Re: [RE-wrenches] Monitoring 10kW and 30kW PV Systems

[SOLARPRO]

We Like Deck.
 
_http://www.deckmonitoring.com/_ (http://www.deckmonitoring.com/) 
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
 

In a message dated 12/7/2011 4:28:51 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
joel.david...@sbcglobal.net writes:

Wrenches,
The California Solar Initiative requires performance  monitoring and 
reporting service for some PV systems down to as small as  10kW. The CSI 
eligible service providers list keeps growing making it hard  to tell who 
are 
real providers and who are resellers of someone else's  service or only 
provide reporting service for their own projects. Your  recommendation for 
a 
reliable, reasonably priced reporting service would  be really appreciated. 
Thanks in advance.
Joel  Davidson

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Re: [RE-wrenches] under performing Enphase inverters

[SOLARPRO]

We have had two 210's go dark.
With SunPower 225.
We keep one spare 210 in stock (have not had any 190's go yet).
 
 
In a message dated 11/3/2011 2:27:30 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
ma...@pvthawaii.com writes:

 
For the first time, several weeks ago, after 40-50 Enphase  installs, we’ve 
come across at least two M210s that we putting out  consistently lower 
outputs than their immediate neighbors. 
We replaced the two mods first, which made no  difference.  Then, in 
consultation with Enphase, replaced the  M210s.  After replacing them, the 
power 
output was as it should  be. 
Now I’ve got another suspect system with several  underperforming mods out 
of (36). 
Has anyone else had this experience? 
Thanks, 
marco 



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sanyo problems

[SOLARPRO]

Marco:
i would really appreciate it  - my photon subscription has rsopped  even 
tho I am paid up.
 
 
Patrick A.  Redgate
Ameco Solar, Inc.
7623 Somerset  Blvd
Paramount, CA 90723
888-595-9570
_www.solarexpert.com_ (http://www.solarexpert.com)  

_www.amecosolar.com_ (http://www.amecosolar.com) 
 
 
In a message dated 3/31/2011 7:31:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
ma...@pvthawaii.com writes:

 
In the March issue of Photon magazine it’s being reported  that Sanyo’s 
HiT modules may be suffering from MWs worth of  failures. 
If you’re unable to track down the article on-line, let me  know and I can 
send you a PDF version. 
marco 






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Re: [RE-wrenches] Smart Utility meters

[SOLARPRO]

William:
 
Many non-net-metered folk I know claim that their bills and consumption  
have increased dramatically after the arrival of their Smart Meter and have  
asked me for advice.  For the most part I beg offI'm not really in  the 
business of testing Smart Meters.  The weather has been so wet and  cold this 
year that I suppose it could be due to increased electric use  over last 
year.  I have wondered if the old cyclometer type meters have  just worn down 
and had been under-reporting consumption.  This has been the  case in a few 
of our own installs when the new (non-smart)  meter  arrives after a PV 
install and shows increased total consumption ( PV production  + metered 
consumption ) over previous billing periods.  When this happens  (very rarely) 
we 
will test the new meter against our own  readings.  But we have had another 
batch of customers who received the  Smart Meters by mistake and were 
penalized until they could have a not-so-smart  meter re-installed.  We had to 
send 
an email blast to our customer  base alerting them not to let the Edison 
subcontractor install any meter if  it is part of a neighborhood wide campaign 
and to call us or the utility to  make certain the meter that they are 
getting is dumb enough to know that  the electrons may go backwards, 
occasionally.
 
 
Patrick A.  Redgate
Ameco Solar, Inc.
7623 Somerset Blvd,
Paramount, CA 90723
_www.solarexpert.com_ (http://www.solarexpert.com/) 
_www.amecosolar.com_ (http://www.amecosolar.com/) 
562-633-4400

 
 
 
In a message dated 3/6/2011 6:56:05 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
swingjun...@gmail.com writes:

William,
We have run into issues with smart meters. We had a customer in  one of the 
pilot neighborhoods. What we saw was the meter registered his  production 
as consumption. Effectively doubling his consumption per the meter.  After 
some research it was determined that while the new smart meters were  indeed 
net metering capable the software back at the reporting station was not  net 
metering capable. Solution was to install an old dumb meter which was  
bi_directionally accurate. I hope this helps. 
Cheers Carl
Sunrock Solar LLC 
On Mar 5, 2011 6:47 PM, "William Miller" <_william@millersolar.com_ 
(mailto:will...@millersolar.com) >  wrote:
> Friends:
> 
> Our local utility  (PG&E) is installing smart meters. These will not 
apply 
> to  interconnected customers because the meter apparently is not capable 
of  
> two way metering.
> 
> There has been a lot of  controversy about smart meters regarding safety, 
> accuracy and many  other issues. Do any of you have any evidence that 
smart 
> meters are a  problem in any regard?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
>  William
> 
> 
> Please note new e-mail address and  domain:
> 
> William Miller
> Miller Solar
> Voice  :805-438-5600
> email: _william@millersolar.com_ (mailto:will...@millersolar.com) 
> _http://millersolar.com_ (http://millersolar.com/) 
> License No.  C-10-773985





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Re: [RE-wrenches] Incompatible Metals

[SOLARPRO]

Peter:
 
In my experience and understanding of the relative electro-negativity or  
electrode potential of these two metals, there is not an issue for the copper 
to  erode to the point of ground failure - the aluminum goes first.  In a  
marine environment, especially salt water areas, all metals  eventually 
dissolve, much more quickly when there is galvanic action due to  dissimilar 
metals. Copper is considered more "noble" than aluminum (this is  an archaic 
chemical reference) and will erode the aluminum, eventually  causing a break 
in the surface interaction, and the galvanic action slows  or stops.. 
 
 
Patrick A.  Redgate
Ameco Solar, Inc.
7623 Somerset Blvd,
Paramount, CA 90723
_www.solarexpert.com_ (http://www.solarexpert.com/) 
_www.amecosolar.com_ (http://www.amecosolar.com/) 
562-633-4400

 
 
In a message dated 1/14/2011 10:14:16 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
ke...@whidbeysunwind.com writes:

Peter,
I have never understood the common practice of using bare  copper  
ground wire on and against aluminum frames and modules. It  always has  
been a dissimilar metals issue. Just look anywhere copper  has set  
against aluminum for awhile.
We use #10 green jacketed Cu  USE or XHHW conductor and strip away the  
jacket at each lug, using  No-Ox on that section of bare wire at the  
lug. The wire can be  tucked in to the module frames and with the PV   
conductors.

Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun &  Wind
Renewable Energy  Systems
ke...@whidbeysunwind.com
360-678-7131




On Jan  14, 2011, at 7:36 AM, Peter Parrish wrote:

> One of my students who  is currently responsible for standing for  
> inspection
> at  their company encountered a inspector who made an interesting  
>  point about
> incompatible metals (i.e. copper and anodized  aluminum).
>
> The PV system in question used outdoor rated lay-in  lugs to bond the  
> rails
> to bare copper wire (so far so  good). The ground wire was then zip- 
> tied to
> the rail to  carry it to the point where it entered a junction box  
> along  with
> the rest of the PV conductors.
>
> The inspector was  concerned with the fact that the bare copper was in
> contact with the  aluminum rails and that this might cause galvanic  
>  corrosion
> and subsequent failure of the grounding.
>
> I  have never encountered this issue before and I wonder if anyone  
>  else has
> and what was the outcome.
>
> As an aside: I do  know that 10 AWG and 12 AWG  solid bare copper  
> wire can  be
> purchased "pre-tinned" (maybe not tin per se, but coated). We did  so  
> by
> mistake. We used it up, but not before one  inspector questioned its  
> use for
> the purpose of  grounding our system. We showed him the UL label on  
> the  spool
> and scraped off the coating to expose the copper core and  that  
> satisfied
> him. To this day I don't know if the use  of this wire for grounding  
> was
> among its intended  purposes.
>
> - Peter
>
> Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D.,  President
> California Solar Engineering, Inc.
> 820 Cynthia Ave.,  Los Angeles, CA 90065
> CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26
>  peter.parr...@calsolareng.com
> Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108,  Fax 323-258-8885
>
>
>  ___
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] What is a solar installer...?

[SOLARPRO]

Hello:  
The reason California instituted the (C46) solar classification 25 years  
ago is simple: to resolve these issues.  At a point in the past, before the  
C46, in order to operate as a 'solar contractor', one needed a license in  
the following specialties:
Plumbing
Electrical
Sheet Metal or
Heating and Air
Swimming Pool
Roofing.
This being a forum dedicated to discussing technical issues, I feel  
compelled to restrain my political self.
A great percentage (>90%) of the problems we are asked  to resolve for 
stranded adopters have been caused by properly licensed  electricians, roofers 
and general contractors. This not to say that these  licensed professions are 
not qualified, but instead that solar is unique... a  separate license is 
for this trade should be instituted in every jurisdiction. 
 
Patrick A. Redgate
State license 483280 (C46)
Ameco Solar, Inc.
 
 
 
In a message dated 10/15/2010 6:22:07 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
peter.parr...@calsolareng.com writes:

Hello  Benn,

I have some pretty strong opinions about this subject but some of  them are
reflections on politics as opposed to sound engineering design and  best
installation practices.

See my comments interspersed  below:

Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President
California Solar  Engineering, Inc.
820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065
CA Lic.  854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26
peter.parr...@calsolareng.com  
Ph  323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax  323-258-8885



From:  re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]  On Behalf Of benn 
kilburn
Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2010 1:12 PM
To:  Wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] What is a solar  installer...?

