from:"penobscotsolar"

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown for Off-grid systems

2022-01-31 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi William,
   We have a half dozen plus off grid systems using SolArk inverters and
TIGO optimizers. They work well and the TIGO's, from my experience,
have been really reliable. The necessary 12 volt signal can come
directly from the relay in the SolArk inverter.

Best,
Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV
Penobscot Solar Design



> Friends:
>
>
>
> It is quite rare for us to install off-grid systems on roof-tops.  We have
> one coming up with about 20kW on a large barn roof.  This will be our
> first
> off-grid with a module-level rapid shutdown requirement.  I see no
> exemptions from RSS for off-grid systems in the code.  I have looked at
> the
> options and this is what I have found:
>
>
>
> 1.   Fire Raptor
>
> 2.   Tigo TS4-F
>
> 3.   AC coupling with micro-inverters or optimizers
>
>
>
> No one of these approaches seems ideal.  The fire raptor requires extra
> wiring for control leads.  The Tigo requires a wireless control system
> which worries me about reliability.  With AC Coupling systems floating the
> proposed AGM batteries may be awkward.  Furthermore, with AC coupled
> systems one cannot charge batteries unless the mini-grid is operational, a
> big problem.
>
>
>
> Have any of you implemented module-level RSS on a battery-based inverter
> system?  I looked in the archives and found no threads that apply.  Thank
> in advance.
>
>
>
> William Miller
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Load imbalance issues with SolArk?

2021-02-03 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Nick,
   We have about 16 SolArk's installed and have a single 12 kW that has
that "bus imbalance" error every once in a while. It seems to be a
specific appliance (electric mixer) that it does it with, and only
occasionally. I spoke with SolArk about it and they have a small "plug
in" that doesn't cost much that will absorb the imbalance on that
inverter. I bought one and I'll report back on how it works.
   The client is really happy with his system and considers it a minor
nuisance. I'll give him the plug in and see if it helps.
   The other 15 SolArk's (2 8kw and 13 12kw) do not have this problem and
are working perfectly.

Daryl


> Good morning Wrenches,
>
> I’ve strongly been considering using the SolArk 12K unit for awhile but
> have heard from a few folks that there can be somewhat frequent issues
> with the inverter shutting down from line to line imbalance. As little as
> 1400 watts? I could see where these instances would be minimized with
> attention to detail on balancing all the loads but if’s as little as a
> delta of 1400 watts that might occur with something as innocent as a
> toaster oven. Seems like it would also be less of an issue in a grid back
> up or AC coupled scenario but for off grid I’d be bummed to be getting
> calls every couple weeks from an off grid client that trusted me to offer
> the right equipment.
>
> How much of an issue is this? Is it getting exaggerated? Those that have
> NOT had this happening was it on a full time off grid site?
>
> Has it happened less on sites using the "Limited to Home” mode? I have an
> upcoming project that was going to be setup with a couple Radians in HBX
> mode and my thought was perhaps it might be an ideal solution there but if
> the continuity of electrical service was going to be provided mainly
> through batteries and inverting and not through the pass through relays
> the majority of the time then the site might likely experience this issue
> with imbalance shutdowns.
>
> There are many attractive features of the SolArk and I really like the
> thought of taking advantage of the 185 amp DC charger versus the Radian’s
> 115 but I’m kind of thinking the risks may outweigh the benefits if these
> shutdowns occur even once every couple of months. Any of you have a long
> enough history with them to chime in with your observations? Are they most
> reliable for AC coupled with backup rather than off grid or the “Limited
> to Home” mode?
>
> Thanks for your time,
> Nick A Lucchese
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Best LiPO Battery for Sol-Ark

2021-02-01 Thread penobscotsolar

I would reiterate you take a look at Fortress Evaults. We have many, and
in multiple numbers, installed with SolArk and they are an elegant
solution.

Daryl



> Hi Jason,
>
> Simpliphi AccESS taps out at a maximum of 22.8 kWh per unit. I really
> appreciate the integrated bussing system on the AccESS (reminds me of what
> Sonnen and BluePlanet have done), but if you are looking for higher
> storage
> capacity, this is probably not the best solution. Although you could
> install multiple units, at that point the price of 3 cabinets to achieve
> 60+ kWh would be much greater than incorporating either another closed
> loop
> battery manufacturer OR installing numerous AmpliPHIs with a
> battery combiner and avoiding the AccESS cabinet all together.
>
> -Chris
>
>
> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 7:10 PM Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
>> That sounds interesting. But I see Simpliphi now has a preconfigured
>> Sol-Ark system with the inverter mounted in thier AcceESS enclosure from
>> the factory, not to mention preprogrammed for the number of batteries
>> purchased for the system. If I were to go with Simpliphi I might lean
>> toward this solution unless there are some downsides I'm missing.
>>
>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021, 5:59 PM MDElectricSolar
>> 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I’m using Simpliphi inside an outback battery box, very nice looking
>>> package.
>>>
>>> Michael D Nelson
>>> MD Electric & Solar, Inc.
>>> 707-684-0064 mobile
>>> 707-884-1862 office
>>> www.mdelectricsolar.com
>>> www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jan 31, 2021, at 12:05 PM, Jerry Shafer 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>> Blue planet has BMS integration with solar is a very stable product
>>> with
>>> the best warranty
>>> Jerry
>>>
>>> On Sun, Jan 31, 2021, 11:25 AM Jason Szumlanski <
>>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>>
 For those of you installing Sol-Arks, what LiPO battery do you
 recommend? I need something scalable to at least 60kWh and with
 closed-loop
 communication to the inverters. And cost is always an important
 consideration. Finally, something that looks pretty - competing with
 Tesla
 is tough with some of these ugly beasts.

 Jason Szumlanski
 Florida Solar Design Group

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> --
> Chris Sparadeo
>
>

Re: [RE-wrenches] Energy Storage and Working Spaces for Other Equipment

2021-01-31 Thread penobscotsolar

We have been using them regularly with Fortress Power EVaults (18.5 kW)
with very good results. Fortress is working on the communications between
the two, already have their Flex5Kw battery working with it. Easy to
install, dependable and the 400 lb EVault is on wheels. Just back from
installing a double 12kW with three EVaults, a double 12 kW with two
EVaults, and a single with two EVaults, all on Man O War Cay in the
Bahamas. We had three previously installed systems there from last winter
and all are working extremely well with happy clients!

Daryl



> I'm seeing a lot of pictures of LiPO battery systems and people are
> mounting equipment above them like load centers, inverters with
> disconnects, and other serviceable enclosures. Some of these battery
> systems are 24 inches deep or more. This seems to violate NEC 110.26
> requirements for the other serviceable equipment, but the pictures are
> proudly displayed as models of success. Even slender Tesla Powerwalls
> stick
> out significantly when stacked 2 or 3 deep and would be more than 6 inches
> deeper than a standard load center. Sure, the battery cabinets make great
> places to rest tools while working, but does anyone else see this as
> problematic?
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Microgrid... Outback or SMA or other?

2020-09-10 Thread penobscotsolar

We've had great luck using the Tigo (and SMA) optimizers with SolArk to
conform to NEC2017 and CEC2018.


> There is a huge distinction in a hybrid inverter that integrates MPPT
> charge control. Eliminating all of the extraneous hardware and circuit
> protection associated with charge controllers is very appealing. The 500V
> input limit is also a game-changer in terms of wire size. I'm very
> interested in this approach.
>
> On the flip size, an AC Coupled approach is also appealing in a lot of
> circumstances. Since Sol-Ark supports that, too, it's hard to find
> downsides other than their infancy in the industry.
>
> And for what it's worth, my experience with SMA tech support recently has
> been abysmal. Long hold times and getting bounced around departments.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 9, 2020 at 9:50 PM Mark Frye  wrote:
>
>> The most important thing here is that no one is standing up to sing the
>> praises of either SMA or Outback.
>>
>> I myself have sent about 2 hours on hold over 2 days trying to get an
>> issue addressed by SMA.
>>
>> Re: Sol-Arc I would pay a lot extra or take some not so good aspect in
>> exchange for good technical support.
>> On 9/9/2020 1:12 PM, Jason Szumlanski wrote:
>>
>> Any tips on combining AC output from these units when stacking several
>> of
>> them? What bus/OCPD system are you using? Same question for
>> generator/grid
>> input.
>>
>> The solar MPPT inputs appear to be dead simple.
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Sep 8, 2020 at 10:45 PM MiJo Nels 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> we've found SolArk to be SOLID!! .. And yes 8 inv yield about 96kW,
>>> with
>>> a TON of surge capabilities..
>>>
>>> Joe Nelson
>>>
>>> Project Manager C-46/C-10
>>> Sustainable Energy Group Inc., A California Corporation
>>>
>>> CSL# 868816
>>> www.SustainableEnergyGroup.com
>>> 
>>> 530-273-4422 (Office)
>>>
>>> 530-217-8385 (Cell)
>>>
>>> 
>>>
>>>    
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> *From:* RE-wrenches  on
>>> behalf of pgir...@mindspring.com 
>>> *Sent:* Tuesday, September 8, 2020 1:24:03 PM
>>> *To:* 'RE-wrenches' 
>>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Microgrid... Outback or SMA or other?
>>>
>>>
>>> I also suggest the Sol-Ark 12’s. Extremely efficient, simple to
>>> program,
>>> does a wonderful job in either ac coupling, stand alone or pure off
>>> grid
>>> and terrific customer support.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Peter Giroux
>>>
>>> ASAE
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *From:* RE-wrenches  *On
>>> Behalf Of *Bryan Norkunas
>>> *Sent:* Tuesday, September 8, 2020 1:50 PM
>>> *To:* 'RE-wrenches' 
>>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Microgrid... Outback or SMA or other?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Sol-Arks would be possible, you can link 8 inverters.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *Bryan *
>>>
>>> *PV-Cables*
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>> ] *On Behalf Of *Chris
>>> Schaefer
>>> *Sent:* Tuesday, September 8, 2020 10:40 AM
>>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Microgrid... Outback or SMA or other?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I'd suggest giving the crew at Sol-Ark a quick call @ 972-575-8875 with
>>> their 12kw unit. Not sure what their max number of inverters are.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Christopher
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Sep 8, 2020 at 1:14 PM Kienan Maxfield
>>> 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hey all, I'm designing a microgrid sized off-grid system for somebody,
>>> and I'm just wondering if anyone knows of any issues with the following
>>> designs...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The client says he needs 70 kW. His load data looks pretty solid, so
>>> I'm
>>> sticking to using that number as a minimum, at least during the initial
>>> proposal stage. I only know of two possible equipment options for this
>>> size
>>> range...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>1. I think I can use up to 10 Outback Radians, for up to an 80 kW
>>>system. Are there any bugs or problems with using this many
>>> inverters on
>>>one hub? I know I've read about issues with selling to the grid, but
>>> that's
>>>not an issue, this is off-grid.
>>>2. I know that the SMA cluster box with sunny islands can allow for
>>>up to a 72 kW system. Do you know of any bugs or problems with this
>>> system?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Are there any other options that anyone would suggest? Schneider's
>>> website says they can only do up to 61 kW, and Victron can only do up
>>> to 60
>>> kW.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I know that the Outback system would yield a 240/120 Split-Phase system
>>> and that the SMA would yield a 208/120 3Ø system, but this doesn't
>>> really
>>> matter either way for this job.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks so much,
>>>
>>> Kienan
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *Maxfield Solar*
>>>
>>> *maxfieldso...@hotmail.com* 
>>>
>>> *(801) 631-5584 (Cell)*
>>>
>>>

Re: [RE-wrenches] Microgrid... Outback or SMA or other?

2020-09-10 Thread penobscotsolar

Hey Bill,
   They're still small enough that, at least so far, there is no hold music!
And we combine ac outputs with an "ac combiner panel" simply a single
phase or three phase panel, with each inverter feeding a breaker in that
panel and ensuring that we use either a main breaker that can be back fed
or a panel with feed through lugs. It is simple and safe and code
compliant.


Daryl





> OK, I'll bite.  I use SMA and Outback almost exclusively.  SMA for
> grid-tie so I can't vouch for SI for Off-grid and I don't seem to have
> the same wait problem with SMA, its usually 10-20 minutes.
>
>              And Outback well they're not perfect but I've been
> using there stuff since day 1 (thanks Bob-O), still using FX3524 ser#
> 0007 and been installing since they were Trace. Service?  well, let's
> just say it varies but I've been willing to put up with it.  The WORST
> part of of Outback service calls is the music they pipe in on
> 'hold'...its enough to make you hang up.
>
>              Sol-ark, the new kid on the block sounds slick and I'm
> genuinely tempted, specs look great..wonder what their 'hold' music is
> like?
>
> Bill
>
> Feather River Solar Electric
> Bill Battagin, Owner
> 4291 Nelson St.
> Taylorsville, CA 95983
> 530.284.7849
> CA Lic 874049
> www.frenergy.net
>
> On 9/9/2020 6:49 PM, Mark Frye wrote:
>>
>> The most important thing here is that no one is standing up to sing
>> the praises of either SMA or Outback.
>>
>> I myself have sent about 2 hours on hold over 2 days trying to get an
>> issue addressed by SMA.
>>
>> Re: Sol-Arc I would pay a lot extra or take some not so good aspect in
>> exchange for good technical support.
>>
>> On 9/9/2020 1:12 PM, Jason Szumlanski wrote:
>>> Any tips on combining AC output from these units when stacking
>>> several of them? What bus/OCPD system are you using? Same question
>>> for generator/grid input.
>>>
>>> The solar MPPT inputs appear to be dead simple.
>>>
>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
>
> --
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Microgrid... Outback or SMA or other?

2020-09-09 Thread penobscotsolar

What do you see, Dave? We have 6 12 kW and two 8 kW installed so far in
the Bahamas and two here in Maine, all with Fortress batteries, and I
cannot be more pleased. I do wish they had a remote monitor panel for
easier at home monitoring and I guess I would rather they had their own
monitoring system instead of Powerview, but compared to others I am
thrilled at the ease of installation and programming, zero service calls
and wireless connectivity for monitoring over the internet.

