Re: [RE-wrenches] Programs for one line DWGs.

[Mac Lewis]

I like AutoCad Lt as well.  It does way more than I need but you can build
a nice library

On Mon, May 18, 2020 at 6:39 PM Lorenzo Ortiz  wrote:

> AutoCAD LT
>
> On Mon, May 18, 2020 at 3:29 PM Dana Orzel  wrote:
>
>> Hey all you wise guys!
>>
>>
>>
>> I looked back in the archives & found a few recommendations on drawing
>> programs. I had Design CAD-3D for 15 years and it was simple [2D & 3D] &
>> worked fine. I had to upgrade recently as this program is now out of date
>> and am currently overwhelmed with too many overly complex drawing programs.
>>
>>
>>
>> I need to draw boxes, lines, text, arrows, a few curves you know the
>> tasks. I don’t need to do 3D rendering of parts etc. I also need a program
>> that has decent tutorials.
>>
>>
>>
>> What are you all using that is pretty basic for 2D drawings on a very
>> up-to-date PC?
>>
>>
>>
>> Suffering with too many options… Thanks in advance.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc.
>>
>> *C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
>> *
>>
>> Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
>>
>> NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
>>
>> *"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  *
>>
>> *P* Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>
> --
>
>
> Loren Ortiz
> Technical PV Design Specialist - Worker Owner/Board Member
>
> lo...@cal-solar.com californiasolarco.com
>
> *Main: 530-274-3671 ext: 311 * *Fax: 530-274-7518*
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 
> *Showroom located at: 149 E Main St. Grass Valley, CA 95945*
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-- 



Mac Lewis

*"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Programs for one line DWGs.

[Lorenzo Ortiz]

AutoCAD LT

On Mon, May 18, 2020 at 3:29 PM Dana Orzel  wrote:

> Hey all you wise guys!
>
>
>
> I looked back in the archives & found a few recommendations on drawing
> programs. I had Design CAD-3D for 15 years and it was simple [2D & 3D] &
> worked fine. I had to upgrade recently as this program is now out of date
> and am currently overwhelmed with too many overly complex drawing programs.
>
>
>
> I need to draw boxes, lines, text, arrows, a few curves you know the
> tasks. I don’t need to do 3D rendering of parts etc. I also need a program
> that has decent tutorials.
>
>
>
> What are you all using that is pretty basic for 2D drawings on a very
> up-to-date PC?
>
>
>
> Suffering with too many options… Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
>
>
> Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc.
>
> *C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
> *
>
> Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
>
> NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
>
> *"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  *
>
> *P* Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>
>
>
>
> ___
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>

-- 


Loren Ortiz
Technical PV Design Specialist - Worker Owner/Board Member

lo...@cal-solar.com californiasolarco.com

*Main: 530-274-3671 ext: 311 * *Fax: 530-274-7518*

-- 
 
*Showroom located at: 149 E 
Main St. Grass Valley, CA 95945*
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Programs for one line DWGs.

[Andrew]

Hey Dana,

I have been using AutoCAD Lite and it seems to do a very
good job and I have been using it for single lines and permit packages for a
couple years now. I have a college who uses LibreOffice Draw cause its free
but he was doing a pretty big commercial project and it kept crashing.

 

 

Andrew Perkins

Greenwired

P: 707-923-2001 ext. 100

1150 #1 Evergreen Rd

Redway, CA 95560

www.greenwired.com

Description: signature

 

 

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Dana Orzel
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2020 3:30 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Programs for one line DWGs.

 

Hey all you wise guys!

 

I looked back in the archives & found a few recommendations on drawing
programs. I had Design CAD-3D for 15 years and it was simple [2D & 3D] &
worked fine. I had to upgrade recently as this program is now out of date
and am currently overwhelmed with too many overly complex drawing programs.

 

I need to draw boxes, lines, text, arrows, a few curves you know the tasks.
I don't need to do 3D rendering of parts etc. I also need a program that has
decent tutorials.

 

What are you all using that is pretty basic for 2D drawings on a very
up-to-date PC?

 

Suffering with too many options. Thanks in advance.

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Programs for one line DWGs.

[William Miller]

Dana:



For block diagrams:  Visio

For physical parts and assemblies:  Autocad

For CAM: Fusion 360.



William





*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Dana Orzel
*Sent:* Monday, May 18, 2020 3:30 PM
*To:* 'RE-wrenches'
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Programs for one line DWGs.