Wrenches,
a colleague of mine is looking for feedback  to the following email he
received regarding PV installers and electrical  work.  I have responded to
him, however, I am quite interested to hear  this list's response


LETTER--
'Colleague'  - next week  Alberta’s “major municipalities” electrical chief
inspectors  are getting together to talk about issues. One item I have  
asked
to put on the agenda is qualifications of solar installers. I  hope to see a
start on forming some type of agreement on is who  is qualified to do what
work on a solar installation and what is  considered electrical work that
only electricians can perform.  

>>> In California, we have two specialty contractor licenses  Solar (C-46)
and Electrical (C-10) and well as the General license (B) --  which are
qualified to install PV systems. I myself am a C-46 but I will  probably 
step
up to taking the C-10 for political reasons.

There  seems to be courses popping up all over to teach everyman to be  a
solar installer, but what work is clearly reserved  for electricians to do?
The Safety Codes Act speaks to Electrical  Systems, CE (Canadian Electrical)
Code defines electrical installation  and electrical equipment.

>>> Most (but not all) of the  authorities having jurisdiction over PV
installations (here in California  these are City or County Building and
Safety Departments) see PV as just an  electrical system and check plans and
do inspections accordingly. However,  the design and installation of the
racking system is an essential part of  the overall picture. PV systems need
to be attached to properly transfer  the dead and live loads from the PV
array to the major structural elements  of the roof (e.g. rafters) and done
in such a way to preserve  impermeability of water (and snow). In many parts
of CA we get 90 mph  winds, which can transfer substantial loads to the
racking system. Finally,  Fire Departments have begun to analyze PV array
layouts from the  perspective of access to, and movement on, a roof during a
fire. Most of  the racking systems are pre-engineered, and if you follow the
design  guidelines, you should be okay. What I am trying to say is that
proper  mechanical/structural design is important (maybe a 1/3 of the design
and  1/2 the installation) but the manufacturers to a good job of  providing
guidelines for the installers.

>>> Electrical  design is more involved and there are more opportunities to
commit design  errors: PV string sizing, voltage drop and ampacity
calculations, over  current protection, component selection, and grounding.
But here's the  catch: almost all of this material is PV-specific, and very
few  electricians have been educated or trained in this area. They pick it 
up
as  they go along (poor choice) or take a course specifically in the area of
PV  design and installation (better choice).

>>>Let me make a WAG.  If one were to randomly pick a C-10 electrician out 
of
the statewide pool  and do the same for a C-46; the C-46 would be better
prepared to design and  install a PV system than the C-10. The overwhelming
majority of residential  installs in CA are done by solar contractors, I am
less sure about small  commercial (say up to 15 kW to 50 kW).

What I hope we  accom

Re: [RE-wrenches] kee klamp fittings

[SOLARPRO]

We recently completed a 130 kW system using Kee  Klamps.  After contacting 
many distributors all over the country  we found the best pricing on 
quantities and several hard to find  3" Kee Klamp fittings from April Herrera 
at 
Davis Bacon Material Handling,  L.A.,CA 323-227-1921, right around our block.

Patrick A.  Redgate
Ameco Solar, Inc.
7623 Somerset  Blvd
Paramount, CA 90723
888-595-9570



In a message dated 10/7/2010 10:17:19 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
t...@hughes.net writes:
 
Hey Jay  wwgrainger has Kee klamp & we at one time many years ago  delt w/ 
a  company in South SF off of 3rd Ave.  for Hollander. Chris might remember  
who. 
--Original Message--
From: jay peltz
Sender:  re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
To: RE-wrenches
ReplyTo:  RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] kee klamp fittings
Sent: Oct 7, 2010  11:13 AM

HI All,

Any recommendations about where to get Kee  Klamp or Hollaender fittings.

Would be for a ground rack, Steel 1.5"  pipe.

thanks,

jay

peltz  power
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Re: [RE-wrenches] deadly fall off of roof

[SOLARPRO]

Wrenches:
 
When you have 7 minutes, check out this video on 'fall restraint'  -
you may get dizzy (as I did) and
you may wonder, as I did, 
HTF they built it in the first place:
 
_http://video.yahoo.com/network/101149635?v=8244494&l=5144241_ 
(http://video.yahoo.com/network/101149635?v=8244494&l=5144241) 
 
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 9/24/2010 9:39:56 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
k...@vtsolar.com writes:

The two instances are not the same. The skylight accident happened  
previous to April 2010, and the company is listed in the accident report  , but 
I 
don't recall the name. They are a large CA electrical  contractor.

Kirk Herander  
VSE


On Sep 24, 2010, at 11:25 AM, "Bill Brooks" <_billbroo...@yahoo.com_ 
(mailto:billbroo...@yahoo.com) >  wrote:





 
Marco, 
The company was purposely  not identified. I believe the young man fell 
through a skylight while moving  equipment during construction. Much more 
likely way to die since most people  assume a skylight will bear their weight 
if 
they fall against it. Edge of  roof falls definitely occur, but self 
preservation instincts are usually  much more heightened in these areas. 
Bill. 
 
 
From: _re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org_ 
(mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org)   
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Marco  
Mangelsdorf
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2010 7:09  PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] deadly fall  off of roof

A 30-year-old PV installer fell to his death back in  April at job site in 
CA.  He backed off of a roof accidentally and was  not wearing any fall 
protection. 
I have the official report of the accident, but the  “multi-state 
full-service solar provider” that has “approximately 650  employees” was not 
identified. 
Anyone know which company this was? 
Thanks, 
marco 




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Re: [RE-wrenches] TCT PT40 Equivalent?

[SOLARPRO]

Try _www.sunearthinc.com_ (http://www.sunearthinc.com)  - a  unit called 
Copperheart.
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
 
In a message dated 9/24/2010 6:44:23 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
hol...@sbcglobal.net writes:

Looking for an equivalent to Thermal Conversion  Technology's PT40 SDHW 
collector - or if anybody has one at a decent  price. Need one.
 
Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Holt E. Kelly
Holtek Fireplace & Solar  Products
500 Jewell Dr.
Waco TX. 76712
254-751-9111
_www.holteksolar.com_ (http://www.holteksolar.com/) 


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Re: [RE-wrenches] On Demand Heaters for SDHW

[SOLARPRO]

In our area of so cal, gas water heaters with SWH last as long as fifteen  
years no problem, and 20+ years is not uncommon - w/o anode rode redo.  But  
the ODWHs with which I am familiar usually need de-liming (service call)  
about every five years.  I do not have much data with ODWH with solar  
back-up, yet.  The larger the family in both cases, the faster the  failure.
ODWH manus seem to be claiming that the savings of standby heat loss is 15% 
 minimum, but if your heat loss is from standing solar heated water (which  
entered the tank when somebody last used the hot water) and you have set  
the outlep temp of the solar 15% higher than that of the old  fashioned water 
heater,  your heat loss is from solar heated  water.
The irony about _endless_ hot water is this - most of the people who have  
installed an instantaneous heater that is unassisted by solar will actually 
have  higher gas bills, specially if there are any teenagers in the house.
 
 
Patrick A.  Redgate
AMECO Solar, Inc.
Serving Solar California
Since  1974
7623 Somerset, Blvd.
Paramount, CA  90723
562-633-4400


_www.solarexpert.com_ (http://www.solarexpert.com/) 
_www.amecosolar.com_ (http://www.amecosolar.com/) 


In a message dated 9/17/2010 9:36:59 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
toddc...@finestplanet.com writes:

"repairable unit - you  don't have to trash it every seven years (reported
national  average)"

My tank is 20 years old now. I change the anode every 3  years.

Todd





Sent from Finest  Planet  WebMail.


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Re: [RE-wrenches] DC Discos for Enphase

[SOLARPRO]

Matt:
 
Well, thankyou for showing me the dance steps but don't  think I'll 
stop worrying about this one.  I doubt I'll ever bring a  skillsaw into 
Planning and Building, which is where the dance begins  and usually ends.  
Besides, 
I went cordless a looong time ago and all I  ever carry into the inner 
sanctum, the place where the meat hits the  grinder, is a ten pound roll of 
plan 
sets, my i-phone and a box of donuts.  But I am so glad to know, per 
690.17, that a connector which is listed as a  connector can also be considered 
to 
be listed as a  dis-connector.
This just seems too logical.
 
Pat Redgate
(Yawn)
 
 
In a message dated 9/14/2010 11:48:12 A.M. Pacific Daylight  Time, 
gilliga...@gmail.com writes:

Stir  away
 
Modern locking module  connectors serve as DC disconnects for 
micro-inverters. This  point was alluded to in the Code Corner sidebar, but not 
addressed 
in  detail. It takes a little  dance along Route 690 to drive the point 
home to OCD-afflicted AHJs...  But it's right there...
 
The simplest dance  steps generally start with 690.14(A). This clause 
specifically says  disconnects don't have to be suitable as service equipment 
and 
must  comply with 690.17. 690.17 requires disconnects to be manually  
operable switches or breakers that meet a host of requirements. And then  
there's 
the exception, which throws all that out the window... Or off the  roof, as 
the case might be. (Exception: A connector shall be permitted to be  used 
as an ac or a dc disonnecting means, provided that it complies with the  
requirements of 690.33 and is listed and identified for the use.) Listed  and 
identified as a PV connector meets this requirement. 
 
As your AHJ is  quivering with OCD discomfort... Quickly flip to 690.33 to 
send him/her into  full-on convulsions... 
 