Thanks,
Daryl



>
>
> Due diligence on Sol Arc. I would look at them harder if I were you!
>
>
> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines
> don't"
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ [1]
> e-mail offgridso...@sti.net
> [2]
> text 209 813 0060
>
> On Wed, 9 Sep 2020 15:32:51 +, Kienan Maxfield
> wrote: Thank you all so much for the suggestions!! I hadn't thought of
> SolArk, but I'll have to include that in my proposals. It sounds like
> they've really gathered quite a following.   Thanks, Kienan
>  MAXFIELD
> SOLAR maxfieldso...@hotmail.com [3]  (801) 631-5584 (CELL)
>
> -
>  FROM: RE-wrenches  on behalf of Jay
>  SENT:
> Tuesday, September 8, 2020 8:50 PM
>  TO: RE-wrenches
>  SUBJECT: Re:
> [RE-wrenches] Microgrid... Outback or SMA or other? Hi Joe   A
> correction   Both the 8 and 12kw are 9 kw inverters In off grid mode
> according to the specs.For grid selling the 12kw is 12 kw.Jay
> Peltz
> power
>  On Sep 8, 2020, at 7:45 PM, MiJo Nels  wrote:
>  we've found
> SolArk to be SOLID!! .. And yes 8 inv yield about 96kW, with a TON of
> surge
> capabilities..
>Joe Nelson
>   Project Manager C-46/C-10 Sustainable
> Energy Group Inc., A California Corporation
>   CSL# 868816
> www.SustainableEnergyGroup.com [4] 530-273-4422 (Office)
>   530-217-8385
> (Cell)
>   
>      
>
> -
>  FROM: RE-wrenches  on
> behalf of pgir...@mindspring.com
>  SENT: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 1:24:03
> PM
>  TO: 'RE-wrenches'
>  SUBJECT: Re: [RE-wrenches] Microgrid... Outback or
> SMA or other?
>
> I also suggest the Sol-Ark 12's. Extremely efficient,
> simple to program, does a wonderful job in either ac coupling, stand alone
> or pure off grid and terrific customer support.
>
> Peter Giroux
>
> ASAE
>
>
> FROM: RE-wrenches  ON BEHALF OF Bryan Norkunas
>  SENT: Tuesday, September
> 8, 2020 1:50 PM
>  TO: 'RE-wrenches'
>  SUBJECT: Re: [RE-wrenches]
> Microgrid... Outback or SMA or other?
>
> Sol-Arks would be possible, you
> can link 8 inverters.
>
> BRYAN
>
> PV-CABLES
>
> FROM: RE-wrenches
> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [5]] ON BEHALF OF Chris
> Schaefer
>  SENT: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 10:40 AM
>  TO: RE-wrenches
>
> SUBJECT: Re: [RE-wrenches] Microgrid... Outback or SMA or other?
>
> I'd
> suggest giving the crew at Sol-Ark a quick call @ 972-575-8875 with their
> 12kw unit. Not sure what their max number of inverters are.
>
> Christopher
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 8, 2020 at 1:14 PM Kienan Maxfield  wrote:
>
> Hey all,
> I'm designing a microgrid sized off-grid system for somebody, and I'm just
> wondering if anyone knows of any issues with the following designs...
>
>
> The client says he needs 70 kW. His load data looks pretty solid, so I'm
> sticking to using that number as a minimum, at least during the initial
> proposal stage. I only know of two possible equipment options for this
> size
> range...
>
>   * I think I can use up to 10 Outback Radians, for up to an
> 80 kW system. Are there any bugs or problems with using this many
> inverters
> on one hub? I know I've read about issues with selling to the grid, but
> that's not an issue, this is off-grid.
>   * I know that the SMA cluster box
> with sunny islands can allow for up to a 72 kW system. Do you know of any
> bugs or problems with this system?
>
> Are there any other options that anyone
> would suggest? Schneider's website says they can only do up to 61 kW, and
> Victron can only do up to 60 kW.
>
> I know that the Outback system would
> yield a 240/120 Split-Phase system and that the SMA would yield a 208/120
> 3Ø system, but this doesn't really matter either way for this job.
>
>
> Thanks so much,
>
> Kienan
>
> MAXFIELD SOLAR
>
>
> maxfieldso...@hotmail.com [7]
>
> (801) 631-5584 (CELL)
>
>
> ___
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> List rules ">Chris Schaefer's
>
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>
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>  www.solarandwindfx.com
> [13] ~ E-mail: _ch...@solarandwindfx.com [14]_
>
> Thomas Jefferson, the
> author of our great Constitution, once said, "democracy" will cease to
> ex

Re: [RE-wrenches] Dr Pepper on Metal Roofs

2020-08-25 Thread penobscotsolar

http://www.magneticshoes.com/home



> we switched to "clear" soda as the cola's and colored variety were
> sometimes leaving trace evidence behind on (un coated) galv roofing.. it
> is still critical you anchor up so the crew has something to hold onto..
> Be safe out there humans!! 👍
>
> Joe Nelson
>
> Project Manager C-46/C-10
> Sustainable Energy Group Inc., A California Corporation
>
> CSL# 868816
> www.SustainableEnergyGroup.com
> 530-273-4422 (Office)
>
> 530-217-8385 (Cell)
>
> 
>
>    
>
>
> 
> From: RE-wrenches  on behalf of
> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar 
> Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 11:19:13 AM
> To: RE-wrenches 
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Dr Pepper on Metal Roofs
>
>
> We use Dr. Pepper,  a few drops of dawn dish soap, apple cider vinegar in
> a small bowl to keep flies and bugs from entering the electronics. Fly
> tape is good also.
>
> The only thing we put on a metal roof is rain :)
>
>
>
> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines don't"
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net
> text 209 813 0060
>
> On Tue, 25 Aug 2020 12:06:27 -0600, Stephen K 
> wrote:
>
> Yep, confirmed. Our crews are fans of Mt Dew for this purpose...and for
> the post lunch slump ;).
>
> Stephen Kane
> Namaste Solar
> Boulder, CO
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 25, 2020 at 11:59 AM Matt Partymiller
> mailto:m...@sesre.com>> wrote:
>
> Dr. Pepper!  They must be an ultra-high margin contractor!
>
>
>
> I think Korker's boots with metal roof pads are pretty good.  Cougarpaws
> keeps trying to come out with metal roof boots but none that I have used
> are perfect just yet.  Cheap orange or grape soda sure has lots of sugar
> and will help adhere you to a roof.  Good soda would probably disappear
> out of inventory quickly
>
>
>
> Matt
>
>
>
>
>
> Matt Partymiller
>
> General Manager
>
> Solar Energy Solutions, LLC
>
> 877-312-7456
>
> m...@sesre.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: RE-wrenches
> mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
> On Behalf Of Solar Energy Solutions
> Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 1:43 PM
> To: Wrenches
> mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Dr Pepper on Metal Roofs
>
>
>
> Dear Esteemed Solar Enthusiasts,
>
>
>
> Believe it or NOT, I just talked to a homeowner who says he witness a
> solar contractor spraying Dr. Pepper on his 8:12 pitched metal roof to
> stop from slipping.
>
>
>
> Now I'm wondering...
>
>
>
>
>
> Andrew Koyaanisqatsi
>
> President
>
> Solar Energy Solutions, Inc.
> The BRIGHT CHOICE
>
> Since 1987, helping you and your Portland neighbors
> move towards an environmentally sustainable future.
>
> 503-238-4502
> www.SolarEnergyOregon.com
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Skybox

2020-05-04 Thread penobscotsolar

I second Jay's suggestion to look at the SolArk. The 8kW has no battery
disconnect, but the 12 kW has one, if you're using non-lithium based
batteries.

Daryl
Penobscot Solar Design


> HI Dave,
>
> The reason Iâve not used it, is that is has no surge.
>
> You might also look at the Sol Ark
>
> Jay
> Peltz Power
>
>> On May 3, 2020, at 6:32 PM, Dave Tedeyan  wrote:
>>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> Does anyone have experience using Outback's Skybox inverter? I have
>> someone interested and am curious to hear if people have had luck with
>> them and if they are reliable.
>>
>> Also, I've been seeing promo material for Fronius' Gen 24 Plus inverter,
>> which looks like it fills the same niche. Are those even available for
>> purchase yet? If so, does anyone have experience with these?
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Dave
>>
>> Dave Tedeyan, PE
>> Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC
>>
>> 110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
>> o. 607.277.1118 x121  f. 607.277.2119
>> www.taitem.com 
>>
>> Solar â¢ Sustainability â¢ Energy â¢ Design
>> Certified B-Corporation since 2013
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Ion Batteries

2020-03-21 Thread penobscotsolar

Fortress EVaults have their own lcd screen with Soc, but Dave is right,
it's not as accurate on RE Optics. We do get a battery reading without any
add-ons, they are just usually off up to 10% from each other.
>
>
> Hi David,
>
> They all work but none of them can get Soc and a few other
> things out to Optics unless you add an external Outback Battery monitor.
> Outback has said they plan to have their own Lithium battery out in the
> Fall.
>
> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines
> don't"
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ [1]
> e-mail offgridso...@sti.net
> [2]
> text 209 813 0060
>
> On Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:59:51 -0700, David Katz
> wrote:   Hello Wrenches, I am working with some people that want to use a
> 20 kw-hour to 30 kw-hour 48 volt lithium-ion battery with an Outback
> Radian
> and Outback FM charge controllers. They are considering using Discover,
> Blue-Ion, Battle Born or SimpliPhi batteries. Does any one have any
> recommendations of which battery functions best with the Outback system.
> Thanks, David Katz
>
> Links:
> --
> [1]
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
> [2] mailto:offgridso...@sti.net
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Ion Batteries

2020-03-20 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Dave,
We've been using Fortress Power EVaults (18.5 kw per) with good results
with Radian 8048's

Daryl


> Hello Wrenches,
> I am working with some people that want to use a 20 kw-hour to 30 kw-hour
> 48 volt lithium-ion battery with an Outback Radian and Outback FM charge
> controllers.
> They are considering using Discover, Blue-Ion, Battle Born or SimpliPhi
> batteries.
> Does any one have any recommendations of which battery functions best with
> the Outback system.
> Thanks,
> David Katz
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Large Lithium 100 kWh-200kWh

2020-02-24 Thread penobscotsolar

We have been using Fortress 18.5 kWh, 48 volt battery banks with SolArk
inverters. Six and six work well for a 100 kW system. With SolArk (and
really, all batteries) it is highly recommended to use busbars to parallel
all battery connections. This also makes it easy to double the battery
size.

Daryl


> Hey wrenches,
>
> What are you using for Lithium in the 100 kWh-200 kWh range?  At what bank
> voltage?  With what inverters?
>
> We are getting more and more inquiries in that range.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> *"Yo solo sÃ© que no sÃ© nada." -SÃ³crates*
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark audible noise

2020-02-20 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Kent,
   We have two 8 kW and four 12 kW installed in the Bahamas. We installed
one in a bedroom closet about two months ago and the client is still
happy. There are some relays and occasional hum but to my ears, they
are less noisy than the XW+ and certainly no more than the Radian. The
initial startup is the only real noise, with the startup fan being the
loudest.
   We are really happy with these inverters so far. Their monitoring
platform is still a work in progress IMHO and they are working on being
able to control settings remotely like Optics RE. My next job is on
Abaco with a 12 kW. They are eay to install, self contained and are an
excellent match with LiFePo batteries. Be aware the 8 kW does not have
a battery disconnect. The 12 kW does.


Daryl


> Would any of you that have installed the Sol-Ark inverters care to
> compare the audible noise level to other inverters such as the XW+ or
> the Radian?
>
> Kent Osterberg
> Blue Mountain Solar
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Real World Sol-Ark experience

2020-02-02 Thread penobscotsolar

The easiest way is using TS4-A-F (TIGO) optimizers.


> How is rapid shutdown achieved with Sol-Ark?
>
> On Sun, Feb 2, 2020 at 1:45 PM  wrote:
>
>> I'm with you Joe,
>>We have a half dozen installed in the Bahamas, off grid and multiple
>> hybrid uses, and they are my go-to from now on. The 12 kW I
>> particularly like and they are coming out with a more "universal"
>> communications dongle for the slightly confusing current online
>> monitoring choices. A great inverter from a great company!
>>
>> Daryl
>>
>>
>> > I'm up to almost half a dozen SolArk's now. . I am falling deeper and
>> > deeper in love with each one. . The resilience they have (both with
>> surge
>> > capacity and the topology they treat the batteries with) I am quite
>> > impressed with.. ALWAYS stellar support, ALWAYS friendly and helpful
>> for
>> > solutions.. you are making a good choice with their gear. I intend to
>> ONLY
>> > use SolArk on Off-Grid/coupled systems and honestly if I get my way we
>> > will march more and more of them into a GridTied/Battery BackUp
>> scenario
>> > (8kW model now Rule21 complaint in CA with 12kW to come shortly)..  I
>> > stand behind this product!!
>> >
>> > Joe Nelson
>> >
>> > Project Manager C-46/C-10
>> > Sustainable Energy Group Inc., A California Corporation
>> >
>> > CSL# 868816
>> > www.SustainableEnergyGroup.com
>> > 530-273-4422 (Office)
>> >
>> > 530-217-8385 (Cell)
>> >
>> > Ã¯Â¿Â¼
>> >
>> > Ã¯Â¿Â¼ Ã¯Â¿Â¼ Ã¯Â¿Â¼ Ã¯Â¿Â¼
>> >
>> > 
>> > From: RE-wrenches  on
>> behalf
>> of
>> > pgir...@mindspring.com 
>> > Sent: Saturday, February 1, 2020 4:11:24 AM
>> > To: 'RE-wrenches' 
>> > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Real World Sol-Ark experience
>> >
>> > Maverick
>> >
>> >   Good morning, you are welcome to call me. 678 525 0468.
>> >
>> > peter
>> >
>> > From: RE-wrenches  On
>> Behalf
>> Of
>> > Maverick Brown
>> > Sent: Friday, January 31, 2020 5:55 PM
>> > To: RE-wrenches 
>> > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Real World Sol-Ark experience
>> >
>> > Peter,
>> >
>> > I would be interested in knowing about your experience and any
>> relevant
>> > settings. I contacted Sol-Ark and they said No-way. Maybe they were
>> not
>> > aware or just donÃ¢â¬â¢t want the support hassle. It would be good
>> to know
>> > for the next customer. For the current customer, I already order two
>> > Radians and 32 6P74S batteries.
>> >
>> > Maverick
>> >
>> >
>> > On Jan 31, 2020, at 4:14 PM,
>> > mailto:pgir...@mindspring.com>>
>> > mailto:pgir...@mindspring.com>> wrote:
>> >
>> > Maverick
>> >
>> >   We have a customer with a Sol-Ark and Tesla car batteries. The
>> system,
>> > once the fine tuning was finished has performed great. Sol -Ark was
>> very
>> > helpful even though this was not a traditional out of the box
>> > application. They were great with us as well as the customer ( who
>> kept
>> > playing with the programing ).  The system resides in a trailer with
>> 3.5
>> > KW of solar on top, 1 Sol-Ark 8 KW inverter and 80 KW of
>> TeslaÃ¢â¬â¢s car
>> > batteries inside. It is a unique setup and as I said, Sol-Ark was
>> great
>> > with guidance and support.
>> >
>> > Peter Giroux
>> > American Solar
>> >
>> > From: RE-wrenches
>> > > re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
>> > On Behalf Of Maverick Brown
>> > Sent: Friday, January 31, 2020 3:27 PM
>> > To: RE-wrenches
>> > > re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
>> > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Real World Sol-Ark experience
>> >
>> > Doug
>> >
>> > Thanks for the quick reply! The battery is actually a Tesla Model S
>> sedan
>> > car battery. Each brick is 21.6V nominal.
>> >
>> > I tried to get support from Sol-Ark.
>> >
>> > The current plan is to use two radians. I have XW and Radians in my
>> own
>> my
>> > system.  I just wanted know about the Sol-Ark. I love that inverter on
>> > paper and was looking to get one.
>> > Thank you,
>> >
>> > Maverick
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > On Jan 31, 2020, at 2:15 PM, Doug Phillips
>> > mailto:d...@solarpluskauai.com>> wrote:
>> > Ã¯Â»Â¿IÃ¢â¬â¢ve never tried that low, what battery?
>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > On Jan 31, 2020, at 9:29 AM, Maverick Brown
>> > mailto:maver...@mavericksolar.com>> wrote:
>> > Ã¯Â»Â¿Doug
>> >
>> > Well, can I edit bulk, absorb and float to 50.5 and LBCO <=40V?
>> >
>> > Asking for a friend...
>> > Thank you,
>> >
>> > Maverick
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > On Jan 31, 2020, at 12:15 PM, Doug Phillips
>> > mailto:d...@solarpluskauai.com>> wrote:
>> > Ã¯Â»Â¿
>> > Hey Wrenches,
>> >
>> > I have installed ~15 Sol-Ark 8kÃ¢â¬â¢s over the last year and have a
>> few
>> > 12kÃ¢â¬â¢s lined up for the coming month.  I have basically fallen
>> head over
>> > heels for the product and the company.  The machine itself works
>> > beautifully and is quick and easy to install (no external ccÃ¢â¬â¢s
>> !).  I
>> > also believe that the thoughtful clean sheet design of the machine has
>> > allowed it to surpass the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Real World Sol-Ark experience

2020-02-02 Thread penobscotsolar

I'm with you Joe,
   We have a half dozen installed in the Bahamas, off grid and multiple
hybrid uses, and they are my go-to from now on. The 12 kW I
particularly like and they are coming out with a more "universal"
communications dongle for the slightly confusing current online
monitoring choices. A great inverter from a great company!

