Re: [RE-wrenches] mate 3s locking

[Glenn Burt]

I have found that using only the Conext portal for troubleshooting is 
valueless… 

 

The level of detail and remote control is lost, and I have resorted to 
installing a remote PC control application on a laptop and leaving it at the 
customer’s site for a few months to be able to collect and control a 
troublesome system using a local connection to the Combox.

 

I found TeamViewer allows bi-directional control of the laptop (lid closed and 
mouse disconnected) from anywhere without having to setup a VPN or opening 
ports on a customer’s router, or using a dynamic DNS service.

They even have an app that lets me access it from my phone, a PC or a website.

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of Dave 
Angelini Offgrid Solar
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2018 7:22 PM
To: Mac Lewis 
Cc: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] mate 3s locking

 

Hi Mac,

I use a cell for some clients with combox. I use Conext Insight for some, it is 
a web portal like outbacks optics. Insight is nice because I just look at a 
specific site and if I see green, I do not really worry too much. It is read 
only and that is how Schneider gets around port forwarding. It has everything 
that is on the combox from a data push out only.

At this time I am field testing XW pro which will use the conext gateway and 
adds the first wifi monitoring to the power scene.  Insight 2 will be out 
around february and it is read/ right into the conext gateway.

I like the new user interface alot more and it has a fresh new look that works 
for me. The xwp has the cal rule 21 for grid and microgrid, better parameters 
in the power electronics that may add some flexibility in a higher power 
rating/surge than the current 6.8kw. 

Living large here now that we finally got to fill our 18 K gallons of tanks 
with rain! We were down to 3K and that is bare minimum for a wildfire.

Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net  
text 209 813 0060

On Fri, 30 Nov 2018 11:28:11 -0700, Mac Lewis mailto:maclew...@gmail.com> > wrote:

Hi Dave Angelini and wrenches, 

 

I'm curious how you are controlling the Combox without port-forwarding set up.  
I have a lot of clients on Hughes net and they won't open ports their 
customers.  Will the new Combox or gateway product get around that?

 

Thanks

 

On Sat, Nov 17, 2018 at 12:06 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar 
mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> > wrote:

Hi Drake,

I use both Outback and Schneider for my 200+ offgrid clients. Since the 600v 
mppt came out in 2011 Schneider gets my business. I also test for them and I am 
now working on the XW Pro for circuit validation testing and new cloud based 
gateway replacement for Combox in an EFT.

As for user friendly, it is something new to learn and once a client gets up to 
speed it is pretty easy, I think! Some of my clients do not like all of this 
tech stuff and just want reliable power. I get it!

There were early problems with combox firmware that got solved. The new Conext 
gateway allows me to monitor my clients without special port forwarding and 
easy with cell. The Insight monitoring similar to Optics but easier to use 
occasionally has had issues but nothing that took long for them to fix. There 
is also a tablet ap.

You can contact me offline and I agree that it is pretty bad when issues take 
too long to resolve. maybe Outback will get it done!

Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net  
text 209 813 0060

On Sat, 17 Nov 2018 10:43:09 -0500, drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org 
  wrote:

It seems like Outback has too many problems now, with the Mate 3 and the 
discontinuation of the original, excellent FX inverters. I had a Mate 3 loose 
its programming on an AC coupled system so that the batteries had no protective 
relay until the Mate 3 was reprogrammed. Tech support said that this happens 
with the Mate 3. That is unacceptable. Fortunately it was a dual FX system, and 
I had the original Mate to put back on it.

 

How do the Xantrex / Schneider products compare regarding reliability and user 
friendliness?  Are there any downsides to using this equipment. I'm considering 
going full circle back to this line.

 

Thanks,

 

Drake

 


- Original Message -

From:

"RE-wrenches" mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >

 

To:

mailto:will...@millersolar.com> >, "RE-wrenches" 
mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> >

Cc:

 

Sent:

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 19:39:26 -0800

Subject:

Re: [RE-wrenches] mate 3s locking



 

Hi william

 

Very tech fix with the relay!

 

Fortunately or unfortunately there is no reliable web at the location but 
someone who manually checks things. 

 

Yes the 3s still has some of the same problems 

 

Thx

Jay

Peltz power. 

 

 


On Nov 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Vertical PVs for Comm site

[glenn.b...@glbcc.com]

Maybe an application of Rain-x to the modules would help. Of course not on 
anything with a topical anti-reflective surface.
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse spelling and typos.
-- Original message--From: frenergyDate: Sat, Dec 1, 2018 1:20 PMTo: 
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] Vertical PVs for 
Comm site
Sierra wrenches,

             My 30 years of installation has never included comm sites 
on mountain tops but I took the job.

I am proposing mounting PVs vertically towards the top of the south wall 
of a 2 story block building to avoid snow build-up.  I assume a 
pole-mount would be next in line if we needed more sq ft of PV.  
However, even if vertical, will Sierra snow (its a special breed) still 
wind-pack on, stay for weeks, days, not at all?  This site is on the 
Pacific crest at 7,000 ft.

