[RE-wrenches] Roof-mounted j-box
What's currently your best long-lasting and safe solution/product(s) for transitioning from PV wire to wire in conduit on a residential pitched roof? The system I have in mind is on a 6/12 metal roof, in case that matters. Thanks in advance! Rebecca Lundberg ___ 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-wrenches] What type of solar racking?
I went to see an existing solar installation (in the Colorado Front Range) yesterday that was installed ~2008. It's still working well but homeowner is considering either adding another array or swapping out the 170w modules for something newer to increase his output. It's a very nicely done installation, clean, and in good working order, with Schuco modules. Before proposing that we could swap out modules we need to verify that clamps for new modules could be purchased. This residential roof racking is ROUND rails, about 2-2.5" in diameter. Does anyone have an idea of what brand this might be and if components are still available? Rebecca Lundberg ___ 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] Polaris gone bad?
Eric, I am aware of a similar experience. Knowing the PV will hopefully be in place and without maintenance needs for decades does seem to warrant putting the most robust connector in place. Inverter errors is what first identified the problem. We did question the supplier to see if anyone else was having trouble, thinking perhaps it was a bad batch with some kind of defect? The only thing we could come up with is that perhaps the wrong size screwdriver for securing the wires could cause it. Some brands require an allen wrench (which now makes sense to me) but the brand we had was a straight-head screw. We found that a slightly too big screwdriver worked for the first few turns but then hit the rim inside the insulated connector and wouldn't fully tighten the wire down. IF that were the cause then it was essentially arcing because of a loose connection. However, a pull test on the wire would have discovered a loose connection AND analyzing several of the incidences we saw each seemed to have very tight wire connections, so I'm not convinced this was the problem. Your post is the first I've read of anyone else having this trouble, but I think most installers use wire nuts. Rebecca Lundberg Wrenches, > > We have been having Polaris connectors start to fail on older installs. > About 4 or 5 years ago we abandoned wire nuts in favor of the much more > pricey, but deemed safer Polaris insulated tap connectors in our combiners. > About a year ago we transitioned, about 80% away from Polaris to Buchannon > connectors. We have had two recent call-backs on systems downed due to > Polaris connectors burning up inside of boxes. (No damage beyond the > connector itself). Recently we interfaced with another solar install firm > that has gone back to wire nuts due to this same problem. Anyone else > seeing this? Wondering if this is an industry-wide issue regarding a > Polaris manufacturing defect or if we're still in the realm of isolated > flukes. > > Eric > SunHarvest > (530) 559-5023 > ___ 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] net zero 'ready' home
New politics ASIDE, is anyone else noticing that the DOE continues to really promote 'zero energy ready homes' but is apparently not ready to commit to net zero homes? I find myself persistently frustrated that DOE and builders (and therefore customers) are willing to settle for 'net zero ready' even when net zero is physically and financially feasible and beneficial. We live in a net positive home, including our EV, and it wasn't even that challenging to accomplish. Not sure why that story isn't being told as readily? Rebecca Lundberg Solar Home Builders Colorado, USA ___ 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] micro-inverters
Esteemed wrenches, I'm hoping the experience of this list can help give us a broader perspective on the current market performance and as a secondary concern, tech support (or lack thereof), from solar micro-inverter manufacturers. Are others having much trouble with micro-inverters? We have had repeated issues with several different brands on our systems in Minnesota: - 8 Enphase systems with mostly M210 and M215, have had to repeatedly go back to sites to replace units. The new replacement ones seem to be lasting better (we sure hope they will). Enphase is harder to contact in recent years, but we're happy they at least provide a predictable stipend. Are you also having to replace a lot of this brand of product? Are the newer models holding up better? - We gave a new inverter busbar design concept a try (tenKsolar) and though the micro-inverters were supposed to take turns and be 'redundant,' the ones with APS micro-inverters needed 100% replacement and the ones with Lead Solar micro-inverters have a problem where if one of them fails it appears to send a signal to all the rest so the entire busbar stops working -- in action it's far from redundant. When we purchased the tenKsolar Rais Inverter Bus (RIB) the spec sheet didn't tell us what brand of micro-inverter they would use as the OEM so we couldn't research the viability of the product or company or warranty stipend (or lack there-of) of the micro-inverter OEM. We assumed it was a tenKsolar product and they would provide warranty replacements, service, and tech support, but our experience has been far from that. When something goes wrong tenK says 'it's not our product that's failing' because they don't actually manufacture the micro-inverter (it's an OEM), the micro-inverter company says 'it's not our product' because tenKsolar has it wired and used in a very unique manner specific to the tenKsolar product, so both manufacturers are backing away from any responsibility. A 25-year warranty on the inverter busbar is a great concept but if/when something goes wrong there is no support and no apparent warranty at all except maybe they will send us a new component that needs several hours of work to re-install, so either the installer does the warranty work for free or the customer has a very unexpected expense to get their system back up and running a year or two after it was installed; we think both scenarios are unacceptable (from our installer perspective :-), do any of you have experiences you can share here? I'm wondering if the climate in MN makes us an anomaly. Based on these micro-inverter experiences we feel like the Rapid Shutdown rule has forced us to use dc optimizers on residential applications whether we want to or not -- is that pretty much what all of you are doing too? Rebecca Lundberg ___ 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] Roof harness