Hey all you wise guys!



I looked back in the archives & found a few recommendations on drawing
programs. I had Design CAD-3D for 15 years and it was simple [2D & 3D] &
worked fine. I had to upgrade recently as this program is now out of date
and am currently overwhelmed with too many overly complex drawing programs.



I need to draw boxes, lines, text, arrows, a few curves you know the tasks.
I don’t need to do 3D rendering of parts etc. I also need a program that
has decent tutorials.



What are you all using that is pretty basic for 2D drawings on a very
up-to-date PC?



Suffering with too many options… Thanks in advance.





Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc.

*C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
*

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com

*"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  *

*P* Please consider the environment before printing this email.
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[RE-wrenches] Programs for one line DWGs.

[Dana Orzel]

Hey all you wise guys!

 

I looked back in the archives & found a few recommendations on drawing
programs. I had Design CAD-3D for 15 years and it was simple [2D & 3D] &
worked fine. I had to upgrade recently as this program is now out of date
and am currently overwhelmed with too many overly complex drawing programs.

 

I need to draw boxes, lines, text, arrows, a few curves you know the tasks.
I don't need to do 3D rendering of parts etc. I also need a program that has
decent tutorials.

 

What are you all using that is pretty basic for 2D drawings on a very
up-to-date PC?

 

Suffering with too many options. Thanks in advance.

 

 

Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.com
 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

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[RE-wrenches] cast-in-place ballasted ground mounts

[Kirk Herander]

Hi,
Looking for info on smaller (50kw or less) suppliers of cast-in-place ground 
mount systems Thanks.___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Rail-less Racking

[Jerry Shafer]

Bill, Wrenches
I working with a Zep engineer years ago and still dont care to use any of
them, wire management is an issue, anything that does get under the module
is more difficult to clear, the modules are heavier with the zep product.
Rails are now so versatile and cheap, easy to flat and align, place to
mount the RSD with a good air gap. I was at a site the installed 24 modules
with 2 techs and it was done in 6 + hrs. It was so wavy and loose wiring
that it took the next day all day to make it flat and wires picked up.no
savings there. But hey that's just me.

On Mon, May 18, 2020, 11:06 AM Bill Hoffer  wrote:

> Cory
>
> I tried a railless S-5 system on a metal roof and will never do it again!
> Looks great and very professional.  The clearance under the modules is a
> real problem for wire management  and I had to switch out a bad
> microinverter and it was really difficult compared to have a rails.  Had to
> disconnect all adjoining modules from the S-5 which allowed things to shift
> a bit making replacement an absolute pain in the butt.  It was a steep roof
> too which added to the hasslebad choice for my first try ,but it was a
> triagular array shape due to shading issue sand dormer locations.  That was
> why I opted for railess, since the cutting of rails would have been very
> time consuming.
>
> Bill
>
> Bill Hoffer PE
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
> Sunergy Engineering Services PLLC
> 420 SE Wyers St ,# 1823.
> P.O. Box 1823
> White Salmon, WA 98672
> bhof...@sunergyengineeringservices.com Cell:(509)679-6165
> sunergyengineeringservices.com
>
> On Sun, May 17, 2020 at 1:55 PM Corey Shalanski 
> wrote:
>
>> I am wondering if anyone on the List has significant experience
>> installing rail-less racking systems (Quick Mount PV Quick Rack, Roof Tech
>> E Mount AIR, SnapNrack RL Universal, etc.) and can speak to the pros and
>> cons versus rail-based systems?
>> Also wondering if anyone has strong opinions regarding the lesser air gap
>> below modules with rail-less systems and how much, if at all, that might
>> affect production? *bonus points awarded for providing quantitative data
>>
>> --
>> Corey Shalanski
>> Jah Light Solar
>> Portland, Jamaica
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> --
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> 420 SE Wyers Street
> P.O. Box 1823
> White Salmon, WA 98672-1823
> suneng...@gmail.com 
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Rail-less Racking

[Bill Hoffer]

Cory

I tried a railless S-5 system on a metal roof and will never do it again!
Looks great and very professional.  The clearance under the modules is a
real problem for wire management  and I had to switch out a bad
microinverter and it was really difficult compared to have a rails.  Had to
disconnect all adjoining modules from the S-5 which allowed things to shift
a bit making replacement an absolute pain in the butt.  It was a steep roof
too which added to the hasslebad choice for my first try ,but it was a
triagular array shape due to shading issue sand dormer locations.  That was
why I opted for railess, since the cutting of rails would have been very
time consuming.

