Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[Jerry Shafer]

Question, is it the first test where it is checking for noise in the system
or is it finding a fault once it is running. Does it have the latest
software update, which code do you have test failure or arc failt detected,
way different trouble shooting tracks yo follow. If it is a test fail try
to remove just the ground wire from the array, because its a metal roof its
a big antenna and hears something that is to much for the test to deal
with. If it fails due to an arc then there is most likely an arc at a
connection.

Jerry

On Jul 22, 2016 3:37 PM, "Glenn Burt"  wrote:

> August,
>
>
>
> I am currently chasing down unexplained AFCI faults with old SX 160
> modules on a metal roof and having replaced two SMA SWR-2500U’s with a SB
> 5000TL-US-22. So far I have been swapping input strings to see if there is
> a pattern, however no joy.
>
> Next visit is up on the roof (steep pitch) to see if there is anything
> obvious.
>
> I hate to simply disable the AFCI functionality without a serious effort,
> however I am approaching that point.
>
> It is a T&M job for a system installed by others back in 2004, about an
> hour trip 1 way and I am afraid the customer will soon believe I am
> stringing out the work.
>
>
>
> Looking forward to hearing more of your experience as it develops!
>
>
>
> -Glenn
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *August Goers
> *Sent:* Friday, July 22, 2016 10:23 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters
>
>
>
> Glen,
>
>
>
> It’s interesting you mention that you’re having AFCI issues with new TL
> inverters and old modules. We are too. We have a particular system with BP
> modules where we’re trying to figure out if we have a warranty claim
> situation. We’ve cleaned up all the DC-side wiring and still the Sunny Boy
> is tripping with AFCI errors. We think it is either corroded traces in the
> modules or perhaps bypass diode issues in the module j-boxes. More to come.
>
>
>
> August
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Glenn Burt
> *Sent:* Friday, July 22, 2016 5:08 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters
>
>
>
> If you read some of the proposed changes for the 2017 NEC, it is looking
> life there will be no problem replacing isolated inverters with
> non-isolated versions. In fact the proposed wording seems to allow either
> USE, or PV wire to be used with non-isolated inverters explicitly going
> forward.
> It made me feel better about doing recent replacements.
> I'm having more trouble with the TL inverters and AFCI issues on older
> systems, however.
> --
>
> *From: *Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar 
> *Sent: *‎7/‎21/‎2016 21:43
> *To: *re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
> *Subject: *[RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters
>
> We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters
> when they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to
> replace with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could
> be installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation
> purposes? Not clear on the concept.
>
>
>
>
>
> Gary
>
>
>
>
>
> Gary Gordon
>
>
>
>[image: cid:image001.jpg@01D06621.23813A90]
>
>www.SYVSolar.com 
>
>PO Box 688
>
>Santa Ynez, CA  93460
>
>805 688-1213
>
>NABCEP Certified Installer
>
>CA Licensed Solar Contractor
>
>
>
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[Glenn Burt]

August,

 

I am currently chasing down unexplained AFCI faults with old SX 160 modules on 
a metal roof and having replaced two SMA SWR-2500U’s with a SB 5000TL-US-22. So 
far I have been swapping input strings to see if there is a pattern, however no 
joy. 

Next visit is up on the roof (steep pitch) to see if there is anything obvious. 

I hate to simply disable the AFCI functionality without a serious effort, 
however I am approaching that point. 

It is a T&M job for a system installed by others back in 2004, about an hour 
trip 1 way and I am afraid the customer will soon believe I am stringing out 
the work.

 

Looking forward to hearing more of your experience as it develops!

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of August Goers
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2016 10:23 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

 

Glen,

 

It’s interesting you mention that you’re having AFCI issues with new TL 
inverters and old modules. We are too. We have a particular system with BP 
modules where we’re trying to figure out if we have a warranty claim situation. 
We’ve cleaned up all the DC-side wiring and still the Sunny Boy is tripping 
with AFCI errors. We think it is either corroded traces in the modules or 
perhaps bypass diode issues in the module j-boxes. More to come.

