Re: [RE-wrenches] Unirac SolarMount rail caps

2012-08-14 Thread Dana Brandt 
I just bought some Aluminum Trim Channel for 3/4 Plywood and it fits
perfectly over the end of the rail.

It's very similar to this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_55981-37672-11385_0__?productId=3058185

Thanks everyone your input!

Dana

Dana Brandt
Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC
www.ecotechenergy.com
d...@ecotechenergy.com
360.318.7646


On Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 5:43 PM, Howie Michaelson wrote:

> Haven't looked at how different the profiles are,  but IronRidge's light
> rail is fairly similar and they make black plastic end caps that you might
> be able to make work...
>
> *Howie Michaelson*
> *NABCEP Certified PV Installer*
> *Catamount Solar** *
> www.catamountsolar.com
> *802.272.0004*
> *
> *
> *Sent from my cellphone*
>
>
> Dana Brandt  wrote:
>
> Thanks for the thoughts, everyone.
>
> I suggested filing the ends with grey caulk, but the homeowner didn't like
> that idea.
>
> I think I'm leaning toward finding some aluminum channel or angle to fit
> over the end and either glue or screw it on.
>
> Mark - Did you find rectangular vinyl caps? I checked out caplugs, but
> couldn't find anything that looked like it would work.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dana
>
> Dana Brandt
> Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC
> www.ecotechenergy.com
> d...@ecotechenergy.com
> 360.318.7646
>
>
> On Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 6:24 AM, Mark Richardson <
> mrichard...@newyorklightenergy.com> wrote:
>
>>  We had to find end caps for a ground mount that was used as part of an
>> environmental learning center.
>>
>> I was able to get vinyl end caps that worked online from caplugs (
>> http://www.caplugs.com/).
>>
>> A little silicone to seal the deal…
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> [image: Description: Description: Description: NYLElogo]
>>
>> *Mark Richardson*
>>
>> mrichard...@newyorklightenergy.com
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
>> re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *
>> hol...@sbcglobal.net
>>
>> *Sent:* Saturday, August 11, 2012 10:05 AM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>>
>>
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Unirac SolarMount rail caps
>>
>>  ** **
>>
>> just throwing this outaluminum angle attached to ends -  run between
>> rail ends (each pair)? aluminum flat bar? closes ends and gives a trimmed
>> look? Maybe use 24 or 22ga stainless than can be bent to form an angle? ask
>> client to cover material cost as that is "custom" work beyond typical scope
>> of build. 
>>
>> Holt E. Kelly
>> Holtek Fireplace & Solar Products
>> 500 Jewell Dr.
>> Waco TX. 76712
>> 254-751-9111
>> www.holteksolar.com
>>
>>  - Original Message - 
>>
>> *From:* Maverick Brown [Maverick Solar]  
>>
>> *To:* 'RE-wrenches'  
>>
>> *Sent:* Friday, August 10, 2012 6:56 PM
>>
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Unirac SolarMount rail caps
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> For the Bee’s sake, just pump some grey silicone caulk into the ends and
>> scrape flat.  ??
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Dana
>> Brandt
>> *Sent:* Friday, August 10, 2012 3:12 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Unirac SolarMount rail caps
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> We just finished installing a system on SolarMount and the client is
>> unhappy with how the ends of the SolarMount rail look. She says it looks
>> unfinished and is concerned about bees nesting in them. I know there are
>> other rail products with more finished looking ends but this system is
>> already fully installed. Unirac has endcaps for the SunFrame, but those
>> aren't compatible with SolarMount. Anyone run into this before? Thoughts on
>> solutions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Dana
>>
>> Dana Brandt
>> Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC
>> www.ecotechenergy.com
>> d...@ecotechenergy.com
>> 360.318.7646
>>  --
>>
>> ___
>> 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://lis

[RE-wrenches] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?

2012-08-14 Thread SunHarvest 
Hey guys,

What's the consensus on the best practice for flashing roof penetrations on 
existing (not new) comp shingle roofs? 

I don't like Oatey because the boot degrades quickly and even shaded under the 
modules I don't like the idea of using an inferior product. The flashing on 
Master flash is quite extensive; I don't like disturbing the established 
roofing material as much as is required with Master Flash...nor do I like the 
idea of having to trim so much of the flashing. Quick-mount is easy but I 
really don't like the lack in height versatility plus the fact that there is no 
decent way of retracting the lag bolt. I know there must be a better way.