Bill

Bill Hoffer PE
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
Sunergy Engineering Services PLLC
420 SE Wyers St ,# 1823.
P.O. Box 1823
White Salmon, WA 98672
bhof...@sunergyengineeringservices.com Cell:(509)679-6165
sunergyengineeringservices.com

On Sun, May 17, 2020 at 1:55 PM Corey Shalanski  wrote:

> I am wondering if anyone on the List has significant experience installing
> rail-less racking systems (Quick Mount PV Quick Rack, Roof Tech E Mount
> AIR, SnapNrack RL Universal, etc.) and can speak to the pros and cons
> versus rail-based systems?
> Also wondering if anyone has strong opinions regarding the lesser air gap
> below modules with rail-less systems and how much, if at all, that might
> affect production? *bonus points awarded for providing quantitative data
>
> --
> Corey Shalanski
> Jah Light Solar
> Portland, Jamaica
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>

-- 
William Hoffer
420 SE Wyers Street
P.O. Box 1823
White Salmon, WA 98672-1823
suneng...@gmail.com 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] cast-in-place ballasted ground mounts

[David Katz]

Hi Kirk,
Check out DiamondPiers.  They say that they are equal to a 24" diameter, 5
foot deep concrete pier and require no concrete.  You just need a
jackhammer type tool.  I have not tried them.  They could be good for
multipole ground mounts
https://www.diamondpiers.com/how-it-works
David Katz

On Mon, May 18, 2020 at 7:13 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:

> Hi,
> Looking for info on smaller (50kw or less) suppliers of cast-in-place
> ground mount systems Thanks.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100

[Ray]

I've had them shut inverters down for both the brands you mentioned.  
The comm failures that took out controllers were the Midnite "Follow Me" 
setup.


Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 5/17/20 9:46 PM, Jay wrote:

Hi Ray

In my experience I’ve had plenty of hub and component/comm failures 
but I’ve never had it shut down the fndc or charge controllers with OB 
or Schneider equipment.


I’m wondering if you have?

Thx

Jay

Peltz power.




On May 17, 2020, at 6:21 PM, Ray  wrote:



I don't connect to the HUB or Mate if I don't have to; both to avoid 
issues with the customers changing programming, but also to save the 
customer money.  However, the #1 reason is that when all the 
equipment is interconnected, it is all dependent.  A failure in a 
comm cable or single piece of equipment can cause all the controllers 
to shut down.  I just don't think the benefits of com connection out 
weigh the loss of redundancy.  I have many systems with multiple 
charge controllers, and I have seen everything from a bad temp sensor 
to a single failed controller take the other controllers off line 
too.  Without the interconnection, a failed controller will just drop 
the system to half power, not to zero production.


This isn't just with Outback, I follow this reasoning with Midnite 
and Magnum as well.  I often mix equipment (Magnum inverter, Outback 
Controller) so comm connection isn't a possibility anyway.  We might 
be missing some bells and whistles, but our systems stay operational 
in more situations.   Basically I'm not happy enough with any single 
manufacturer to give them a monopoly with my designs.  I've always 
built our systems with the best equipment we can get for that 
particular situation.


Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760
On 5/17/20 7:38 AM, Mac Lewis wrote:

Hi Ray,

I'm curious, do you avoid have the FM100 on the Hub to avoid clients 
changing the programming or have you seen some other issues?  I have 
some of them out there and they seem to be solid, all Hub 10.3 
connected.


On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 3:48 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar 
mailto:offgridso...@sti.net>> wrote:


I have little experience with arc fault detection because I do
not use them offgrid. Could it save one from starting a
wildfire? My experience is I have never had a ground mount start
a wildfire and even a bad panel is pretty contained in a failure.

I just know that I make a small fortune replacing grid tie
inverter AFD's that failsafe in the no solar mode. Definitely do
not want another way to lose power offgrid. There are plenty
already:)

  


*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, 15 May 2020 11:03:11 -0700, Jay mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com>> wrote:


Hi William,
that warning isn't on the AFCI one,
Jay
Peltz power.


On May 15, 2020, at 10:41 AM, William Miller
mailto:will...@millersolar.com>> wrote:

Jay:

On the FM100 landing page
. 
The warning is pasted below.

/Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not
recommend mixing the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC
controllers on the same battery bank./

Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI
landing page
.

I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner's manuals but I
looked today and can't find it there. Interesting...

I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a
system with three FM80s.  This will require a fourth charge
controller.  Being able to run smaller wire in the existing
conduits is an attractive proposition, making the FM100 a
desirable approach.  I now have to figure out if I can add the
FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version available) to
a system with three FM80s, and if I do, what do I do with the
existing GFDI breaker and how do I arrange the DC bond?  There
is a lot to consider here.

BTW, I was told by a tech support person for an on-line sales
firm that the original FM100 did not have the AFCI but those
units have been discontinued.  Now all FM100s have the AFCI
capability.  I am weighing if I want AFCI if it is not
required.  My territory includes central California wild lands
so I suppose I should take advantage of any fire safety means
at my disposal...

William

*From:*Jay [mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com
]
*Sent:* Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM
*To:* will...@millersolar.com
; RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100

Hi William

Yes downsizing breaker to meet load is no problem. And getting
wire that 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100

[Lones Tuss]

Hello All



1.I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated.  Will this be defeated if I 
don’t run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI 
version but I can’t seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.)

 *   Yes, you can bypass the AFCI by simply not running the PV conductors 
through the sensor coil



2.I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 
with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system.  This negates it for one 
project I had in mind.  I am curious as to why this is.  Anyone know?

 *   Here is a link to an App note that covers this situation
 *   
http://www.outbackpower.com/downloads/documents/appnotes/fm100_fm80_app_note.pdf
 *

3.Will the FM100 work with a standard hub?

 *   Yes, both HUB4 and HUB10.3, but firmware updates take almost an hour 
on the HUB4 because it’s slower.
 *

4.I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker.  If the PV array 
cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly.  
Anyone contemplate this question?

 *   Depends on the application, but all of our prewired load centers and 
systems come with 125A breakers.




I hope this helps take care all.




From: William Miller 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2020 10:49 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: Outback FM100

Friends:

I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller.  I am wondering of anyone 
had found any quirks with implementing this device.  I have a few specific 
questions:


  1.  I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated.  Will this be defeated if I don’t 
run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI version 
but I can’t seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.)
  2.  I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 with 
the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system.  This negates it for one project I 
had in mind.  I am curious as to why this is.  Anyone know?
  3.  Will the FM100 work with a standard hub?
  4.  I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker.  If the PV array cannot 
support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly.  Anyone 
contemplate this question?

Thanks in advance.
William


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Re: [RE-wrenches] cast-in-place ballasted ground mounts

[Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar]

Especially Iron Ridge if you can use their new "CAMO" clamp for modules.
No torque, heck no wrench at all !  

Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go
where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ [1]
e-mail
offgridso...@sti.net [2]
text 209 813 0060

On Mon, 18 May 2020 08:11:40
-0700, Jerry Shafer  wrote:  Iron ridge, unirac plus more all can do this,
it's all in the engineering is all. 
  On Mon, May 18, 2020, 8:01 AM Kirk
Herander  wrote:  Hi, Looking for info on smaller (50kw or less) suppliers
of cast-in-place ground mount systems Thanks. 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] cast-in-place ballasted ground mounts

[Jerry Shafer]

Iron ridge, unirac plus more all can do this, it's all in the engineering
is all.

On Mon, May 18, 2020, 8:01 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:

> Hi,
> Looking for info on smaller (50kw or less) suppliers of cast-in-place
> ground mount systems Thanks.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] cast-in-place ballasted ground mounts

[Sam Haraldson]

Kirk,

We were having trouble finding a small scale cast-in-place option like you
so last Fall we opted for this:

https://www.apalternatives.com/products/geo

Sam Haraldson 
Installation & Service Manager











On Mon, May 18, 2020 at 9:01 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:

> Hi,
> Looking for info on smaller (50kw or less) suppliers of cast-in-place
> ground mount systems Thanks.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100

[Jay]

Hi Ray

In my experience I’ve had plenty of hub and component/comm failures but I’ve 
never had it shut down the fndc or charge controllers with OB or Schneider 
equipment. 

I’m wondering if you have?  

Thx

Jay

Peltz power. 