 

August

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of Glenn Burt
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2016 5:08 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

 

If you read some of the proposed changes for the 2017 NEC, it is looking life 
there will be no problem replacing isolated inverters with non-isolated 
versions. In fact the proposed wording seems to allow either USE, or PV wire to 
be used with non-isolated inverters explicitly going forward.
It made me feel better about doing recent replacements.
I'm having more trouble with the TL inverters and AFCI issues on older systems, 
however.

  _  

From: Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar  
Sent: ‎7/‎21/‎2016 21:43
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters when 
they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to replace 
with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could be installed 
just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation purposes? Not clear 
on the concept.

 

 

Gary

 

 

Gary Gordon

 

   cid:image001.jpg@01D06621.23813A90

 www.SYVSolar.com

   PO Box 688 

   Santa Ynez, CA  93460

   805 688-1213

   NABCEP Certified Installer

   CA Licensed Solar Contractor

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[Jerry Shafer]

BP modules had issues with jboxes on some modules, they were being replaced
under conditions because they might catch the roof on fire if it was shake.
Dont recall the model but fires were started in jbox from arcing.

On Jul 22, 2016 7:40 AM, "jay"  wrote:

> Oh boy.
> Which BP models.
> I mean those things have had lots of trouble.
>
> jay
> peltz power
>
> On Jul 22, 2016, at 8:23 AM, August Goers  wrote:
>
> Glen,
>
>
> It’s interesting you mention that you’re having AFCI issues with new TL
> inverters and old modules. We are too. We have a particular system with BP
> modules where we’re trying to figure out if we have a warranty claim
> situation. We’ve cleaned up all the DC-side wiring and still the Sunny Boy
> is tripping with AFCI errors. We think it is either corroded traces in the
> modules or perhaps bypass diode issues in the module j-boxes. More to come.
>
>
> August
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Glenn Burt
> *Sent:* Friday, July 22, 2016 5:08 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters
>
>
> If you read some of the proposed changes for the 2017 NEC, it is looking
> life there will be no problem replacing isolated inverters with
> non-isolated versions. In fact the proposed wording seems to allow either
> USE, or PV wire to be used with non-isolated inverters explicitly going
> forward.
> It made me feel better about doing recent replacements.
> I'm having more trouble with the TL inverters and AFCI issues on older
> systems, however.
> --
>
> *From: *Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar 
> *Sent: *‎7/‎21/‎2016 21:43
> *To: *re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
> *Subject: *[RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters
> We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters
> when they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to
> replace with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could
> be installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation
> purposes? Not clear on the concept.
>
>
>
>
> Gary
>
>
>
>
> Gary Gordon
>
>
>
>www.SYVSolar.com 
>PO Box 688
>Santa Ynez, CA  93460
>805 688-1213
>NABCEP Certified Installer
>CA Licensed Solar Contractor
>
>
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
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[RE-wrenches] Off grid in Blythe, AZ

[Starlight Solar Power Systems]

Is anyone interested in building an off grid system in Blythe, CA? 
Contact me off the list la...@starlightsolar.com

Thank you,

Larry 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[Starlight Solar Power Systems]

Be nice William ;-)

Hi Gary,

DC can not be transformed without converting it to AC first then back to DC 
again. Probably not feasible to do while tracking the MMP.


Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems




On Jul 22, 2016, at 12:50 PM, William Miller  wrote:

Gary:

I want one of those DC/DC transformers. Where do you source those?

William Miller

On Jul 21, 2016, at 6:43 PM, Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar mailto:g...@syvsolar.com>> wrote:

> We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters when 
> they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to replace 
> with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could be 
> installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation purposes? 
> Not clear on the concept.
>  
>  
> Gary
>  
>  
> Gary Gordon
>  
>
>www.SYVSolar.com 
>PO Box 688
>Santa Ynez, CA  93460
>805 688-1213
>NABCEP Certified Installer
>CA Licensed Solar Contractor
>  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[William Miller]

Gary:

I want one of those DC/DC transformers. Where do you source those?

