Re: [RE-wrenches] [EXT] Buchanan Crimps in Outdoor Boxes
Adam, I assume it’s a NYSERDA inspector that’s pushing back, correct? We’ve dealt with this issue a number of times, and while I will argue until I’m blue in the face that the code does not consider the inside of a properly installed NEMA 3R enclosure a damp/wet location, NYSERDA has not accepted that argument. To be clear, the Buchanan splice caps and insulators are only rated for dry locations. I’ve heard that NYSERDA has allowed them to be used with dielectric gel applied to the interior of a splice cap insulator, but have not been able to confirm. Best Regards, Isaac Opalinsky | Director, Applications & Technical Support mobile 443-277-6286 | isaac.opalin...@sunpower.com<mailto:isaac.opalin...@sunpower.com> [sp_2014_logo_black_orange_CMYK-01] From: RE-wrenches On Behalf Of AE Solar Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 2:55 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [EXT] [RE-wrenches] Buchanan Crimps in Outdoor Boxes External Email - Use caution when responding, clicking, and/or downloading attachments. Wrenchers, Some point back we transitioned from polaris lugs to buchanan crimps/caps (doping our wires in noalox) for our jbox splices. I know there have been a few conversations on here about this. Seems like a much more robust connection than anything we have used prior. But now we have an inspector who isn't in support of using them for outdoor/damp locations. To be fair (although it seems like a far superior connection) Ideal doesn't have documentation to support outdoor use. I know a lot of folks on here have had solid/long lasting results though. In any event, we may have to transition away from buchanan crimps and wondering what you all recommend as your second (or first) choice? Or if anyone has experience with supporting this application when dealing with inspectors? Do we go back to polaris lugs? I know there was a conversation a while back about failures with those... Thanks for any thoughts. Adam Adam Katzman Autonomous Energies PO Box 1245 Kingston, NY 12402 www.autonomousenergies.com<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.autonomousenergies.com=DwMFaQ=Kv2S0ZicsIm17HTFqYG_Og=RD0lHHgQqAl7xvyDm5AiPkLCedjBloPiZPB0MsAPMCE=_mjHpHDfeE0DA7KJAxQp-6Q_uNnHsFLwm52PqJ_Zugw=TvRw39ewcR48vbSFcdNGGl_zKXV7wLvhwtjdxDX2v_w=> (518) 567-1468 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org 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 There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other: https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] [EXT] Re: Positive grounded inverters for SunPower modules
Don, Have you contacted SunPower Technical Support yet? If you can’t find what you need from third parties, some SMA inverter options might be available directly from SunPower. I’m assuming the original inverters are long out of warranty, but we may have a compatible SMA inverter available for sale. The disconnects and original mounting plates tend to be harder to come by, however. The most important thing to ensure expected performance is that you maintain the positively grounded configuration of the array. Galvanically isolated SMA inverters have proven to be the simplest – reconfigure the jumper and fuse position and then check the voltage and polarity of the array before you recommission. If you have any difficulty finding what you need, please feel free to contact me directly. Best Regards, Isaac Opalinsky | Director, Training & Field Enablement mobile 443-277-6286 | isaac.opalin...@sunpower.com<mailto:isaac.opalin...@sunpower.com> [sp_2014_logo_black_orange_CMYK-01] From: RE-wrenches On Behalf Of Dave Tedeyan Sent: Friday, March 19, 2021 11:55 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [EXT] Re: [RE-wrenches] Positive grounded inverters for SunPower modules External Email - Use caution when responding, clicking, and/or downloading attachments. Hi Don, The Sunny Boy US models are able to be configured for positive ground. I have found some of them here before for replacements: https://you-love-solar.myshopify.com/search?type=product=love+solar<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__you-2Dlove-2Dsolar.myshopify.com_search-3Ftype-3Dproduct-26q-3Dlove-2Bsolar=DwMFaQ=Kv2S0ZicsIm17HTFqYG_Og=RD0lHHgQqAl7xvyDm5AiPkLCedjBloPiZPB0MsAPMCE=YZa1_JcJnr5w9ukcZ-_jjEjuZfKlNmZoR4SnN-PPlgc=3ImlKgJqEu2zowuE_29WWnBMBqRy2vWJy1zCjY6YpAo=> Looks like they even have an old Sunpower one on their front page. Cheers, Dave On Fri, Mar 19, 2021 at 11:41 AM mailto:d...@energysolarnow.com>> wrote: We have several older-than-10-year installs with SunPower positively grounded modules and inverters that have failed. The inverters were branded by SunPower but made by various vendors like PVPowered and Xantrex that aren't around any more. We know if a negative grounded inverter is used with these SunPower modules they gather some parasitic charge that inhibits normal current flow. I have a few used inverters with negative ground that look like they can be modified to positive ground, with the risk there is some internal software that cannot be adjusted. It looks like a Fronius IG can be changed over with a software adjustment that is actually in the manual. What I'm wondering is whether a new ungrounded inverter can be used with these SunPower modules and keep them operating normally. Does anyone have some pertinent experience with