Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Jeff Clearwater]

Thanks Dustin for keeping us up to date on Sol-Arks feature progress.

While you are upgrading your firmware: :)

So an essential feature for off-grid with a generator is to be able to 
program various SOC levels for generator start AND shuf-off after 
charge.  90% is way too high for many sunny climes and other 
configurations.  Often batteries need a boost in the wee morning hours - 
when they drop below the preferred recharge point but that's only 
perhaps a few hours before the sun comes up - So say you want to start a 
gen to charge a Lead-acid battery at 50% or an LFP batter at 20% SOC but 
you only want to bring it through to the next often or possibly sunny 
morning.  So you set it to run from 50% to 65% (or from 20%-40% for LFP) 
- knowing that the morning sun will take it the rest of the way.  90% 
would waste a ton of fuel in this scenario not too mention unwanted 
noise and wear and tear on the genny.  Depending on the clients use 
profile, the climate, and relative size of the array and battery and 
gen, these figures could vary anywhere from 20% to 100%.  So it's 
essential us off-grid installers have that flexibility.


Also I know that your TOU settings might cover this (though not in all 
modes I believe) but another nice feature is to have 2 or 3 time periods 
with different start and stop settings (Sunny Island does this nicely).  
So if the minimum SOC is reached in the evening you might as well bring 
it up to a higher SOC for gen shut down as it needs to get through the 
entire night whereas if that minimum SOC start trigger is met after 3 
AM  it needs to only bring it to a lower SOC as described above.


I'm loving the Sol-Ark product so far but it is obvious the software is 
a work in progress - the architecture and thought behind it is an 
excellent foundation - thanks for your work and openness for input to 
make it even better.


Best,

Jeff

~~~
Jeff Clearwater
Village Power Design
linkedin 
www.villagepowerdesign.com 
cell - 413-559-9763
~~~




Dustin Douglas 
November 12, 2020 at 11:46 AM
Hi All,

First and foremost thank you for sharing your experiences the the 
Sol-Ark system. We try very hard to have different capabilities and 
add new features that make it flexible for the customer. The two-wire 
start is a feature however that we want to be seamless. In the 
instance where the customer is seeing the system shutdown once the 
generator shuts off has been addressed and fixed with a software 
update. With this update we are able to handle larger generators that 
tend to drift from 60hz. Please give our support team a call so that 
we can update the customer accordingly. We are also looking at adding 
more features including the ability exercise the generator in the near 
feature.


Thank you and have a blessed day,

Dustin Douglas

Sol Ark Engineering Support

(972) 575-8875 x 108

www.sol-ark.com 


 On Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:08:51 -0600 *Jay * 
wrote 




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Jay 
November 12, 2020 at 9:08 AM
Hi Bill

In the past I’ve had similar issues with generators/inverters. Usually 
a relay on the output power wires that opens( disconnects) when the 
stop signal is sent works as the frequency doesn’t slowly go down, it 
drops to 0 instantly.

I don’t know if it will fix your issue.

Seems like solark needs to greatly improve their firmware.

Jay

Peltz power.







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Bill Hennessy 
November 11, 2020 at 10:03 PM
Hi folks--We've also been disappointed with the Sol-Ark two-wire 
generator start. The unit starts at the charge set point, but the 
inverter will shut down for about a m

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[MDElectricSolar]

We’ve had the same issue.

Michael D Nelson
MD Electric & Solar, Inc.
707-684-0064 mobile
707-884-1862 office
www.mdelectricsolar.com
www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar


> On Nov 11, 2020, at 11:53 PM, Bill Hennessy  wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi folks--We've also been disappointed with the Sol-Ark two-wire generator 
> start. The unit starts at the charge set point, but the inverter will shut 
> down for about a minute every time the generator stops running. After the 
> minute wait, the inverter restarts and everything is fine. But it is 
> aggravating for the homeowners to be left wondering in the dark.
> 
> Sol-Ark says that when the generator shuts off, the frequency drops out of 
> the Sol-Ark range and causes the inverter shut down. 
> They suggested we find a way to increase the generator speed to avoid the 
> frequency drop at shutdown. This seems like a lame suggestion, since the 
> generator has no idea of when the batteries will be satisfied--it only 
> responds to the on/off signal from the Sol-Ark. I would think that the unit 
> could be programmed to ignore the frequency drop when it sends the shut off 
> signal to the generator. The system has an an Ecogen 15kW.
> 
> Not having an exercise function is also a miss. As mentioned below, the time 
> of use can be used, but one has to go out and play with the programming to 
> check the generator.
> 
> regards, bill
> 
> Bill Hennessy
> Berks Solar, LLC
> 371 Centennial Rd
> Mertztown, PA 19539
> 
> o 610 682 4300
> c 484 560 4666
> NABCEP certified installer
> PA contractor #44411
> www.berkssolar.com
> 
> 
> On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, 8:20:57 PM EST, Chris Sparadeo 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> Thanks for the suggestion, Jay. 
> 
> Yes, the Sol-Ark has a very basic and limited AGS for 2 wire compatible gen 
> sets. Gen start can be programmed with voltage or SOC, however gen stop is 
> not a function that can not be readily programmed. Instead, the Sol-Ark is 
> programmed to charge the battery bank to 90% of  the rated Ah capacity of the 
> battery bank before turning off the generator. You can ultimately adjust this 
> gen stop parameter to be based on a specific SOC or voltage, but I believe 
> that doing so requires a call into tech support. The tech I spoke with 
> updated a setting (having to do with a TOU parameter I believe) that was not 
> accessible via the system interface. AGS  from Schnieder, Outback and even 
> Magnum are less clunky, but I am hoping that Sol-Ark will eventually come out 
> with new programming to remediate these minor but nevertheless, important 
> issues
> 
> -Chris
> 
> On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 3:58 PM Jay  wrote:
> Hi Chris
> 
> I would install a timer. There are many dry contact dc or ac powered with a 
> high degree of programmability. 
> 
> A question about the normal function of the AGS. I’ve talked to a few people 
> that have mentioned that the ags has its own fuzzy logic, with limited 
> programming. And they have had issues with it not turning on or not turning 
> off 
> 
> What do you say?
> 
> Jay
> 
>>> On Nov 11, 2020, at 10:43 AM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> I believe the Atkinson GSCM could be used to do this.
>> 
>> -Glenn
>> Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
>> 
>> -- Original message--
>> From: Chris Sparadeo
>> Date: Wed, Nov 11, 2020 11:16 AM
>> To: RE-wrenches;
>> Cc:
>> Subject:[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle
>> 
>> Hi all,
>> 
>> According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a programmable 
>> exercise cycle for
>> its two-wire start function. When paired with a generator like a Generac 
>> Ecogen (exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured with two 
>> wire start) this means that the only way to effectively run an exercise 
>> cycle on your generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if anyone 
>> has run into this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a bummer and 
>> my first and only negative experience with Sol-Ark thus far. 
>> 
>> Kindly,
>> 
>> Chris Sparadeo 
>> -- 
>> Chris Sparadeo
>> 
>> 
>> C_802-369-4458
>> H_802-728-3059
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Dustin Douglas]

Hi All,



First and foremost thank you for sharing your experiences the the Sol-Ark 
system. We try very hard to have different capabilities and add new features 
that make it flexible for the customer. The two-wire start is a feature however 
that we want to be seamless. In the instance where the customer is seeing the 
system shutdown once the generator shuts off has been addressed and fixed with 
a software update. With this update we are able to handle larger generators 
that tend to drift from 60hz. Please give our support team a call so that we 
can update the customer accordingly. We are also looking at adding more 
features including the ability exercise the generator in the near feature. 


Thank you and have a blessed day,

Dustin Douglas

Sol Ark Engineering Support

(972) 575-8875 x 108

http://www.sol-ark.com/




 On Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:08:51 -0600 Jay  wrote 


Hi Bill



In the past I’ve had similar issues with generators/inverters. Usually a relay 
on the output power wires that opens( disconnects) when the stop signal is sent 
works as the frequency doesn’t slowly go down, it drops to 0 instantly. 

I don’t know if it will fix your issue. 



Seems like solark needs to greatly improve their firmware. 



Jay



Peltz power. 










