components. It would be good if the code could 
> indicate this more clearly.
> 
> 
> On Wed, Jun 27, 2012 at 8:29 AM, Jason Szumlanski  
> wrote:
> Kirk,
> 
> That's basically what I said. Unfortunately, your opinion holds no weight 
> with my local AHJ's. I've argued the point till blue in the face. Although, I 
> have never had the instance where all available slots were filled in the 
> combiner panel - I might be able to argue that case successfully.
> 
> Jason Szumlanski
> Fafco Solar
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 4:53 PM, Kirk Herander  wrote:
> Jason,
> 
>  
> 
> In your email below you state:
> 
>  
> 
> “You DO need to observe the 120% rule for the combining subpanel, regardless 
> of whether there are loads present, at least in jurisdictions where I have 
> worked. I've heard that some inspectors will allow you to ignore it if it is 
> labeled as a PV combiner with "add no loads" notation.”
> 
>  
> 
> NEC 705.12 (D) states that the distribution equipment (in this case the 
> combiner panel, fed by multiple inverters and a utility source) must be 
> “capable of supplying multiple branch circuits or feeders or both” for (D)(1) 
> through (7) to apply. If you fully populated a combiner panel with inverter 
> breakers, leaving no slots for load breakers, it is not capable of supplying 
> branch circuits or feeders, and IMO the 120% rule does not apply to the 
> combiner buss or the conductors back to its point of utility interconnect. I 
> have argued this point as well as label combiners “load circuits prohibited” 
> (with or without available slots) and received AHJ approval.
> 
>  
> 
> You could also just lock shut a combiner that had spare slots as a deterrent 
> to adding load breakers.
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Kirk Herander
> 
> VT Solar, LLC
> 
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
> 
> NABCEPTM Certified installer Charter Member
> 
> NYSERDA-eligible Installer
> 
> VT RE Incentive Program Partner
> 
> 802.863.1202
> 
>  
> 
> From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jason 
> Szumlanski
> Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 8:28 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase grid tie question
> 
>  
> 
> I'll email you off-list a 1-line diagram from a system with 164 
> microinverters broken down into 8 strings in a 208V system. This particular 
> system used two subpanels to accumulate PV, but that was only because we had 
> to backfeed two existing subpanels due to the size of existing 480/208V 
> transformers. You will have to look at the utility service and all existing 
> equipment.
> 
>  
> 
> Regarding the breakers in the subpanel, you will only need a maximum of a 20A 
> breaker for each string. The max inverters per string is 25 and the 
> calculation for OCPD is:
> 
>  
> 
> 215W / 208V x 25 inverters / 1.732 x 1.25 = 18.65A
> 
>  
> 
> “You DO need to observe the 120% rule for the combining subpanel, regardless 
> of whether there are loads present, at least in jurisdictions where I have 
> worked. I've heard that some inspectors will allow you to ignore it if it is 
> labeled as a PV combiner with "add no loads" notation.”
> 
>  
> 
> Use a MLO panel with a fusible disconnect between the subpanel and the 
> interconnection point. If you use a 225A panel, you can fee

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

[Drake]

At 06:16 PM 6/29/2012, you wrote:

Would it be possible/reasonable to add flashed mounts to the existing array?



Not without reinstalling.  There have been no problems with the 
existing array's penetrations.



Drake Chamberlin
ATHENS ELECTRIC LLC
OH License 44810
CO license 3773
NABCEP Certified PV
___
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] Sealed Battery Issues

[Jeremy Rodriguez- All Solar Inc.]

Wrenches
Can someone advise how to best check for a bad cell and or battery in a bank of 
sealed AGMs
I have not installed many of these and have a client that I did for about a 
year ago. 
One looks like it may have leaked out some fluid from the top as it has some 
white residue there

Jeremy Rodriguez

Sent via BlackBerry. Sorry for typos and shorthand!
___
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] wrenches] Battery Experience

[john]

Eric,
   My general rule is to stay away from anything labeled High Capacity.  My 
theory and experience has been that when you try to stuff more power into the 
same box, some compromise has been made.  I have had poor luck with the HC 
Trojan L-16's (almost every installation has had premature failures) but good 
luck with the standard model.  I am currently using Interstate UL 16 and now 
have 7 years experience with them and so far with good results. 

John Blittersdorf
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer tm
Central Vermont Solar & Wind LLC
104 River Street
Rutland, VT 05701
 
802-770-8625 Cell
802-747-0577 Office
802-773-0924 Fax






-Original Message-
From: Jonathan Hill 
To: RE-wrenches 
Sent: Fri, Jun 29, 2012 9:41 pm
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Experience


Over 20 years experience with them says you can't go wring with Trojan!





Jonathan Hill, senior system engineer and founder








Sierra Solar Systems
563C Idaho Maryland Road
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Celebrating our 32nd year in solar!
tech info and foreign orders:  (530) 273-6754 
order line: (888) ON-SOLAR (US only)   FAX:  (530) 273-1760
e-mail:  
world wide web:  











Check out our 2 minute video at: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY-0UuabPEk






















On Jun 29, 2012, at 12:42 PM, Dave Palumbo wrote:



We have had less than stellar performance out of the Crown L-16’s that we 
installed 4 to 5 years ago. Premature failure is my experience. About 60% of 
the cycle life compared to Trojan L-16’s and also Surrette/Rolls. I’ve been 
using those since 1985.
 
Back to using Trojan. Specifically RE-B’s either L-16, or T-105. And have used 
Trojan Industrial IND 13-6V on one system with good success with another set 
ordered.
 
Dave
 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of SunHarvest
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 11:56 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Experience

 

Just got talked into buying Crown (395Ah@20Hr) as my local rep, "the battery 
expert", was persuasive in his testimony to their reliability. Should've 
consulted wrenches first.

 

Should I be worried??

 

Eric Stikes
SunHarvest Solar
+1 (530) 798 - 3738
www.harvesthesun.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






___
ist sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
ttp://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:
ww.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
ww.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