this? Thanks Don Barch ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__lists.re-2Dwrenches.org_options.cgi_re-2Dwrenches-2Dre-2Dwrenches.org=DwMFaQ=Kv2S0ZicsIm17HTFqYG_Og=RD0lHHgQqAl7xvyDm5AiPkLCedjBloPiZPB0MsAPMCE=YZa1_JcJnr5w9ukcZ-_jjEjuZfKlNmZoR4SnN-PPlgc=XUmMfBwvnfq_JJg5S_QmbfkyJOZ0iVNqaRtD6MOClfE=> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other: https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.mail-2Darchive.com_re-2Dwrenches-40lists.re-2Dwrenches.org_=DwMFaQ=Kv2S0ZicsIm17HTFqYG_Og=RD0lHHgQqAl7xvyDm5AiPkLCedjBloPiZPB0MsAPMCE=YZa1_JcJnr5w9ukcZ-_jjEjuZfKlNmZoR4SnN-PPlgc=TO7oLGqYWHFRuva45NpKGg-raGKXJ7havz8Ok25w-IM=> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__lists.re-2Dwrenches.org_pipermail_re-2Dwrenches-2Dre-2Dwrenches.org=DwMFaQ=Kv2S0ZicsIm17HTFqYG_Og=RD0lHHgQqAl7xvyDm5AiPkLCedjBloPiZPB0MsAPMCE=YZa1_JcJnr5w9ukcZ-_jjEjuZfKlNmZoR4SnN-PPlgc=axuUXPEkN5TDBpgEIeml8Tbg8kRD739zbfqPVjQadwk=> List rules & etiquette: http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.re-2Dwrenches.org_etiquette.htm=DwMFaQ=Kv2S0ZicsIm17HTFqYG_Og=RD0lHHgQqAl7xvyDm5AiPkLCedjBloPiZPB0MsAPMCE=YZa1_JcJnr5w9ukcZ-_jjEjuZfKlNmZoR4SnN-PPlgc=tNrUOjh9IGSMsw8sv_uo2CE_a8nHnI2nCc0gpXdOSMs=> Check out or update participant bios: http://www.members.re-wrenches.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.members.re-2Dwrenches.org=DwMFaQ=Kv2S0ZicsIm17HTFqYG_Og=RD0lHHgQqAl7xvyDm5AiPkLCedjBloPiZPB0MsAPMCE=YZa1_JcJnr5w9ukcZ-_jjEjuZfKlNmZoR4SnN-PPlgc=KgKKeInUMZknnpN-xb_wjVQio9sWlcaR4NRigQx49FY=> -- Dave Tedeyan, PE [Sungineer Solar] 1653 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 Cell: 607-288-2898
Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunpower monitoring site
Hi David and Matt! Which monitoring platform are you struggling with? There is a legacy platform that is set to be retired at the end of the year – the one we called “SMS” which had the old orange and black theme. It’s being replaced with SunPower Pro Fleet Management, which is available to our dealers now. You should find it’s a lot faster and we’re building new tools into it so it will have the same capabilities as SMS without the lag. It’s also got a much better interface and works on tablets and mobile devices (although it’s not optimized for phones). It also has some significant enhancements such as remote command functions that had previously been only available to technical support or when on site doing commissioning. Contact me offline if you need instructions or help getting access. Best Regards, Isaac Opalinsky | Director, Training & Field Enablement mobile 443-277-6286 | isaac.opalin...@sunpower.com<mailto:isaac.opalin...@sunpower.com> [sp_2014_logo_black_orange_CMYK-01] From: RE-wrenches On Behalf Of Matt Partymiller Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2020 12:59 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [EXT] Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunpower monitoring site External Email - Use caution when responding, clicking, and/or downloading attachments. Same issue for me. Can’t analyze any site lately. It has been that way over a month. From: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>> On Behalf Of Dave Tedeyan Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2020 10:36 AM To: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Sunpower monitoring site To the other Sunpower dealers out there, Is anyone else having issues with Sunpower's partner monitoring portal? I log in, it takes a couple minutes before I can even view a site, and once I do I can barely get to a new view before I get logged out again. I know that they have a new monitoring site, but that one seems to be almost as slow, and give only basic system information. I am curious if others are having success monitoring their Sunpower systems, or if people are having similar issues. Cheers, Dave Dave Tedeyan, PE Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC [https://www.taitem.com/signatures/logo.png] 110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850 o. 607.277.1118 x121 f. 607.277.2119 www.taitem.com<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.taitem.com=DwMGaQ=Kv2S0ZicsIm17HTFqYG_Og=RD0lHHgQqAl7xvyDm5AiPkLCedjBloPiZPB0MsAPMCE=HPRpZJ-YO_etYh3a-Ila3hvxXQZkBmXHliHK60NYWPk=orgzmz8BCjaTf8chgKEjhTDywjzbdQNyCSQi3BYwwFk=> Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design Certified B-Corporation since 2013 ___ 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 There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other: https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] [EXT] SunPower Monitoring Setup