Daryl


> I'm up to almost half a dozen SolArk's now. . I am falling deeper and
> deeper in love with each one. . The resilience they have (both with surge
> capacity and the topology they treat the batteries with) I am quite
> impressed with.. ALWAYS stellar support, ALWAYS friendly and helpful for
> solutions.. you are making a good choice with their gear. I intend to ONLY
> use SolArk on Off-Grid/coupled systems and honestly if I get my way we
> will march more and more of them into a GridTied/Battery BackUp scenario
> (8kW model now Rule21 complaint in CA with 12kW to come shortly)..  I
> stand behind this product!!
>
> Joe Nelson
>
> Project Manager C-46/C-10
> Sustainable Energy Group Inc., A California Corporation
>
> CSL# 868816
> www.SustainableEnergyGroup.com
> 530-273-4422 (Office)
>
> 530-217-8385 (Cell)
>
> ï¿¼
>
> ï¿¼ ï¿¼ ï¿¼ ï¿¼
>
> 
> From: RE-wrenches  on behalf of
> pgir...@mindspring.com 
> Sent: Saturday, February 1, 2020 4:11:24 AM
> To: 'RE-wrenches' 
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Real World Sol-Ark experience
>
> Maverick
>
>   Good morning, you are welcome to call me. 678 525 0468.
>
> peter
>
> From: RE-wrenches  On Behalf Of
> Maverick Brown
> Sent: Friday, January 31, 2020 5:55 PM
> To: RE-wrenches 
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Real World Sol-Ark experience
>
> Peter,
>
> I would be interested in knowing about your experience and any relevant
> settings. I contacted Sol-Ark and they said No-way. Maybe they were not
> aware or just donât want the support hassle. It would be good to know
> for the next customer. For the current customer, I already order two
> Radians and 32 6P74S batteries.
>
> Maverick
>
>
> On Jan 31, 2020, at 4:14 PM,
> mailto:pgir...@mindspring.com>>
> mailto:pgir...@mindspring.com>> wrote:
>
> Maverick
>
>   We have a customer with a Sol-Ark and Tesla car batteries. The system,
> once the fine tuning was finished has performed great. Sol -Ark was very
> helpful even though this was not a traditional out of the box
> application. They were great with us as well as the customer ( who kept
> playing with the programing ).  The system resides in a trailer with 3.5
> KW of solar on top, 1 Sol-Ark 8 KW inverter and 80 KW of Teslaâs car
> batteries inside. It is a unique setup and as I said, Sol-Ark was great
> with guidance and support.
>
> Peter Giroux
> American Solar
>
> From: RE-wrenches
> mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
> On Behalf Of Maverick Brown
> Sent: Friday, January 31, 2020 3:27 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Real World Sol-Ark experience
>
> Doug
>
> Thanks for the quick reply! The battery is actually a Tesla Model S sedan
> car battery. Each brick is 21.6V nominal.
>
> I tried to get support from Sol-Ark.
>
> The current plan is to use two radians. I have XW and Radians in my own my
> system.  I just wanted know about the Sol-Ark. I love that inverter on
> paper and was looking to get one.
> Thank you,
>
> Maverick
>
>
>
>
> On Jan 31, 2020, at 2:15 PM, Doug Phillips
> mailto:d...@solarpluskauai.com>> wrote:
> ï»¿Iâve never tried that low, what battery?
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
>
> On Jan 31, 2020, at 9:29 AM, Maverick Brown
> mailto:maver...@mavericksolar.com>> wrote:
> ï»¿Doug
>
> Well, can I edit bulk, absorb and float to 50.5 and LBCO <=40V?
>
> Asking for a friend...
> Thank you,
>
> Maverick
>
>
>
>
> On Jan 31, 2020, at 12:15 PM, Doug Phillips
> mailto:d...@solarpluskauai.com>> wrote:
> ï»¿
> Hey Wrenches,
>
> I have installed ~15 Sol-Ark 8kâs over the last year and have a few
> 12kâs lined up for the coming month.  I have basically fallen head over
> heels for the product and the company.  The machine itself works
> beautifully and is quick and easy to install (no external ccâs !).  I
> also believe that the thoughtful clean sheet design of the machine has
> allowed it to surpass the functionality/efficiency of most of its
> competitors.  In addition, Sol-Ark is constantly improving their firmware,
> and increasing their feature list via over the air updates.  Safe to say I
> havenât installed a Radian since my first Sol-Ark.
>
> Iâd be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.
>
> Aloha,
>
> Doug Phillips, President
> Solar Plus, Inc   www.solarpluskauai.com
> PO Box 771
> Hanalei, HI  96714
> 808-639-7646 cell
> 808-826-6361 office
>
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of Lou Russo
> Sent: Friday, January 31, 2020 7:34 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: [R

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge woes

2019-08-02 Thread penobscotsolar

One of my pet peeves with SolarEdge (I have a few) is that we are now
forced to buy the StorEdge inverters with GSM service, an extra $400 or so
added to the price of the inverter. The carrier is T-Mobile, which does
not work in 95% of Maine. It does not seem to work with other carriers
where we install, as well. There should at least be a CDMA option, but
there is not.
And we are seeing a lot of out of the box and infant mortality with
inverters these days. My estimate would be one in ten.

Daryl


> it also doesn't bode well with my gut feeling on reliability. I can only
> attest to my experiences, but I feel like a 5% failure rate is high enough
> it warrants some redesign.. They took away my display, and to drive
> something with a phone application ANYWHERE in this world other than
> metropolitan cities is just nightmare-ish.. Working in Gold Country
> California, has turned me OFF to SolarEdge  . .(Pun intended)..
>
> Joe Nelson
>
> Project Manager C-46/C-10
> Sustainable Energy Group Inc., A California Corporation
>
> CSL# 868816
> www.SustainableEnergyGroup.com
> 530-273-4422 (Office)
>
> 530-217-8385 (Cell)
>
> ï¿¼
>
> ï¿¼ ï¿¼ ï¿¼ ï¿¼
>
>
> 
> From: RE-wrenches  on behalf of
> Marco Mangelsdorf 
> Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2019 12:08:46 PM
> To: 'RE-wrenches' 
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge woes
>
> Aloha,
>
> Does anyone know any special tricks to get through to a live person at
> SolarEdge support?
>
> Weâve been dealing with nightmare waits of HOURS while my field crew
> wait, wait and wait and wait some more.
>
> Thanks,
> marco
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[RE-wrenches] Schneider tech support (again)

2019-07-29 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi all,
   I have been registered as an installer for Schneider tech support for
quite a while. I no longer have a way to contact them. The number I
received refers me to internet support. Any help out there. I have a
bad out of the box off grid Conext SW 2524.

Thanks for any help,
Daryl

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Batteries

2019-05-03 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Howie,
Have you looked at Fortress Power batteries? We're about to install
some and they look like a very decent battery. Google will get you the
basic info to start.


Daryl
Penobscot Solar Design



> Hi Folks,
> About to spec my first Lithium battery backup job.  The client is not a
> heavy user, but wants things done right more than being totally cost
> effective.
> We put in 14kW of net metered solar using SolarEdge and now he wants the
> backup component. This was significantly oversized for his use, but he
> wanted to be sure he was putting a bunch more back into the grid than he
> was using (making up for past profligate power usage).  We will be using a
> dual stacked XW 6848, mostly for enough backfeed capacity (we could wire
> in
> a transfer switch and only use 1 XW, but he'd prefer this setup instead).
> I have narrowed down my choice for batteries to either:
>
>- (2) Iron Edison 200 amp hour batteries, or
>- (3) Discover AES 130 amp hour batteries
>
> Advantages for the AES are that they integrate directly with the Schneider
> Xanbus network so the Conext battery monitor provides direct insight into
> the SOC and SOH of the batteries, and they have a slightly higher rated
> cycle life so higher lifetime energy capacity.
>
> Advantages of the IronEdison are they come in a larger amp hour size
> allowing for only needing 2 vs. 3 batteries, they have an integrated fuse
> and disconnect, and from my sources are 1/3 less in price.
>
> If anyone has any thoughts on any of this, or corrections to my
> comparison,
> I'd greatly appreciate it.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] experience with the Tesla Powerwall

2018-02-13 Thread penobscotsolar

I would like to add my experience with Tesla so far.
We applied to be an installer in Maine more than a year ago. Beside
getting an initial email stating that they received our application, we
have not heard a word since. I have one client with a SolarEdge 7600
StorEdge who put a deposit down in March of 2017, with a prediction in his
acceptance letter of an April 2017 installation. Last week he asked for
his deposit back. He has gotten the run around from the company for a
year. I have not heard a word from them in my quest to be a Tesla
Powerwall installer.
Granted, this is in Maine, and we are not a high density state, but it
still would be professional for them to rely to experienced people who
want to install their product.
Again, as a qualifier, this is only my experience, but it is frustrating.

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV
Penobscot Solar Design
www.penobscotsolar.com
Island Solar
www.islandsolarbahamas.com


> Marco,
>
> Thanks for sharing, it is good to hear details from an installer who is
> living with a Powerwall. We starting selling the Powerwall 2 in 2017 and
> have worked up a large pipeline. We have about 20 installed so far, but
> are
> still waiting on utility permission to operate which is taking a long
> time.
> We have spent a good deal of time commissioning and testing each system.
> For the most part, our experience has been good although the commissioning
> software and internet connectivity features have been buggy. Hopefully
> those are issues that will be ironed out by Tesla. Otherwise, we've had
> the
> systems correctly operate in on-grid and off-grid modes with both
> Solaredge
> and SunPower Equinox AC coupled systems.
>
> We installed conventional lead acid battery backup systems for over 10
> years and I can confidently say that Tesla's Powerwall and Gateway setup
> is truly market-disruptive. The design flexibility of the Gateway setup,
> the small size, minimal labor to install, and performance blow other
> systems out of the water. I hope that other manufacturers are able to
> catch
> up with this type of design.
>
> Best,
>
> August
>
> *August Goers*
>
> Luminalt Energy Corporation
>
> o: 415.641.4000
>
> www.luminalt.com
>
>
>
> On Sat, Feb 10, 2018 at 12:23 PM, Marco Mangelsdorf 
> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> *Aloha Wrenches,*
>>
>>
>> *I thought I'd share my own experiences with the Powerwall as my company
>> is now launching a program to add PW to existing NEM systems since the
>> vast
>> majority of them do not have storage which means that if the grid goes
>> down, so does their PV system.  (With the exception of the SMA SB line
>> and
>> their Secure Power Supply.)*
>>
>>
>> *And no, I'm not a shill or toadie for Tesla.*
>>
>>
>> *marco *
>>
>> *I wanted to walk my own talk.  Before we launched adding Powerwall to
>> existing Net Energy Metered solar electric systems, I wanted to make
>> sure
>> that what was promised on paper would work in the real world.  I added
>> Powerwall to my NEM system last year and have been monitoring and
>> testing
>> it during normal grid-on and grid outage modes.  And Iâm very pleased
>> to
>> report that Powerwall has performed flawlessly and as expected.*
>>
>>
>>
>> *When used in a NEM system, Powerwall is programmed to be in
>> âBackupâ
>> mode.  When utility power is on, Powerwall stands ready in a full state
>> of
>> charge for any power outage.  During normal grid-on conditions, my
>> Powerall
>> takes about .6 kilowatt-hours every other day to stay fully charged.
>> Over
>> the course of the month, this Powerwallâs electricity consumption
>> comes to
>> about 9 kWhs or about $3/month at the current HELCO R rate.*
>>
>>
>>
>> *I have turned the utility power off to my home on a number of occasions
>> in order to experience how Powerwall would perform in a simulated grid
>> outage.  When the grid goes down, my house effectively becomes a
>> self-generating micro-grid.  That is, my photovoltaic system (solar
>> modules
>> and inverters) and Powerwall (battery storage and integrated inverter)
>> form
>> a power grid with energy being created and stored and then consumed by
>> my
>> electric loads.*
>>
>>
>>
>> *Several things I noted from my simulated grid outages:*
>>
>> *Â· I purposefully overloaded Powerwall by turning on my
>> electric
>> dryer and electric oven at the same time.  As expected, since the
>> maximum
>> output of Powerwall is 5 kilowatts, it shutdown.  Meaning that all the
>> power in my house went off.  Within seconds, Powerwall reset itself and
>> the
>> power came back on, with the dryer and oven having shut down after the
>> power went off.  If power does not come back on after your Powerwall
>> trips
>> off, you will need to turn off those high-power loads and reset
>> Powerwall
>> by turning its black on-off switch, located on the right side of the
>> unit,
>> from on to off and then on again.  The important takeaway: during a
>> utility
>> outage, you will need to be careful as far as operatin

Re: [RE-wrenches] 1/2 HP well pump soft start at 120 VAC

2018-02-09 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Dana,
   We have been using Grundfos SQ-O 1/2 hp, 5 GPM (or they have a 10 GPM
model) soft start pumps for years, with great outcomes. We have sold 60
or so over the years with no returns.

Daryl



> Hey all you solar wise guys,




>
>
>
> I am looking for a recommendation based on your experience, not just data
> sheets for a 120 volt-9.8 amp-1/2HP well pump soft starter. Every time the
> well pump starts the SW4024 groans and the lights flicker.
>
>
>
> There are a lot of units that claim to soft start a ½ HP, but the reality
> is
> that they claim ½ HP but are limited to 3.3 amp+/- output. I asked how
> this
> is and was met with the usual, gee gosh I am not sure. I have one in
> hand
> now from ABB that is guilty of this claim.
>
>
>
> Some units claim to meet the spec but then you must limit the wire length
> to
> 30 meters. The well is 150 from the house & 120 ft deep so a 270 wire
> run
> with what the well guy threw in 18 years ago. VFW cable [multi strand
> cable]
> is a partial answer but not down in the well.
>
> Somewhere down the road the inverter & the well pump will get replaced but
> for now it is working. The newer 3PH wild AC drives are amazing on a
> Radian
> Inverter. You cannot even tell the well is pumping till it has been for a
> while and the fans kick on.
>
>
>
> Suggestions & directions that have proven reliable for you?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
>
>
> 
>
> Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc.
>
> C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
>
> Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
>
> NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.biz
> 
>
> "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
>
> P Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>
>
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] has anyone ever had this happen?

2018-01-23 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Jay,
   My advice is walk away unless they want to meet your terms. You will
save yourself a tremendous amount of trouble/waiting/lost sleep/lost
money. I do 50% of my business internationally, mostly in the
Caribbean. If they do not accept my very reasonable terms (prepay for
all materials, 50% labor due upon the start of the project, balance due
on completion) they are highly unlikely to be on the up and up with
you.
   As best possible, deal with known entities, take deposits through wire
transfers to your account and do not put yourself in a position to be
taken advantage of in a way that you cannot afford. If they want
quality, they must understand they have to pay for it. I have designed
six systems over the past fifteen years in Mexico and not one has come
to fruition. It was my time wasted, but nothing else.