On Nov 11, 2020, at 8:03 PM, Bill Hennessy  wrote:



Hi folks--We've also been disappointed with the Sol-Ark two-wire generator 
start. The unit starts at the charge set point, but the inverter will shut down 
for about a minute every time the generator stops running. After the minute 
wait, the inverter restarts and everything is fine. But it is aggravating for 
the homeowners to be left wondering in the dark.



Sol-Ark says that when the generator shuts off, the frequency drops out of the 
Sol-Ark range and causes the inverter shut down. 

They suggested we find a way to increase the generator speed to avoid the 
frequency drop at shutdown. This seems like a lame suggestion, since the 
generator has no idea of when the batteries will be satisfied--it only responds 
to the on/off signal from the Sol-Ark. I would think that the unit could be 
programmed to ignore the frequency drop when it sends the shut off signal to 
the generator. The system has an an Ecogen 15kW.



Not having an exercise function is also a miss. As mentioned below, the time of 
use can be used, but one has to go out and play with the programming to check 
the generator.



regards, bill



Bill Hennessy
Berks Solar, LLC
371 Centennial Rd
Mertztown, PA 19539

o 610 682 4300
c 484 560 4666
NABCEP certified installer
PA contractor #44411
www.berkssolar.com







On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, 8:20:57 PM EST, Chris Sparadeo 
 wrote:





Thanks for the suggestion, Jay. 

Yes, the Sol-Ark has a very basic and limited AGS for 2 wire compatible gen 
sets. Gen start can be programmed with voltage or SOC, however gen stop is not 
a function that can not be readily programmed. Instead, the Sol-Ark is 
programmed to charge the battery bank to 90% of  the rated Ah capacity of the 
battery bank before turning off the generator. You can ultimately adjust this 
gen stop parameter to be based on a specific SOC or voltage, but I believe that 
doing so requires a call into tech support. The tech I spoke with updated a 
setting (having to do with a TOU parameter I believe) that was not accessible 
via the system interface. AGS  from Schnieder, Outback and even Magnum are less 
clunky, but I am hoping that Sol-Ark will eventually come out with new 
programming to remediate these minor but nevertheless, important issues




-Chris



On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 3:58 PM Jay  wrote:

Hi Chris



I would install a timer. There are many dry contact dc or ac powered with a 
high degree of programmability. 



A question about the normal function of the AGS. I’ve talked to a few people 
that have mentioned that the ags has its own fuzzy logic, with limited 
programming. And they have had issues with it not turning on or not turning off 



What do you say?



Jay


On Nov 11, 2020, at 10:43 AM, Glenn Burt  wrote:



 I believe the Atkinson GSCM could be used to do this.



-Glenn

Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.





-- Original message--

From: Chris Sparadeo

Date: Wed, Nov 11, 2020 11:16 AM

To: RE-wrenches;

Cc:

Subject:[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle




Hi all,

According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a programmable 
exercise cycle for

its two-wire start function. When paired with a generator like a Generac Ecogen 
(exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured with two wire start) 
this means that the only way to effectively run an exercise cycle on your 
generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if anyone has run into 
this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a bummer 

[RE-wrenches] Legacy Xantrex Central INV firmware

[Nathan J. Stumpff]

Hi all,

I am attempting to get ahold of the following firmware for the Xantrex
GT500:

V151-0134-22

Any help appreciated!
-Nathan
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[RE-wrenches] Looking for Alternative 2-pole Breaker for Square D Homeline

[Gregory Seelhorst]

Obi-Wrench Kenobis -

In Southern CA we are finding it more and more challenging to find reliable
sources of Square D *HOMELINE* 2-pole breakers for Solar Circuit and
Monitoring tie-ins.

Other than buying Homeline Single-Pole Breakers and using Handle-Ties, does
anyone have an alternative or reliable vendor source (online or brick &
mortar), or 2-pole breaker manufacturer accepted by Square D?
I know Eaton says their breakers are 'compatible' ("Notes: Replacement for
Square D Homeline") , but not sure if anyone has sought exceptions by
Schneider or had issues with Inspectors or Electricians for New Home
Construction who don't allow Eaton breakers in their Square D panels.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi5i-f_l_3sAhUKQ60KHRl9AK0QFjABegQIAhAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpe.eaton.com%2Fprint%2FCL220&usg=AOvVaw09s9thehkBFMFpDJvT5J82


Regards,


Greg Seelhorst

Cedar Park, Tx
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Jay]

Hi Bill

In the past I’ve had similar issues with generators/inverters. Usually a relay 
on the output power wires that opens( disconnects) when the stop signal is sent 
works as the frequency doesn’t slowly go down, it drops to 0 instantly. 
I don’t know if it will fix your issue. 