Jason, Please contact me offline, and we can help you out. Best Regards, Isaac Opalinsky | Senior Manager, Training & Field Enablement office 443-569-3476 | mobile 443-277-6286 | isaac.opalin...@sunpower.com<mailto:isaac.opalin...@sunpower.com> [sp_2014_logo_black_orange_CMYK-01] From: RE-wrenches On Behalf Of Jason Szumlanski Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:46 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [EXT] [RE-wrenches] SunPower Monitoring Setup External Email - Use caution when responding, clicking, and/or downloading attachments. Is there any way for a consumer (non-SunPower Dealer) with a PV Supervisor 6 to set up a monitoring account? I have a client with SunPower AC modules (Enphase IQ7X version) purchased "elsewhere" that just needs monitoring set up. If I can't get access to the dealer portal or have one of you esteemed Wrenches with SunPower credentials help me out, it seems like my only option would be to install an IQ Envoy and do monitoring through Enlighten. That's an expensive option since the client already has paid for a PV Supervisor from SunPower. I guess the other question is whether Enphase has the IQ7X serial numbers on lockdown or if the Envoy will detect the microinverters and work as expected. I would rather go the SunPower monitoring route. I have all of the details ready to go and the system has been tested on the local interface with everything working perfectly. Any advice or direct help (contact me off-list) would be greatly appreciated. Jason Szumlanski Florida Solar Design Group [https://mailtrack.io/trace/mail/555f357b57ac733356f43aa17e84b9d0f510c6db.png?u=1613865] ___ 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] NRTL certification question
Allan, OSHA maintains the list of NRTL’s: https://www.osha.gov/dts/otpca/nrtl/nrtllist.html. TUV Rheinland is included, but CE is not a NRTL – it is a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity (literally translated is European Conformity) to European requirements for product conformity. As a manufacturers’ declaration, it is not a third party certification. I’d stay away from products that are CE, and not UL, TUV, CSA, etc. Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Sales 77 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134 | office 443-569-3476 | mobile 443-277-6286 | isaac.opalin...@sunpower.com<mailto:isaac.opalin...@sunpower.com> [sp_2014_logo_black_orange_CMYK-01] IREC Certified Master Instructor | IREC_10055_AM_PV From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan Sindelar Sent: Friday, August 26, 2016 2:56 PM To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: [RE-wrenches] NRTL certification question Wrenches, And now for something completely different... are TUV Rheinland or CE module certifications valid yet in the US? I was called to consult for an off grid client who had purchased 40 250W generic Chinese modules through a friend who got them on Ebay... yeah, right. I got to be the one to tell him that I didn't think his $6,000 purchase ($.60/watt) could be used in a permitted/inspected system, as the modules lacked the proper NRTL certification on the label. I sure hope for his sake that I'm wrong, and I said I would ask here. These are Qunsheng New Energy, model QS-250P. No UL, ETL, CSA certification, just the ones above plus ISO. Where can one find a list of NRTLs? Thank you, Allan -- Allan Sindelar al...@sindelarsolar.com<mailto:al...@sindelarsolar.com> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc. 505 780-2738 cell ___ 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] multiple points of grid connection and the opposite end of the bus rule
Al, Will you be relying on the 120% rule for your interconnection (i.e., do you anticipate exceeding the ampacity of the conductors you’re connecting to?)? If not, you don’t have to worry about going to the opposite end of the busbar. If you’re on the 2014 NEC, the feeder taps rules for inverters are clarified a bit at 705.12(D)(2). The way I read it, you can either make sure the feeder is sized for both the primary OCP and the inverter -OR- you can verify that the OCP on the load side of the tap doesn’t exceed the feeder ampacity. This would mean that the interconnection can basically be sized to the feeder ampacity. Other than that, I don’t see any other issues other than making sure you treat each interconnection as a separate “system”, which would include disconnect, labeling and directory requirements. Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Trainer | SunPower Corporation Desk 443-569-3476 | Cell 443-277-6286 On Wed, Oct 22, 2014 at 9:15 AM, Allen Frishman amfr...@aeonsolar.commailto:amfr...@aeonsolar.com wrote: Wrenchers, I am working on a multi building complex that is part of a isolated grid (multiple buildings are fed from one central building).All of the power from the utility enters one central building via a 4000AS/4000AF Service Switch. The 4000A Service switch feeds a 3 section cabinet with (5) fused switches per section.The fused switches in each of these sections then feed a different building in the complex.My plan is to install a solar array with inverters on each of these buildings and grid connect to the conductors at the individual building entrances. The majority if not all of the solar power will feed directly into the building that the array is located on however since the point of solar grid connection is to the conductors feeding the building that originate in the central buildings switch gear I am trying to get my head around the need to comply with the opposite side of the bus rule in the 3 sections located in the central building. I am hoping I am missing a rule in the NEC that will allow the multiple grid connections described to connect to all of the fused switch positions in the central buildings switch gear. All feedback is appreciated. Al Frishman AeonSolar (917) 699-6641tel:%28917%29%20699-6641 - cell (888) 460-2867tel:%2%29%20460-2867 www.aeonsolar.comhttp://www.aeonsolar.com/ ___ 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] TL inverter with long DC Feeder