It's been awhile since this question has been asked on this list, I'm hoping there's something new out there! Does anybody have a favorite OSHA-compliant safety harness that works well for pitched roofs? I'd be especially interested in one that has a front waist attachment point since working face-up on a steep residential roof is easier than with the attachment between the shoulders. Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Green, MN ___ 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] Access pathways
Dear Solar Colleagues, I know the building code language regarding PV installations providing 3' access pathways was proposed and adopted in several states a few years ago. "*3113.1.2.1 Residential buildings with hip roof layouts.* Panels or modules installed on residential buildings with hip roof layouts shall be located in a manner that provides a 3-foot-wide (914 mm) clear access pathway from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where panels/modules are located. The access pathway shall be located at a location on the building capable of supporting the live load of firefighters accessing the roof." (this is just a partial quote from here https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=1305.3113) This is a newly adopted code addition in MN, and there was absolutely no discussion with the solar industry. In MN we install solar on the south-facing roof as optimal, with perhaps the SE, SW, or even the east- or west-facing roof as possible options, but we almost without exception NEVER would mount solar panels on any roof with an azimuth 270 - 90 degrees (i.e. north of west or north of east). The requirement to leave a 3' walkway on all surfaces will in many cases diminish the amount of available roof surface for a residential solar PV installation to about 40% of previous designs. I see how this safety requirement may be necessary in a state where mounting solar panels on all roof surfaces is an option, but in MN since we can really only mount on the south-facing roof I don't understand how safety for fire fighters is a primary concern with this code addition. My understanding is that if there is another roof surface available, fire fighters would not choose to vent a roof with solar panels even if a 3' walkway is available -- so for what purpose are we avoiding that roof space for a solar installation? Our local folks at the state level either don't understand these details or feel that there must be an overriding reason that this building code language has been adopted in other states. Can any of you give me input, comments, thoughts on this topic that I could contribute here on a local level? Thank you in advance for your comments. Sincerely, Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® *Powerfully Green*® 763.438.1976 Powered by the Sun! ___ 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] Enphase M190 current limiting
Thanks for the reply. I reported it to Enphase but have not heard back yet. Since one of these updates happened 5 months ago I was surprised the manufacturer hadn't notified installers in the interim before they did a more wide spread update, which is why I wrote to this list. I'm not in tech support, but seeing what it did to our inverter back 5 months ago I certainly wouldn't have continued the 'upgrade' and pushed that firmware update to the rest of the units! I think most people didn't notice so they just went ahead. I know MN temperatures are more extreme than other parts of the country so perhaps we've seen more failures than others have. But this site with 8 M190s was doing just fine before the 'update.' Rebecca > > From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On > Behalf Of Louis Woofenden > Sent: Wednesday, 03 February, 2016 11:48 > To: RE-wrenches > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase M190 current limiting > > > Hi Rebecca and all, > > We're experiencing the same thing on several M190 sites, though not all. > Interestingly, M190s that have been replaced are not having the same > problem. > > According to Enphase, it is a software problem. My understanding is that > they are rolling back software updates on affected devices to solve the > problem, but I'm not clear on the exact order that will happen. > > Not sure if being a squeaky wheel on particular systems is going to hurt > or help. Kind of disappointing that they didn't properly beta test any > software updates on all types of microinverter devices before rolling them > out to all customers. Seems like that would be common sense. > > Best, > Louis > > -- > > Louis Woofenden > Engineering Director > Net Zero Solar, LLC > 101. W. 5th St., Tucson, AZ 85705 > Arizona ROC #248710, 259756, 259521 > > Phone: 520.207.4053 Ex. 2 > > Cell: 520.237.5040 > Fax: 520.203.7230 > > NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional? > NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer? > > > > Luke Christy wrote: > > > > Hi Rebecca, > > After you posted this I looked at the power production history for several > of our Enphase sites with M190s, and the same thing is happening. Inverter > output is being clipped at 140W across the board. > > This seems like a pretty big deal in terms of potential lost production > for a lot of users. > > > > Have you brought this up with Enphase? > > > > -Luke > > > > > > NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional?: Certification #031409-25 > NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer?: Certification #ST032611-03 > CoSEIA Certified PV Installer > > Solar Gain Services, LLC > PO Box 531 > Monte Vista, CO 81144 > sgsrenewab...@gmail.com > 719.588.3044 > www.sgsrenewables.com <http://www.sgsrenewables.com/> > > > On Jan 31, 2016, at 21:08, Rebecca Lundberg < > rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com> wrote: > > I just noticed that several of our sites with Enphase M190s are current > limiting at 140 watts. These units used to clip at 199 watts so I feel like > our customers just lost a potential 30% of their power output. It appears > to be related to a firmware update 520-8-r01-v01.08.00. We've got one > site with just 8 units, 1 of them got this firmware update back in > September and has been limiting to 140w since then, 5 of them got this > update in late January and have been limiting to 140w since then, the other > two are at a previous firmware version and are performing as we would > expect up to 199w. Have any of you noticed this same thing? Do you know > what this is about? It doesn't feel very fair on the user end of things. > > Sincerely, > > > Rebecca Lundberg > Powerfully Gree > > ? n? > > Minnesota > > > > ___ > 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 > > > > > -- > -- > > Louis Woofenden > Engineering Director > Net Zero Solar, LLC > 101. W. 5th St., Tucson, AZ 85705 > Arizona ROC #248710, 259756, 259521 > > Phone: 520.207.4053 Ex. 2 > > Cell: 520.237.5040 > Fax: 520.203.7230 > > NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional? > NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer? > > > > --