Daryl DeJoy
www.penobscotsolar.com
www.islandsolarbahamas.com



> Pre-build it in a shipping container here! Have them pay for it all and
> inspect before shipment. They can keep a small portion for your final
> labor, travel, and expenses in a 2-way escrow account. When you are safely
> home you get the final amount and they get back an amount that is more
> than the amount you received. It is not cheap to set something like this
> up so collect a fee at the start!
>
> You have to do something to protect your most valuable treasure!
>
> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines don't"
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net
> text 209 813 0060
>
>
>
>
>> Ho Jay,
>>
>> Iâd be extremely careful.
>>
>> First with your pricing, donât forgive some of your legitimate costs.
>> Add Shipping & Handling and taxes to all equipment purchases. Carefully
>> estimate your labor costs, travel to Mexico, shipping across the border
>> to
>> Mexico. Are there any import costs? What will be other âcosts of doing
>> businessâ?
>>
>> Second, you know what it costs to run your business. Add the appropriate
>> overhead and general and administrative costs. Office staff and your
>> salary; insurance; and other indirect costs. You might tell them what
>> your
>> indirect cost schedule is (e.g. 15% on PV panels, inverters,  batteries
>> and any other hardware; 10% on wages and other fees), and if they
>> donât
>> agree, decline to do business with them.
>>
>> Third, Iâd set up a progress payment schedule. Arrange for payment in
>> in
>> $US bank draft (be careful of bogus bank drafts) or other form of
>> payment
>> you are confortable with.
>>
>> Fourth, does your existing insurance policies cover equipment and auto
>> theft (in Mexico)? Get a rider if it doesnât.
>>
>> Fifth, donât provide them with any design information prior to signing
>> a
>> contract.
>>
>> Peter T. Parrish
>> SolarGnosis
>> 1107 Fair Oaks Ave. Ste. 351
>> South Pasadena, CA 91030
>> (323) 839-6108
>> peter.parr...@solargnosis.com
>>
>> From: jay
>> Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2018 11:44 AM
>> To: RE-wrenches
>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] has anyone ever had this happen?
>>
>>
>> HI All,
>>
>> Iâve had a large company want to do a project and they want me to
>> invoice it as follows.  They said it had to do with knowing the cost of
>> the system, but that doesnât seem right to me. Now I donât want to
>> get
>> screwed here, and it sure seems that could happen.
>>
>> Iâm pretty sure I know what you all will say, but I feel like I needed
>> to get a bit of a reality check.
>> As I mostly do projects on a handshake, dealing with large companies
>> isnât too common for me.
>>
>>
>> 1. give them wholesale pricing ( line item by item)
>> 2. add margin, but small one is all theyâll accept
>>
>> Project is an off grid, no permits, in Mexico, remote site and pretty
>> big:
>>  16kw inverter, 9kw PV, etc.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> jay
>>
>> peltz power
>>
>>
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>>
>
>
> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines don't"
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.n

Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider 600volt Charge Controller

2018-01-18 Thread penobscotsolar

FYI Howie,
   Schneider engineers are actively working on a communication solutions
between the Schneider Xanbus and Midnite controllers. I've been talking
to an engineer working on it who says it should be ready very soon. It
will also work with the combox for remote monitoring.

Daryl


> Hi All,
> Anyone have feedback/review of the 600 volt Schneider Charge Controller
> that they'd care to share?  I have an existing Conext XW+ off-grid system
> with combox communication setup which currently has about 1.5 kW of solar
> feeding through 2 MX60s (no hub). We'll be adding about 5kW (on a TPM
> about
> 150' away) and I'm trying to decide if overall it would be better to use
> the Schneider 600v (which I haven't used before, although I have serviced
> the 150v XW with no real complaints).  Typically I would use a Classic200,
> but given the ability to integrate with the XW6848 and communicate through
> the Combox for more offsite visibility, I'm considering the Schneider, but
> only if it's not going to provide me with the benefit of added service
> calls.
> TIA!
> Howie
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Businesses in Puerto Rico

2017-10-23 Thread penobscotsolar

   I just spent a couple of months over the past year in Western PR,
investigating possibly buying a home.living/working/doing business
there. I was unimpressed with the solar companies I talked with. The
biggest company, with offices across PR, had racking which I would
never use in Maine, never mind in hurricane prone Caribbean islands. I
have little doubt that 99% of the systems installed with the racking
(made in PR of too-thin gauge aluminum) did not survive.
   I have a reasonable command of Spanish but it seemed that if I were not
native I would have a harder time doing business there. I currently
have a second solar company in the Bahamas (www.islandsolarbahamas.com)
and find it much easier to do business there, in a foreign country,
than I believe I would in PR.
   That said, I really enjoyed my leisure time and many of the people there.

Daryl


> PR is a crazy place to do business but it can be done. I lived there for a
> year and I will just say get used things like books for school in english
> and taught in Spanish. Street signs in a combination of both. There is a
> reason they have not become a state. I liked my stay there.
>
> Be very careful of all the fraud happening now on the Internet!
>
> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines don't"
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net
> text 209 813 0060
>
>> Hi All,
>> I have a friend in PR that is wondering about a particular business that
>> bills itself as a large scale off-grid installer.  If anyone has
>> experience
>> working in PR and/or may know something about solar businesses there,
>> I'd
>> appreciate a reply off-list.  I'm not sure how to evaluate design and
>> workmanship in PR, since most trades (from what I've seen) tend to
>> operate
>> to different standards there than in the States.  If anyone has any
>> thoughts on that as well, I'd be interested to hear, as I'm trying to
>> advise him on how to evaluate local PR solar companies.
>> Thanks as always,
>> Howie
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SimpliPhi Power PHI3.4 Smart -Tech Batteries

2017-08-04 Thread penobscotsolar

Funny, Tom, I was just looking at these as well and wondering if they
would work with SolarEdge StorEdge solutions. The Tesla Powerwall 2, which
several of my clients have deposits down on, seems to be only ghosts,
although with an excellent PR firm behind themI'm looking for
alternatives.The LG RENU is one.

Daryl


> Does anyone know about or have experience with SimpliPhi Piwer PHi3.4
> Snart
> -Tech Batteries or similar batteries with SMA , Schneider, Outback , etc
>  charge controllers and Residential or Commercial Systems. GatorTom
> t...@ecs-solar.com or answer at re-wrenches Please thank you for any
> educational information before I use these batteries or is there a better
> choice. Thanks Again
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Re: [RE-wrenches] No more Enphase

2017-07-17 Thread penobscotsolar

That is true. The problem is selling a product and saying you will provide
installer compensation, then withdrawing it when you feel like it is a
very short term "fix". They have alienated many installers who have been
installing and selling their product for many years and you'd think that
if they believed in their products and were improving them that they would
do the right thing for the long run. This feels to me like a shortsighted
corporate decision that ultimately leaves those who actually pushed their
products either looking for a better solution (there are quite a few these
days) or sucking it up and taking a loss for every replacement still out
there that needs to be.
Thanks Enphase.



> FYI:
>
> All Enphase Micro's still have 25 year warranty, but labor reimbursement
> which is not written into warranty document is for first two years. After
> that we're on our own for labor to replace failed units.
> This is from our inside sales rep at Enphase.
>
> Rich
>
>
>
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of Chris Daum
> Sent: Friday, July 14, 2017 10:48 AM
> To: 'RE-wrenches' 
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] No more Enphase
>
>
>
> Fellow Wrenches:
>
>
>
> To make a long story short, we are done with Enphase.  They've refused to
> reimburse us for labor after replacing a faulty inverter.  So, what
> micro-inverters are you using successfully, and how is the tech support
> behind it?
>
>
>
> Feel free to contact me offlist.
>
>
>
> Best,
>
>
>
> Chris Daum
> Oasis Montana Inc.
> 406-777-4309 or 4321
> 406-777-4309 fax
>   www.oasismontana.com
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase installer compensation M-190's discontinued

2017-07-06 Thread penobscotsolar

I believe that I found out for certain. I spoke to two different people at
Enphase and was "assured" that I would not be compensated as of June 1,
2017 for any M-190 replacements. I told them I would be purchasing
SolarEdge, not Enphase, from now on until they felt that, as I do, they
were breaking their part of the bargain.

Daryl


> This seems odd. I thought they had a 25 year warranty originally with
> labor
> compensation, then went to 15 year at some point with no labor
> compensation. We have lots of M190s out there that were sold with labor
> coverage, so this would be important to know for certain.
>
>
> Jason
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jul 6, 2017 at 2:52 PM,  wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>>For those who have installed M-190's, Enphase has now discontinued as
>> of June 1st any installer compensation for replacing failed
>> microinverters with that designation. We have a system we installed in
>> 2011 that I found out today, after replacing the three failed M-190's,
>> that I was on my own.fyi
>>
>> Daryl
>> Penobscot Solar Design
>>
>>
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[RE-wrenches] Enphase installer compensation M-190's discontinued

2017-07-06 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi all,
   For those who have installed M-190's, Enphase has now discontinued as
of June 1st any installer compensation for replacing failed
microinverters with that designation. We have a system we installed in
2011 that I found out today, after replacing the three failed M-190's,
that I was on my own.fyi

Daryl
Penobscot Solar Design



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Question

2017-06-15 Thread penobscotsolar

Sorry, 200 amp main breaker in a 400 amp rated panel.


> Hi Daryl,
>
> From your description, yes, if you are attaching to lugs connected to
> busses and then to the 400A main breaker, with no other overcurrent device
> between, you would have to size the wire for the 400A rating.
>
> Brian Teitelbaum
> AEE Solar
>
> -Original Message-
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of penobscotso...@midmaine.com
> Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2017 4:10 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Question
>
> I re-read and see that I need to clarify my earlier question. The 400 amp,
> 120/208 panel has a main breaker that will be used for the utility input,
> coming in on 3/0 copper.  The four 60 amp breakers will be used because
> the four 10 kW inverters maximum ac output is 48 amps each (x 1.25 =60
> amps ocpd). On the opposite end of the 400 amp panel there are main lugs
> which will be used to feed the generator transfer switch, essentially,
> because the inspector says we cannot put more than "two in, one out" on
> the gentran. These wires to the gentran are what I am wondering how best
> to size. Common sense tells me they should be rated the same as the main
> panel breaker from the utility. Is this a correct assumption?
>
>
>> Esteemed wrenches,
>>We're working often in the Bahamas and now that net metering is
>> approved there, the inspectors are far behind in their comprehension.
>> That said, we are currently required to combine the utility with the
>> PV in a main load center before going to the generator transfer
>> switch. I have a 400 amp rated load center with a 200 amp, 120/208
>> main breaker on it, as well as four 60 a, 3 pole breakers that will be
>> fed from four
>> 10 kw inverters. My question is, will it be necessary to use wire
>> rated at 400 amps or can I use wire rated for the main breaker? Thank
>> you for your input. It might be a stupid question, but I am stymied
>> hereit might just be the Lyme, not sure.oh, and it's CEC 2015
>> down there, but I suspect it will align with NEC 2014.
>>
>> Thanks again,
>> Daryl DeJoy
>> NABCEP Certified PV
>> Penobscot Solar Design
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Question

2017-06-15 Thread penobscotsolar

I re-read and see that I need to clarify my earlier question. The 400 amp,
120/208 panel has a main breaker that will be used for the utility input,
coming in on 3/0 copper.  The four 60 amp breakers will be used because
the four 10 kW inverters maximum ac output is 48 amps each (x 1.25 =60
amps ocpd). On the opposite end of the 400 amp panel there are main lugs
which will be used to feed the generator transfer switch, essentially,
because the inspector says we cannot put more than "two in, one out" on
the gentran. These wires to the gentran are what I am wondering how best
to size. Common sense tells me they should be rated the same as the main
panel breaker from the utility. Is this a correct assumption?


> Esteemed wrenches,
>We're working often in the Bahamas and now that net metering is
> approved there, the inspectors are far behind in their comprehension.
> That said, we are currently required to combine the utility with the PV
> in a main load center before going to the generator transfer switch. I
> have a 400 amp rated load center with a 200 amp, 120/208 main breaker
> on it, as well as four 60 a, 3 pole breakers that will be fed from four
> 10 kw inverters. My question is, will it be necessary to use wire rated
> at 400 amps or can I use wire rated for the main breaker? Thank you for
> your input. It might be a stupid question, but I am stymied hereit
> might just be the Lyme, not sure.oh, and it's CEC 2015 down there,
> but I suspect it will align with NEC 2014.
>
> Thanks again,
> Daryl DeJoy
> NABCEP Certified PV
> Penobscot Solar Design
>
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[RE-wrenches] Question

2017-06-15 Thread penobscotsolar

Esteemed wrenches,
   We're working often in the Bahamas and now that net metering is
approved there, the inspectors are far behind in their comprehension.
That said, we are currently required to combine the utility with the PV
in a main load center before going to the generator transfer switch. I
have a 400 amp rated load center with a 200 amp, 120/208 main breaker
on it, as well as four 60 a, 3 pole breakers that will be fed from four
10 kw inverters. My question is, will it be necessary to use wire rated
at 400 amps or can I use wire rated for the main breaker? Thank you for
your input. It might be a stupid question, but I am stymied hereit
might just be the Lyme, not sure.oh, and it's CEC 2015 down there,
but I suspect it will align with NEC 2014.

Thanks again,
Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV
Penobscot Solar Design

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Goofy roofing

2017-06-10 Thread penobscotsolar

These guys sell all sizes:

https://www.buyrailings.com/product/hanger-bolt-316-stainless-steel-m8-x-2-each-/5368?gdffi=a1d228a0145c40b2b64b7bf62559eafa&gdfms=A2FA3E88DA104CFB950485A2F169884A&keyword=&gclid=CNmksPTrs9QCFQpMDQod7S0LYA