William, What is your string configuration? The SMA TL inverters have a very low operating voltage window, going down to 125 Vdc, but you still have the issue of the disconnect. [cid:image001.png@01CFE248.3F9A1920] Have you looked at ABB’s (PowerOne) TL inverters: http://www.abb.us/product/us/9AAC179447.aspx?country=US? They can be programmed to operate down to 90 Vdc, and they give you the ability to combine upstream and have the 2 MPPT’s operate as one, allowing you to combine outside of the inverter and bring a single set of PV output conductors to the inverter’s DC disconnect: Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Trainer | SunPower Corporation Desk 443-569-3476 | Cell 443-277-6286 From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of William Miller Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2014 12:01 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] TL inverter with long DC Feeder Friends: If only an SMA would work here. But DC volts too low. We are using Solectria PVI5200TLS. We do not use PV wire. We transition to THWN-2 in conduit immediately. William Miller Solar On Oct 6, 2014, at 8:30 PM, Chris Mason cometenergysyst...@gmail.commailto:cometenergysyst...@gmail.com wrote: I presumed SMA TL series. On Mon, Oct 6, 2014 at 10:02 PM, Jerry Shafer jerrysgarag...@gmail.commailto:jerrysgarag...@gmail.com wrote: As i read the thread you say TL which TL SMA, AE ect. They have defferent dc input designs On Oct 6, 2014 12:21 PM, jay peltz j...@asis.commailto:j...@asis.com wrote: I do believe the outback and midnite combiners have a lock hole to prevent exactly your concern. unauthorized access. jay peltz power On Oct 6, 2014, at 11:40 AM, William Miller wrote: Wrenches: We are getting up to speed on using transformer-less inverters. I have advocated long for the additional safety offered by these inverters but I am realizing the trade-offs with the new technology: The implementation gets more complicated with the requirement for PV wire, OCPD and disconnecting means for plus and minus and plus providing Arc Flash rated equipment. I am currently designing a system that will locate the PV about 400 feet from the residence. The system will utilize 2 Solectria 5200 watt inverters at the residence. I would like to provide disconnecting means for the 4 strings at the array, in case of any needed service or excavating. Preferably I’d like the disconnecting means to be deployable by a lay person (i.e. the gardener). Finding an 8 pole, arc flash, 600 VDC rated disconnect is not easy. I could install an Outback 8 circuit combiner with 8 touch-safe fuse holders. The new combiners have had dead-fronts for a while now. The gardener needs only to have a Philips screw driver to open this cover. Any better ideas out there? Thanks, William image002.jpg Lic 773985 millersolar.comhttp://www.millersolar.com/ 805-438-5600tel:805-438-5600 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.orgmailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htmhttp://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.orghttp://www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.orgmailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htmhttp://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.orghttp://www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.orgmailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htmhttp://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.orghttp://www.members.re-wrenches.org -- Chris Mason NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™ Solar Design Engineer Generac Generators Industrial technician www.cometsolar.comhttp://www.cometenergysystems.com 264.235.5670 869.662.5670 Skype: netconcepts ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re
Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverters Maximum Input Ratings
Jason, This seems to be a regular topic of discussion in our training classes not only for microinverters, but also for string inverters. Especially for 3.8 kW units that are optimal for backfeeding 100A service panels and 7.6 kW units that are optimal for 200A panels. A slightly bigger array can give a higher total yield, maybe some power clipping, without the additional cost of a supply-side connection. As long as you stay below the maximum VOC and ISC, there isn’t a safety issue. So it really just boils down to economics and the overall value proposition for the customer, which makes it hard to provide a blanket recommendation. We’ve been training people for years to model PV system performance to determine an acceptable DC/AC ratio on a project-by-project basis. The inverter manufacturers pretty much all claim that there is no concern about overworking or shortening the useful life of their inverters since limiting operating power limits the operating temperature as well, but that leaves me with two questions: 1. Does anyone have any evidence that high DC/AC ratios does/does not shorten the life of the inverter? 2. If there is a small amount of power clipping (say 1% total annual energy), are many customers likely to notice/care? 3. If they do notice, does the customer service aspect of having to defend a design decision outweigh the potential economic benefits of a smaller inverter? Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Trainer | SunPower Corporation Desk 443-569-3476 | Cell 443-277-6286 From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jason Szumlanski Sent: Monday, August 25, 2014 4:41 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Inverters Maximum Input Ratings I had a tough customer recently that grilled me on how we can put a 270W solar module on a 215W inverter. Fortunately, Enphase has a wonderful white paper on the subject. However, it got me thinking... Enphase has demonstrated that higher output panels in many climates (hot SW Florida included) can benefit from modules that far exceed the inverter rating, and even exceed the inverter's recommended input rating. Enphase has shown that 270W+ modules can show energy harvest on the M215 where it makes sense to oversize the module. I also received a similar query from a rather uninformed plan reviewer in an area AHJ along similar lines. Fortunately I was within the recommended input rating on the spec sheet of 270W with a 265W module, but I wonder what would happen if I had paired the M215 with a 280W module on my plans, which are becoming readily available now in 60 cell modules with 300W modules on the near horizon. I'm pretty sure my plan would have been kicked back for exceeding the manufacturer's recommendation. My question, which applies to string inverters and microinverters, is how much is too much, what would happen if you paired an array that far exceeded the rating, and how do inverter manufacturers determine the recommended and/or maximum rating of the connected module or array? Also, why do some manufacturers have a simple recommendation while others have a maximum rating? Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar ___ 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverters Maximum Input Ratings
Marco, here’s a scenario – a bit theoretical, but I’m curious to get your input since you’ve been active on this topic for a while (I’m assuming the values below are reasonably accurate – I haven’t looked at the datasheets for a while): ABB 300’s Enphase 215 Max Power 300 225 Max Current 1.25 .94 Inverters/Circuit 12 17 kW/Circuit (based on 270W modules) 3.24 4.59 If I have a 100A residential panel with a 100A main, I am limited to backfeeding a single 20A circuit or doing a supply side connection. If I got 1500kWh/kW with ABB and 1450 kWh/kW (3% energy loss due to clipping) with Enphase, would it be worth avoiding the supply side connection? What if I get 1472 kWh/kW? Where would you draw the line. Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Trainer | SunPower Corporation Desk 443-569-3476 | Cell 443-277-6286 From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco Mangelsdorf Sent: Monday, August 25, 2014 11:11 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [RE-wrenches] Inverters Maximum Input Ratings Look, guys, what’s beyond dispute is that when we size the solar array higher than the nameplate inverter output, there will be clipping that takes place….i.e., harvestable solar power that goes nowhere. The higher that oversize percentage, the more clipping will take place. If the design choice, as noted below, is to use a 270-watt module (from a manufacturer that learned last week that a recall notice was published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/SolarWorld-Recalls-Solar-Systems-with-Copper-Grounding-Lugs/ ), does it make sense to use a micro inverter that has a max output of about 225 watts (M215) or 250 watts (M250) when there are micros (e.g., ABB 300) that can handle the full output of the 270 which guarantees NO clipping? marco From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jerry Shafer Sent: Monday, August 25, 2014 8:00 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverters Maximum Input Ratings Why dont you use the m250 anyway as the 250's so far are more reliable then the 215 have been. A little off topic i know. On Aug 25, 2014 1:41 PM, Jason Szumlanski ja...@fafcosolar.commailto:ja...@fafcosolar.com wrote: I had a tough customer recently that grilled me on how we can put a 270W solar module on a 215W inverter. Fortunately, Enphase has a wonderful white paper on the subject. However, it got me thinking... Enphase has demonstrated that higher output panels in many climates (hot SW Florida included) can benefit from modules that far exceed the inverter rating, and even exceed the inverter's recommended input rating. Enphase has shown that 270W+ modules can show energy harvest on the M215 where it makes sense to oversize the module. I also received a similar query from a rather uninformed plan reviewer in an area AHJ along similar lines. Fortunately I was within the recommended input rating on the spec sheet of 270W with a 265W module, but I wonder what would happen if I had paired the M215 with a 280W module on my plans, which are becoming readily available now in 60 cell modules with 300W modules on the near horizon. I'm pretty sure my plan would have been kicked back for exceeding the manufacturer's recommendation. My question, which applies to string inverters and microinverters, is how much is too much, what would happen if you paired an array that far exceeded the rating, and how do inverter manufacturers determine the recommended and/or maximum rating of the connected module or array? Also, why do some manufacturers have a simple recommendation while others have a maximum rating? Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.orgmailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htmhttp://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.orghttp://www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunpower off grid?