[RE-wrenches] Enphase M190 current limiting
I just noticed that several of our sites with Enphase M190s are current limiting at 140 watts. These units used to clip at 199 watts so I feel like our customers just lost a potential 30% of their power output. It appears to be related to a firmware update 520-8-r01-v01.08.00. We've got one site with just 8 units, 1 of them got this firmware update back in September and has been limiting to 140w since then, 5 of them got this update in late January and have been limiting to 140w since then, the other two are at a previous firmware version and are performing as we would expect up to 199w. Have any of you noticed this same thing? Do you know what this is about? It doesn't feel very fair on the user end of things. Sincerely, Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Gree n Minnesota ___ 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] co-op rules
Jesse, This would be against current MN state law. Who were you talking to? They can say whatever they want, but that doesn't make it true. No utilities in MN are exempt from net-metering, and except for when you are trying to access a rare incentive program, you can install up to a 40 kW system with no limitations on size. Many in our local solar industry are working together to make sure utilities don't dissuade customers or try to enforce rules that go beyond what state law allows. The State Dept of Commerce and MnSEIA are compiling many complaints similar to this, so we can work together to combat this sort of thing. I would encourage you to be in communication with both of these entities. Sincerely, Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/President *Powerfully Green*® 763.438.1976 | rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com Powered by the Sun! -- Message: 1 Date: Sat, 1 Aug 2015 10:48:26 -0500 From: Solar dahlso...@gmail.com To: Wrenches RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] co-op rules. Message-ID: 245cd51b-1e2a-4835-a4e3-296046f49...@gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hello all, I was at a get together lastnight and was taking to one of the higher ups at my electrical co-op. He informed me that effective now they will not allow any member to interconnect a renewable energy system that has the potential to create more than 50% of their monthly electrical usage. Are any of you seeing a similar rule? He told me everyone is going to this now. Jesse Sent from my iPhone ___ 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] AC modules O M challenges
Does anyone else have installations of the AUO/BenQ AC modules in the field? If not, do you have other brand installations of AC modules with SolarBridge microinverters? We have a site in MN that has modules installed in 2011, and a phase two in 2013. The overall performance is exceptional. However, we have had many inverters (9 at most recent count) at this residential site fail, and it does not seem to be slowing down. Our customer is notably concerned about the long term scenario for his product, because we are doing the O and M on good will and we won't be doing this forever. I do not need a lecture on O and M and residential customer service, I choose highest quality products and understand the expected risk involved (we do not do battery systems). But this product is proving to be more challenging than any others, and the manufacturer (when they respond) says nobody else has any issues, we are an anomoly.. We are receiving RMA units but not a stipend for replacement (and the site is 45 minutes away). BenQ said they would replace the entire unit, but they are really sending a new microinverter and we have to replace that on the roof. The screws and attachments were not designed to be used more than once... BenQ says they have a stipend for replacement, but realistically we have not received it after years of this repair stuff and invoices being sent, etc. At first our BenQ rep was very responsive. Recently I send four or five emails and get no response. At one point the BenQ rep copied the SunPower tech support person in the response (because SolarBridge sold to SunPower) but I have not heard a word from them either. Does anyone know how these companies are doing? We chose a product that appeared to have bankable companies behind them even if they were a bit new to solar, but right now BenQ, AUO, and SunPower have all been silent for many weeks. Most recently I replaced three microinveters at the site but a return label for the box was not included. I emailed and emailed and emailed and called, asking if they wanted the units back so they could test them and try to figure out what is going wrong, but have received NO response from anyone. I was told that there are no problems on any other site but mine. Sure, maybe MN winter is different from CA, but there must be others experiencing something like this. I would welcome any input. Sincerely, Rebecca Lundberg CEO, Powerfully Green (MN) -- Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/President *Powerfully Green*® 763.438.1976 | rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com Powered by the Sun! ___ 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] warranty exclusions