690.33 requires connectors to be  polarized, noninterchangeable with other 
stuff on the premises, guarded live  parts, latching or locking, require a 
tool to open, 1st make/last break  grounding member and... Either be rated 
for interrupting current without  hazard to the operator OR require a tool to 
open and marked "Don't open under  load". 
 
Demonstrate your compliance to the AHJ this way: Flip  your module over, 
grab both connectors, plug them into each other, yank on the  wires to 
demonstrate that a tool is required to open the connector, and flick  the 
sticker-tape labels that say "Do Not Disconnect Under Load". Hand the  
connection to 
your AHJ. Make hm or her check it out closely. While he/she is  examining 
the connection, reconciling in their own head the irrational  concept that a 
disconnect doesn't have to be a switch here Turn the module  to face the 
sun and point out to them that they are now holding an energized  dead 
short. Just for fun :)
 
If they can't wrap their head around the  concept, take them over to your 
work truck. Pull out a skilsaw. Show them the  nameplate amps and discuss the 
power of the tool. Way more watts and  higher voltage than your module. 
Carry the thing over to a live  receptacle, plug it in, squeeze and hold the 
trigger, pull the plug out of the  receptacle. Happens every day with all 
kinds of tools and appliances.  There's no label on the cord or  receptacle to 
say you can't... 
 
Now compare this to your module connectors  to demonstrate how much safer 
and more effective the locking, labeled  connectors are. Buried up there 
behind the modules and all. Where only a  qualified person can get to them. 
Where, in the event of an emergency,  shutting down the ac circuit reduces the 
maximum potential current to one  module. No matter how bad the fault is or 
where it's located. Which is the  lowest possible unit of energy in a modern 
PV system. Can't get much safer  than that!
 
Hope it didn't take too long to fall  asleep...
 
Matt  Lafferty
 
_gilliga...@gmail.com_ (mailto:gilliga...@gmail.com) 
 

 

 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org  
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of  
solar...@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 10:19  AM
To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject:  [RE-wrenches] DC Discos for Enphase



Howdy Wrench  
I don't try to stir things up, but I was just wondering last night as I  
fell asleep reading the latest issue of HomePower magazine (# 139), if anybody 
 else caught a chill when they read this in the Code Corner (highlighted in 
a  box):
 
"Both microinverters and microinverters attached to PV
modules in the  field or in the factory that have any exposed
DC single conductor cables  are required to meet all of the
NEC’s DC wiring requirements. These may  include Section
690.5 ground-fault detector requirements, DC and  AC
disconnect requirements (potentially handled by connectors
listed as  disconnects), and inverter DC grounding-electrode
requirements."
- John Wiles
 
 Which begs the question: Are  module connectors  currently listed as 
disc

[RE-wrenches] DC Discos for Enphase

[SOLARPRO]

Howdy Wrenches:
 
I don't try to stir things up, but I was just wondering last night as I  
fell asleep reading the latest issue of HomePower magazine (# 139), if anybody 
 else caught a chill when they read this in the Code Corner (highlighted in 
a  box):
 
"Both microinverters and microinverters attached to PV
modules in the  field or in the factory that have any exposed
DC single conductor cables are  required to meet all of the
NEC’s DC wiring requirements. These may include  Section
690.5 ground-fault detector requirements, DC and AC
disconnect  requirements (potentially handled by connectors
listed as disconnects), and  inverter DC grounding-electrode
requirements."
- John Wiles
 
 Which begs the question: Are  module connectors  currently listed as 
disconnects?
 As well as: If DC voltages for each disconnect are less than 48  V, would 
a simple  switch suffice, should the poor hapless installer  run into an AHJ 
with OCD?
 
 
Patrick A.  Redgate
AMECO Solar, Inc.
Serving Solar California
Since  1974
7623 Somerset, Blvd.
Paramount, CA  90723
562-633-4400

_www.solarexpert.com_ (http://www.solarexpert.com/) 
_www.amecosolar.com_ (http://www.amecosolar.com/) 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Module level MPPT

[SOLARPRO]

Bill:
 
You will need to install MPPT trackers from TIGO and SOLAR MAGIC on all of  
your modules, and not just  the string in question... as far as I have been 
 told.  I have asked both outfits the same question - and was interested in 
 SunMizer for this very reason.
But SunMizer seems to be going through a change, or perhaps  chrysalis.  
One can only wonder.
Maybe you could use Enphase for just the modules in question, and use  a 
smaller string inverter for the balance.
 
Patrick Redgate
Ameco Solar
Solar California
888-595-9570
 
 
In a message dated 9/13/2010 7:48:29 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
frene...@psln.com writes:

Gentlemen and Ladies,

I'm  designing a 4KW res system which has limited roof space and 
would like to  use a certain number of panels to satisfy power requirements 
and inverter  voltage needs.  However, this would necessitate placing 
2-3-maybe 4  PVs (in one string, of two string total) in a location which 
would recieve  shade from the second story from about sunrise until, say 
10:30  PDT.

I'm not interested in going individual  inverters on all PVs, but 
would appreciate feedback on the use of   module level MPPT trackers such 
as 
Tigo or Solar Magic, or??  only  installed on the shade affected PVs?  Or 
must they be installed on  all PVs in that stringor both strings??

Thanks in  advance,

Bill

Feather River Solar Electric
4291 Nelson  St.
Taylorsville, CA  95983
530-284-7849/6544 fax  



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Real world PV production

[SOLARPRO]

Joel:
 
The PV system in Long Beach was built within a stone's throw of a twin  
smoke stack for a big furnace devoted to a "Trash to Energy" project.  It  
burns garbage to produce energy and LA has plenty of trash.  Combine  that 
with all of the diesel soot being generated by ocean long haulers  which 
bring cars, refrigerators and yes, PV modules into the busiest port  and rail 
hub on the left coast for our consumption. The modules, and everything  else 
in the port, are just plain dirty.
 
We install mostly in southern LA County. Our systems are always  above 
predicted outputs by PV Watts 2 & the CSI EPBB.  The  degradation over the 
years 
seems not be have been as severe as  predicted, except for some of the 
PhotoWatt units we installed for a  brief while.  I think that the lower 
degradation may be due to our mild  climate?  Since we are coastal, we really 
stress tilting the mods at least  10 degrees to help them weep from the almost 
daily condensation, which also has  the effect of cleaning the panels.  Then 
the soot-laden sludge at the lower  edge accumulates to the point that we 
recommend annual scrubbing.  Simple  Green has been suggested as a good product 
for cleaning the modules and that is  what we tell our customers (but is it 
really 'bio-degradable'?)
 
 Patrick A. Redgate
Ameco Solar, Inc.
7623 Somerset  Blvd
Paramount, CA 90723
888-595-9570
 
 
In a message dated 6/10/2010 4:19:23 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
joel.david...@sbcglobal.net writes:

PVWatts is a good general  estimator when you fine-tune the derate factor. 
For single crystal  and multicrystalline arrays, I generally use 0.65 for 
battery-based PV and  inverter systems and 0.82 for batteryless inverter 
systems. PVWatts  annual results are l5% low for Unisolar arrays because 
PVWatts 
uses the  crystalline silicon temperature coefficient.
 
Even though PVWatts2 may seem more accurate,  it does not factor in unique 
local climate conditions  like California coastal morning and afternoon fog 
or inland  persistent winter Tule fog. However, NREL's climate data does 
include  LA's "June gloom" see _http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Gloom_ 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Gloom) 
 
For flat roofs in snowy climates like the  Unisolar project in Rochester 
NY, I deduct 30% from PVWatt's November through  March estimates for a fairly 
accurate annual estimate. Powerlight (now  SunPower) also uses an additional 
30% monthly derating for flat roofs in  snowy locations.
 
PVWatts does not account for really dusty and  dirty air locations. Bill 
Brooks worked at PVUSA and is very  knowledgeable about power loss from 
soiling from agricultural dust in central  California. Bill also measured 35% 
power loss at the Long Beach  CA harbor waste-to-energy powerplant PV systems. 
That location and most  LA county freeways experience particulate pollution 
that not only  reduces PV production but causes permanent respiratory damage 
to children and  shorten the lives of elderly people, sort of like the 
canary in the  mine.
 
Joel Davidson

- Original Message - 
From:  _Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun &  Wind_ 
(mailto:ke...@whidbeysunwind.com)  
To: _RE-wrenches_ (mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org)  
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2010 7:57  AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Real world  PV production


Thanks, Don,
Performance predictions such as from PV Watts VASTLY underestimate PV  
production in our area. For example, PV Watts estimates 940 kWh/kW for  a 4:12 
pitch at 180˚, whereas such systems are actually producing up to 1300  kWh/kW 
(as measured by a renenue-grade production meter). We have to set the  
derating factor to nearly 100% in order for the predictions to match.


I assume that is partly due to coarse irradiance data (not accounting  for 
higher irradiance for our location in the rain shadow of the Olympic  
Mountains), but also due to our clear, cool, windy summers, good natural  
washing, 
and (perhaps) dispersed distribution of irradiance.


I want to know if the opposite is true: Do performance predictions  
OVERESTIMATE PV production in areas with historically high irradiance, but  
significant soiling and temperature issues.


Thanks,
-Kelly


 
 
Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & Wind
Renewable Energy Systems
_ke...@whidbeysunwind.com_ (mailto:ke...@whidbeysunwind.com) 
360-678-7131






On Jun 9, 2010, at 8:59 AM, i2p wrote:





On Jun 9, 2010, at 8:22:12 AM, "Kelly  Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind" 
<_ke...@whidbeysunwind.com_ (mailto:ke...@whidbeysunwind.com) >  wrote:


Thanks, Joel
How about PV systems away from  the coast, in a hotter, dustier 
location, like Bakersfield,  Fresno, Sacramento, Palm Springs, 
etc?