Ray, Please contact me off list to verify for these specific. If you have the exact model number or a picture of the nameplate, I can help you verify whether they need to be positively grounded or not. Most modules produced after 2012 can be installed in positive or negative grounded configurations, or in ungrounded configurations, and most of these modules will have the statement Suitable for ungrounded, positive or negative grounded DC systems on the module nameplate. But especially if your customer got this product from an unauthorized source, you should verify. As a rule, and going forward, there are no restrictions on grounding configurations with SunPower modules, and I don't think it's any big secret that SunPower is now one of many companies getting into energy management and backup power solutions. While it might not be very easy to design with our modules for 12, 24 or 48V systems without a relatively high voltage MPPT controller, I haven't encountered any complications with the higher voltage controllers or AC coupling, of course. Cheers, Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Trainer | SunPower Corporation Desk 443-569-3476 | Cell 443-277-6286 -Original Message- From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2014 12:47 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Sunpower off grid? Greetings fellow Wrenches; I have a customer that just purchased some Sunpower E20 -435 modules somehow from Ebay, and wants me to design a backup power system for him. This system would be battery based and not be grid tied. SO the question is: has Sunpower put to rest the positive grounding issue with these modules? I would want to either use a negative ground system or go ungrounded, as the charge controllers and battery based inverter do not play well with a positive grounded system. My idea is that I could run these modules at lower voltage, either all in parallel (85.6 Voc) or 2 in series (191 Voc) with Midnite Classic controllers, and that the whole surface polarization issue will be minimized at these lower voltages. I know this came up before, and Sunpower basically said they would revoke their warranty for any battery based systems, (which is why I'm no longer a Sunpower dealer :) Don't the newer Sunpower modules no longer need positive ground, and if so, which models is this true for? In this case, the warranty is already suspect, so that's not an issue. It just has to work safely. Thanks in advance for your help, -- R.Ray Walters CTO, Solarray, Inc Nabcep Certified PV Installer, Licensed Master Electrician Solar Design Engineer 303 505-8760 ___ 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Combining Multiple Inverters
Jason, I agree completely. I'm curious which inverters you plan to use and I'm interested to see the cost benefit. There is so much stuff in a PV installation, and not all of it contributes directly to safety and serviceability. Especially now that we are seeing rooftop 1000V string inverters, it would be good to see solutions that simplify installation, reduce points of maintenance, reduce cost and maintain or increase safety. Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Trainer | More Energy. For Life. Desk 443-277-6286 | Cell 443-277-6286 Original message From: Jason Szumlanski Date:06/26/2014 9:10 AM (GMT-05:00) To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Combining Multiple Inverters 705.12(D) reads, ... the interconnection provisions for the utility-interactive inverter(s) shall comply with (D)(1) through (D)(7). That's inverters - plural. The interconnection must be protected by dedicated OCPD, not each inverter individually. Microinverters comply because of this interpretation. That said, I've never done it. An accumulator panel is pretty cost effective when you consider the alternative cost of an enclosure and the Polaris connectors. I guess if you are making the Polaris connections inside the main load center or inside an inverter you can eliminate the cost of a dedicated enclosure. There would be some material and labor savings. If the inverter has a maximum OCPD rating, you will be limited by that. Microinverters get around that by the wire and inverter being sized/rated for the entire maximum string. Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar On Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 10:40 PM, Isaac Opalinsky david.opalin...@sunpower.commailto:david.opalin...@sunpower.com wrote: Then how do we install microinverters? 705.12(D)(1) says OCPD for each inverter is required at the point of interconnection with distribution equipment. But as long as the conductors are sized to the OCPD, we follow the branch-circuit/feeder tap rules, and the inverter’s maximum OCPD limit is not exceeded, what is the issue? I’m assuming the inverter’s maximum OCPD is usually the limiting factor, but I’ve been intrigued by the fact that the ABB TRIO has an option for AC OCPD in the inverter – it seems like there must be a cost-effective solution for tapping a trunk cable with a string inverter just as we do with microinverters. Has anyone tried this? Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Trainer | SunPower Corporation Desk 443-569-3476tel:443-569-3476 | Cell 443-277-6286tel:443-277-6286 From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.orgmailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Glenn Burt Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 10:19 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Combining Multiple Inverters Code requires OCPD on the output of each inverter, so not sure where the savings would be.. From: Corey Shalanskimailto:cshalan...