Recent experiences with field failures as well as new manufacturers (with no prior experience) coming to town because of a local incentive have made me look more closely at the manufacturer's printed warranties. I am curious what you think of these two warranty exclusions -- ( Excerpt from a module manufacturer's warranty quoted here: ) The Limited Warranties do not apply to any of the following: - Damage caused by nonuniform sunlight on the PV modules produced by artificially concentrating sunlight or excessive shading of the PV modules. - Product which has been moved from its original place of installation (including but not limited to any installation, application, repair, servicing, or temporary removal) by any party not authorized in writing by ...(manufacturer's name removed) ( End of quote. ) In the first item above I understand the part about concentrating sunlight, but the product is not warrantied if the manufacturer deems the site unsuitable because of shading? Of course we try to put modules in full sun, but what is excessive? Shading from a dormer? A higher roof shading a lower roof part of the day? Uneven snowshed? (This would also stress bipass diodes, but is of course out of our control) The second item would imply that removing and reinstalling the array for a re-roof would void warranty unless we got an authorization in writing from the manufacturer? Not that the manufacturer would necessarily know, but still. Do these seem odd to you? Keep Shining! Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Green ___ 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] Warranty replacements
We are starting to see a fairly steady stream of various solar electronics needing replacement under warranty, including micro-inverters, AC modules (microinverter failing), and even modules with an integrated DC electronic component failing to work from the get go. I work with residential customers and care about doing right by them, and of course they expect that their warrantied part will be replaced at no cost to them, they have already invested a lot in their solar project. Sometimes the manufacturer has a stipend which at least offsets the cost of gas but does not cover time to travel to the site and do the replacement, but I have recently come across several manufacturers who do not give any stipend at all and I am surprised at that. Replacing a module in the middle of a pitched roof is no small feat, and getting to micro inverters on a steep pitch is always a challenge. As the code requires more safety features down to the module level, I suspect we will see more and more of this, and the electronics are no longer at ground level and easily accessible. What ideas do you have about how to deal with this? Must we have an O and M contract with every customer given current product choices? A similar question relates to a particular module having issues with delamination and failed diodes. We have been called out to several sites where this has caused the inverter to sense a fault, and testing showed the module leaking voltage to ground. Who is responsible for getting the inverter up and running when it clearly stems from the module? I suspect the module manufacturer's warranty legally exempts them from responsibility, but again it is reasonable for the customer to expect a warrantied system to be up and running. Thoughts from the field? Sincerely, Rebecca Lundberg -- Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/President *Powerfully Green*® 763.438.1976 | rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com Powered by the Sun! ___ 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] ground-mounted systems, performance
Hi Jesse, I'm curious about what you are seeing. We've seen better performance than that on arrays with those modules, but don't have module-level monitoring available on any of our systems. Does it look like there is a bipass diode failure with the shattered modules (probably covered under warranty), or was there something like lightning near your ground-mounted system? We have a customer whose home received a direct lightning strike recently (no fire or human injury!), and 100% of the PV system needs to be replaced (except flashing/racking), unfortunately. I thought the delamination issues were only (or mostly) generation 2 modules and only in our state, but wonder if any installers in other places (WA?) are seeing this too? Keep Shining! Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Green Message: 4 Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2014 17:30:02 -0500 From: Solar dahlso...@gmail.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] ground mounted systems Message-ID: 69f1d6ab-a424-4bc9-a1df-9bef5d3c4...@gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii William Miller has some nice ideas on his website regarding protecting circuits. I've used his ideas on one project and the inspector liked it. Silicon Energy makes a module with raceways for output circuits. Their module is expensive comparatively speaking and I've never seen one of their 190W modules produce over 155W (using Tigos to monitor) they've also had some delimitation problems with modules made here in MN and one of my Silicon Energy systems has two modules with the glass shattered on it that I discovered today. Jesse Dahl ___ 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] Publicity rights?
I have come across a new (small) installer taking photos of solar projects that others installed, and promoting them on their web site in their gallery without getting permission or giving any credit to the installer. This seems unethical, and I'd like to be able to point to a law related to this so that my sites are not used in this way. Even if a customer gives this person permission to take a photo of their site, it doesn't make sense that this installer could imply any credit for this project by using it on their web site. Isn't there some kind of law that relates to this? Thanks in advance for your input! Keep Shining! Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/President *Powerfully Green*® 763.438.1976 | rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com Powered by the Sun! ___ 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] SolarBridge tech support
Carl, We have had excellent tech support from Solar Bridge! Try this: tech.supp...@solarbridgetech.com https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/466/ Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Green, MN Message: 2 Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 16:10:59 -0400 From: SwingJunkie swingjun...@gmail.com To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] Solar Bridge technical support contact Message-ID: 9432683d-7ea2-4f0b-aee3-2e9dc2621...@gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hello wrenches Does anyone have a technical support contact At SolarBridge? Cheers Carl -- -- Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com 763-438-1976 ___ 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] Sanyo HIP-200BA3 defect
I just shared this concern with a very knowledgeable rep for Panasonic, and he provided me with the correct phone number for contacting them. 408-861-8424 -- Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com 763-438-1976 ___ 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] AC Modules ready for primetime?