In central CA we do a little better. I  casually monitor several systems in 
this area and expect around 1500-1600  kwh/kw. per year.  


Don Loweburg










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Re: [RE-wrenches] Astopower 120 failure ERRATA

[SOLARPRO]

When Shell bought Siemens, I had a helluva time getting a replacement for  
an "Earthsafe" kit _...@#$&*&^%GC-1_ (mailto:^...@#$&*&^GC-1)  1kW  inverter.  
But after many months and working every angle, I finally  received a 
replacement.  But I was just about to start a small claims  action (HAA!).
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
PS  Who warranties PhotoWatt modules?
 
 
In a message dated 6/8/2010 5:36:12 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
solar1onl...@charter.net writes:


Fellow Wrenches,

I'm still interested if _any_ takeover  manufacturer has ever supported the
previous warranty.

In regards to  the local ET Solar presentation, and a follow up phone call 
to
their  California location, I have misstated that there is _any_ warranty
once ET  goes bust. (Evidently, that piece of training was too technical for
me to  get it right the first time.)

Apologies,

Bill  Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar


- Original Message -  
From: "Bill Loesch" 
To: "RE-wrenches"  
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 2:56  PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Astopower 120 failure



Fellow  Wrenches,

Is there any variation in the "business model" of _any_ other  takeover of
now defunct module manufacturers? e.g.. Siemens - Shell -  SolarWorld?

I was recently at one of the solar industries current  profit centers, dba
"training", which featured, among others, ET Solar  (single and multicrystal
manufacturer based in China). The subject of  warranty came up and the
presenter stated that their quality and power  output warranty was backed up
with warranty insurance such that if ET would  not be around in ten days or
ten/twenty years the insurance would still be  available. Comments?

Thanks,

Bill Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint  Louis Solar


- Original Message - 
From: "Bill Brooks"  
To: "'RE-wrenches'"  
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010  10:46 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Astopower 120 failure


Carl  and David,

Of course this means nothing related to the AstroPower  warranty. The 
lawyers
at GE Energy were very careful to wait until  AstroPower was officially dead
before they bought the Equipment to make  modules from them. There is no
warranty--even though they are materially  identical to the early GE 
product.
In the U.S. we call that  "business".

Bill.


-Original Message-
From:  re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]  On Behalf Of David
Brearley
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 8:32 AM
To:  RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Astopower 120  failure

Carl,

Here's an excerpt from a news release that went  out in late-December:

"Motech Industries Inc. (6244. TW) has signed an  agreement to acquire GE
Energy¹s (NYSE: GE) Delaware solar module assembly  operation. The plant,
which is located in Newark, Delaware assembles  crystalline silicon based
photovoltaic modules and currently employs 75  people.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

With the  acquisition, Motech will be granted the rights to use GE Energy¹s
module  trademark for two years. In addition, Motech will assume the
responsibility  to provide warranty services to GE¹s existing module 
clients.

Motech  has been a supplier of solar cells to GE Energy for the past  four
years."

David Brearley, Senior Technical Editor
SolarPro  magazine
NABCEP Certified PV Installer 


On 6/8/10 10:13 AM,  "Carl Hansen"  wrote:

> I have a  warrantee issue with an Astropower 120, from what I've read it
> seems  GE bought them out. Does anyone have contact info at hand for GE  ?
>   The panel is showing two burn marks on the backing at  the point of two
> adjacent solder joints on one cell.
>
>  Carl,
> Hansen&Sun Electric
>
>  ___
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Unshaded micro-inverter performance

[SOLARPRO]

Has anybody had any experience with TIGO yet?
I placed an order with DC Power months ago (February) and am still  
waiting... would just give up but the product seems so promising and  
module/monitoring is one clear benefit.
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
 
In a message dated 6/7/2010 4:21:56 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, i...@aol.com 
 writes:



On Jun 7, 2010, at 2:17:08 PM, "Darryl Thayer"   
wrote:


has a lot more communication power than the TED 
Two out of 2 attempts with the TED 5000 was  enough for me. Crummy, the 
same story over and over, "you have noise". Try  another position, like 
bend over! 

I still dream of affordable  monitoring.   


Don




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Re: [RE-wrenches] Volcanos, reduced solar production and kWh performance warr...

[SOLARPRO]

Marco:
 
At what point (kW or cost) does a weather station with online monitoring  
make sense?  
What (or who ) defines "normal weather?"
Defining expectations for the large (> 1M) installations must  be 
particularly vexing - what constitutes normal or expected downtime due  to 
mechanical 
failure becomes key to structuring PPA's.
If making a warranty on kWh production must be part of a contract, a  
number of concerns must be tackled in the way it is written, especially with  
regard to the value of compensation.  Maybe funds could be awarded for  over 
production or applied as a credit against lower than expected  kWh. 
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco
 
 
In a message dated 4/26/2010 4:38:43 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
solar1onl...@charter.net writes:

 
Hi Marco,
 
I hope this query does not divert response to  your original question.
 
How is the situation of the reduced performance  due to the volcano (or 
other "acts of God" or the like) approached  in the Power Purchase contract? 
Perhaps this could be titled "Reduced Solar  Production As a Result of Reduced 
Solar Input". 
 
TIA,
 
Bill Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis  Solar

PS As I remember, the last time I bought a new  vehicle, back in the Dark 
Ages, the auto manufacturer's warranty deferred to  the tire maker's warranty 
(for tires), etc. Any similarity?
 
 

- Original Message - 
From:  _Marco  Mangelsdorf_ (mailto:ma...@pvthawaii.com)  
To: _'RE-wrenches'_ (mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org)  
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2010 10:02  PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Volcanos,reduced  solar production and kWh 
performance warranties



This thread brings up a very  timely issue that I’m dealing with right now 
with PV Power Purchase  Providers.  As an integrator providing turnkey PV 
systems of X kW, I’m  being asked to contractually agree to a minimum 
performance warranty for  said PV systems.  I am EXTREMELY uncomfortable to any 
such 
clause in  any contract that I would sign.  I have strong confidence in my 
PV  design capabilities  and engineering support and in my professional  
crew to install a top-quality PV system.  I have a lot less confidence  in an 
inverter manufacturer being able to get to a site on a Hawaiian island  in 
the middle of the Pacific in a super timely fashion as the lost PV kWhs  rack 
up.  And as I mentioned in a previous post today, we have an  active volcano 
here that’s been spewing since 1983, a volcano that could get  a lot worse 
on any given day.  I’m leaning strongly against agreeing to  any such 
clause.  Way too bad a precedent to set.  Way too much of  a liability. 
Anyone else had to deal with  this bugger of a performance warranty demand? 
Thanks, 
marco 
ProVision  Solar 
 
Marco:
 

 
Our  production schedule has been in  tatters - lowered by perhaps 30% 
because of the rain can't plan, can't  do.  Then I pay overtime on good 
days 
to (try to) catch up.
 
We  have a number of systems online and I had not thought to actually 
review and  compare from this year to last.  I'll let ya know.
 

 
We'll  get a call like - "My bill is higher than last year (edison has a 
bar  graph of monthly consumption for the past 13 months) and I'd like you to  
look at my system" or My meter is not going backwards, should I call  
edison?"  The weather is so consistently wet this  winter (think Hilo) that we 
usually just need to ask-
 
"Been  outside lately?"
 

 
But  everywhere is so green and the desert bloom is  outrageous.
 
_http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca.html_ 
(http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca.html)  
 

 
Pat  Redgate 
 
Ameco  Solar 
 

 
 
In  a message dated 4/25/2010 12:24:53 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
ma...@pvthawaii.com writes:

 
 
Pat, 
Kicked  your butts as far as lower output?  If so, by how much on a  
percentage basis? 
On  the Big Island of Hawaii, we’ve had a very active volcano doing its 
thing  since 1983.  With the normal trade winds, the vog (volcanic smoke +  
fog) gets blown south past the volcano, around the south tip of the island  and 
then back up along the west side of the island.   Which means that 
Kona-side residents can be in a yucky vog zone for days  and sometimes longer.  
Think L.A. on a smoggy summer day.  And  as far as percentage decrease in solar 
output, I really have little  accurate clue. 
Marco 
ProVision  Solar 
Kicked  out butts, in fact.
 

 
Pat  Redgate
 
Ameco  Solar





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Re: [RE-wrenches] Volcanos and reduced solar production

[SOLARPRO]

Marco:
 
Our production schedule has been in tatters - lowered  by perhaps 30% 
because of the rain can't plan, can't do.  Then I pay  overtime on good 
days 
to (try to) catch up.
We have a number of systems online and I had not thought to  actually 
review and compare from this year to last.  I'll let ya  know.
 
We'll get a call like - "My bill is higher than last year  (edison has a 
bar graph of monthly consumption for the past 13 months) and  I'd like you to 
look at my system" or My meter is not going backwards, should I  call 
edison?"  The weather is so consistently wet this  winter (think Hilo) that we 
usually just need to ask-
"Been outside lately?"
 
But everywhere is so green and the desert bloom is  outrageous.
_http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca.html_ 
(http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca.html)  
 
Pat Redgate 
Ameco Solar 
 
 
In a message dated 4/25/2010 12:24:53 P.M. Pacific Daylight  Time, 
ma...@pvthawaii.com writes:

 
 
Pat, 
Kicked  your butts as far as lower output?  If so, by how much on a 
percentage  basis? 
On  the Big Island of Hawaii, we’ve had a very active volcano doing its 
thing  since 1983.  With the normal trade winds, the vog (volcanic smoke + fog) 
 gets blown south past the volcano, around the south tip of the island and  
then back up along the west side of the island.  Which  means that 
Kona-side residents can be in a yucky vog zone for days and  sometimes longer.  
Think L.A. on a smoggy summer day.  And as far as  percentage decrease in solar 
output, I really have little accurate  clue. 
Marco 
ProVision  Solar 
Kicked  out butts, in fact.
 