@joule-energy.com Sent: 6/25/2014 21:19 To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.orgmailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] Combining Multiple Inverters I am curious about best practices for combining the output of multiple inverters: * We are considering using an insulated tap Polaris/Burndy connector in lieu of a solar accumulation panel. We would then run the output of this tap connector through a fused disconnect and on to the interconnection. Does anyone else do this? * In the above scenario, how should we size the wire between each inverter's output and the tap connector? Since there is no OCPD on this wire, would we have to use the same wire gauge as the combined output? or can we get away with sizing each wire according to its associated inverter output rating? -- Corey Shalanski Joule Energy New Orleans, LA [http://portal.mxlogic.com/images/transparent.gif]ᐧ ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.orgmailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htmhttp://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.orghttp://www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Combining Multiple Inverters
Then how do we install microinverters? 705.12(D)(1) says OCPD for each inverter is required at the point of interconnection with distribution equipment. But as long as the conductors are sized to the OCPD, we follow the branch-circuit/feeder tap rules, and the inverter’s maximum OCPD limit is not exceeded, what is the issue? I’m assuming the inverter’s maximum OCPD is usually the limiting factor, but I’ve been intrigued by the fact that the ABB TRIO has an option for AC OCPD in the inverter – it seems like there must be a cost-effective solution for tapping a trunk cable with a string inverter just as we do with microinverters. Has anyone tried this? Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Trainer | SunPower Corporation Desk 443-569-3476 | Cell 443-277-6286 From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Glenn Burt Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 10:19 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Combining Multiple Inverters Code requires OCPD on the output of each inverter, so not sure where the savings would be.. From: Corey Shalanskimailto:cshalan...@joule-energy.com Sent: 6/25/2014 21:19 To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.orgmailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] Combining Multiple Inverters I am curious about best practices for combining the output of multiple inverters: * We are considering using an insulated tap Polaris/Burndy connector in lieu of a solar accumulation panel. We would then run the output of this tap connector through a fused disconnect and on to the interconnection. Does anyone else do this? * In the above scenario, how should we size the wire between each inverter's output and the tap connector? Since there is no OCPD on this wire, would we have to use the same wire gauge as the combined output? or can we get away with sizing each wire according to its associated inverter output rating? -- Corey Shalanski Joule Energy New Orleans, LA [http://portal.mxlogic.com/images/transparent.gif]ᐧ ___ 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 2014 690.12 Rapid Shutdown
Does Midnite’s Birdhouse or any combiner solutions meet the requirement to achieve 30V, 240 kVA within 10 seconds? I’ve never seen a string inverter’s DC input terminals drop that quickly, and I’m especially curious to know how the string inverter manufacturers are going to cope with this, or if Midnite has anything to help deenergize the capacitors. Interesting to note that 690.12 doesn’t state where the rapid shutdown should be initiated from, or how many steps could be required. Could we use one disconnect to disconnect the conductors from the capacitors (i.e., at the inverter) and another to disconnect the conductors from the array (i.e., at the array)? Doesn’t seem very “rapid”, but 690.12 isn’t very specific. Isaac Opalinsky SunPower Corporation ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address 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] Fronius Installer Support Sucks- but who else?
How have you found the range of the Bluetooth? Have you had flexibility with the relative location of the inverter/monitoring components? Isaac Opalinsky | Technical Trainer | SunPower Corporation Desk 443-569-3476 | Cell 443-277-6286 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address 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] transformerless inverters and conductor colors
Check out the print legend at the bottom of the datasheet; it should always say PHOTOVOLTAIC WIRE, and may also have other markings like USE-2 and RHW-2. PV Wire should be listed to UL 4703, which is the outline of investigation for PV Wire: http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/outscope/outscope.asp?fn=4703.html. Isaac Opalinsky ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address 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] Power Panel hybrid PV/thermal
I don't know anything about this company, but beware the phrase Certifications Pending followed by a low resolution image of a UL mark. Isaac Opalinsky Technical Trainer SunPowerCorporation ___ 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] Disconnect BOTH positive and negative conductors from array?!?
Bob, The problem with switching both conductors (in a normally grounded array) is that opening the disconnect removes the bond to ground. This takes the ground fault protection and detection system out of the scheme (which would at least have operated with the disconnect open on the normally ungrounded conductor). An inspector should appreciate the value of maintaining the functionality of the ground fault protection system. 690.13 makes this clear, by allowing the grounded conductor to be disconnected by service personnel. Isaac Opalinsky ___ 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] Disconnect BOTH positive and negative conductors from array?!?