> On May 17, 2020, at 6:21 PM, Ray  wrote:
> 
> 
> I don't connect to the HUB or Mate if I don't have to; both to avoid issues 
> with the customers changing programming, but also to save the customer money. 
>  However, the #1 reason is that when all the equipment is interconnected, it 
> is all dependent.  A failure in a comm cable or single piece of equipment can 
> cause all the controllers to shut down.  I just don't think the benefits of 
> com connection out weigh the loss of redundancy.  I have many systems with 
> multiple charge controllers, and I have seen everything from a bad temp 
> sensor to a single failed controller take the other controllers off line too. 
>  Without the interconnection, a failed controller will just drop the system 
> to half power, not to zero production.  
> 
> This isn't just with Outback, I follow this reasoning with Midnite and Magnum 
> as well.  I often mix equipment (Magnum inverter, Outback Controller) so comm 
> connection isn't a possibility anyway.  We might be missing some bells and 
> whistles, but our systems stay operational in more situations.   Basically 
> I'm not happy enough with any single manufacturer to give them a monopoly 
> with my designs.  I've always built our systems with the best equipment we 
> can get for that particular situation.
> 
> Ray Walters
> Remote Solar
> 303 505-8760
>> On 5/17/20 7:38 AM, Mac Lewis wrote:
>> Hi Ray,
>> 
>> I'm curious, do you avoid have the FM100 on the Hub to avoid clients 
>> changing the programming or have you seen some other issues?  I have some of 
>> them out there and they seem to be solid, all Hub 10.3 connected.
>> 
>> On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 3:48 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar 
>>  wrote:
>>> I have little experience with arc fault detection because I do not use them 
>>> offgrid. Could it save one from starting a wildfire? My experience is I 
>>> have never had a ground mount start a wildfire and even a bad panel is 
>>> pretty contained in a failure.
>>> 
>>> I just know that I make a small fortune replacing grid tie inverter AFD's 
>>> that failsafe in the no solar mode. Definitely do not want another way to 
>>> lose power offgrid. There are plenty already:)
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 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, 15 May 2020 11:03:11 -0700, Jay  wrote:
 
 Hi William,
  
 that warning isn't on the AFCI one,
  
 Jay
  
 Peltz power. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
> On May 15, 2020, at 10:41 AM, William Miller  
> wrote:
> 
> Jay:
> 
>  
> 
> On the FM100 landing page.  The warning is pasted below.
> 
>  
> 
> Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not recommend 
> mixing the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC controllers on the 
> same battery bank.
> 
>  
> 
> Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI landing page.
> 
>  
> 
> I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner's manuals but I looked 
> today and can't find it there.  Interesting...
> 
>  
> 
> I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a system with 
> three FM80s.  This will require a fourth charge controller.  Being able 
> to run smaller wire in the existing conduits is an attractive 
> proposition, making the FM100 a desirable approach.  I now have to figure 
> out if I can add the FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version 
> available) to a system with three FM80s, and if I do, what do I do with 
> the existing GFDI breaker and how do I arrange the DC bond?  There is a 
> lot to consider here.
> 
>  
> 
> BTW, I was told by a tech support person for an on-line sales firm that 
> the original FM100 did not have the AFCI but those units have been 
> discontinued.  Now all FM100s have the AFCI capability.  I am weighing if 
> I want AFCI if it is not required.  My territory includes central 
> California wild lands so I suppose I should take advantage of any fire 
> safety means at my disposal...
> 
>  
> 
> William
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> From: Jay [mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com] 
> Sent: Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM
> To: will...@millersolar.com; RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
> 
>  
> 
> Hi William
> 
>  
> 
> Yes downsizing breaker to meet load is no problem. And getting wire that 
> big into it with 1" KO is a pain. 
> 
>  
> 
> I'm 

[RE-wrenches] Rail-less racking

[Hilton Dier]

I tried a rail-less system on a roof mount once, but never again. It worked 
roughly as advertised, but the problem was aesthetic. It was a bear trying to 
get the modules parallel and flat. Too many degrees of freedom and no roof is 
as flat as you’d wish. With rails at least the modules are lined up in one 
plane. 

I’ve seen a few no rail installations on raised seam roofing and noticed the 
“diving board” problem. The width of the modules never corresponds exactly with 
the seam spacing. Some modules end up hanging out over the last mounting points 
a bit too much.

Also, in terms of safety, rails spread out the load over multiple mounting 
points, so no one point takes an extreme load and the failure of any one point 
isn’t immediately fatal.

Rails, yes. 

Hilton Dier III
Renewable Energy Design
Missisquoi River Hydro LLC
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