Seems like solark needs to greatly improve their firmware. 

Jay

Peltz power. 





> On Nov 11, 2020, at 8:03 PM, Bill Hennessy  wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi folks--We've also been disappointed with the Sol-Ark two-wire generator 
> start. The unit starts at the charge set point, but the inverter will shut 
> down for about a minute every time the generator stops running. After the 
> minute wait, the inverter restarts and everything is fine. But it is 
> aggravating for the homeowners to be left wondering in the dark.
> 
> Sol-Ark says that when the generator shuts off, the frequency drops out of 
> the Sol-Ark range and causes the inverter shut down. 
> They suggested we find a way to increase the generator speed to avoid the 
> frequency drop at shutdown. This seems like a lame suggestion, since the 
> generator has no idea of when the batteries will be satisfied--it only 
> responds to the on/off signal from the Sol-Ark. I would think that the unit 
> could be programmed to ignore the frequency drop when it sends the shut off 
> signal to the generator. The system has an an Ecogen 15kW.
> 
> Not having an exercise function is also a miss. As mentioned below, the time 
> of use can be used, but one has to go out and play with the programming to 
> check the generator.
> 
> regards, bill
> 
> Bill Hennessy
> Berks Solar, LLC
> 371 Centennial Rd
> Mertztown, PA 19539
> 
> o 610 682 4300
> c 484 560 4666
> NABCEP certified installer
> PA contractor #44411
> www.berkssolar.com
> 
> 
> On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, 8:20:57 PM EST, Chris Sparadeo 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> Thanks for the suggestion, Jay. 
> 
> Yes, the Sol-Ark has a very basic and limited AGS for 2 wire compatible gen 
> sets. Gen start can be programmed with voltage or SOC, however gen stop is 
> not a function that can not be readily programmed. Instead, the Sol-Ark is 
> programmed to charge the battery bank to 90% of  the rated Ah capacity of the 
> battery bank before turning off the generator. You can ultimately adjust this 
> gen stop parameter to be based on a specific SOC or voltage, but I believe 
> that doing so requires a call into tech support. The tech I spoke with 
> updated a setting (having to do with a TOU parameter I believe) that was not 
> accessible via the system interface. AGS  from Schnieder, Outback and even 
> Magnum are less clunky, but I am hoping that Sol-Ark will eventually come out 
> with new programming to remediate these minor but nevertheless, important 
> issues
> 
> -Chris
> 
> On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 3:58 PM Jay  wrote:
> Hi Chris
> 
> I would install a timer. There are many dry contact dc or ac powered with a 
> high degree of programmability. 
> 
> A question about the normal function of the AGS. I’ve talked to a few people 
> that have mentioned that the ags has its own fuzzy logic, with limited 
> programming. And they have had issues with it not turning on or not turning 
> off 
> 
> What do you say?
> 
> Jay
> 
>>> On Nov 11, 2020, at 10:43 AM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> I believe the Atkinson GSCM could be used to do this.
>> 
>> -Glenn
>> Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
>> 
>> -- Original message--
>> From: Chris Sparadeo
>> Date: Wed, Nov 11, 2020 11:16 AM
>> To: RE-wrenches;
>> Cc:
>> Subject:[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle
>> 
>> Hi all,
>> 
>> According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a programmable 
>> exercise cycle for
>> its two-wire start function. When paired with a generator like a Generac 
>> Ecogen (exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured with two 
>> wire start) this means that the only way to effectively run an exercise 
>> cycle on your generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if anyone 
>> has run into this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a bummer and 
>> my first and only negative experience with Sol-Ark thus far. 
>> 
>> Kindly,
>> 
>> Chris Sparadeo 
>> -- 
>> Chris Sparadeo
>> 
>> 
>> C_802-369-4458
>> H_802-728-3059
>> ___
>> 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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>> other:
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