We installed 11.5 kW of the AUO/BenQ AC modules with SolarBridge inverters in November 2011. The system is performing impressively well! We chose this product because the installation includes both south-facing and east-facing roof surfaces, and there are a few trees that have a branch in the way at some times of year. The site is right on the St. Croix River in Minnesota. Initially I was unfamiliar with AUO, but have since learned it is a very bankable company with a long history in the electronics industry. I think they co-own the cell manufacturing plant with Sun Power. At the time the product seemed not quite ready for market, but it's been a full year and they are definitely ready now. SolarBridge was fantastic with their tech support, and they have a new monitoring interface that we saw at SPI 2012, very promising. This customer is having us back in a few weeks to install 3.5 kW more on his west-facing roof, and we're going to add a few to our home/office. I really like that the micro-inverter is intentionally paired with the module, because it removes the potential 'clipping' concern. Keep Shining! Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com 763-438-1976 ___ 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] Module shorting to ground?
I have an array that has been up and running with no problems for 6 months. The array includes 58 Sanyo HIT 220 watt N-Series modules, 13 of which are on Enphase M210 and the rest in strings to (2) Power One transformerless (ungrounded) inverters. This week one of the Power One inverters shows a RISO error, indicating a connection to ground on one of the current carrying conductors. I went out yesterday to look at the array, thinking these were the three potential issues (in descending order of likelihood): - animal damage to the wires (though there are no trees near the house at all) - contractor damage to wires (no work has been done on roof or attic since we were there) - inverter problem I found one inverter input that shows continuity to ground at the DC disconnect (which indicates the inverter is doing just what it is designed to do!). I opened the Soladeck on the roof (which is where the PV output circuit/PV wire is transitioned to wire in conduit run through the house), disconnected the connection, and found the PV output circuit itself shows continuity to ground. I inspected the array carefully, and all wires are strapped securely off of the roof and out of sight, everything looks just as I left it 6 months ago. I've dealt with significant animal damage before and know what to look for. My question: I can lift each of these 8 modules in the string up and check the wires carefully, but outside of that being a hidden cause, is it possible that one of the modules itself is shorting to ground? If so, how do I check that and what else will I need to do to prove that to the distributor for warranty replacement? So far I've used the continuity tone on the volt-meter for testing the short to ground. I have a megger but it is new, so, therefore, is my knowledge of how to use it... Thanks in advance. Keep Shining! Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com 763-438-1976 ___ 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] Silicon Energy rain stops (gaskets)
We have used these a lot for a pergola/carport type application. They do a good job at keeping most of the weather out, though of course there is no promise of waterproof. Tools needed: tin snips and a rubber mallet. Notch the rubber-covered metal part to fit, taking off about 1 on each side but leave the rubber flap full size. Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Green, MN Subject: [RE-wrenches] Silicon Energy rain stops Message-ID: ctphwyppwbuff4v3lbgk81cw.1351120769...@email.android.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Any reviews/suggestions of the rain stops made specifically for Silicon Energy Cascade Modules? Thanks, -- Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com 763-438-1976 ___ 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] Two NEC questions
Dear fellow wrenches, Does anyone have suggestions for the 'best' way to keep up with product availability for meeting 690.11 on DC AFCI? I understand that when this code section was written there was no available device, and know that at least several companies are working on devices. How will I know (before the AHJ knows :-) that residential-scale products are available for purchase, and at what point would you say now should be required over every other option? Second question: I have an inspector insisting that the solar PV system is the same as a utility service, and is requiring all of the required service code references to apply. Anybody have a concise reference that might convince him otherwise? This same inspector has decided that the electrical permit will have adders for each inverter as service equipment, and each module as an electrical device. It would sure be nice if there was more consistency...we're still in the early adopter phase here in Minnesota. Thanks in advance for your input. Keep Shining! Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com 763-438-1976 ___ 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] Whole House Energy Monitor
We have installed a lot of TED systems. We now use E-Gauge, hands down. Easy set up, reasonable cost, great customer service, online access (with no fee), various voltage options, and up to 12 CTs in a system. Can't beat it, honestly, and we rarely install a system without it. Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com 763-438-1976 Hi Folks, I'm wondering who has experience and can recommend a quality whole house energy monitor that has solar monitoring capabilities. I like The Energy Detective (TED), but it uses powerline communication, and we install a lot of Enphase systems these days which use the same communications protocol, so I'm worried about com crosstalk between the two systems. Does anybody have experience with a good monitor? ___ 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] ARRA Compliant PV