 
Pat  Redgate
 
Ameco  Solar



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Volcanos and reduced solar production

[SOLARPRO]

Joel:
 
I have noticed that the energy predicted by the CSI calculator  is 
consistently lower than the first year output of our systems, usually by at  
least 
10% to 20%. This is also true of the PVWatts version we use.
At first we thought that we had done such a great job!   But I believe that 
the accumulative conservative default values in both  calculators and the 
expectation for module degradation built in to the source  code is the real 
answer.  If our customers ever have an issue with  understanding lower 
production, it is usually because they fail  to recognize that daily or monthly 
production values relate to annual  production expectations on a non-linear 
basis.  Recently El Nino has  dramatically affected generation and as well, 
our own production  schedule.
Kicked out butts, in fact.
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
 
 
In a message dated 4/25/2010 9:43:09 A.M. Pacific Daylight  Time, 
joel.david...@sbcglobal.net writes:
 
Wrenches,

With the Iceland volcano in the news and winter  over, I thought it would 
be 
a good time ask wrenches convince their  customers that their reduced solar 
production was caused by atmospheric  conditions and not their PV system. 
I'm 
not talking about short-term  conditions like a few cloudy days. I mean 
when 
you install a PV system in  October and have to explain in gloomy February 
why their PV system is not  performing like you predicted.

Missing the mark can be bad for  business. For example, reduced insolation 
caused by the El Chichon Mexico  volcano was reportedly one of the reasons 
that the Luz solar power plants  went bankrupt in the 1980s. See  
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Energy_Generating_Systems and  
http://www.unige.ch/cuepe/html/biblio/pdf/michalsky-ineichen%201993%20-%20mo
unt%20pinatubo%20and%20solar%20power%20plants%20(solar%20today).pdf

Joel  Davidson 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] prof liabilty insurance

[SOLARPRO]

CalSeia has a broker who has been very helpful:
Jason Findley, CIC,  CRM
 
 
Walter Mortensen  Insurance 
P-661-316-5149 
F-661-281-4992 
C-661-805-5361 
_jfind...@texcal-ins.com_ (mailto:jfind...@texcal-ins.com) 

 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 4/20/2010 3:43:19 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
electrich...@yahoo.com writes:




_https://www.kessleradvisors.com/contentnt.aspx?id=212_ 
(https://www.kessleradvisors.com/contentnt.aspx?id=212) 

 

 From: David Brearley  
To: RE-wrenches  
Sent: Tue, April 20, 2010 12:01:59  PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches]  prof liabilty insurance

SEIA  has on offician insurance broker:




David  Brearley, Senior Technical Editor
SolarPro magazine 
NABCEP  Certified PV Installer ™
david.brear...@solarprofessional.com
Direct:  541.261.6545

On 4/20/10 4:35 PM, "Marco Mangelsdorf"  wrote:


I’m in search for an insurance co. that provides  professional liability 
insurance (also known as an errors and omissions  policy) for PV integrators.

That is, do any of you know of any  particular insurance companies out 
there that actually have a clue about our  trade instead of trying to shoe horn 
us into some other contracting or  engineering profession category on their 
lame-brain  forms?

You’d think that by now some insurance companies would  specifically list 
solar electric contractors as a separate category…then  again few members of 
the public are able to grasp the difference between a  kW and kWh.

Thanks,
marco


Marco Mangelsdorf,  President
69 Railroad Avenue, A-7
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
(808)  969-3281, 934-7462 facsimile
_www.provision-solar.com_ (http://www.provision-solar.com/)   
<_http://www.provisiontechnologies.com_ (http://www.provisiontechnologies.com/) 
>  












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Re: [RE-wrenches] Service Magic update request

[SOLARPRO]

 
Allan:
 
Things may have changed since we used them (or rather, vice versa).   This 
outfit is certainly ramping up their advertising media dollars.
 
My advice would be 
1) Make sure you do not mind having to cancel the credit card you give them 
 (you may want to terminate service later);
2) Get and READ their lead return policy become a speed demon when  
returning leads.
 
Along with the occasional solar lead, you may be receiving names of people  
who want to do anything for their home from re-roofing to installing double 
 pane windows on the doghouse. And get used to seeing the same contractors  
bidding against you on any of their referrals.  SunPower has recently  
engaged their services on a trial basis but we are loathe to give them a credit 
 
card number.
 
The only magic for us was how they made our dollars disappearbut  
things may be different now.  Calfinder is cut from the same cloth - quite  
literally.  If I ever hear anything differently on these people in the  future, 
I'll let you know.  If you do go ahead with their service, let us  know how 
it goes.
 
Patrick A. Redgate
AMECO Solar, Inc.
Serving  Solar California
Since 1974
7623 Somerset, Blvd.
Paramount, CA  90723
562-633-4400


_www.solarexpert.com_ (http://www.solarexpert.com/) 
_www.amecosolar.com_ (http://www.amecosolar.com/) 


 (http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/) 


 
In a message dated 4/20/2010 10:50:31 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
r...@solarray.com writes:

Once you  sign up, they start charging you, even for bogus leads. You never 
get your  money back, just credit (if you're lucky) to get more bogus 
leads.  
Also, they waste a lot of your time with different sales reps calling  you, 
but never talking to each other, their internal communication is  zilch.
Here's a quick breakdown of our experience:


cash out of pocket:  around $40
time talking to reps, paperwork:   20hrs
Leads generated: a Renter wanting more information on"that solar  stuff", 
who was about an hour away.
Aggravation in dealing with a company that really seems to be  
unscrupulous: 
Priceless.


I was already suspicious before the first lead, but decided to  see. 
As soon as I saw they had zero filtering of the leads, I  immediately moved 
to dump them, which took weeks, BTW.
 



R. Walters
_...@solarray.com_ (mailto:r...@solarray.com) 
Solar Engineer








On Apr 19, 2010, at 8:50 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:


Wrenches,
There was a thread last  year about Service Magic's lead generation 
"service". At that time, the  strongest message I heard was not to let them in, 
because their leads are  seldom good and you can't get rid of them. I don't 
think that I recall a  single positive review of them on this list.

Has anything changed  since then? What's the current story, please?
Thanks,
Allan

-- 
_mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com) 
NABCEP Certified  Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive  Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505  424-1112
_www.positiveenergysolar.com_ (http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/) 









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Re: [RE-wrenches] Need 5 Astropower modules or equivalent

[SOLARPRO]

Good Luck.
pat
 
 
In a message dated 4/2/2010 6:09:34 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
joel.david...@sbcglobal.net writes:

Wrenches,
I need 5 Astropower (or GE) APX-140 or equivalent  36-cell modules to 
replace 
customer's broken modules. Please contact me  off-list. Thanks in advance.
Best regards,
Joel Davidson  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar rights precedent

[SOLARPRO]

Bill:
 
Are you a member of CalSeia?  
WE have been very (VERY) busy ... starting from last September. and our 
 "staff" has limited resources.  For example, today, due to collaborative  
efforts, AB 510 is being signed!  This is doubling the current 2.5% cap on  
net metering - an essential feature for DG.
The Attorney General's office should respond - I know of no special way to  
reach them, but will let you know if I find one.
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
 
In a message dated 2/26/2010 9:34:58 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
ch...@solarwindworks.com writes:

 
The  state AG ought to get this attorneys’ attention, good idea. Sometimes 
you just  got to move up the chain a little. 
 
Sincerely,

Chris  Worcester 
Solar  Wind Works
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Phone: 530-582-4503
Fax:  530-582-4603
_www.solarwindworks.com_ (http://www.solarwindworks.com/) 
_ch...@solarwindworks.com_ (mailto:ch...@solarwindworks.com) 
"Proven Energy  Solutions"
 
 
From:  re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org  
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of William  Miller
Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 12:19 AM
To:  RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar rights  precedent

Chris:

We wrote Cal Seia but never heard  back.

William Miller


At 11:29 AM 2/25/2010, you  wrote:

Content-Type:  multipart/alternative;
boundary="=_NextPart_000_0116_01CAB60D.CEA54C50"
Content-Language:  en-us

Cal Seia has helped me in the past with rolling through the local  
jurisdiction. Who does their city attorney answer to? The Mayor? You need to  
help 
get his attention in another way.

Sincerely,

Chris  Worcester


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar rights precedent

[SOLARPRO]

Get the State AG office to splain it to them (lucy).
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar, Inc.
 
 
In a message dated 2/25/2010 11:29:58 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
ch...@solarwindworks.com writes:

 
Cal  Seia has helped me in the past with rolling through the local 
jurisdiction.  Who does their city attorney answer to? The Mayor? You need to 
help 
get his  attention in another way. 
 
Sincerely,

Chris  Worcester 
Solar  Wind Works
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Phone: 530-582-4503
Fax:  530-582-4603
_www.solarwindworks.com_ (http://www.solarwindworks.com/) 
_ch...@solarwindworks.com_ (mailto:ch...@solarwindworks.com) 
"Proven  Energy Solutions"
 
 
From:  re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org  
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of William  Miller
Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 10:27 AM
To:  RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Solar rights  precedent

Friends:

We are applying for a building permit in a  small coastal community near 
here for a PV system.  The arrays will be on  the flat roof of a house that is 
right up against the allowable building  height.  The city is requiring 
that we apply for a waiver to exceed the  allowed height.  As I read California 
law, it allows public agencies to  rule on a permit application only in 
regards to public safety and health  issues.  Repeated letters to the city 
attorney has failed to result in  how a building height limitation is a mater 
of 
public health and  safety.