William Miller

> On Jul 21, 2016, at 6:43 PM, Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar 
>  wrote:
> 
> We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters when 
> they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to replace 
> with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could be 
> installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation purposes? 
> Not clear on the concept.
>  
>  
> Gary
>  
>  
> Gary Gordon
>  
>
>www.SYVSolar.com
>PO Box 688
>Santa Ynez, CA  93460
>805 688-1213
>NABCEP Certified Installer
>CA Licensed Solar Contractor
>  
> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[jay]

Oh boy.
Which BP models.  
I mean those things have had lots of trouble.

jay
peltz power
> On Jul 22, 2016, at 8:23 AM, August Goers  wrote:
> 
> Glen,
>  
> It’s interesting you mention that you’re having AFCI issues with new TL 
> inverters and old modules. We are too. We have a particular system with BP 
> modules where we’re trying to figure out if we have a warranty claim 
> situation. We’ve cleaned up all the DC-side wiring and still the Sunny Boy is 
> tripping with AFCI errors. We think it is either corroded traces in the 
> modules or perhaps bypass diode issues in the module j-boxes. More to come.
>  
> August
>  
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org 
> ] On Behalf Of Glenn Burt
> Sent: Friday, July 22, 2016 5:08 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters
>  
> If you read some of the proposed changes for the 2017 NEC, it is looking life 
> there will be no problem replacing isolated inverters with non-isolated 
> versions. In fact the proposed wording seems to allow either USE, or PV wire 
> to be used with non-isolated inverters explicitly going forward.
> It made me feel better about doing recent replacements.
> I'm having more trouble with the TL inverters and AFCI issues on older 
> systems, however.
> From: Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar 
> Sent: ‎7/‎21/‎2016 21:43
> To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
> 
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters
> 
> We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters when 
> they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to replace 
> with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could be 
> installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation purposes? 
> Not clear on the concept.
>  
>  
> Gary
>  
>  
> Gary Gordon
>  
>
>www.SYVSolar.com 
>PO Box 688 
>Santa Ynez, CA  93460
>805 688-1213
>NABCEP Certified Installer
>CA Licensed Solar Contractor
>  
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[Jerry Shafer]

In most cases the modules have the thick double insulated whips, now with
some of the older trinas we replaced the whips as they as field
serviceable, as I recall the sharps have not been a problem. there can be
an issue when we get to the old Jbox hard wire systems
Jerry

On Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 1:33 AM, Howie Michaelson 
wrote:

> Jerry, what do you do about the module whips which are not double
> insulated?
>
> Howie Michaelson
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
>
> Sun Catcher
> Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service
> VT Solar Electric Incentive Partner
> 802-272-0004
>
> On Jul 22, 2016 12:20 AM, "Jerry Shafer"  wrote:
>
>> Wrenches
>> We have been replacing TL type inverters for years now, what we do is
>> bring them up to current code or standards which ever is greater, permitted
>> and all. DC wire must be correct or its replaced, not a problem there, now
>> there is a neutral wire. As long as everything is compliant l dont know of
>> an issue, what am l missing.
>> Jerry
>>
>> On Jul 21, 2016 3:43 PM, "Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar" <
>> g...@syvsolar.com> wrote:
>>
>>> We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters
>>> when they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to
>>> replace with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could
>>> be installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation
>>> purposes? Not clear on the concept.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Gary
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Gary Gordon
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>[image: cid:image001.jpg@01D06621.23813A90]
>>>
>>>www.SYVSolar.com 
>>>
>>>PO Box 688
>>>
>>>Santa Ynez, CA  93460
>>>
>>>805 688-1213
>>>
>>>NABCEP Certified Installer
>>>
>>>CA Licensed Solar Contractor
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>>
>>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>>
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>>>
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>>>
>>>
>>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[August Goers]

Glen,



It’s interesting you mention that you’re having AFCI issues with new TL
inverters and old modules. We are too. We have a particular system with BP
modules where we’re trying to figure out if we have a warranty claim
situation. We’ve cleaned up all the DC-side wiring and still the Sunny Boy
is tripping with AFCI errors. We think it is either corroded traces in the
modules or perhaps bypass diode issues in the module j-boxes. More to come.