Daryl


> Dear Wrenches,
> Can anyone direct me to a source for stainless hanger bolts without going
> through a solar distributor?Â  I remember around 15 years ago a supplier
> up in the Seattle area, but now cannot find them.Â  Any help is
> appreciated.
> Cheers,Jerry Caldwell
>
> On Tuesday, May 3, 2016 6:43 AM, August Goers 
> wrote:
>
>
>  Bill â Â So it sounds like you have
> a corrugated metal roof installed by a handyman over an existing comp
> shingle roof? It might be wise to get your building department
> planchecker or inspector involved at this point since it sounds like you
> have a potential code violation. Adding PV to an already shotty roof
> setup will just compound problems down the line. That said, if you
> canât trust the purlins (or what I think you are referring to as 1â x
> 4â stringers) to be structural members, then I suppose you could
> install long hanger bolts all the way through the metal roof and into the
> Â rafters? You could use a double jam-nut setup to mount your racking.
> Just an idea, but it is not an ideal situation. Â Good luck out
> there!Â Best, AugustÂ From: RE-wrenches
> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of frenergy
> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2016 7:47 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Goofy roofingÂ Benn, August, etcÂ Â Â  Â Â Â 
> Sorry for omitting a somewhat crucial detailbelow these stringers it
> is a "standard" residential stacked roof with 2X6 rafters on 16" centers
> with 1/2 " plywood deck. No purlins.Â  I appreciate the feedback/good
> ideas.BillFeather River Solar ElectricÂ On 4/29/2016 3:28 PM, August Goers
> wrote:
> Benn,Â Weâve done it several ways including putting four 14 x 1.5â
> TYPE 17 screws per attachment point through the metal and into the 1â x
> wood purlin. The key is that the load path all the way down needs to be
> capable of handling the worst case loads. So we had to check that too.
> Some racking manufactures such as Unirac have online calculators to give
> point loads. Â Best, AugustÂ From: RE-wrenches
> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Benn
> Kilburn
> Sent: Friday, April 29, 2016 2:17 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Goofy roofingÂ August, et al;If the purlins are
> only 1"x4" or 1"x6" or1"x anything, are you only relying on the 1"
> purlin as the attachment point or are you hitting the vertical trusses
> below the purlins?Â We are working on a corrugated roof right now and
> using a Schletter roof bracket. The name of it escapes me at the moment.
> Maybe FixT? Â We are attaching to purlins which are 2"x6".Â  I wouldn't
> think 1"x anything would provide enough pull-out?Benn KilburnSkyFire
> Energy Inc.Â 780-906-7807Â 
> On Apr 29, 2016, at 9:09 AM, August Goers  wrote:
> Hi Bill,Â It sounds like youâre talking about a purlin type setup â
> 4â sounds a little far apart but I guess thatâs what you have to deal
> with. If you have a corrugated metal roof, weâve used S-5 CurruBrackets
> screwed through the metal and into the purlins and then either run the
> solar rail up and down the roof or install a sub-rack system (with strut
> or angle aluminum) perpendicular to your solar rail. Â Best,Â August
> Â From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of frenergy
> Sent: Friday, April 29, 2016 6:55 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Goofy roofingÂ Recently, a customer had a metal
> roof (not standing seam) installed by a "handyman".Â  Pretty clean
> installation however for some reason he ran 1X6 stringers across the
> roofÂ  on the 1/2" plywood deck spaced about every 4 feet (as you go from
> ridge to eaves).Â  Of course the roofing screws are at the stringers.Â 
> I'm sure he had a great reason for doing so.Â  So now I have been asked to
> install an array on this roof.Â  You can feel how "soft" the roof is as
> you walk on it of course because you are walking on air-below-metal for
> most of the roof.Â  Stringer locations don't jive with possible feet/post
> locations for rail.Â  I'm usually pretty good at problem solving but I'm
> accepting ideas.BillFeather River Solar ElectricÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 
> Bill Battagin, Owner4291 Nelson St.Taylorsville, CA 95983530.284.7849CA
> Lic 874049www.frenergy.net
>
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[RE-wrenches] Three phase, ac coupled system

2017-06-04 Thread penobscotsolar

Esteemed wrenches,
   Would anyone have a suggestion for an 8-10 kW 3 phase 208/120 battery
based inverter that might be ac coupled with a Solaredge grid tied
system already in place? None of the usual suspects (OutBack,
Schneider, Magnum,SMA, etc.) will work without considerable expense.
   Has anyone used Victron or MLT? If so, have you had success with them
as far as reliability?

Thanks,
Daryl

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Tree lights

2017-06-02 Thread penobscotsolar

I have used three strings of these for three seasons now and they keep on
tickin'...decent company and decently made lights with a lot of variety:

https://www.environmentallights.com/led-christmas-lights/led-solar-string-lights.html

Daryl



> I would also like something that is built for the long haul. Not much out
> there except the usual suspects at costco and they are pretty much
> expendables.  --Dave
>
>
>> Hi Wrenches, I have a client that wants to light up trees in his yard
>> using solar packages in each tree. Havenât seen this except for
>> novelty
>> lights. This client wants something sturdy & long lasting. Has anyone
>> done
>> this or have suggestions other than parting together the individual
>> components? Thanks!
>>
>> Ron Young
>> earthRight Solar
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Apollo Contact

2017-06-02 Thread penobscotsolar

I'm not sure if Daniel Two Eagles is still working with Apollo, but his
number is (603)654-4333. Maybe he can help if these other suggestions
don't.

Daryl


> I believed I used the below number about a year ago:
>
> 203-790-6400 <%28203%29%20790-6400>
>
>
> I've also used:
>
>
> techsupp...@apollosolar.com
>
>
> with some success.
>
> Good Luck,
> Howie
>
> On Fri, Jun 2, 2017 at 12:17 AM, Jeremy Rodriguez 
> wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>> I have a potential client needed some help with an Apollo charge
>> controller. If anyone has a current phone number I'd appreciate it.
>>
>> Jeremy Rodriguez
>> Solar Installation And
>> Design Expert
>> All Solar, Inc.
>> 1463 M St
>> Penrose Colorado 81240
>>
>> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Canadian Electrical Code question about load side taps

2017-05-26 Thread penobscotsolar

I'll rephrase this and possibly someone has a suggestion. In the Bahamas
(they use CEC 2015), they are currently not allowing any load side taps in
gentran switches. They suggest including a large, expensive load center
with backfed breakers to combine the utility and pv ac output before
connecting to the gentran. I thought I read that some people are using
relays to open a circuit when the utility goes down. Is there anything ul
listed that might fit this bill, or does anyone have any other ideas that
are less expensive than $1500+ for each system. This is all 3 phase and
most people have at least a 200 amp service.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Daryl



> Is anyone out there familiar enough with CEC 2015 to answer a question for
> me about load side taps in a generator transfer switch? To the best of
> your knowledge, is using load side taps allowed when connecting PV to the
> utility side of an ATS?
>
> Thanks,
> Daryl DeJoy
> NABCEP Certified PV
> Penobscot Solar Design
>
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[RE-wrenches] Canadian Electrical Code question about load side taps

2017-05-24 Thread penobscotsolar

Is anyone out there familiar enough with CEC 2015 to answer a question for
me about load side taps in a generator transfer switch? To the best of
your knowledge, is using load side taps allowed when connecting PV to the
utility side of an ATS?

Thanks,
Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV
Penobscot Solar Design

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solaria modules

2017-05-08 Thread penobscotsolar

They aren't out of business. The downside, for me, is that the standard
racking we use (SnapN Rack) comes in 122" and 162" lengths. I think of
these as three module and four module lengths. With Solaria, they're not.
The modules are too wide (41.6") for the "standard" configuration. There
is a northeast distributor who sells them, just can't think of who right
nowhere's the spec sheet:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/568f7df70e4c112f75e6c82b/t/57d19ad8cd0f68eca7d6bb8c/1473354457527/Datasheet_PowerXT_Residential_Rev_1A_8-24-16.pdf

Daryl


> I thought they were out of business!
>> Solar pros,
>>
>> I'm looking at solaria powerXT 320 watt modules for a couple of jobs.
>> They're new to me. has anyone here and installed them? Any opinions pro
>> or
>> con?
>> thank you,
>> Greg Egan
>> Remote Power Inc.
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad?

2017-04-09 Thread penobscotsolar

William,
   The only place we use splicing is in the transition box, where we
transition from USE/RHW or PV wire to THWN in conduit. We almost always
have this transition in smaller systems without need of a combiner box.
I suspect it is the same for others. In larger systems there is no need
for splicing anywhere with the use of combiner boxes.

Daryl



> Wrenches:
>
> I am wondering why the proliferation of splices in PV leads?  We all know
> splices are a weak link.
>
> We allow only one connection between a module and the feeder destination--
> be it a combiner, inverter or optimizer-- and it is an MC connector, one
> side of which is factory-made and provided by the module manufacturer.
>
> If one plans and pulls PV circuits with forethought, splices should not be
> necessary.
>
> If anyone wants to know more about how this can be accomplished, look at
> our web site or contact me off list.
>
> William
>
>> On Apr 8, 2017, at 10:05 AM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
>>
>> It is also worth noting that many of the SMA installation manuals
>> specifically say do not use wire nuts on DC wiring.
>> Of course choosing to ignore the manufacturers installation instructions
>> would be a NEC violation.
>> From: Drake
>> Sent: â4/â8/â2017 12:10
>> To: RE-wrenches
>> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad?
>>
>>
>> At 01:35 PM 4/6/2017, you wrote:
>>> Recently we interfaced with another solar install firm that has gone
>>> back to wire nuts due to this same problem.
>>
>> Wire nuts have the advantage of holding the wires tight with a spring.
>> The spring follows the cold flow of the copper over the years. A screw
>> type connection does not.
>>
>> When I service an old breaker box, usually the wires are loose under the
>> screw connections, especially on the neutral and grounding bars. Often
>> they are very loose, and I bet that the screws were tight after the
>> initial installation of the equipment.
>>
>> On old industrial control equipment, I've learned the hard way to
>> tighten all screws before doing anything in the box, as wires are prone
>> to fall out of the loose screw connections. Again, these connections
>> have the weakness of being held by terminal screws, with no spring to
>> follow the cold flow of the metal.
>>
>> With wire nuts, it can be a bit tricky to know if you have a good
>> connection, as the connection is hidden under the plastic cap. It is
>> good to pull hard on each wire separately to be sure it is securely
>> under the spring. It is crucial never to mix copper and aluminum under a
>> wire nut unless it is one specifically designed for the purpose. Unless
>> specifically listed, all out door wire nuts should be in a weather proof
>> box, and preferably taped.
>>
>> Drake Chamberlin
>> Athens Electric LLC
>> OH License 44810
>> CO License 3773
>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV
>> 740-448-7328
>> http://athens-electric.com/
>>
>>  Virus-free. www.avast.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Polaris gone bad?

2017-04-06 Thread penobscotsolar

Chris,
   I had this happen once about six years ago. We do torque to specs, but
anything is possible. We have been using Burndy products for the past
five years and have zero problems with them. They are actually just a
little bit less in cost than Polaris.

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV
Penobscot Solar Design


> Chris,
>I have had Polaris connectors fail in combiners and inside Main Service
> Panels.  I immediately quit using them.. That was about 5 years ago.  I
> didn't trust wire nuts either as I have had them meltdown.   I'm a split
> bolt junky now. They never fail unless you don't wrap enough insulation
> around them.  Had one split bolt arc and pit the metal box but no problem
> with the connection.
>
> John Blittersdorf
> Rob Stubbins Solar
> Rutland, VT
>
> On Thu, Apr 6, 2017 at 1:57 PM, Kristopher Schmid 
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Eric,
>>
>> I had this happen on one install.  I assumed that it was due to
>> insufficient terminal torque.  I use the Polaris torque specs and my
>> torqueing screwdriver now on all Polaris connectors and have not had any
>> more issues (yet).
>>
>> Kris
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 6, 2017 at 12:35 PM,  wrote:
>>
>>> 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
>>>
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>>
>>
>> --
>> Shine On!
>>
>> Kris Schmid
>> Legacy Solar, LLC
>> 864 Clam Falls Trail
>> Frederic, WI 54837
>> www.legacysolar.com
>> 715-653-4295 <(715)%20653-4295>
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installer
>> Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician
>> BSEE
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[RE-wrenches] Saluda, South Carolina

2017-01-17 Thread penobscotsolar

Hello wrenches,
   I have a serious inquiry from a man in Saluda, SC. Is anyone on here
close to this area of western South Carolina and want a live one?
Please contact me off list.

Thanks,
Daryl

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Racks. Jeff Randalls info

2017-01-11 Thread penobscotsolar

 Jeff Randall

 RC FAB Corporation

 2615 Princeton Dr NE

 Albuquerque, NM 87107

 505-503-6459

 Cell: 505-288-5552

> He changed the name to RC Fab about a year ago, but when I last talked
> with him they were changing the name again. Check RC Fab in Albuquerque,
> NM
>
>
>
>> I can't find the link to Jeff randles new rack company?
>>
>> Can someone help me out
>>
>> Thx
>> Jay
>> Peltz power.
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On Jan 10, 2017, at 8:31 PM, Ray Walters  wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi William;
>>>
>>> Your link had a glitch,  I think this should be it?
>>> http://www.millersolar.com/MillerSolar/case_studies/Wind_damage/_wind_damage.html
>>>
>>> We have DP&W's high wind option which bumped the pole size from 4" to
>>> 6"
>>> along with heavier hardware throughout.  I haven't been to the site
>>> yet,
>>> but the techs were reporting just the module failed and the rack is
>>> still good.  I'm going up next week and I'll try to figure this out.
>>> This site also has a funnel effect as you mentioned.  Higher ridges to
>>> the North and South, and this smaller peak between with our rack almost
>>> right at the top.
>>> Roof mounts actually do seem to be much better; the wind doesn't get
>>> behind it, and if the array is set back from the edge,  the side edge
>>> of
>>> the array isn't getting pummeled.
>>> Our failure occurred with an angled wind, not perpendicular.   Your
>>> rack
>>> failures look also to have had uneven loading: the way it twisted that
>>> top rail off. I almost wonder if these racks aren't hitting some
>>> resonance that's causing the rack to twist and torque back and forth
>>> repeatedly.  You can grab the corner of the array and "pluck" it, then
>>> watch it bounce back and forth: that's the simple way to determine its
>>> harmonic resonance.
>>>
>>> R.Ray Walters
>>> CTO, Solarray, Inc
>>> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
>>> Licensed Master Electrician
>>> Solar Design Engineer
>>> 303 505-8760
>>>
 On 1/10/2017 6:26 PM, William Miller wrote:
 Ray:

 I can't say I have a solution to your problem, but I can share some
 photos
 of two similar failures in case you can glean any information from
 them.
 See:
 http://www.millersolar.com/MillerSolar/case_studies/Wind_damage/_wind_dama
 ge.html

 The first failure is a Zomeworks.  On the same exact spot we tried a
 DPW
 TOP.  Neither could withstand a funnel effect provided by the
 topography.

 At the same location we installed a roof mount as well that has never
 failed (to my knowledge, we don't service that customer anymore).

 I think if you have terrain that is tilted in the correct direction a
 mount that hugs the ground is best.  That is a lay opinion, however.

 William

 Lic 773985
 millersolar.com
 805-438-5600

 -Original Message-
 From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
 On
 Behalf Of Ray Walters
 Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 2:31 PM
 To: RE-wrenches 
 Subject: [RE-wrenches] Solar World Wind Damage

 Greetings All;

 I just had the dreaded call from one of my higher profile commercial
 clients: a remote radio repeater station had modules ripped off the
 frame
 by high winds.
 Two  SW285s were damaged.  The wind was strong enough to rip right
 through
 the aluminum side rails.  We had used the proper stainless 1/4"
 bolt hardware with washers on the inside, etc.  All the hardware was
 still
 tight, it just tore the aluminum past the washers.  This is not a top
 down
 clamp system, but uses bolts through the mounting holes on the back of
 the
 module.  This was all on a DP&W rack with high wind option.
 In 20 years in business, I've never seen that happen.  Is there a
 contact
 at Solar World?  I'm not getting through on the tech support line I
 have.
 First, I need to know what the wind rating is on the modules blowing
 from
 the back side, and Second, a suggested fix for the remaining modules.
 One module was completely ripped from the frame and thrown 30 yds
 (total
 destruction), a 2nd one has cracks in the Aluminum, but has not let go
 yet.  I was thinking of adding some angle aluminum on the inside to
 beef
 it up.  IMHO, the frames are pretty thin aluminum compared to older
 modules.  I'll share some pics when available.

 As always thanks in advance for your comments,

 --
 R.Ray Walters
 CTO, Solarray, Inc
 Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
 Licensed Master Electrician
 Solar Design Engineer
 303 505-8760

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Racks.

