Re: [RE-wrenches] Looking for software platforms

[James Rudolph via RE-wrenches]

Aloha Lou,
Companycam has really helped us grow and become more organized with photos,
checklists, and job-related documents.
Give me a call if you would like to chat. I work mostly in Oahu and would
love to hear from you.

https://companycam.com/features

Mahalo Nui,


James B. Rudolph


Independent Energy

C-39784 ES #10816

NABCEP Certified PV Installer since 2009  #091209-155

C. 808.313.9701













On Sun, Nov 19, 2023 at 10:30 AM Lou Russo via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Aloha All,
>
> We are exploring software platforms to manage service calls (HouseCall
> Pro, Service Titan, etc...) The feature set on these service call related
> platforms seem to be great for that component of our business but we also
> need to manage the full installation side of the business and every growing
> paperwork flow to make sure things don't slip through the cracks. Ideally
> these 2 needs would be met by one platform and allow us to move on from the
> Google Workspace kludge, which has been great up until now. I don't know if
> it is even possible!
>
> I am wondering if you all are currently using any software platforms to
> meet these needs (separately or together)  and what your experience has
> been.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Aloha,
>
> Lou Russo
> Owner
> l...@spreesolarsystems.com
> 808 345 6762
> Spree Solar Systems LLC
> CT-34322
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Hawaii projects

[James Rudolph via RE-wrenches]

Aloha Max,
I operate out of Oahu as well. I do hear good things about this company on
Kauai.

Nathan Wood General Contractor, LLC
1595 Haleukana St.
Kapaa , Hawaii 96766

808.821.9564
https://www.nathanwoodgc.com

Good luck with your projects and let us know if you happen to need any
other help.

Mahalo,

James B. Rudolph


Independent Energy

C-39784 ES #10816

NABCEP Certified PV Installer since 2009  #091209-155

C. 808.313.9701













On Fri, Nov 3, 2023 at 3:24 PM Max Balchowsky via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hi wrenches, i spoke with someone in Hawaii awhile back and i can’t find
> my notes or the email. I have a couple of projects on kauai coming up and
> need to speak with an installer over there.
>
> Thanks,
> Max Balchowsky
> SEE Systems
> 760-403-6810
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Metal Truss Roofs

[James Rudolph via RE-wrenches]

Mahalo for your response Sam. That makes me feel a little better.


James B. Rudolph


Independent Energy

C-39784 ES #10816

NABCEP Certified PV Installer since 2009  #091209-155

C. 808.313.9701













On Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 6:08 AM Sam Haraldson 
wrote:

> James,
>
> I can think of one install I performed in 2017 that was a metal roof over
> metal purlins and we opted to through-bolt the entire array using one
> installer on a ladder inside and another on the roof.  We employed butyl
> mastic and large fender washers to attach a strut frame to the roof, and
> then we installed traditional L-feet and rails atop the strut.  I have zero
> experience working with tile so I don't know what your best methodology is
> there but I can attest that the through-bolting has held up well at that
> site the past five years.
>
> Sincerely,
> Sam Haraldson
>
> [image: OnSite Energy]
> 
>
> SAM HARALDSON
> Field Operations Director
> (406) 551-6135
> 1515 N. Rouse Ave Bozeman, MT 59715
> Locally owned and operated since 2012
> [image: B Corporation]
> 
>
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[RE-wrenches] Metal Truss Roofs

[James Rudolph via RE-wrenches]

Aloha Wrenches,

I have a good for the group. Does anyone know a lag/fastener other than
EJOT that could be used to install PV to a home with metal trusses? To
complicate things the roof is tile and the decking is 1/2" ply.
We do have access to the attic, but in only half the house because of the
cathedral ceilings.  I am thinking of reducing the array size and doing
through bolts that would have to be fastened from inside the attic.
Please let me know if anyone has an idea or solution here.

Good times.


Mahalo in advance.


James B. Rudolph


Independent Energy

C-39784 ES #10816

NABCEP Certified PV Installer since 2009  #091209-155

C. 808.313.9701
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[RE-wrenches] Maui wildfires fundraising

[James Rudolph via RE-wrenches]

Aloha Kakou Wrenches,
Please see this link and info below.
These guys are installing microgrids to help get basic services back online
and even internet/facetime with Starlink. If you can help in any way it
would be greatly appreciated.
My apologies if this is off-topic, but if you spent any time on the islands
you know how special this place and its people are.

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/footprint-project/solar-microgrids-for-maui

Here is some info on this organization:

Footprint Project’s mission is to help build back greener after climate
disasters by mobilizing cleaner energy for communities in crisis. We are a
501(c)(3) non-profit disaster service organization that develops and
deploys solar generator networks to empower community resilience. We work
across the disaster management cycle to expand frontline access to cleaner
technologies and reduce fossil fuel use in the field. Since 2018, we’ve
mobilized solar microgrids to 20+ disaster response and recovery missions,
providing emergency power access to 25,000+ US citizens.