August



*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Glenn Burt
*Sent:* Friday, July 22, 2016 5:08 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters



If you read some of the proposed changes for the 2017 NEC, it is looking
life there will be no problem replacing isolated inverters with
non-isolated versions. In fact the proposed wording seems to allow either
USE, or PV wire to be used with non-isolated inverters explicitly going
forward.
It made me feel better about doing recent replacements.
I'm having more trouble with the TL inverters and AFCI issues on older
systems, however.
--

*From: *Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar 
*Sent: *‎7/‎21/‎2016 21:43
*To: *re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
*Subject: *[RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters
when they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to
replace with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could
be installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation
purposes? Not clear on the concept.





Gary





Gary Gordon



   [image: cid:image001.jpg@01D06621.23813A90]

   www.SYVSolar.com 

   PO Box 688

   Santa Ynez, CA  93460

   805 688-1213

   NABCEP Certified Installer

   CA Licensed Solar Contractor
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Re: [RE-wrenches] PG&E requirements

[August Goers]

Jay,

Current NEM 1.0 customers are not required to go TOU. NEM 2.0 will require
mandatory TOU.

E-6 is closed for new applicants - if your client is already on E-6, I
highly suggest that they stay on it as it is an excellent solar rate unless
they have low afternoon production or very high afternoon loads compared to
their solar production. If they switch off E-6, they won't be able to go
back. E-1 is still an option. I believe the new E-TOU rates are now
available, but they are not very favorable especially compared to E-6.

Best,

August

-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of jay
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2016 7:36 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] PG&E requirements

HI All,

I”m trying to confirm if current PGE intertie systems have to be TOU.

They were just moved to E-6 rate. They were on E-1 before.

I”ve got a customer who installed one last  year.
But they never got the notification about required changes to rates.
I think because they were not on “smart”meter.

Can anyone help me with what this persons options are?

thanks

jay

peltz power
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[August Goers]

This topic came up on the list previously. Since isolated transformer based
inverters are going the way of the dodo, the only reasonable inverter
upgrade choice is to replace old inverters with new transformerless models.
As was previously pointed out here, these modern inverters have much more
robust ground fault and arc fault detection capabilities, so they’re safer
anyway. We just phase tape up the previously grounded white DC
conductor(s), make sure the positive and negatives on the DC side are
switched, and call it a day. I realize that some of the NEC technicalities
are being bent here, but this solution is the lesser of evils.



August





*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Glenn Burt
*Sent:* Friday, July 22, 2016 5:08 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters



If you read some of the proposed changes for the 2017 NEC, it is looking
life there will be no problem replacing isolated inverters with
non-isolated versions. In fact the proposed wording seems to allow either
USE, or PV wire to be used with non-isolated inverters explicitly going
forward.
It made me feel better about doing recent replacements.
I'm having more trouble with the TL inverters and AFCI issues on older
systems, however.
--

*From: *Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar 
*Sent: *‎7/‎21/‎2016 21:43
*To: *re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
*Subject: *[RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters
when they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to
replace with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could
be installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation
purposes? Not clear on the concept.





Gary





Gary Gordon



   [image: cid:image001.jpg@01D06621.23813A90]

   www.SYVSolar.com 

   PO Box 688

   Santa Ynez, CA  93460

   805 688-1213

   NABCEP Certified Installer

   CA Licensed Solar Contractor
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Re: [RE-wrenches] PG&E requirements

[frenergy]

Jay,

I've got to run out the door but CALSEIA has info on this.

Bill

On 7/21/2016 7:35 PM, jay wrote:

HI All,

I”m trying to confirm if current PGE intertie systems have to be TOU.

They were just moved to E-6 rate. They were on E-1 before.

I”ve got a customer who installed one last  year.
But they never got the notification about required changes to rates.
I think because they were not on “smart”meter.

Can anyone help me with what this persons options are?

thanks

jay

peltz power
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--
Feather River Solar Electric
Bill Battagin, Owner
4291 Nelson St.
Taylorsville, CA 95983
530.284.7849
CA Lic 874049
www.frenergy.net


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[Glenn Burt]

If you read some of the proposed changes for the 2017 NEC, it is looking life 
there will be no problem replacing isolated inverters with non-isolated 
versions. In fact the proposed wording seems to allow either USE, or PV wire to 
be used with non-isolated inverters explicitly going forward.
It made me feel better about doing recent replacements.
I'm having more trouble with the TL inverters and AFCI issues on older systems, 
however.