Have any of you successfully fought a building department on  this issue?  
If so, is there any written documentation on the issue that  I can use?

Thanks in advance,

William  Miller



Please note new e-mail address and domain:

William Miller  
Miller Solar
Voice :805-438-5600
email:  will...@millersolar.com
_http://millersolar.com
_ (http://millersolar.com/) License No.  C-10-773985


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Need 1 SunnyBoy SWR2500U

[SOLARPRO]

I have one very slightly used one... About six years old?
 
Pat Redgate
 
 
In a message dated 2/16/2010 5:28:48 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
joel.david...@sbcglobal.net writes:

Hello  Wrenches,
Who has a SunnyBoy SWR2500U in stock? Please contact me off-list.  Thank 
you 
very much.
Joel Davidson  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar System Certification

[SOLARPRO]

Brian:
 
It seems to me that this requires the PE to actually commission the  
system.  A simple wet-stamp on plan submittals is not even indicated by the  
paragraph below, but I am certain is required.  
Bill, have you had to have a PE provide a commissioning report at the time  
of final inspection for your installations? This is a requirement that  
could arguably make sense for commercial systems, but is a good example of how  
local authorities have carte blanche to overlay egregiously onerous  
requirements if their civic spirit is anti-solar.  
 
We stopped working in Yorba Linda many years ago.  Aside from  the city's 
total and casual disregard for the solar rights act,   B&S attitude was one 
of obstruction. FYI, this city is Nixon's  hometown.
 
Patrick Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
 
In a message dated 12/19/2009 7:43:48 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
wkort...@eesolar.com writes:

Yes,  Yorba Linda technically requires an electrical PE stamp on PV   
projects.

We've probably done a dozen installations in the  city, though I  
don't think they've
enforced the electrical PE  requirement on all projects. They do  
require structural
PE on all  projects as well, and that requirement is always enforced.  
Big  pain.

Yes it's onerous. Yes we hate it. But we keep going.

We  have structural and electrical PE engineers available to review and   
certify our
plans as needed, so these are just more extra costs helping  to drive  
up the cost
of solar.

/wk


>   - Original Message -
>  From: William Miller
>   To: RE-wrenches
>  Sent: Friday, December 18, 2009 5:05  PM
>  Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar System  Certification
>
>
>  Brian:
>
>  I  looked up the Municipal Codes  
(http://www.ci.yorba-linda.ca.us/~ci26/how-do-i/get/get-city-codes 
> )  and this requirement is right in there.  I hope you have a  
>  provision in your contract that allows for additional billing for   
> unanticipated engineering fees.  Everyone should.  If you  need  
> language, contact me off line.
>
>   Fortunately I have never experienced anything like this.  This   
> requirement sounds unreasonable.  It is sort of like asking an  air  
> conditioning contractor to have the air conditioning unit  tested in  
> the field.  Individual solar components are  listed.  The combining  
> of the components is facilitated by  the manufacturers specifications  
> and on-line sizing tools.  Having said that, an amateur can easily  
> screw the design and  installation of even the most simple grid-tie  
> system.   This provision is the ultimate consumer protection.  It  
>  sounds onerous at first but does have a benefit.
>
>  Good  luck, and give us a hint how much this certification  costs.
>
>  William  Miller
>
>
>
>
>  At 01:31 PM 12/18/2009,  you wrote:
>
>I am curious if any of you have had to  deal with this issue before.
>
>The following is an  item we got back from the City of Yorba Linda  
> for a Plan Check  correction:
>
>
> All electrical solar  systems shall be tested and approved by a  
> California Registered  Electrical Engineer.  The engineer shall  
> furnish a report  stating their name, registration number, its date  
> of  expiration, address where the testing occurred and the dates of  
>  testing and approval.  Such report shall be presented to the City   
> inspector for approval at the time of final inspection.   (YLMC  
> 15.28.020)  Note on the plans.
>
>   All experiences and suggestion are  appreciated.
>
>
>
>Best  Regards,
>Brian C. White
>Design  Engineer - PV Systems
>
>Eagle Roofing  Products
>120 North Auburn Street - Suite  212
>Grass Valley, CA  95945
> Phone: 530-273-2948
>Cell: 530-575-5550
>   e-mail: bri...@eagleroofing.com  
>
> ___
> >
>
>   >
>
>
>  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] grounding of hot water collectors

[SOLARPRO]

This seem ridiculous to me. the idea that an inspector is having you  
ground a hot water collector is akin to requiring a pressure relief valve on 
a  pv module.  Or am I missing something here?  Ask the manufacturer of  the 
hot water panel where in the UL listed  connection point for the  bonding 
point is.  If required (oh the horror) then there will be  one.  They manu 
will most likely just laugh or say "wha?" In any case, the  plumbing 
(copper?), unless isolated from the household by di-electrics, is  grounded 
quite 
nicely and can serve as your 'ground' path.
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar, Inc.
 
 
In a message dated 9/21/2009 8:21:21 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  daryl_sola
r...@yahoo.com writes:

I have  seen problems if the array is not grounded.  
dt

--- On Mon,  9/21/09, Kirk Herander, VSE  wrote:

> From:  Kirk Herander, VSE 
> Subject: [RE-wrenches]  grounding of hot water collectors
> To: "'RE-wrenches'"  
> Date: Monday, September 21,  2009, 12:50 PM
> 
> 
> 
>  
>   
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
>  
> We have a local
> electrical inspector who insists that  hot
> water collectors be grounded, regardless of roof type. I
>  have received
> exemptions from this individual before by documenting  that
> it would void the
> collector warranty by putting a hole in  the collector to
> mount a ground lug, but
> this person is  persistent and doesn’t really accept
> the explanation.
> Anyone  have hassles / solutions with OEM’s or
> inspectors with this?
>  Thanks 
> 
> 
>   
> 
> Kirk
>  Herander 
> 
> Vermont Solar
> Engineering 
> 
>  802.863.1202
> 
> 
> NABCEP(tm)
> Certified Solar  Installer 
> 
> NYSERDA-eligible
> Installer 
>  
> VT Solar
> Incentive Program Partner 
> 
>   
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
>  
> -Inline Attachment Follows-
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Federal Tax Credit

[SOLARPRO]

Mark:
 
This form is trying to be all things for all residential energy  
improvements.
Part one is for non-business Energy Property and Part two is for Energy  
Efficiency Property.  The tax wonks classify these improvements separately  
for their own purposes. 
 
 
In a message dated 9/9/2009 9:54:40 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
al...@positiveenergysolar.com writes:

 
Mark, 
Read  it more closely. $1,500 is an aggregate limit on the 30% credit for  
energy-efficiency expenses. That credit is a substantial improvement over 
the  preceding item-specific credits, in that it lets you combine an aggregate 
of  energy-saving measures. The residential solar 30% uncapped credit is in 
a  separate section on the next page. 
 
Allan  Sindelar 
_al...@positiveenergysolar.com_ (mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com)  
NABCEP  Certified Photovoltaic Installer 
EE98J  Journeyman Electrician 
Positive  Energy, Inc. 
3201  Calle Marie 
Santa  Fe, New Mexico 87507 
505  424-1112
_www.positiveenergysolar.com_ (http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/)  
 
 
From:  re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org  
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mark  Byington
Sent: Wednesday, September 09, 2009 7:33 AM
To:  RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Federal  Tax Credit

Hmmm,  that doesn’t look right; it says $1,500 maximum credit?? 
Mark 
Cobalt  Power Systems, Inc. 
Here  is the draft version of the new 2009  Form 5695 Federal Personal Tax  
Credit (Residential): 
_http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/f5695--dft.pdf_ 
(http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/f5695--dft.pdf)  
Pat  Redgate 
Ameco  Solar 

Can  someone tell me what is the form # for the federal solar tax  credit?

thanks,
jay 





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Re: [RE-wrenches] tax credit form.

[SOLARPRO]

Here is the draft version of the new 2009  Form 5695 Federal Personal  Tax 
Credit (Residential):
 
_http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/f5695--dft.pdf_ 
(http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/f5695--dft.pdf) 
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
 
 
In a message dated 9/8/2009 8:31:41 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
j...@asis.com writes:

HI All,

Can someone tell me what is the form # for the federal solar  tax  credit?

thanks,

jay
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Power 4 Home

[SOLARPRO]

 
Hey, I just found the clearinghouse for all things incredible - this one  
looks like it's been around for a while but it's new to me!  I am going to  
order my cuticle powered alien detector right away!
 