             And then  due to potential temps down to -30F, I assume a 
WELL insulated battery box (maybe even back-up heat?). It seems the best 
choice would be to use AGM/VRLA/Gel?    Part my reason for looking for 
help is my customer's loads will only be 12 volt and wants to avoid the 
cost of an inverter.  This seems a little risky not to have an 
inverter/charger for back-up. Appreciate the advice.

Bill

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-wrenches] Radian orders hardware problems

[William Miller]

Wrenches:



I am reaching out to this group to see if anyone is having the problems we
are.  At least 50% of the Radian inverters and/or GSLC cabinets we order
arrive missing some part or piece required to install the inverter.
Sometimes it is one or more of the bus bars to connect the main DC breaker
to the inverter, sometimes it is one of the 8mm nuts required on these bus
bars, and the most recent order, and on our most recent order, one of the
inverters was missing the 8mm bolts and washers required to connect the bus
bars to the inverter plus and minus ports.



We have been having this problem for years.  Has anyone else experienced
this, or is it just me?



Also, the shunts provided in the GSLC cabinets are crap.  It used to be the
shunts had a solid base.  Now the bases are hollow.  We use to see these
shunt bases cracked almost 100% of the time in shipping because the long,
cantilevered negative bus bar was entirely supported at one end by the
shunt.  Any modest bump on the GSLC cabinet broke the shunt.  Now we
receive them intact because Alpha has stopped installing the shunt prior to
shipping.  The problem persists, however, because if you put the slightest
pressure on the negative bus bar to align the holes to install the bolts
(if they arrive), minimal strain in the base of the shunt cracks it.  See
the photos below of the old versus new style shunt.



Each of these problems slows down an install and creates frustration.  This
persistent pattern is really not acceptable.



Lones, please investigate these problems and let us know if they can be
rectified.  And please, send me a set of the 8mm bolts.



Thank you,



William Miller



[image: Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com 
805-438-5600
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Vertical PVs for Comm site

[Ray]

Has any one tried insulating the back side of the solar module? I know 
normally that would be a really bad idea, but if the system was over 
designed in the summer, and flat on the wall, you could get away with 
it.  That dark surface under the glass with 2" of foam board backing 
would probably get warm enough to shed at least some of the build up, 
when the sun came out.  I've seen solar thermal systems go to almost 300 
degrees F with air temps below freezing.


Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 12/1/18 4:27 PM, Michael Morningstar wrote:

Bill,
I’ve installed dozens of mountain top systems starting just North of 
you, and spreading from the coast to the Nevada border and up into 
Central Oregon. Fire lookouts, Repeaters, Cell towers, ect…. Cascade 
and Coastal Cement. I count on arrays at 60 degrees getting entombed 
in snow and ice for weeks. I’ve seen the walls of most buildings 
encased in ice too! Lookouts get shut down for six months, and maybe 
minimal loads stay on, like weather equipment. When full time power is 
required, then propane or diesel generators and room heaters are 
installed, often tandem generators that alternate usage and act as 
backups. Many of my previous customers required a rapid response if 
there was a power failure and that meant serious adventure. I’m kind 
of over it now, many of those clients technicians also take care of 
the power end of things.

Michael

On Dec 1, 2018, at 2:18 PM, Sam Haraldson > wrote:


However, even if vertical, will Sierra snow (its a special breed)
still
wind-pack on, stay for weeks, days, not at all? This site is on the
Pacific crest at 7,000 ft.


Yes, the "Sierra cement" is not the same as the "cold smoke" snow we 
get in my part of the country but I see that snow tends to pretty 
easily slough off arrays that are at and above the 35 deg angle.  
Even the wettest Sierra stuff sure doesn't seem like it could stick 
to glass at a 90 degree angle.  I suspect you could get away with 60 
deg, have better production, and still shed the snow.


--
Sam Haraldson, Installation Manager
onsiteenergyinc.com 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Vertical PVs for Comm site

[Michael Morningstar]

Bill,
I’ve installed dozens of mountain top systems starting just North of you, and 
spreading from the coast to the Nevada border and up into Central Oregon. Fire 
lookouts, Repeaters, Cell towers, ect…. Cascade and Coastal Cement. I count on 
arrays at 60 degrees getting entombed in snow and ice for weeks. I’ve seen the 
walls of most buildings encased in ice too! Lookouts get shut down for six 
months, and maybe minimal loads stay on, like weather equipment. When full time 
power is required, then propane or diesel generators and room heaters are 
installed, often tandem generators that alternate usage and act as backups. 
Many of my previous customers required a rapid response if there was a power 
failure and that meant serious adventure. I’m kind of over it now, many of 
those clients technicians also take care of the power end of things.
Michael