The Sunwize web site keeps a nice resource of data sheets for easy reference. I downloaded the Evergreen one and it has logos right on the top that say Made in the USA and ARRA Compliant. If someone needs further proof, I'd think the onus was on them to challenge the manufacturer directly, since the data sheet is provided by them? http://www.sunwize.com/info_center/solar-product-information-center.php Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green rebecca.lundb...@powerfullygreen.com 763-438-1976 ___ 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] PREVENTING Another PV fire
Dear Matt, THANK YOU for the wrenches post on fuses and combiner boxes. This is a perfect example of how your obvious wealth of experience is invaluable to a growing industry; we can learn from one another and be colleagues, while at the same time running our own businesses. I could add more, but really, thank you says it all. Keep Shining! Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green ___ 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] 2011 code changes
Hello Bill and other Wrenches, I have seen comments such as this multiple times over the last few months. Could you please explain how it is allowed for code to require something that is not available? How is this not discouraging to the solar industry? I understand pushing the envelope, but as an installer this type of comment feels like a deal-breaker? Please help me understand how this is going to impact efforts towards increased renewable energy adoption. The 2011 NEC already requires series arc fault detection, which is not currently available nor are there published standards to evaluate them. It is an interesting time with lots of changes currently underway. Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Green, Minnesota ___ 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] Roof anchors and proper rigging
Glenn and Phil, You make some very good clarification points, thanks! 'Caulk' was the wrong term, obviously. But I was shown some clear caulk-like roof-cement(ish) product by an expert roofer recently that is labeled for specific use on asphalt shingle, so even on a light colored roof there is an appropriate (fill in the blank) material to cover the roof anchor holes, no need to think using roof anchors is a problem just because we need to attach them. Glenn, you are absolutely correct and I should have been more clear -- my intention was not to say climbing gear was appropriate or preferable to OSHA-approved roof gear, only that my experience with climbing gear in fixed-ropes scenarios has proved invaluable to me on the roof, as I use those same skills with OSHA-approved gear. I was surprised one time when I had an employee with me on a site assessment, and we were discussing what was a safe way for me to get on the roof. He proposed having me get out on a deck on the east side of the house, attaching to the rope belay, and then 'scooting' over to the south side of the roof. He did not have the faintest idea of how the rope worked as it lay over the roof peak and he belayed on the north side of the house. I couldn't convince him that there would be no anchor for the rope if I pulled it over to the east side, so when putting my body weight on it to 'scootch' I would pull it right off the ridge. In the end I decided he was not a qualified belay and it was not worth the risk, so I took the Pathfinder photo from the lower roof at the eave, and returned later to take additional photos. However, I have researched it and there is no OSHA-approved way to access the roof to put IN the anchor, right? And similarly the site assessment is considered a temporary roof access, like doing a bid for re-roof, and it doesn't make sense to put in roof anchors so we can take a Pathfinder photo. So in those instances it is safer for me to use climbing gear and a qualified belay rather than be unprotected on the roof if the pitch is steep or icy. Also, you make a great point that dynamic 'climbing rope' is not the best choice for roof work, but static line for a site assessment has proven to be helpful. Another clarification, I am the business owner, and when the roof work on a site assessment requires safety gear (i.e. not an OSHA-approved scenario), I do that roof work. I am allowed to take that risk as the business owner, but it is also in my very best interest to do so safely. Finally, I use an Absorbica in conjunction with my harness and rope (again, climbing experience has helped me understand the concept of safety on a roof). And I am still looking for a comfortable OSHA-approved harness that has a front attachment point, so if anyone has suggestions I'd be interested. Rebecca Lundberg CEO/President, Powerfully Green Champlin, Minnesota ___ 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] Roof anchors and proper rigging
Hi Ryan, A few thoughts on this. One, it is all about safety, and more than any code or compliance concern, you should be concerned about the safety of you and your crew, because that's basically why code is written. I spent 12-hours today and 12-hours yesterday (who needs the gym?!) hanging from a 12:12 pitch roof to install solar modules on one of my job sites, and my roof safety knowledge was put to the test because I had only 6 to work from on the eave and side edges, so my entire roof safety was based on that roof anchor and my gear -- there was no way to work in a safe way without it. Roof anchors are not a big deal -- they are easy to install and easy to remove and caulk with clear caulk so the attachment point is not visible when you are done. How often does the homeowner inspect the roof peak for goodness sakes? The caulk covering a roof anchor hole would never be visible from anywhere, and if installed right a PV system should not require any kind of maintenance outside of a rare module replacement or something. Sometimes the roof pitch is shallow and perhaps a roof anchor per person is not needed, but my job site this week required one roof anchor for each of us -- your life is at stake here, it is important to understand the value and limitations