_www.pesn.com_ (http://www.pesn.com/) 
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar

 
 
In a message dated 9/1/2009 9:06:25 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
dan...@hughes.net writes:

I have a  review of this $50 E-book scam posted  at:
http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2009/7/8/165124/3571
It ain't  good.
DAN FINK



i...@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated  9/1/2009 8:41:06 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, 
>  toddc...@finestplanet.com writes:
> 
> Why are  we building these expensive systems for customers when this
>   dude sells em for $200.00! I wish on line advertisers would  not
> perpetuate these myths.
> 
>   
>  
> One born every second. Very nice example of chump  farming!
>  
> Don
>  


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Re: [RE-wrenches] utility line voltage issues

[SOLARPRO]

Michael, Bill:
Our most troublesome areas are in older parts of So Cal (i.e. Pomona) with  
higher AC loads.  The ancient and undersized transformers just can't  
compensate for the sag, especially at the end of the line.  Edison WILL  
replace 
the transformer after the DG customer and all of his fiends and  neighbors 
harass customer service for about two years... or when it  blows.  
The dream wrench org. when we finally wake up and put one together I  
hope I'm still around. Right now CalSeia is just about the only game in CA 
town,  as far as Big Tent SOLAR  is concerned and I gotta believe herding  
cats would be a good deal easier.
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
PS Yes, I think it is time to find an attorney and there's a whole  
bunch of 'em in Sacramento.  But I also think it's a legitimate idea to  
rethink voltage bandwidth at the PUC and PA forums. I believe all of Michael's  
assumptions are low.
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 8/16/2009 10:42:54 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
michael.we...@re-wrenches.org writes:

Please  check my math, I did it pretty quickly.

CA has over 450 MW of  distributed PV systems. At around, say, 4.5 average 
daily sun hours (it is  probably more, averaged over the state's systems), 
that would be 540,000 MWh  each year.

If the utilities are dropping out of spec, say, 1% of the  time, that's 
5,400 MWh of loss each year. At 15 cents a kWh (the average is  probably more) 
that turns out to be $81,000 worth of losses to us.

That  does not seem like a whole lot , but the number will grow as fast as 
PV  installations are.

Maybe it is time for a class-action lawsuit against  the utilities. Or time 
for the dream Wrench organization to file with the CPUC  for relief in the 
form of stricter utility specs, or petition UL for looser  inverter specs.

One question, why are inverters required to drop out  for out of spec 
voltage and frequency? It seems to me that the UL requirements  are overly 
limiting in that regard. I mean, if the utility can do it with  their huge 
plants, 
why can't we with our little ones?

William Korthof  wrote at 10:06 AM 8/16/2009:

>I'm beginning to wonder if the allowed  voltage range for grid-tie 
inverters (+/-10%) is too sensitive in some  networks and contributes more harm 
than benefit. This is close to  home.
>
>We actually have a significant number of customers who've  had trouble 
with grid voltage causing their systems to go offline at various  times. I 
think most or all are SCE  customers.



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Re: [RE-wrenches] "Quick Release" PV System

[SOLARPRO]

And to my knowledge, there exists no certified, listed or  approved 'Quick 
Release' mechanism, other than improvised hand-built solutions  that are 
approved in-situ by the Fire authority having  jurisdicktion.
There is a hope of a possibility that a hinged mechanism  will  be 
developed that will placate those fire officials wanting a way to  quickly 
ventilate 
a structure.
Patrick Redgate
Ameco
 
 
Chula  Vista has been difficult on a number of fronts for the past few 
years.
I'm  not sure what is behind it. This is a reference from an old Los  
Angeles
Fire Department regulation. It was invented by a person at LA who  still
thinks it's a good idea. I don't doubt that it could not be  developed. My
first roof bracket had a quick-release feature for servicing  panels in the
array. It is a bad mandate and was rejected by the group who  developed the
guidelines for PV installation with the California Fire  Marshal's office.
There is no state support for the  idea.



Bill.



From:  re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]  On Behalf Of Brian White
Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 11:18 AM
To:  RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] "Quick Release" PV  System



"Quick Release" PV System



I just had a  set of plans rejected by the City of Chula Vista, CA, because
the  integrated Tile product that we use did not have a "Quick Release"
System  for the array, so that the Fire Department could remove the array in
the  event of a fire.



Has anyone ever heard of such a requirement?  If so, how did you meet this
requirement, with any style of PV array (BIPV,  Standard Modules, peel &
stick) and still achieve an 85 - 100 mph wind  rating? Is it just me, or is
this city from a different  planet.



This issue did not show up on the initial Plan  Correction check list from
the city, but they are calling it out now when  we re-submitted. My
electrician asked them to explain it to me over the  phone, because he did
not think anyone would believe him when he asked for  this requirement. I
have asked for a document or anything that defines this  requirement, and
will share what I find out.



Brian C.  White

Sr. Design Engineer - PV Systems



Eagle Roofing  Products

120 North Auburn Street - Suite 212

Grass Valley,  CA  95945
Phone: 530-273-2948

Cell:  530-575-5550



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverter AM Interference

[SOLARPRO]

It disappears when the breaker is thrown.
Pat Redgate
 
 
In a message dated 7/15/2009 5:11:58 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
b...@midnitesolar.com writes:


>  solar...@aol.com wrote:
>
>   This is a brand new 5000  US.  EMT on all dc runs.  The radio is a 
> BOSE...and is 27  feet away.  The interference is runs 24/7... so it 
> must be AC  related.
>

Does the radio noise go away when you completely  disconnect the SMA 
inverter  ?

boB

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverter AM Interference

[SOLARPRO]

Hello again:
 
This is a brand new 5000 US.  EMT on all dc runs.  The radio is a  
BOSE...and is 27 feet away.  The interference is runs 24/7... so it must be  AC 
related.
I found out today that roam (or freedom) phones do not work at this  home. 
Since it was built with wire mesh in the walls - this was  a transition 
method used after plaster and before drywall...sometime  in the late 40's early 
50's - we are all supposing that this is the reason  that the  phones do not 
work.
But could living in a modified Faraday cage have something to do with  it? 
I am taking my job site tested boom box over there tomorrow to see if  
running unplugged helps.  Maybe we can rig up an antenna for the BOSEa  
metal coat hanger in a vent pipe should do it.
I'll let you know
 
Patrick Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
 
 
In a message dated 7/15/2009 2:52:50 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org writes:

At 09:48  PM 7/14/2009, you wrote:

2) Replace your 15-year old  modified square wave inverter with a true sine 
wave model. (OUCH! It's  really a new SMA?)


The SMA Sunny Island requires metal  conduit for the battery cables, for 
RFI. 

Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric
OH  License 44810
CO License 3773
NABCEP TM  Certified PV Installer 
Office -  740-448-7328
Mobile - 740-856-9648 



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[RE-wrenches] Inverter AM Interference

[SOLARPRO]

Hello:
 
Has anybody got a fix or a way to filter out inverter generated  AM ( 
520-700 kHz MW)  noise?  I guess it's never been a  problem in the past because 
our customers must not have been fans of AM  radio.  Plus, I always approved 
of the fact that it wiped  out reception for ditto-heads.
We called SMA and they are in a state of denial.  Our customer is not  very 
ambulatory, sits in the same spot most of the day and just loves talk  
radio.  The inverter is more than 30 feet away from the radio.
Other than relocating the inverter (grid-tie, no battery) is there anything 
 we can do? 
 
Patrick Redgate
Ameco Solar
**Can love help you live longer? Find out now. 
(http://personals.aol.com/articles/2009/02/18/longer-lives-through-relationships/?ncid=emlweu
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Recall?

[SOLARPRO]

I heard this from a distributor who sells the product - who then quickly  
asked me to keep mum.
Oh well.
Personally I am crossing my fingers and toes.  We urban wrenches  really 
need this product!
 
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar
 
PS  Is this suitable for wrench distribution?
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 6/18/2009 6:57:04 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
aug...@luminalt.com writes:

Hi  Wrenches,

I was at an inspection yesterday and the inspector asked me  if we were
installing Enphase inverters. I told him that we have not to  date - we're
waiting for a couple of years of solid performance  history.

Anyway, he mentioned that he had heard that a batch of already  installed
Enphase inverters was being recalled. I certainly don't want to  start 
rumors
but I thought I'd see if any of you have more information in  this case. I
have no idea if what he said is true or  not.

Best,

August

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[RE-wrenches] We're out of a job, now?

[SOLARPRO]

This is the one that's got me wondering:
 
_http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMFvzohuVew_ 
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMFvzohuVew) 
 
Pat
Ameco Solar
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Re: [RE-wrenches] pay for sales leads

[SOLARPRO]

Mark:
I COULD NOT AGREE ANYMORE It took us nine months to settle our account
with them!  They kept dinging the credit card and we had to cancel it after
 having stopping the service - several times and several ways.  I do not
believe that they were innocently kept making booking errors - as they
claimed.
We had the same experience with Service Magic, from whom CalFinder
apparently sprang.
Stay away.
Pat Redgate
Ameco Solar, Inc.


In a message dated 4/23/2009 8:42:42 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
ma...@cobaltpower.com writes:


“…have any of you actually  used one of these pay for leads web sites and
found it to be as good as the  hype?”
FYI,  we had an absolutely terrible experience with CalFinder.  After
chasing –  and paying for – many, many poor quality leads, we finally canceled
the  account.  There was a $145 refund which they agreed they owed us; but
after repeated calls and emails to them over several months, they still have
not paid.  We are in process of contesting it with the credit card
company.
I  suggest to everyone who wants to work with a fair and equitable lead 
generation partner, steer clear of CalFinder.
Mark  Byington
Cobalt Power Systems,  Inc.





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Re: [RE-wrenches] Chimneys Rigid vs EMT

[SOLARPRO]

Peter:
 
Newport Beach, CA.  They backed away from the AC run in rigid  however.  It 
was either rigid OR a remote DC disco, operable from the  ground at the main 
service entrance, that would cut off all power to runs at the  array.  No 
chimney issues as of today, at 11:24 AM PST, March 6,  2009.
 
People should get their systems soon before it will be impossible to get a  
permit (or afford the design changes).
 