Photo Library

for
this response - photos will be added as we receive them from the field.
Scroll down for updates

Footprint Project's General Capabilities Statement



In response to the devastating Maui wildfires, we are fundraising to deploy
solar microgrids for community charging hubs, lighting, wifi
communications, shelters, refrigeration, lighting, and other critical
energy needs. We are working with on-the-ground relief teams, local solar
installers, and microgrid industry leaders, to power up sites across the
affected area.

All funds will be used to cover equipment procurement, installation, and
maintenance costs.

RESPONSE PARTNERS:

Regenerative Education Centers,  Direct Relief
, ITDRC , SmartAID
, Empowered By Light

INDUSTRY PARTNERS:

Hawaii Solar Energy Association , Sunrun
, Rising Sun
, Schneider
Electric , LONGi
, Greentech
Renewables , Elcco Electric
, Simpliphi Power 
, Sol-Ark , DER Task Force


To join our coalition of response or industry partners, email
logist...@footprintproject.org

---

UPDATE 8/15/2023 - #Microgrids4Maui's first deployment was installed today
at community leader Archie Kalepa's home, which was saved from the
#mauifires thanks to valiant efforts from neighbors and firefighters. The
relief hub is collecting and distributing supplies and providing medical
services for the community. Local installers Rising Sun Solar and Sunrun
set up a palletized solar microgrid to help take the relief hub off gas
generators for the long haul towards recovery. Share on Instagram


UPDATE 8/13/2023 - RisingSun has assembled five palletized solar microgrids
donated by Sunrun, and are prepping for deployment tomorrow.

UPDATE 8/12/2023 - We have committed $30,000 from our emergency fund to
cover rapid equipment procurements and logistics costs.

UPDATE 8/11/2023 - Requests for site power support have started to trickle
in. Meeting them quickly will be challenging.

UPDATE 8/10/2023 - We are mourning today. And calling every solar microgrid
supplier we know to see what's available close by.




Mahalo,





James B. Rudolph


Independent Energy

C-39784 ES #10816

NABCEP Certified PV Installer since 2009  #091209-155

C. 808.313.9701
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Re: [RE-wrenches] IQ Gateway outside straw bale house

[James Rudolph via RE-wrenches]

Drake:
Have a wifi extender on hand to help if needed.


James B. Rudolph


Independent Energy

C-39784 ES #10816

NABCEP Certified PV Installer since 2009  #091209-155

C. 808.313.9701













On Wed, Apr 26, 2023 at 5:58 AM Dan Fink via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Drake; How much chicken wire or other metal mesh is in the strawbale walls
> and stucco? Can you measure wifi signal strength ahead of time with a
> smartphone? Is it possible to hardwire Cat5 from the homeowner's
> router/extender/etc to the WAN port of the IQ Gateway? That is always
> preferable to wifi.
>
> Dan Fink
> Owner, Buckville Energy Consulting LLC
> IREC Certified Instructor for PV and Small Wind Installation
> NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector
> NABCEP PV Associate
> d anbo...@gmail.com
> 970-672-4342
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Apr 26, 2023 at 9:40 AM Drake Chamberlin via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> We are planning to combine Enphase circuits in an IQ combiner box, with
>> enclosed Gateway, on the outside of a straw bale house.
>>
>> Will the WiFi signal penetrate a straw bale and the two layers of stucco
>> the wall is made of?
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>> Drake
>>
>> Drake Chamberlin
>> Athens Electric LLC
>> Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810
>> CO Master Electrician’s License 4526
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
>>
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase ACM to rail mount plate

[James Rudolph via RE-wrenches]

Hey Mac,
If you have rails beneath the module wouldn't it be easier to mount an
inverter there with a bolt that fastens to rail?
William's solution looks great, but I thought to ask because this would be
cheaper and easier to wire.

Have a great day everyone  

James B. Rudolph


Independent Energy

C-39784 ES #10816

NABCEP Certified PV Installer since 2009  #091209-155

C. 808.313.9701













On Thu, Feb 23, 2023 at 7:57 AM Mac Lewis via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hello Wrenches,
>
> We are in the middle of planning for a full solar panel replacement at a
> house with AC modules.  It was a Solaria 355 with an Enphase IQ7+.  Solaria
> is going to replace the modules with a standard module, not an AC module
> (MC4 cabling not an Q Cable to J-box).  This seems OK but the issue is the
> that microinverters don't have an integrated plate to mount to the existing
> rail.
>
> I've talked with Enphase and it doesn't appear that they are willing to
> sell us this mounting flange plate (or it could have been too unusual for
> this particular tech support contact to deal with).  Im sure I can fab up
> something, but curious if anyone has dealt with this?  Or has a good
> contact at enphase that might be able to help with this unusual request.
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> --
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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