2017-01-11 Thread penobscotsolar

He changed the name to RC Fab about a year ago, but when I last talked
with him they were changing the name again. Check RC Fab in Albuquerque,
NM



> I can't find the link to Jeff randles new rack company?
>
> Can someone help me out
>
> Thx
> Jay
> Peltz power.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jan 10, 2017, at 8:31 PM, Ray Walters  wrote:
>>
>> Hi William;
>>
>> Your link had a glitch,  I think this should be it?
>> http://www.millersolar.com/MillerSolar/case_studies/Wind_damage/_wind_damage.html
>>
>> We have DP&W's high wind option which bumped the pole size from 4" to 6"
>> along with heavier hardware throughout.  I haven't been to the site yet,
>> but the techs were reporting just the module failed and the rack is
>> still good.  I'm going up next week and I'll try to figure this out.
>> This site also has a funnel effect as you mentioned.  Higher ridges to
>> the North and South, and this smaller peak between with our rack almost
>> right at the top.
>> Roof mounts actually do seem to be much better; the wind doesn't get
>> behind it, and if the array is set back from the edge,  the side edge of
>> the array isn't getting pummeled.
>> Our failure occurred with an angled wind, not perpendicular.   Your rack
>> failures look also to have had uneven loading: the way it twisted that
>> top rail off. I almost wonder if these racks aren't hitting some
>> resonance that's causing the rack to twist and torque back and forth
>> repeatedly.  You can grab the corner of the array and "pluck" it, then
>> watch it bounce back and forth: that's the simple way to determine its
>> harmonic resonance.
>>
>> R.Ray Walters
>> CTO, Solarray, Inc
>> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
>> Licensed Master Electrician
>> Solar Design Engineer
>> 303 505-8760
>>
>>> On 1/10/2017 6:26 PM, William Miller wrote:
>>> Ray:
>>>
>>> I can't say I have a solution to your problem, but I can share some
>>> photos
>>> of two similar failures in case you can glean any information from
>>> them.
>>> See:
>>> http://www.millersolar.com/MillerSolar/case_studies/Wind_damage/_wind_dama
>>> ge.html
>>>
>>> The first failure is a Zomeworks.  On the same exact spot we tried a
>>> DPW
>>> TOP.  Neither could withstand a funnel effect provided by the
>>> topography.
>>>
>>> At the same location we installed a roof mount as well that has never
>>> failed (to my knowledge, we don't service that customer anymore).
>>>
>>> I think if you have terrain that is tilted in the correct direction a
>>> mount that hugs the ground is best.  That is a lay opinion, however.
>>>
>>> William
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Lic 773985
>>> millersolar.com
>>> 805-438-5600
>>>
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
>>> Behalf Of Ray Walters
>>> Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 2:31 PM
>>> To: RE-wrenches 
>>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Solar World Wind Damage
>>>
>>> Greetings All;
>>>
>>> I just had the dreaded call from one of my higher profile commercial
>>> clients: a remote radio repeater station had modules ripped off the
>>> frame
>>> by high winds.
>>> Two  SW285s were damaged.  The wind was strong enough to rip right
>>> through
>>> the aluminum side rails.  We had used the proper stainless 1/4"
>>> bolt hardware with washers on the inside, etc.  All the hardware was
>>> still
>>> tight, it just tore the aluminum past the washers.  This is not a top
>>> down
>>> clamp system, but uses bolts through the mounting holes on the back of
>>> the
>>> module.  This was all on a DP&W rack with high wind option.
>>> In 20 years in business, I've never seen that happen.  Is there a
>>> contact
>>> at Solar World?  I'm not getting through on the tech support line I
>>> have.
>>> First, I need to know what the wind rating is on the modules blowing
>>> from
>>> the back side, and Second, a suggested fix for the remaining modules.
>>> One module was completely ripped from the frame and thrown 30 yds
>>> (total
>>> destruction), a 2nd one has cracks in the Aluminum, but has not let go
>>> yet.  I was thinking of adding some angle aluminum on the inside to
>>> beef
>>> it up.  IMHO, the frames are pretty thin aluminum compared to older
>>> modules.  I'll share some pics when available.
>>>
>>> As always thanks in advance for your comments,
>>>
>>> --
>>> R.Ray Walters
>>> CTO, Solarray, Inc
>>> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
>>> Licensed Master Electrician
>>> Solar Design Engineer
>>> 303 505-8760
>>>
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar World Wind Damage

2017-01-10 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Ray,
   I don't have much advice, but I can tell you that we have a couple of
ground mounted arrays at a local college (along the ocean) on the same
DPW high wind rated racks. The college chose to buy Chinese modules
from a competitor instead of my recommendation and one of the modules,
after about three years of being installed, gave way the same way,
literally ripping the washers and hardware through the thin aluminum
frame. I did tell them when I did the installation that they should
check every few years that all hardware was tight, as wind, over time,
vibrates the frame and I feel better when the client watches their
array for weak points. It is possible over time that the hardware
worked free a bit and allowed the wind to do what it did. Not sure, but
I've only seen it this one time in 29 years. We always torque our
hardware to DPW specs.

Daryl


> Greetings All;
>
> I just had the dreaded call from one of my higher profile commercial
> clients: a remote radio repeater station had modules ripped off the
> frame by high winds.
> Two  SW285s were damaged.  The wind was strong enough to rip right
> through the aluminum side rails.  We had used the proper stainless 1/4"
> bolt hardware with washers on the inside, etc.  All the hardware was
> still tight, it just tore the aluminum past the washers.  This is not a
> top down clamp system, but uses bolts through the mounting holes on the
> back of the module.  This was all on a DP&W rack with high wind option.
> In 20 years in business, I've never seen that happen.  Is there a
> contact at Solar World?  I'm not getting through on the tech support
> line I have.
> First, I need to know what the wind rating is on the modules blowing
> from the back side, and
> Second, a suggested fix for the remaining modules.
> One module was completely ripped from the frame and thrown 30 yds (total
> destruction), a 2nd one has cracks in the Aluminum, but has not let go
> yet.  I was thinking of adding some angle aluminum on the inside to beef
> it up.  IMHO, the frames are pretty thin aluminum compared to older
> modules.  I'll share some pics when available.
>
> As always thanks in advance for your comments,
>
> --
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer
> 303 505-8760
>
> ___
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[RE-wrenches] Is this ok, Michael?

2016-11-28 Thread penobscotsolar

FYI, everyone, as someone who looked to Jeff Randall for many, many years
for high quality racking and custom battery boxes, I am happy to see he
has reincarnated his old business, and named it Solar Rackworks.
Here's a link to his new site. I am not an employee nor related in any
way, just a happy customer for many years

http://www.solarrackworks.com/

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV
Penobscot Solar Design

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA Arc-Fault

2016-11-10 Thread penobscotsolar

There is at least one company (nameless at this point, but not SMA) that
has been providing replacements for swapping out faulty arc fault
detectors in their inverters. Could it be possible you have a bad
detector?

Daryl



> Hi All,
>
> Maybe someone will have some ideas for why a couple inverters keep arc
> faulting:
>
> -There are two SB7000TL-22 inverters, Sunpower branded.
> -3 Strings of 7 SPR-327's to each inverter. Kept separate until the
> inverter.
> -Ground mount about 50' from the shed where the inverters are located
> (indoors)
> -Simple grid connected system, no batteries.
> -There is a whole house generator co-located in the shed.
> -We interconnect by using piercing taps on the line side of the generator
> transfer switch
> -There has been only one power outage there since the system was installed
> in April, but the generator fires up weekly.
>
> -The arc faults have been happening on both inverters. Sometimes only one
> at a time, sometimes both will go within a day of each other.
> -The events have been approximately one a month, but sometimes more,
> sometimes less.
>
> -We have already checked every single connection in the system twice, by
> two different people.
> -We have replaced the underground wires (and they looked just fine)
> -We have replaced all home runs.
> -We have replaced both inverters.
> -Arc faults are still happening.
> -Arc faults are not always on the same day/time of the week.
>
> I am wondering if this can be caused by the generator?
> Has anyone run into a situation like this or something similar?
>
> Thanks for your help,
> Dave
>
> *--*
>
>
> *Dave Tedeyan*
> *Project Engineer*
>
> *Taitem Engineering, PC*
> 109 S. Albany Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
> Voice: (607) 277-1118 x121
> www.taitem.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Rolls Surrette Re-combiner caps.

2016-10-13 Thread penobscotsolar

We supply them to all our clients in the Bahamas and they do help cut down
on watering to various degrees. In hot climates with a lot of sun every
little bit helps.
Call Roy at RAE Storage Battery to see if he can get you some. (860)828-6007

Daryl




> Top o' the morning!
> Has anyone used the Rolls Surrette recombiner caps for their series 4000
> batteries? They come standard on the series 5000 batteries  Any ideas
> where
> to source them? None of our battery suppliers we get Rolls batteries from
> seem to have them.
> We have used water miser caps in the past, they seem to have only moderate
> resultssome customers seem to think they help with minimizing
> electrolyte loss and some thinking they dont help at all.Any thoughts?
>
>
>
> Sunny Regards,
> Kirpal Khalsa
> Oregon LRT#25
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> Oregon Solarworks LLC
> www.oregonsolarworks.com
> 541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] #6 PV Wire Transition

2016-10-07 Thread penobscotsolar

This is what I would use, Corey.

http://www.elecdirect.com/lug-compression-connectors/insulated-power-connectors/insulated-powerbar-4-14sol-single-sided-entry-3-conductors-clear?gclid=CIaN4KHKyM8CFURbhgodTlwGxA


Daryl



> We're looking for a way to transition from #6 PV wire to #8/#10 PV wire
> wye-harnesses. Unfortunately Multi-Contact doesn't seem to manufacture a
> #6-compatible MC4 connector. Has anyone else had to deal with this? or has
> any creative solutions?
>
> --
> Corey Shalanski
> Joule Energy
> New Orleans, LA
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Re: [RE-wrenches] NiFe batteries

2016-09-08 Thread penobscotsolar

Check out Iron Edison batteries. They are pricey but well worth it for
anyone in it for the long run. Specs below. I'll sell you them but you can
likely buy directly from them if you set up an account.

http://ironedison.com/nickel-iron-ni-fe-battery



> I have a client that is interested in this type of battery and or the
> Aquin,  both of which I have NO knowledge. Would like to use them w/ a SMA
> SI6048 OFF GRID 12-1400 Ah@20hr rate capacity. batteries stored outside
> average winter time temp 25*F. Thoughts on their use /directions for
> supplier. Thanks in advance TUMP
>
>> t...@swnl.net
>> mailto:t...@swnl.net%22%20%5Co%20%22blocked::mailto:t...@swnl.net>
>>   www.SWNL.net
>> http://www.swnl.net/%22%20%5Co%20%22blocked::http://www.swnl.net/>
>> Solarwinds Northernlights
>>Serving Mid Coast Maine & Northern California
>>  207-832-7574   Cl. 610-517-8401
>>   Blair "TUMP" May
>>  MAINE'S CHARTER 
>>   NABCEP"Certified PV Installer"
>>
>>     MAINE'S CHARTER 
>>   Trace Xantrex "Certified" Dealer / Installer"
>>
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] Metal roof multi-fastener attachment

2016-08-28 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi all,
   I have some possibilities of reasonable size commercial jobs where the
buildings have "corrugated" type roofs with purlins run underneath
which are worst case 16 gauge steel. On steel roofs I typically use #14
Marutex stainless screws but in this case the job is in the Caribbean
and there is a high risk of hurricanes. We use Snap N Rack but their
steel roof attachment has only a single screw attachment point.
   What I am looking for is a metal roof attachment that will mate with
Snap N Rack materials and that has multi attchment points at each
attachment point. It would go on the flat area of the metal roof
between the "corrugations".
   Does anyone have any suggestions? I can get the Marutex screws with
rubber gaskets.

Thanks,
Daryl

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Cat 5 cable in 240 AC power conduit with #2 alum entrance wire.

2016-08-22 Thread penobscotsolar

Very simply, is this not contrary to the NEC? I did not think we could run
wires of differing voltages in the same conduit. This is your CYA to the
client.

Daryl




> Well, I donât think anyone on this list is a network specialist, which
> is what I would consider an expertâ¦. Butâ¦
>
>
>
> Running cat5 (really any data cable) parallel to a power line (especially
> and AC line) is listed as a bad move in almost every installation guide I
> have ever seen. Data and power are supposed to cross paths in a
> perpendicular fashion whenever they get âcloseâ to each other. If the
> clients wants to pay for a letter from a network specialist, just so they
> can spend more money putting the right stuff in, I would just have that
> done. But everything Iâve ever learned about this says that power
> running in the same conduit as communications is a cardinal sin (they run
> parallel, and as close as is physically possible while in the same
> conduit). To borrow a phrase from Joe Lstiburek âThatâs what we call a
> Barry Bonds problemâ¦..stupid on steroidsâ.
>
>
>
> The bare minimum is to make sure the cable is shielded, and the bleed wire
> is terminated at a grounding point at one end only. This is the only way
> there is a prayer for Ethernet signals to make the 120â journey with any
> reliability. The more noise in the line, the slower the connection, as
> more and more packets will get rejected and have to be re-sent until they
> make it through without too much distortion, at some point the noise will
> prevent any data packets from making it from A to B and you need to break
> out the string and Dixie cups.
>
>
>
> The standard phone line may function, but it might sound like youâre
> talking to one of the adults from Charley Brown.
>
>
>
> As for the inverter signalâ¦. I bet that would work if you use a solid
> state relay that requires just a few milliamps to trigger, even 28AWG cat
> 5 wire can handle that I bet. When we use a shielded cat 5 to transmit
> MODBUS and a small amount of signal power, we usually use two pairs of
> wire and parallel them just to give more copper for the amps to go
> through. You just make sure you run the + using the striped wires from
> both sets, and the - on the solid wire from both sets (or vise versa) so
> that your power is truly running in twisted pairs still and so it will not
> create any added noise in the cabling.
>
>
>
> When a client wants to do something like this with us and we cannot
> convince them itâs a bad idea, we simply put it in writing that any
> issues resulting from âXYZâ will not be covered by our warranty, as it
> was done counter to industry best practices, and against our advise.
>
>
>
> With Regards,
>
>
>
> Daniel Young,
>
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation ProfessionalTM: Cert #031508-90
>
>
>
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of John Blittersdorf
> Sent: Monday, August 22, 2016 9:26 AM
> To: RE-wrenches 
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Cat 5 cable in 240 AC power conduit with #2 alum
> entrance wire.
>
>
>
> Wrenches,
>
>   I have a customer who has pulled a cat 5 cable through his power conduit
> (2" PVC) to a new barn for about 120' and wants to use it for ethernet
> and telephone.  Wants me to use a pair if wires in the cable to trigger
> a relay to disconnect a direct grid tie inverter (AC Coupling) when
> batteries are full on his double GVFX3648 backup system   He wants it in
> writing from experts that it is not a good idea.  Has anyone done this
> and had good luck with it or have opinions?
>
>
>
> John Blittersdorf
>
>
>
> formerly owner of Central Vermont Solar & Wind
>
> now working for the new owner Rob Stubbins Solar
>
> (I get a regular paycheck and (usually) regular hours.
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive

2016-08-06 Thread penobscotsolar

We pay half the price for SolarEdge optimizers that we pay for Enphase
micros. On a system of any decent size the cost is minimally different, at
least in our experience. Customer service is important to me, as well as
companies doing what they say they will do. Over four months for
reimbursement is also unacceptable.