> On Dec 1, 2018, at 2:18 PM, Sam Haraldson  wrote:
> 
> However, even if vertical, will Sierra snow (its a special breed) still 
> wind-pack on, stay for weeks, days, not at all?  This site is on the 
> Pacific crest at 7,000 ft.
> 
> Yes, the "Sierra cement" is not the same as the "cold smoke" snow we get in 
> my part of the country but I see that snow tends to pretty easily slough off 
> arrays that are at and above the 35 deg angle.  Even the wettest Sierra stuff 
> sure doesn't seem like it could stick to glass at a 90 degree angle.  I 
> suspect you could get away with 60 deg, have better production, and still 
> shed the snow.  
> 
> -- 
> Sam Haraldson, Installation Manager
> onsiteenergyinc.com 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Vertical PVs for Comm site

[Sam Haraldson]

>
> However, even if vertical, will Sierra snow (its a special breed) still
> wind-pack on, stay for weeks, days, not at all?  This site is on the
> Pacific crest at 7,000 ft.
>

Yes, the "Sierra cement" is not the same as the "cold smoke" snow we get in
my part of the country but I see that snow tends to pretty easily slough
off arrays that are at and above the 35 deg angle.  Even the wettest Sierra
stuff sure doesn't seem like it could stick to glass at a 90 degree angle.
I suspect you could get away with 60 deg, have better production, and still
shed the snow.

-- 
Sam Haraldson, Installation Manager
onsiteenergyinc.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Vertical PVs for Comm site

[Dana]

Hey Bill - 
In 1996-97? I did a project for CDOT on Red Mtn #3 @ 13,200" el. Dry Rocky Mtn 
snow. 

We bolted the top of the array to the eve of the very small block building with 
a welded framework to hold the [16] 75-watt {The biggies back then} . 
As I recall we installed the modules at winter latitude plus 10 deg and never 
had an issue somewhere around 58-60 degrees. Avalanches start at 32 deg+/- so 
any movement should & did slide just fine.

We installed 13,200# of AGM [30 days of battery backup] and a SWWP air wind 
generator, that lost its blades before the next spring, the anemometer lost its 
cups at 200+MPH as the jet stream touched down at least once. Who would have 
figured that one?

There was an LPG backup heater for the building, but it was not working by 
spring [High winds? probably].
I have lost track of the project as state communication managers changed & 
contact was not reestablished.

Overbuild, keep it simple, design for middle of the winter.
Back then we used relay style charge controllers, the previous system had blown 
up all the previous CCs.

I allowed for 50% head room and we never lost another controller or fuse. We 
were seeing over 45-50% additional gain at 13,200' elevation. 75 watt modules 
were pushing 105-110 watts each. Kyocera LA 51? I think?
7000' would not be as extreme an enhancement.
Edge of cloud effect?, 7,000' elevation +20%+/-, reflection off the snow 
10-15%, & -30F look at the temp curve and still give it another 10% of room.
 Site visits in the winter @ these sites are slow all-day projects.


Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 
C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.biz
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  
 Please consider the environment before printing this email.


-Original Message-
From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of 
frenergy
Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2018 10:28 AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Vertical PVs for Comm site

Sierra wrenches,

 My 30 years of installation has never included comm sites on 
mountain tops but I took the job.

I am proposing mounting PVs vertically towards the top of the south wall of a 2 
story block building to avoid snow build-up.  I assume a pole-mount would be 
next in line if we needed more sq ft of PV. However, even if vertical, will 
Sierra snow (its a special breed) still wind-pack on, stay for weeks, days, not 
at all?  This site is on the Pacific crest at 7,000 ft.

 And then  due to potential temps down to -30F, I assume a WELL 
insulated battery box (maybe even back-up heat?). It seems the best choice 
would be to use AGM/VRLA/Gel?Part my reason for looking for help is my 
customer's loads will only be 12 volt and wants to avoid the cost of an 
inverter.  This seems a little risky not to have an inverter/charger for 
back-up. Appreciate the advice.

Bill

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-wrenches] Vertical PVs for Comm site

[frenergy]

Sierra wrenches,

            My 30 years of installation has never included comm sites 
on mountain tops but I took the job.


I am proposing mounting PVs vertically towards the top of the south wall 
of a 2 story block building to avoid snow build-up.  I assume a 
pole-mount would be next in line if we needed more sq ft of PV.  
However, even if vertical, will Sierra snow (its a special breed) still 
wind-pack on, stay for weeks, days, not at all?  This site is on the 
Pacific crest at 7,000 ft.


            And then  due to potential temps down to -30F, I assume a 
WELL insulated battery box (maybe even back-up heat?). It seems the best 
choice would be to use AGM/VRLA/Gel?    Part my reason for looking for 
help is my customer's loads will only be 12 volt and wants to avoid the 
cost of an inverter.  This seems a little risky not to have an 
inverter/charger for back-up. Appreciate the advice.


Bill

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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