Disconnecting a normally grounded conductor would defeat the purpose of ground fault protection and detection. If there is anything an inspector should respect, it is ground fault protection (and 690.13). Isaac Opalinsky ___ 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] SunPower ACPV E18/225W Module with S-5-PV Clamps
Jason, Will you be doing a direct mount to S-5!, or will you use rails? If using rails, there should be no significant difference from using ACPV on a shingle roof with rails. If doing a direct mount, I imagine it would be a lot like using ACPV with Smart Mount, which attaches directly to the roof decking. Wire management is the main challenge; with both Smart Mount and S-5! direct mount, you have very little clearance below the modules. The receptacle is designed to mount below the frame of the modules, and you will have little clearance to pull out any remaining slack. Additionally, you will need to make sure that the receptacle brackets to not conflict with any seams. It's been a while since I've done an S-5! direct mount, but I seem to recall having less than an inch between the bottom of a module frame and the top of the seam; this will not be enough to support the receptacle. You may need to plan the module placement very carefully to avoid this issue. Please contact me off line at isaac.opalin...@sunpowercorp.com if you want to talk about your specific application and how to make it work. Regards, Isaac Opalinsky Technical Trainer SunPower Message: 2 Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 15:56:41 -0400 From: Jason Szumlanski ja...@fafcosolar.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] SunPower ACPV E18/225W Module with S-5-PV Clamps Message-ID: CAJJtG3r1uv5Q4U3KrNfeFv=_ph6f6k7gj2qcoapugf_25kv...@mail.gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Has anyone done this combination yet? Is the inverter and cable system tucked up nicely under the module to allow this to work? Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar ___ 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] Speaking of outdoor DC lighting...
Andrew, I used to work with Frank Patterson from The Lightup Company: http://thelightupco.com/. He has a bunch of standard fixtures, but can also custom build a lighting package. He's very familiar with the issues around DC LED lighting, like thermal management and stability. You will need fuses, both for the battery and the light. Isaac Opalinsky On Tue, Dec 20, 2011 at 1:26 PM, re-wrenches-requ...@lists.re-wrenches.orgwrote: Send RE-wrenches mailing list submissions to re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.re-wrenches.org/listinfo.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to re-wrenches-requ...@lists.re-wrenches.org You can reach the person managing the list at re-wrenches-ow...@lists.re-wrenches.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than Re: Contents of RE-wrenches digest... When responding to posts within the Digest, be sure to restore the Subject: line to the original, and please edit out any extraneous lines from the quoted message. Today's Topics: 1. Speaking of outdoor DC lighting... (Andrew Truitt) -- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:47:39 -0700 From: Andrew Truitt atru...@gmail.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] Speaking of outdoor DC lighting... Message-ID: caktvxmsotvqbhz45uigudves0nmrb6fshth2l39lncm59r0...@mail.gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ... I am putting together my first small DC lighting system for my backyard shed. It will consist of: [1] 180W Schuco module [1] Morningstar SunLight charge controller [1] Deka AGM 12V, 32Ah battery [1] Trimetric meter And I need to find the right 12V LED flood light(s). Any suggestions? The purpose will be for winter evening b.b.q's and late-night lawn bowling matches in summer. Any other advice for how to execute this installation? Does the SunLight come with fusing or do I need to protect it externally? Happy holidays to all! Andrew Truitt Truitt RE Consulting -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20111219/388aa2bc/attachment.html -- ___ 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 End of RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 4, Issue 409 *** ___ 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] RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 4, Issue 404
Al, I think the issue of putting panels over an array is not simply inadequate ventilation, but also creating a situation where frost might be more likely to form on the inside of the pipe. The way I had it explained to me, the UPC requires vents to go 10 above the roof line, and the Standard Plumbing code also requires that the penetration through the roof be upsized to minimize the impact of frost. I've always worked with plumbers to relocate the vents, which turned out to be easier and less expensive once we had done a few projects together. We used the Studor vents as well, which are a simple solution but require a little more planning I'd love to see if the vents make a hot spot on the panels - maybe they'd help shed snow more quickly. Isaac Opalinsky Message: 1 Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:31:10 -0500 From: Allen Frishman amfr...@aeonsolar.com To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] Vent Pipes under an array? Message-ID: 608da4f3-6859-4447-bfcd-de69e6d61...@aeonsolar.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Wrenchers, My local JHA has recently decided that vents for anything other than fresh air are not allowed under the solar array. The ones that are causing me the biggest problem are the plumbing vent pipes as I have several projects with 10 or more pipes to deal with. Has anyone successfully proven that it is not a health problem to vent under the array since there is plenty of airflow between panels and on all 4 sides of the array? Other than extending the pipes through the array by leaving out panels, are there any other suggestions? My application is flat roofs with raised multiple row arrays (100+ solar panels) All feedback is appreciated. Al Frishman AeonSolar (917) 699-6641 - cell (888) 460-2867 www.aeonsolar.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