of these products. I have done PV installs on a standing seam metal roof, and I would argue that a roof anchor installed permanently (and painted) with the original installation on a metal roof is a VERY good idea, because after-the-fact roof anchors are not feasible, and the chance of needing to get up there sometime during the life of the roof is likely, and NO travel on a steep pitch metal roof is safe without being anchored. But putting a roof anchor on a residential roof after the fact is SO not a big deal. Attaching to the truck in the driveway might be a safe solution, but only IF the angle of incidence is correct for your safety, i.e. only if the truck is parked exactly opposite where you will be working on the roof. Also, it is only safe until your partner needs to run an errand to pick something up and forgets you are attached to it. Not really funny, I have heard REAL stories of this happening to a colleague. Rather than a vehicle I prefer to use a sturdy tree on the opposite side of the house if this is absolutely the best option and a possibility. For a temporary scenario, i.e. a site assessment on a steep roof or on any icy roof in winter, I use my partner as a safety belay on the north side of the house. Yes, we throw a climbing rope over the house and use tried and true climbing gear, knots, communication protocol (with walkie-talkies), and procedure to help us be safe. The person providing the belay needs to be 'sturdier' than the person on the roof, usually, unless they are also tied off to a tree. In short, two suggestions. Yes, take an OSHA course so you are fully informed of the legal requirements and safety reasons for making sure of roof safety. And, and just as important in my opinion, I'd suggest you hook up with someone who can give you some real fixed-ropes climbing experience. I'm not kidding, this is THE most valuable skill I have as a solar installer. I've taught my subcontracted electricians about roof safety, and ensured that my crew has the best oversight possible because I KNOW what it takes. There is nothing akin to hanging off an exposed cliff, hundreds of feet in the air, with nothing but you, your climbing gear, your climbing harness, and your rope, to ensure your safety. This sort of scenario really taught me how to evaluate my gear and various scenarios so that I will live to see tomorrow and pursue my work towards a more sustainable lifestyle for America. Fixed ropes climbing is also fun! My ascending/rappelling skills are used weekly in my work as a residential solar installer, and a good knowledge of safe knot options has been invaluable as-well. If you can't find a climbing gym locally, find an adventure racing team (more here: http://mandatorygear.com/index.php?option=com_contenttask=viewid=14Itemid=30) and ask them to spend a few hours training you in -- I'm certain you'll gain some valuable skills from the effort. Sincerely, Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green Executive Board Member, Minnesota Renewable Energy Society Convenor, Solar Minnesota ___ 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] Permit Cost
Hi Benn, In my area this depends on the city permitting office, and they are very particular about it. A few cities (Minneapolis, for one) had an administrative agreement to help support solar by requiring the 'total value of the project' be that of everything but the modules and inverter, thus lowering the cost of the permit quite a bit. Since many require me to drop off the permit application to a receptionist and will not allow me to have the conversation with someone directly, I usually add a line so I can include both cost options. My success in having the lower cost used was about 50/50 a year ago, but almost without exception I am now finding the permit offices are adding fees and require the full installed cost be used for the permit. I've even had them require additional mid-job inspections so they can charge the additional inspection fees. Hopefully as more solar is installed a more standardized policy/process will be put into place, and we won't have so many unknowns in the bidding process. Keep Shining! Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Green, Minnesota Wrenches, I have been hearing differences in opinions/interpretations when it comes to filling out electrical permit applications for grid-tie PV systems and you come to the line that asks for direct quote Cost of Installation (Labor plus Material), which determines the cost of the permit. I have been including the cost of labor and all material including modules, inverter, racking (the big ticket items) as well as the 'materials' such as wire, conduit, straps, screws, boxes, etc. It has come to my attention that some companies do not include the more expensive 'equipment' (mods, inverter) in the Cost of Installation, which can reduce the cost of the permit by a couple/few hundred dollars, thus saving the homeowner a bit of money on the permit fee. What are your thoughts or interpretations on this? cheers,benn ___ 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] DC disconnects
In response to this: Luckily the latest inverters from most manufacturers take care of this need with their included/integrated but seperated fused DC disconnects. I actually wish the integrated disconnects for the new inverters were an option when purchasing, i.e. when I order the inverter it comes with it automatically, and is therefore reflected in the price. Where I live the AHJ and utlities are requiring the handled-lockable-'regular' AC and DC disconnects regardless of whether or not there is a UL-listed integrated disconnect with the inverter. Alas, for me it is redundancy and extra cost for materials and electrical work either way. I can either have the electrician wire it up and pay their cost, or I can leave the integrated inverter out (when it is listed as optional in the installation manual) but now I have a non-returnable part sitting around, which is wasteful too. Alas, the best solution is more solar so everyone becomes more familiar with it! Keep Shining! Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Green, Minnesota ___ 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] Solar System Certification