All the inverter manufacturers should be working on micro inverters and  give 
Enphase a run for their money.
But a micro-inverter would not help in Pasadena, apparently.
 
Patrick A. Redgate
AMECO Solar, Inc.
7623 Somerset,  Blvd.
Paramount, CA 90723
562-633-4400

_www.amecosolar.com_ (http://www.amecosolar.com/) 


In a message dated 3/6/2009 10:56:15 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
peter.parr...@calsolareng.com writes:

We have  an interesting situation in the enclave of Pasadena, CA. 

(1) The  Pasadena Building and Safety Department is requiring the use of
rigid  conduit (only) on any DC and AC runs for grid-tied PV systems.  They
specifically prohibit EMT, LFNC and LFMC. This requirement applies to  any DC
or AC runs on the roof, and it applies to any DC or AC runs on  exterior
walls.

They do not require the use of rigid conduit on A/C  equipment, lighting or
any other piece of equipment requiring  exterior-mounted conduit conveying
electrical power.

(2) They also  disallow a rigid conduit run anywhere on the exterior surface
of a chimney.  Where a conduit run on an exterior wall encounters a chimney,
they require  that the conduit run follow the line where the chimney meets
the wall/roof.  This means up the wall, along the roof and back down  the
wall.

Although I think (1) is overkill, I will comply this once  and engage the AHJ
before the next job we have in this town; I have graver  reservations about
(2). I have lived over 50 years in California and I have  seen the results
severe earthquakes can have on residential chimneys. If  the chimney goes,
the first place it happens is on the unsupported portion  above the roof. The
next place the chimney fails is the higher portion,  attached to the building
frame. I think I can remember just one case where  a chimney failed within 3
feet of the foundation, and in that case most of  the rest of the structure
failed. Consequently if a chimney fails, there  will be hundreds of pounds of
brick raining down on the rigid conduit where  it runs along the chimney roof
interface.

I would argue that the  safest place for a rigid conduit run would be around
the chimney in the  crawl space (if any) underneath the house, attached to
floor joists. If  that option is not available I would argue for a run around
(and anchored  to) the exterior chimney at about 2-3 feet above grade.

Is item (2)  essentially a B&S issue not addressed by the Fire Department? 

Has  anyone encountered these sorts of requirements  elsewhere?

Comments?

- Peter

Peter T. Parrish,  President
California Solar Engineering, Inc.
820 Cynthia Ave., Los  Angeles, CA 90065
Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax  323-258-8885
CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert.  031806-26
peter.parr...@calsolareng.com  


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Re: [RE-wrenches] SS Tek Crews

[SOLARPRO]

Peter:
 
I like M&M Fasteners - pretty good at finding anything in stainless.  I buy 
plain SelfTapping ss teks from them all the time.  I haven't  checked pricing 
lately but they have always been competitive in the past.
In the Valley at 818-767-8833.  
Patrick A. Redgate
AMECO
(562) or (888)  595-9570


_www.amecosolar.com_ (http://www.amecosolar.com/) 
_www.solarexpert.com_ (http://www.solarexpert.com/)   




 
In a message dated 2/5/2009 2:51:48 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
peter.parr...@calsolareng.com writes:

Does  anyone have a source for stainless steel, self tapping Tek screws? I
could  use some #10/3-4 and #10/1-1/2. If they have the little cap and
neoprene  washer that would be even better!

- Peter

Peter T. Parrish,  President
California Solar Engineering, Inc.
820 Cynthia Ave., Los  Angeles, CA 90065
Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax  323-258-8885
CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert.  031806-26
peter.parr...@calsolareng.com  


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Re: [RE-wrenches] California solar intiatives

[SOLARPRO]

10 is a tough one... good business for Pickens.  But I think he has  made the 
connection on Wind v N Gas v Gasoline.  Natural Gas is A real  solution for 
moving us away from imports (especially from global  hot spots). Changing over 
the fuel system is not very difficult or costly  and it would certainly be 
much cleaner burning than using gasoline.   But, we do not have enough NG to 
consider this as even an interim option, hence  his push for wind to open up 
supplies of natural gas.  I do  not see why the push for solar water heating 
would 
not also be  part of his effort - I guess he cannot figure out a way to make 
that work  for him. 
If every single NG water heater in the US went 50% solar, how much extra NG  
would this country have?
 
Patrick Redgate
AMECO Solar
 
 
 
In a message dated 10/5/2008 2:24:52 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
 
On prop  10,

yes you may feel whatever way you would like about Pickens. Seeing  how
much windy land he owns in texas and that he owns clean energy natural  gas
stations makes it a bit insipid that he is trying to use the government  to
increase his infrastructure. But as a tradesman, if you dont think  natural
gas is a important way to run your fleet of heavy vehicles now and  in the
future, then i dont understand that. You can run CNG right now, in  fact I
do and have for years. It is effective and lower emissions (isnt  that part
of what your business is? environmentalism?) I have seen one work  van that
runs on batteries in europe that has a low range and a long charge  time.
The reality of our business and all the other tradesman is driving up  to
200 miles a day and driving around often. You can do what you are  doing
now, (buying gas until the battery van comes out never joel?), run  a
neighborhood business, or use natural gas. And if you do already, then  you
welcome an increase in the infrastructure and can only hope they will  use
garbage and cow poop to reach increasing demand instead of imports. And  of
course, when the sales fleet and customers are all going around in  EVs,
you are right Joel, this state will have officially pulled its head  out of
its natural pocket.




> Hello  Jay,
>
> CalSEIA (and I) am opposed to Prop 7 because, among other  things, it would
> exclude renewable projects that are 30MW or less from  counting toward the
> State's Renewable Portfolio Standard. If Prop 7  becomes law, it will
> adversely impact the developing markets for  distributed solar technologies
> that are located close to load centers  and reduce market opportunities for
> many solar companies throughout  California. Ensuring that <30MW systems
> can
> be counted  toward RPS goals is very important to expanding the use of
>  solar
> in California. The Prop 7 people seem well-intentioned and  probably got
> their >30 MW language from the distinction between  small and large hydro
> (large hydro is bad ecology). I am not a "small  is beautiful" hardliner
> because some big problems require big  solutions. I think that the world
> needs both small and large scale PV.  We need Jay's PV and PG&E's 800 MW PV
> too.
>
> Prop 10  is another story. The Los Angeles Times editorialized against Prop
> 10  on September 19, saying, "Spending bond money on something as
>  intangible
> as privately owned vehicles is a terrible idea unless there  is a clear
> public benefit." The Santa Monica Mirror said,  "Self-serving Prop. 10
> sounds
> good, should lose." See
>  http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_10_(2008)  T.
> Boone Pickens will definitely benefit from his Prop 10. I think he  is
> smart
> enough to figure out a market-driven way to sell and  fuel more natural gas
> vehicles. I also think that one of Prop 10's  supporters, the California
> Air
> Resources Board, failed in  their duty to the public when the caved to the
> automobile and fossil  fuel industries and killed the electric vehicle
> mandate. Take fossil  fuels out of Prop 10 and I might be in favor of it,
> but
> I am  against burdening the next generation with another $10 billion debt
>  for
> a transitional technology like slightly cleaner vehicles. Let's  make the
> great leap forward and end our addiction to fossil fuels  asap.
>
> Joel Davidson
>
> - Original Message  -
> From: "jay peltz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: "RE-wrenches"  
> Sent: Sunday, October 05,  2008 12:00 PM
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] California solar  intiatives
>
>
>> Hi All in  California.
>>
>> What seems to be the best way to go on the  two intiatives #7 and #10.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>  jay
>>
>> peltz power
>>  





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Re: [RE-wrenches] 30% tax credit

[SOLARPRO]

Karl et.al.
We are still uncertain as to the date of effectiveness for the various  
sweeteners included in the Bill - 
this from CalSeia =
"...HR 1424  and found this provision that I know you will all want 
to know in  black-and-white terms:
 
(f) (2) SOLAR ELECTRIC PROPERTY LIMITATION.—The amendments made by  
subsection (b) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31,  2008."

It would make sense that the sweeping urgency which propelled this Rescue  
Plan through Congress and over to the President's Desk was not also shared by  
the 'earmarks.'  Also note the reference to 'solar  electric.,'   I do not 
believe the cap for res thermal was  lifted.  

Patrick Redgate
Ameco Solar 




In a message dated 10/5/2008 12:43:22 P.M. Pacific Daylight  Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Does anyone know if the uncapped  30% is good for solar thermal as well?  
I've seen various languages,  but don't know which one was the final one 
passed.  I've seen no cap,  and 30% of system up to $4000, and uncapped 
for PV, but hasn't been  specified for thermal .

apparently all the provisions of the bill went  into effect friday, when 
the bill was signed.  understandable for the  wall street portions, 
unexpected benefit to us, is it went into effect  immediately, any system 
not installed will  benefit.

Karl

Mendocino Solar Service wrote:
> Hi  Folks,
>
> What are people saying (or not saying) to signed or  potential 
> residential customers who could benefit from waiting until  January to 
> get the un-capped 30% tax credit? Could we see all our jobs  for the 
> next three months on hold? (I'm assuming the cap ends Jan.  1)
>
> Bruce Erickson
> Mendocino Solar Service
>  707-937-1701
> 707-937-1741 fax
> PO Box 1252
> Mendocino, CA  95460
>  
>
>
> "Serving the Solar  System"
>   

-- 
Karl Schwingel
NABCEP Certified  Solar Thermal Installer
NorthWind Renewable Energy LLC

PO Box 723  Stevens Point, WI 54481
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cell: 715 209 0446
Fax :  715 952 4501






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