I recall in the old days (old for me anyway) we used to just mount L-feet to 
the shingles and on my own house I mounted stand-offs directly to the shingles 
because I'm confident in that method. But, I need something with more insurance 
when working on other people's homes.

William, what are you using these days?


Eric Stikes
SunHarvest Solar
A Sustainable Energy Group Partner
+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

Re: [RE-wrenches] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?

2012-08-14 Thread Solar Energy Solutions 
We us and love Flatt Jack.  No cutting, no caulking, no gaskets.
 
http://www.thompsontec.com/products/tti-flat-jack-roof-mount/
 
 

Andrew Koyaanisqatsi
President
Solar Energy Solutions, Inc.
Since 1987,
Moving Portland and Beyond 
to an Environmentally Sustainable Future.
503-238-4502
http://www.solarenergyoregon.com/ 
 
"Better one's House too little one day
than too big all the Year after."
  



From: SunHarvest 
To: RE-wrenches  
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2012 2:55 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?


Hey guys,
 
What's the consensus on the best practice for flashing roof penetrations on 
existing (not new) comp shingle roofs? 
 
I don't like Oatey because the boot degrades quickly and even shaded under the 
modules I don't like the idea of using an inferior product. The flashing on 
Master flash is quite extensive; I don't like disturbing the established 
roofing material as much as is required with Master Flash...nor do I like the 
idea of having to trim so much of the flashing. Quick-mount is easy but I 
really don't like the lack in height versatility plus the fact that there is no 
decent way of retracting the lag bolt. I know there must be a better way.
 
I recall in the old days (old for me anyway) we used to just mount L-feet to 
the shingles and on my own house I mounted stand-offs directly to the shingles 
because I'm confident in that method. But, I need something with more insurance 
when working on other people's homes.
 
William, what are you using these days?
 
 
Eric Stikes
SunHarvest Solar
A Sustainable Energy Group Partner
+1 (530) 798 - 3738
http://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___
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] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?

2012-08-14 Thread Greg McPheeters 
Hi Eric - 


You should definitely insist on a flashed system for comp retrofits.  There are 
many good systems out there that will give you a cost effective flashed 
mounting point.


Greg


Greg McPheeters
Senior Design Engineer
www.snapnrack.com




 From: SunHarvest 
To: RE-wrenches  
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2012 2:55 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?
 

 
Hey guys,
 
What's the consensus on the best practice for 
flashing roof penetrations on existing (not new) comp shingle roofs? 
 
I don't like Oatey because the boot degrades 
quickly and even shaded under the modules I don't like the idea of using an 
inferior product. The flashing on Master flash is quite extensive; I don't like 
disturbing the established roofing material as much as is required with Master 
Flash...nor do I like the idea of having to trim so much of the flashing. 
Quick-mount is easy but I really don't like the lack in height versatility plus 
the fact that there is no decent way of retracting the lag bolt. I know 
there must be a better way.
 
I recall in the old days (old for me anyway) we 
used to just mount L-feet to the shingles and on my own house I mounted 
stand-offs directly to the shingles because I'm confident in that method. But, 
I 
need something with more insurance when working on other people's 
homes.
 
William, what are you using these 
days?
 
 
Eric Stikes
SunHarvest Solar
A Sustainable 
Energy Group Partner
+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___
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 ICM cable

2012-08-14 Thread Jeremy Rodriguez- All Solar Inc. 
Hello,
Anyone have a source for a Xantrex PS series inverter control panel cable?
It's the 25 pin cable. Looks like an old printer cable. Also any luck with 
splicing (repairing) them as it's been cut. 
Contact me off list if u have one. 
allso...@scswifi.net

Jeremy R
All Solar
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] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?

2012-08-14 Thread William Miller 


Eric:

DPW PVU.  I would send you a link but the DPW web site is kind of crazy to 
navigate.  Go to product information and select universal PV flashing.


William


At 02:55 PM 8/14/2012, you wrote:

Hey guys,

What's the consensus on the best practice for flashing roof penetrations 
on existing (not new) comp shingle roofs?