> Still you pay as much for the Solar Edge optimizers as for Enphase
> inverters plus you have the cost of the central inverter.  At some point
> you are still dealing with high voltage DC, so safety is far better with
> off the roof 240V AC; you still have the bottleneck if one module is
> shaded or corroded; and you still have the difficulty of replacing a
> legacy module to build a compatible string. Again I am not unhappy about
> Enphase hardware. I just think they've grown too fast to keep their
> support as well organized as the rest of the company.
>
> Bill Dorsett
> Manhattan, KS
>
> -Original Message-
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of penobscotso...@midmaine.com
> Sent: Friday, August 05, 2016 12:54 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive
>
> It is a very simple install. With SolarEdge there is no trunk cable, which
> definitely cuts down on wire management, especially using SnapNRack
> mounting. Everything is MC4, so PV wire to a transition box, to the
> inverter input(s) make it pretty simple. We almost always mount our
> inverters outside, even when they are string inverters, and typically on
> the north side of the home/business. My guys didn't like the changeover on
> the first SolarEdge job, but it only took one to bring them around and
> they are now converts.
>
> Daryl
>
>
>> Do you find that the installation takes longer because you're
>> basically installing a micro inverter and string inverter system at the
>> same time?
>> I've also heard of AHJ's requiring that the inverter be mounted
>> outside because of the rapid shutdown disconnect attached to the
>> inverter.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Will
>>
>>
>> --
>> *Will White*
>> Curriculum Developer
>>
>> e: w...@solarenergy.org
>> w: www.solarenergy.org
>> p: 802-272-3092
>>
>> PV Installation Professional
>> # 093006-34
>>
>> On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 1:41 PM,  wrote:
>>
>>> Since I am having such a tough time even getting a call back, never
>>> mind reimbursments, we have started very happily using SolarEdge with
>>> very good results so far. Communications, no problem, occasional tech
>>> support is timely, we are seeing less than a 1% failure on
>>> optimizers. Ease and safety of installation is excellent as
>>> welland no, I don't work for them :-)
>>>
>>> Daryl
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> > Wrenches
>>> > We have allot of enphase and ya sometimes it a little hard to get
>>> > them
>>> on
>>> > the line but we always do. I request the re-inbursments, l dont
>>> > ever
>>> see
>>> > them as they end up in the admin office. We have looked at and used
>>> > a
>>> few
>>> > other mico-inverters at customer request but they all seem to go
>>> > out
>>> of
>>> > business so we are sticking to enphase for better or worse.
>>> > Jerry
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > Sent via the Samsung Galaxy SÃÂ¢Ã¢â¬Å¾ÃÂ¢ III, an AT&T 4G LTE
>>> smartphone
>>> >
>>> >  Original message From: Wayne Irwin
>>> >  Date:08/05/2016  6:58 AM
>>> > (GMT-10:00) To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>> > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support
>>> > Non-Responsive  Maybe just dumb luck, but we
>>> > almost always have quick phone tech support from Enphase and always
>>> > get reimbursed.
>>> >
>>> > Wayne Irwin
>>> > Pure Energy Solar
>>> >
>>> > Sent from my mobile device
>>> >
>>> > From: conr...@cape.com
>>> > Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2016 12:39:02 -0400
>>> > To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>> > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive
>>> >
>>> > Same thing going on here
>>> >
>>> > Conrad
>>> > Cotuit Solar
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > Conrad Geyser, Principal
>>> > Cotuit Solar LLC
>>> > 508-428-8442
>>> >
>>> > On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 9:59 AM, gary easton 
>>> wrote:
>>> > just a worthless ticket but no action and certainly no timely
>>> > reimbursement if at all.   I would never do business with this
>>> company
>>> > again.
>>> >
>>> > On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 9:38 AM,  wrote:
>>> > Just to renew this line of conversation, I have been waiting for
>>> several
>>> > call backs form Enphase, with no results, for the past three weeks.
>>> > I
>>> also
>>> > have warranty claims that go back four months+ that have not been
>>> > fulfilled. I will not sell any more Enphase, at all, until they
>>> resolve
>>> > these communication and warranty issues.
>>> >
>>> > Daryl DeJoy
>>> > NABCEP Certified PV Installer
>>> > Penobscot Solar Design
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >> It seems like we are talking about inverter and module customer
>>> service
>>> >> (good and bad) a lot lately.
>>> >>
>>> >> Has anyone else noticed that Enphase seems to have stopped
>>>

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive

2016-08-05 Thread penobscotsolar

It is a very simple install. With SolarEdge there is no trunk cable, which
definitely cuts down on wire management, especially using SnapNRack
mounting. Everything is MC4, so PV wire to a transition box, to the
inverter input(s) make it pretty simple. We almost always mount our
inverters outside, even when they are string inverters, and typically on
the north side of the home/business. My guys didn't like the changeover on
the first SolarEdge job, but it only took one to bring them around and
they are now converts.

Daryl


> Do you find that the installation takes longer because you're basically
> installing a micro inverter and string inverter system at the same time?
> I've also heard of AHJ's requiring that the inverter be mounted outside
> because of the rapid shutdown disconnect attached to the inverter.
>
> Thanks,
> Will
>
>
> --
> *Will White*
> Curriculum Developer
>
> e: w...@solarenergy.org
> w: www.solarenergy.org
> p: 802-272-3092
>
> PV Installation Professional
> # 093006-34
>
> On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 1:41 PM,  wrote:
>
>> Since I am having such a tough time even getting a call back, never mind
>> reimbursments, we have started very happily using SolarEdge with very
>> good
>> results so far. Communications, no problem, occasional tech support is
>> timely, we are seeing less than a 1% failure on optimizers. Ease and
>> safety of installation is excellent as welland no, I don't work for
>> them :-)
>>
>> Daryl
>>
>>
>>
>> > Wrenches
>> > We have allot of enphase and ya sometimes it a little hard to get them
>> on
>> > the line but we always do. I request the re-inbursments, l dont ever
>> see
>> > them as they end up in the admin office. We have looked at and used a
>> few
>> > other mico-inverters at customer request but they all seem to go out
>> of
>> > business so we are sticking to enphase for better or worse.
>> > Jerry
>> >
>> >
>> > Sent via the Samsung Galaxy SÃ¢âÂ¢ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
>> >
>> >  Original message From: Wayne Irwin
>> >  Date:08/05/2016  6:58 AM
>> > (GMT-10:00) To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive
>> > 
>> > Maybe just dumb luck, but we almost always have quick phone tech
>> > support from Enphase and always get reimbursed.
>> >
>> > Wayne Irwin
>> > Pure Energy Solar
>> >
>> > Sent from my mobile device
>> >
>> > From: conr...@cape.com
>> > Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2016 12:39:02 -0400
>> > To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive
>> >
>> > Same thing going on here
>> >
>> > Conrad
>> > Cotuit Solar
>> >
>> >
>> > Conrad Geyser, Principal
>> > Cotuit Solar LLC
>> > 508-428-8442
>> >
>> > On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 9:59 AM, gary easton 
>> wrote:
>> > just a worthless ticket but no action and certainly no timely
>> > reimbursement if at all.   I would never do business with this company
>> > again.
>> >
>> > On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 9:38 AM,  wrote:
>> > Just to renew this line of conversation, I have been waiting for
>> several
>> > call backs form Enphase, with no results, for the past three weeks. I
>> also
>> > have warranty claims that go back four months+ that have not been
>> > fulfilled. I will not sell any more Enphase, at all, until they
>> resolve
>> > these communication and warranty issues.
>> >
>> > Daryl DeJoy
>> > NABCEP Certified PV Installer
>> > Penobscot Solar Design
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >> It seems like we are talking about inverter and module customer
>> service
>> >> (good and bad) a lot lately.
>> >>
>> >> Has anyone else noticed that Enphase seems to have stopped responding
>> to
>> >> tickets submitted via their website? Hold times are unacceptable, so
>> I
>> >> gave
>> >> up on that, but nobody gets back to you when you try to contact them
>> via
>> >> their web form for weeks, even about an existing RMA or ticket, and
>> they
>> >> no
>> >> longer let you update tickets by email. They are very helpful and
>> >> competent
>> >> if you get them on the phone, but who has time for that?!
>> >>
>> >> I'm also waiting an unacceptable amount of time on a major module
>> >> manufacturer warranty claim right now. I'd love to see Home Power or
>> >> someone do a story on manufacturer responsiveness to dealers. Things
>> are
>> >> generally going down hill it seems.
>> >>
>> >> Jason Szumlanski
>> >> Florida Solar Design Group
>> >> ___
>> >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>> >>
>> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> >>
>> >> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>> >>
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>> >> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.
>> org/maillist.html
>> >>
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>> >>
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>> >> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>> > _

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive

2016-08-05 Thread penobscotsolar

Since I am having such a tough time even getting a call back, never mind
reimbursments, we have started very happily using SolarEdge with very good
results so far. Communications, no problem, occasional tech support is
timely, we are seeing less than a 1% failure on optimizers. Ease and
safety of installation is excellent as welland no, I don't work for
them :-)

Daryl



> Wrenches
> We have allot of enphase and ya sometimes it a little hard to get them on
> the line but we always do. I request the re-inbursments, l dont ever see
> them as they end up in the admin office. We have looked at and used a few
> other mico-inverters at customer request but they all seem to go out of
> business so we are sticking to enphase for better or worse.
> Jerry
>
>
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Sâ¢ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
>
>  Original message From: Wayne Irwin
>  Date:08/05/2016  6:58 AM
> (GMT-10:00) To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive
> 
> Maybe just dumb luck, but we almost always have quick phone tech
> support from Enphase and always get reimbursed.
>
> Wayne Irwin
> Pure Energy Solar
>
> Sent from my mobile device
>
> From: conr...@cape.com
> Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2016 12:39:02 -0400
> To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive
>
> Same thing going on here
>
> Conrad
> Cotuit Solar
>
>
> Conrad Geyser, Principal
> Cotuit Solar LLC
> 508-428-8442
>
> On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 9:59 AM, gary easton  wrote:
> just a worthless ticket but no action and certainly no timely
> reimbursement if at all.   I would never do business with this company
> again.
>
> On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 9:38 AM,  wrote:
> Just to renew this line of conversation, I have been waiting for several
> call backs form Enphase, with no results, for the past three weeks. I also
> have warranty claims that go back four months+ that have not been
> fulfilled. I will not sell any more Enphase, at all, until they resolve
> these communication and warranty issues.
>
> Daryl DeJoy
> NABCEP Certified PV Installer
> Penobscot Solar Design
>
>
>
>
>> It seems like we are talking about inverter and module customer service
>> (good and bad) a lot lately.
>>
>> Has anyone else noticed that Enphase seems to have stopped responding to
>> tickets submitted via their website? Hold times are unacceptable, so I
>> gave
>> up on that, but nobody gets back to you when you try to contact them via
>> their web form for weeks, even about an existing RMA or ticket, and they
>> no
>> longer let you update tickets by email. They are very helpful and
>> competent
>> if you get them on the phone, but who has time for that?!
>>
>> I'm also waiting an unacceptable amount of time on a major module
>> manufacturer warranty claim right now. I'd love to see Home Power or
>> someone do a story on manufacturer responsiveness to dealers. Things are
>> generally going down hill it seems.
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>> Florida Solar Design Group
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List-Archive:
>> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
>>
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>
>> Check out or update participant bios:
>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>
>>
>
>
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
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> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
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>
>
>
> --
> Gary Easton
> Appalachian Renewable Power
> Stewart, Ohio 45778
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV
> T: 740-277-8498
>  www.arp-solar.com
>
> âFirst they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you.
> Then you win.â
>
> ~Ghandi
>
>
> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Support Non-Responsive

2016-08-05 Thread penobscotsolar

Just to renew this line of conversation, I have been waiting for several
call backs form Enphase, with no results, for the past three weeks. I also
have warranty claims that go back four months+ that have not been
fulfilled. I will not sell any more Enphase, at all, until they resolve
these communication and warranty issues.

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Penobscot Solar Design




> It seems like we are talking about inverter and module customer service
> (good and bad) a lot lately.
>
> Has anyone else noticed that Enphase seems to have stopped responding to
> tickets submitted via their website? Hold times are unacceptable, so I
> gave
> up on that, but nobody gets back to you when you try to contact them via
> their web form for weeks, even about an existing RMA or ticket, and they
> no
> longer let you update tickets by email. They are very helpful and
> competent
> if you get them on the phone, but who has time for that?!
>
> I'm also waiting an unacceptable amount of time on a major module
> manufacturer warranty claim right now. I'd love to see Home Power or
> someone do a story on manufacturer responsiveness to dealers. Things are
> generally going down hill it seems.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
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>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Steel Trusses

2016-06-07 Thread penobscotsolar

We use this:

https://www.bigrocksupply.com/store/p/5943-EternaBond-DoubleStick-2-in-x-50-ft.aspx?feed=Froogle&gclid=CIP7jrKEl80CFVclgQod0pkJvA





> âYeah, the three suppliers in my area all give me the same nonsense -
> it's
> not in their catalog and they have to order a full pallet to get it. I'm
> hoping to find a source online.
>
> Jason
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jun 7, 2016 at 4:41 PM, Tom Duffy  wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> While on the subject, anyone have a good source of 2" wide Butyl double
>> sided tape? Our local roofing suppliers only have 1".
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 6, 2016 at 7:36 PM, Peter Giroux 
>> wrote:
>>
>> Chad
>>
>>
>>
>>   I second August. We have had great success with self tapping screws.
>> Put
>> some butyl on the L-foot and set it in.
>>
>>
>>
>> thx
>>
>> peter
>>
>> - Original Message -
>>
>> *From:* August Goers 
>>
>> *To:* RE-wrenches 
>>
>> *Sent:* Monday, June 06, 2016 6:44 PM
>>
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Steel Trusses
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi Chad,
>>
>>
>>
>> Weâve occasionally installed onto steel trusses with either self
>> drilling
>> screws (no pilot required) or thread forming screws (pilot hole
>> required).
>> See attached sample spec sheets.
>>
>>
>>
>> I suppose you could install a standard tile hook type product with the
>> types of fasters I listed above. Or, hire a roofer to waterproof your
>> stanchions and reinstall the removed tiles. More and more, we are moving
>> towards the latter because weâve bumped into issues with degrading
>> underlayment (felt paper) under tile roofs.
>>
>>
>>
>> Best,
>>
>>
>>
>> August
>>
>> Luminalt
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
>> *On
>> Behalf Of *Chad Waits
>> *Sent:* Monday, June 06, 2016 3:15 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Steel Trusses
>>
>>
>>
>> Wrenches,
>>
>>
>>
>> Anyone out there have any experience attaching arrays (from the topside)
>> to roofs with steel trusses under plywood decking? Weâve got a new
>> project
>> that has steel trusses and we would prefer to not have to spend time in
>> the
>> attic bolting through  (it was 113 degrees here today)â¦ Is there a
>> fastening system out there that anyone has experience with?
>>
>>
>>
>> Oh, the roof is composite/strengthened clay tile as well.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>>
>>
>> Chad Waits
>>
>> President/Owner â Net Zero Solar
>>
>> 101 W. 5th St., Tucson, AZ  85705
>>
>> Office: 520-207-4053
>>
>> Cell: 520-270-4873
>>
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
>>
>> NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>
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>>
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>>
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>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
> 
>
>
> [image: Logo-Sq-80.png]
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
> Principal Solar Designer
>
> Florida Solar Design Group 
>
> (239) 491-8010 main office
>
> (239) 322-5079 direct
>
> (239) 410-4985 mobile
>
> *6418 Commerce Park Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33966*
>
> *FL Certified Solar Contractor License CVC56956 *
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Scam ?