-Original Message-
From: "Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar" 
Sent: ‎7/‎21/‎2016 21:43
To: "re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters when
they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to replace
with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could be
installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation
purposes? Not clear on the concept.

 

 

Gary

 

 

Gary Gordon

 

   cid:image001.jpg@01D06621.23813A90

 www.SYVSolar.com

   PO Box 688 

   Santa Ynez, CA  93460

   805 688-1213

   NABCEP Certified Installer

   CA Licensed Solar Contractor

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Bypassing a broken PV module

[Glenn Burt]

If it will be removed electrically from the system, perhaps you can come up 
with a way to apply a clear sealant coating across the face of the module to 
decrease further degradation by the elements.

-Original Message-
From: "Jason Szumlanski" 
Sent: ‎7/‎22/‎2016 7:26
To: "RE-wrenches" 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Bypassing a broken PV module

I came across shattered glass on an Evergreen PV module while doing a new
homeowner system evaluation. My inclination is to remove the panel and
bypass it, which would still leave the array well within the operating
parameters for the inverter. However, the owner wants to just leave the
panel physically in the array because it actually looks better that way,
which I agree it does. You can hardly tell it's broken from ground level.

I explained that there is a risk of a ground fault if the module is left
physically in the array, but the owner who is pretty astute, mentioned that
the fault voltage if a ground fault were to occur from that module would
only be at 22.5V potential (he didn't mention the actual voltage, but he
did correctly state that the maximum fault would be limited to the single
module, which in this case is 22.5V @ 12A). While it may trip an inverter,
it would probably not pose a safety risk.

While he may be technically right, for now I have reused to do the work,
but I told him I would think about it.

Anyone been through this scenario?

​Jason Szumlanski
​
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[Howie Michaelson]

Jerry, what do you do about the module whips which are not double insulated?

Howie Michaelson
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™

Sun Catcher
Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service
VT Solar Electric Incentive Partner
802-272-0004

On Jul 22, 2016 12:20 AM, "Jerry Shafer"  wrote:

> Wrenches
> We have been replacing TL type inverters for years now, what we do is
> bring them up to current code or standards which ever is greater, permitted
> and all. DC wire must be correct or its replaced, not a problem there, now
> there is a neutral wire. As long as everything is compliant l dont know of
> an issue, what am l missing.
> Jerry
>
> On Jul 21, 2016 3:43 PM, "Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar" <
> g...@syvsolar.com> wrote:
>
>> We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters
>> when they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to
>> replace with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could
>> be installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation
>> purposes? Not clear on the concept.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Gary
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Gary Gordon
>>
>>
>>
>>[image: cid:image001.jpg@01D06621.23813A90]
>>
>>www.SYVSolar.com 
>>
>>PO Box 688
>>
>>Santa Ynez, CA  93460
>>
>>805 688-1213
>>
>>NABCEP Certified Installer
>>
>>CA Licensed Solar Contractor
>>
>>
>>
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>>
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[RE-wrenches] Bypassing a broken PV module

[Jason Szumlanski]

I came across shattered glass on an Evergreen PV module while doing a new
homeowner system evaluation. My inclination is to remove the panel and
bypass it, which would still leave the array well within the operating
parameters for the inverter. However, the owner wants to just leave the
panel physically in the array because it actually looks better that way,
which I agree it does. You can hardly tell it's broken from ground level.

I explained that there is a risk of a ground fault if the module is left
physically in the array, but the owner who is pretty astute, mentioned that
the fault voltage if a ground fault were to occur from that module would
only be at 22.5V potential (he didn't mention the actual voltage, but he
did correctly state that the maximum fault would be limited to the single
module, which in this case is 22.5V @ 12A). While it may trip an inverter,
it would probably not pose a safety risk.

While he may be technically right, for now I have reused to do the work,
but I told him I would think about it.

Anyone been through this scenario?

​Jason Szumlanski
​
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