Mark -- It doesn't sound like your crawl-space run is 'readily accessible' either. Could you put a DC disconnect on the exterior before you go inside? Rebecca Lundberg Powefully Green, Minnesota --- Message: 1 Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:24:30 -0700 From: Mark Dickson m...@oasismontana.com To: 'RE-wrenches' re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] 690.31E (through a building) Message-ID: 1811be33cf8d4796b75549ac52c25...@oasismontanam Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hello there, Due to a lot of concrete and asphalt, we are forced to run our PV source circuits in through one exterior wall, through a crawl space and out through the opposite exterior wall to our inverter and disconnect. We will be using EMT and will not be making any stops while inside the building. We will however need to place a couple of pull-boxes due the various required bends in excess of 360*. Will we be required to place a DC disconnect at the first readily accessible point inside the building? Best regards, Mark Dickson, NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer T Oasis Montana Inc. ___ 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] PV wind load
Solar is somewhat 'new technology' where I live. :-) I have a building inspector that feels that (32) Sanyo modules (6.88 kW array) mounted to a house roof is going to cause undue stress to the roof truss (it is a regular house in a Minnesota suburb, building height is 26', 30 degree roof angle, in a suburban neighborhood. 2 x 4 manufactured truss). We are leaving 12-24 on each edge with no PV, and are careful to attach to the center of each rafter. The inspector is not that concerned with dead load, but is especially concerned with wind load. We have provided an engineering letter that ascertains that a solar array mounted parallel to the roof surface is well within the parameters of what a typical roof truss can handle. We were required to have an engineer look at this address specifically, so we then provided an additional engineer's letter that affirmed that yes, solar mounted in the manner we proposed (with Quick-Mount attachment and Unirac SolarMount rails, all installed according to manufacturers' instructions) would be fine on this home. The building inspector insists that the wind load is excessive, and wants more analysis. Do any of you have ideas, experience, or data that might help me? Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Green Champlin, MN ___ 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 2, Issue 1099
I've used REC modules quite a bit and DO consider them top-notch. The recall was not ever on modules available in the U.S.. What's available here is the REC AE-US module. They have recent testing available on their web site. Module tolerances are very conservatively quoted compared to performance testing. REC uses silicon made in the U.S., and the modules are assembled at a hydro-powered plant in Norway. They have high environmental standards and are producing a high-quality module. It is true that the efficiency isn't the same as Sanyo, but neither is the price. We all know that $/watt ends up evening out in a lot of ways. If you have good roof space then REC can be an excellent choice. Rebecca Lundberg Powerfully Green, Minnesota On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 6:15 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. REC modules (Drake Chamberlin) 2. Re: REC modules (R Ray Walters) 3. Re: REC modules (Marco Mangelsdorf) -- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:46:28 -0500 From: Drake Chamberlin drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: [RE-wrenches] REC modules Message-ID: 20091026224628.71daf5f...@friskymail-a1.g.dreamhost.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; Format=flowed Hello Wrenches, I am considering using REC modules on a project, and have never used them. Are these first quality modules? Thank you, Drake Chamberlin Athens Electric OH License 44810 CO License 3773 NABCEP TM Certified PV Installer Office - 740-448-7328 Mobile - 740-856-9648 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20091026/50bc7065/attachment-0001.htm -- Message: 2 Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:06:51 -0600 From: R Ray Walters r...@solarray.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] REC modules Message-ID: 3d72e54c-e448-4833-b49b-0fcf30d9f...@solarray.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; Format=flowed; DelSp=yes No, IMHO. A polycrystalline module is never going to be top shelf. First Quality would be Sunpower, Solarworld, Sanyo, Check the new CEC module ratings. Apparently most modules were further derated. A few stayed the same or went up slightly. R. Walters r...@solarray.com Solar Engineer On Oct 26, 2009, at 5:46 PM, Drake Chamberlin wrote: Hello Wrenches, I am considering using REC modules on a project, and have never used them. Are these first quality modules? Thank you, Drake Chamberlin Athens Electric OH License 44810 CO License 3773 NABCEP TM Certified PV Installer Office - 740-448-7328 Mobile - 740-856-9648 ___ 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 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20091026/a8f1e1ec/attachment-0001.htm -- Message: 3 Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:14:25 -1000 From: Marco Mangelsdorf ma...@pvthawaii.com To: 'RE-wrenches' re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] REC modules Message-ID: 00ac01ca5692$0fdf8040$2f9e80...@com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii And REC Solar had HUGE recall earlier this year to the tune of tens of millions of . marco No, IMHO. A polycrystalline module is never going to be top shelf. First Quality would be Sunpower, Solarworld, Sanyo, Check the new CEC module ratings. Apparently most modules were further derated. A few stayed the same or went up slightly. R. Walters r...@solarray.com Solar Engineer