I don't like Oatey because the boot degrades quickly and even shaded under 
the modules I don't like the idea of using an inferior product. The 
flashing on Master flash is quite extensive; I don't like disturbing the 
established roofing material as much as is required with Master 
Flash...nor do I like the idea of having to trim so much of the flashing. 
Quick-mount is easy but I really don't like the lack in height versatility 
plus the fact that there is no decent way of retracting the lag bolt. I 
know there must be a better way.


I recall in the old days (old for me anyway) we used to just mount L-feet 
to the shingles and on my own house I mounted stand-offs directly to the 
shingles because I'm confident in that method. But, I need something with 
more insurance when working on other people's homes.


William, what are you using these days?


___
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] Best practices for comp shingle flashing?

2012-08-14 Thread William Miller 

Colleagues:

We used to use the TTI.  We removed a system for re-roofing and the Flat 
jacks were un-reusable due to rusting.


William


At 03:24 PM 8/14/2012, you wrote:

We us and love Flatt Jack.  No cutting, no caulking, no gaskets.

http://www.thompsontec.com/products/tti-flat-jack-roof-mount/



Andrew Koyaanisqatsi
President
Solar Energy Solutions, Inc.
Since 1987,
Moving Portland and Beyond
to an Environmentally Sustainable Future.
503-238-4502
http://www.solarenergyoregon.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] GTWB outage monitor question

2012-08-14 Thread Allan Sindelar 

  
  
Wrenches,
More on the monitoring of GTWB systems, using a TriMetric, from
Ralph Heisey, the developer of the TriMetric. Please include Ralph
(bog...@bogartengineering.com) in any further discussion.
Allan

Hi Allan
  For grid tie systems that are only quite occasionally
discharged, I have suggested that people set the TriMetric 
voltage setpoint to just below the FLOAT voltage setting, and
set the amps setpoint to a LOW value that is a little above the
float current.  Then it will stay at 100%  during float, and
when occasionally the batteries are used the "% full" display
will be useful. But after an occasional partial discharge, the
voltage will go to absorb (presumably) but the meter won't reset
to "100" until the amps decline, and the system goes back to
float.
  
  
  I don't have this kind of system myself-- so I would be
interested in knowing if this seems like a good solution-- or if
not, why it is not.
  
  
  Ralph

  

  
  Original Message 
  

  
Date: 
Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:54:20 -0700 (PDT)
  
  
From: 
toddc...@finestplanet.com
  
  
To: 
RE-wrenches 
  

  
  
  
  
actually this is not the
problem i have with amp hour meters on grid tie
with battery systems. 

  a floated battery does not
  need an occasional bulk charge. it is being float
  charged which compensates for any internal self
  discharge. the only thing needed is an occasional
  eq to stir the electrolyte.
 
here is how the meter
inaccuracy problem happens:
amp hour meters treat
charge and discharge differently. normally this
is a good thing, because batteries are not 100%
efficient. on a grid tie system, the batteries
are floated nearly the whole time... but there
are still small charge and discharge currents
going in and out of the battery. with an amp
hour meter set at 99% efficiency, it will still
take 101 amp hours of charging to off set 100
amp hour of discharging. this is what
  leads to the inaccuracy (where the
meter progressively shows an increasing
discharge to the battery). if there was the
ability to set an amp hour meters efficiency at
100% the inaccuracy would not accumulate... but
when the grid is down, the meter will falsely
show faster recharge because the batteries are
probably around 90% efficient... so that is not
a great solution either.
 
this is why my idea to
leave the amp hour meter set to automatically
determine battery efficiency, and use a time
delay relay to short out the shunt when the grid
is up. when the grid is down the shunt would be
back in the circuit and the meter would perform
accurately. the time delay feature on the relay
would allow for a couple of hours of recharging
after the grid is restored before the shunt was
taken out of the circuit again.
 
it seems strange to have
to come up with hackey solutions like this for
more and more common battery back-up grid tie
systems.
 
todd
 
 
 
 
 
On Friday, August 10,
  2012 7:51am, "Mick Abraham" 
  said:
  


  Happy Friday, all~

Allan & Todd were discussing the issue wher