2016-04-10 Thread penobscotsolar

Ignore, Dave. I get this crap at least weekly, if not more

Daryl



> Wrenches,
>
>
>
> People named Dave Firth and Hugh Tian have been trying to get me to
> respond
> to emails that say I sent a company, Power Blessed a PO. Which I did not,
> I've never heard of them before this.
>
>
>
> I have ignored their emails. I'm wondering what kind of a scam this could
> lead into. Are they just fishing by just trying to get a conversation
> going.
>
>
>
> Anybody know these folks? Or, of something like this?
>
>
>
> Hear is there info from an e-mail.  - Dave Palumbo
>
>
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> <
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>
>   Http://www.powerblessed.net
>
> Email: solar  @powerblessed.com
>
> Tel: +86-21-58170702
>
> Fax: +86-21-51069190
>
> ADD: No. 7237, Hunan Rd. Pudong
>
> Shanghai 201314 P. R. China  >>
>
>
>
>
>
> David Palumbo
>
> Independent Power LLC
>
> 462 Solar Way Drive
>
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>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SIPS panel roofs

2015-12-16 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Dana,
   We have done them, but our method only works when the interior is
unfinished, for (I guess it depends on the customer) aesthetic reasons.
I had aluminum "plates", 8"x8" and 1/8" thick made up by a local
fabricator. We also fabricated flashing for the topside using 12"
aluminum. We used threaded bolts running through the SIP (9 5/8") to
another 8"x8" metal plate  on the underside. Unfortunately, this will
not be a finished look. The underside of the roof we installed on was
the underside of the SIP (sheathing). 8 years later, this roof remains
leak free and full of modules..There are obviously more details to
the install, but I don;t think this method will work for you.

Daryl



> SIP ROOF INSTALLATION
>
>
>
> I was asked to install on a SIP panel roof today. 5/8" OSB over 6" of foam
> on a 9:12 roof pitch at 9800' elevation with a Pro panel metal roof skin.
> There is a finished ceiling underneath the lower side of the SIP roof
> panel.
>
>
> I explained that it was not ideal due to the lack of good attachment etc.
> They were not concerned and said "you'll make it work!"
>
>
>
> I have done SIP panels in new construction and we could install backing
> from
> underneath and refoam.
>
> My first thought was to do 2-2.5 times the normal L feet.
>
> One thought was to use expanding moly-bolts.
>
>
>
> Has anyone have experience attaching to SIP roof that was not prepared for
> an array?
>
>
>
> 
>
> Dana Orzel
>
> Great Solar Works, Inc -  NABCEP # 051112-136
>
> E - d...@solarwork.com  - Web - solarwork.com
>
> O - 970.626.5253  C - 208.721.7003
>
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>
> P Please consider the environment before printing this email.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback customer service???

2015-12-10 Thread penobscotsolar

Have to add to this thread that I called them this morning with a minor
issue and they picked up from hold within one minute.

Daryl


> The manuals could be a lot better too. Usually I need a few pages
> from a long manual, and don't benefit from reading pages and pages of
> warnings and basic stuff. Clear and complete indexing could reduce
> the load on tech support.
>
> At 02:54 PM 12/8/2015, you wrote:
>>I too have been frustrated with Outback tech support. I have sat on hold
>>for as long as 40 minutes before anyone picked up. I have suggested they
>>have a "dealers only" line and as any good customer support person would,
>>they empathized with me..One tech actually told me the majority
>> of
>>their callers were dealers. I think this speaks to the added problem
>>battery based systems and so many new dealers installing them has brought
>>to the industry, but I still feel Outback is doing a disservice to us
>>all..
>>
>>
>>
>> > HI Larry;
>> >
>> > I second your suggestion that dealers have a separate, expedited
>> contact
>> > line that reaches someone with a higher level of expertise.
>> > 1) We're repeat customers, and their front line sales team.
>> > 2) We're not going to call unless its something trickier to figure
>> out.
>> > This has been a long term problem with several of the manufacturers.
>> >
>> > R.Ray Walters
>> > CTO, Solarray, Inc
>> > Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
>> > Licensed Master Electrician
>> > Solar Design Engineer
>> > 303 505-8760
>> >
>> > On 12/8/2015 10:59 AM, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:
>> >> Jay, Thats just nuts!
>> >>
>> >> I have long wondered why companies like this don't separate customer
>> >> service to "professionals" or "dealers" who are promoting, selling
>> and
>> >> installing their products from the "consumers" that bought the
>> product
>> >> online and may not have even read the manual. We, the wrenches,
>> should
>> >> have our own contact number or person.
>> >>
>> >> I did receive a voice mail from Outback (thank-you) now I am trying
>> to
>> >> reach them again to actually place a parts order.
>> >>
>> >> Larry
>> >>
>> >> On Dec 8, 2015, at 9:50 AM, jay > >> > wrote:
>> >>
>> >> tech support is
>> >> 360-618-4363
>> >>
>> >> don't leave a message unless you can wait for a few weeks.
>> >>
>> >> jay
>> >>> On Dec 8, 2015, at 8:46 AM, Starlight Solar Power Systems
>> >>> mailto:la...@starlightsolar.com>> wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>> Does anyone know how to reach Outback customer service? I have
>> >>> called, waited and left messages and emailed them with no response.
>> >>>
>> >>> Thank you,
>> >>>
>> >>> Larry
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>
>> >> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback customer service???

2015-12-08 Thread penobscotsolar

I talked to David Hamilton (head of technical support) about this almost
six months ago. I'm not sure why, but things have not changed as of yet.
Hopefully soon.


> I just got off the phone w/ Sandra Herrera, making her aware of this
> thread. Sandra said she is aware of our frustrations and is working to
> correct this. While she is relative new at OB she feels that she does have
> their support to develop something that may satisfy our needs regarding a
> dealer only line. I doubt that this will happen overnight but as she; said
> WE THE INSTALLERS are the most important part of OB. Without us being
> confident in their support, we the installers, will sell other products.
>  She is open to suggestions and is looking for feed back.. that would be
> creative feed back folks.  Tump
> On Dec 8, 2015, at 2:56 PM, Dana wrote:
>
>> Same here is some one on line from Outback following this? Comment?
>>
>> 
>> Dana Orzel
>> Great Solar Works, Inc -  NABCEP # 051112-136
>> E - d...@solarwork.com  - Web - solarwork.com
>> O - 970.626.5253  C - 208.721.7003
>> "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
>> ï Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>>
>>
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
>> Behalf Of penobscotso...@midmaine.com
>> Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2015 12:54 PM
>> To: RE-wrenches
>> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback customer service???
>>
>> I too have been frustrated with Outback tech support. I have sat on hold
>> for as long as 40 minutes before anyone picked up. I have suggested they
>> have a "dealers only" line and as any good customer support person
>> would, they empathized with me..One tech actually told me the
>> majority of their callers were dealers. I think this speaks to the added
>> problem battery based systems and so many new dealers installing them
>> has brought to the industry, but I still feel Outback is doing a
>> disservice to us all..
>>
>>
>>
>>> HI Larry;
>>>
>>> I second your suggestion that dealers have a separate, expedited
>>> contact line that reaches someone with a higher level of expertise.
>>> 1) We're repeat customers, and their front line sales team.
>>> 2) We're not going to call unless its something trickier to figure out.
>>> This has been a long term problem with several of the manufacturers.
>>>
>>> R.Ray Walters
>>> CTO, Solarray, Inc
>>> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
>>> Licensed Master Electrician
>>> Solar Design Engineer
>>> 303 505-8760
>>>
>>> On 12/8/2015 10:59 AM, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:
 Jay, Thats just nuts!

 I have long wondered why companies like this donât separate customer
 service to âprofessionalsâ or "dealersâ who are promoting,
 selling
 and installing their products from the âconsumersâ that bought the
 product online and may not have even read the manual. We, the
 wrenches, should have our own contact number or person.

 I did receive a voice mail from Outback (thank-you) now I am trying
 to reach them again to actually place a parts order.

 Larry

 On Dec 8, 2015, at 9:50 AM, jay >>> > wrote:

 tech support is
 360-618-4363

 donât leave a message unless you can wait for a few weeks.

 jay
> On Dec 8, 2015, at 8:46 AM, Starlight Solar Power Systems
> mailto:la...@starlightsolar.com>> wrote:
>
> Does anyone know how to reach Outback customer service? I have
> called, waited and left messages and emailed them with no response.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Larry
>
>

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback customer service???

2015-12-08 Thread penobscotsolar

I too have been frustrated with Outback tech support. I have sat on hold
for as long as 40 minutes before anyone picked up. I have suggested they
have a "dealers only" line and as any good customer support person would,
they empathized with me..One tech actually told me the majority of
their callers were dealers. I think this speaks to the added problem
battery based systems and so many new dealers installing them has brought
to the industry, but I still feel Outback is doing a disservice to us
all..



> HI Larry;
>
> I second your suggestion that dealers have a separate, expedited contact
> line that reaches someone with a higher level of expertise.
> 1) We're repeat customers, and their front line sales team.
> 2) We're not going to call unless its something trickier to figure out.
> This has been a long term problem with several of the manufacturers.
>
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer
> 303 505-8760
>
> On 12/8/2015 10:59 AM, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:
>> Jay, Thats just nuts!
>>
>> I have long wondered why companies like this dont separate customer
>> service to professionals or "dealers who are promoting, selling and
>> installing their products from the consumers that bought the product
>> online and may not have even read the manual. We, the wrenches, should
>> have our own contact number or person.
>>
>> I did receive a voice mail from Outback (thank-you) now I am trying to
>> reach them again to actually place a parts order.
>>
>> Larry
>>
>> On Dec 8, 2015, at 9:50 AM, jay > > wrote:
>>
>> tech support is
>> 360-618-4363
>>
>> dont leave a message unless you can wait for a few weeks.
>>
>> jay
>>> On Dec 8, 2015, at 8:46 AM, Starlight Solar Power Systems
>>> mailto:la...@starlightsolar.com>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Does anyone know how to reach Outback customer service? I have
>>> called, waited and left messages and emailed them with no response.
>>>
>>> Thank you,
>>>
>>> Larry
>>>
>>>
>>
>> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Rolls batteries

2015-10-22 Thread penobscotsolar

As with Tump, we have been using the KS series for over 20 years with
little issue. My own particular caveat is that we have now started to use
Crown as well and are finding them as rugged, easier to move (metal cases
with handles), with built in water miser caps, and a better warranty, and
with great success. I also echo Tumps sentiments with Roy at RAE. We have
been buying from him since our inception in 1988.

Daryl



> The 5000 series are what we always recommend and install for my off grid
> clients. 2 volt cells are the only way we go. Despite what folks believe,
> we find it easier to handle the KS series then the L16.
> We have been using them for many years and as with ANY manu, they have and
> had issues BUT.. we feel w/ proper system sizing, education of the
> client & record keeping we have yet to have an issue w/ warrantee claims.
> That being said we have had a long relationship W/Jamie Surrette and his
> supplier, Roy Early and his crew at RAE Battery,  one of the best
> suppliers in our 27+ years.
> On Oct 22, 2015, at 11:15 AM, Kristopher Schmid wrote:
>
>> Hi Wrenches,
>>
>> Anyone using Rolls Surrette batteries?  Happy with them?  Worth the
>> extra $$$?
>>
>> Thanks for the feedback,
>> Kris
>>
>> --
>> Shine On!
>>
>> Kris Schmid
>> Legacy Solar, LLC
>> 864 Clam Falls Trail
>> Frederic, WI 54837
>> www.legacysolar.com
>> 715-653-4295
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installer
>> Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician
>> BSEE
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>
>> t...@swnl.net   www.SWNL.net
>> Solarwinds Northernlights
>>Serving Mid Coast Maine & Northern California
>>  207-832-7574   Cl. 610-517-8401
>>   Blair "TUMP" May
>>  MAINE'S CHARTER 
>>   NABCEP"Certified PV Installer"
>>
>>     MAINE'S CHARTER 
>>   Trace Xantrex "Certified" Dealer / Installer"
>>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 300 watt 60 cell

2015-09-18 Thread penobscotsolar

LG even has a 305 Neon. Very nice modules.

Daryl


> LG Neon?  Available through several distributors.
>
> Jeff
>
> -Original Message-
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of jay
> Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2015 8:03 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] 300 watt 60 cell
>
> HI All,
>
> I'm looking for 300 watt ( 290-310 watt) 60 cell modules for client.  But
> I'm having trouble finding anyone carrying them.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> thanks in advance.
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] to flash or not to flash

2015-08-06 Thread penobscotsolar

I'm with Jason. Even though for years we installed without flashing, we
now use it on every job. It is code and besides, why take the chance? We
use Snap N Rack flashing very successfully in Maine, where snow, ice, rain
and large heat/cold expansion/contractions make flashing a great
insurance. On really shallow roofs we use Eterna-Bond (dual side adhesion,
3 inch tape) under the flashing.

Daryl



> Hi:
>
> People may already know about this, but I thought I would pass it on in
> case some dont.
>
> We do a lot of work with the boating and RV industry in the US and
> overseas.
>
> One sealant name which has come up a lot with strong positive reviews
> regarding age related drying/shrinking not only in the US but overseas as
> well is SIKA.
>
> Here's a link to their website,
>
> http://usa.sika.com/
>
> JARMO
> _
>
>
> Jarmo Venalainen  |   Schneider Electric   |  Xantrex Brand  |   CANADA  |
>   Sales Application Engineer
> Phone: +604-422-2528  |   Tech Support: 800-670-0707  |   Mobile:
> +604-505-0291
> Email: jarmo.venalai...@schneider-electric.com  |   Site: www.Xantrex.com
> |   Address: 3700 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G4M1
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *** Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
>
>
>
>
> From:
> "Matt Partymiller" 
> To:
> "RE-wrenches" ,
> Date:
> 08/06/2015 10:16 AM
> Subject:
> Re: [RE-wrenches] to flash or not to flash
> Sent by:
> "RE-wrenches" 
>
>
>
> Daniel,
>
> My answer is to flash until others prove me wrong.
>
> I am in the same position you are, speaking to the same manufacturers you
> are, and probably dealing with the same low competitor pricing you are.
> These products sure sound tempting.
>
> Over the past decade I have probably removed a dozen 80's era hot air or
> hot water systems that were directly attached to roofs (installed by
> others).  In every instance the roof was a complete mess and required deck
> replacement.  I now tell homeowners just to contact a roofer and have them
> dispose of the collectors in the process of re-roofing - we will come out
> after the new roof is in place.
>
> I think you summed up the sealant problem quite well.  I sell my systems
> as a 25 year product.  I am not satisfied that butyl is a 25 year answer.
> Until someone convinces me otherwise, I will relate as much to my
> customers and proceed with proper flashings.
>
> Good poll.
>
> Matt
>
>
> Matthew Partymiller
> Solar Energy Solutions LLC
> (877) 312-7456
> m...@solar-energy-solutions.com
>
>
> On Thu, August 6, 2015 12:47 pm, Daniel Young wrote:
>> Writing the subject above, it seems like I've heard this question on the
>> wrench list before, but I could not find it in my old email archives.
> Feel
>>  free to pint me back to the old discussion if it's there.
>>
>>
>>
>> I've been using a flashing based roof attachment for 8+yrs now (quick
>> mount or similar). Now we are looking at Rail-less systems  (quick rack
> is
>> a good example). There is also a non-flashed rail-less racking from
>> roof-tech http://roof-tech.us/ . I've always been of the opinion that
>> simply crushing some sealant/gasket onto an asphalt shingle work fine at
>> first (the test data from roof-tech is impressive), but would be an
> issue
>> 10+yrs down the
>> road (thermal expansion movement, freeze/thaw, etc). I can make a good
>> waterproof seal at first by just slathering some butyl/silicone to an
>> L-foot
>> and cranking it down on the shingles, but that practice really
> disappeared
>>  8+yrs ago.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Maybe consider this a Poll: (to flash, or not to flash)
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> With Regards,
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Daniel Young,
>>
>>
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation ProfessionalTM: Cert #031508-90
>>
>>
>> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 300W 72 cell micro inverters

2015-02-09 Thread penobscotsolar

What do you typically get out of a 300 watt panel for production when you
are grid tied? I know in theory (STC) it is a 300 watt module but we
rarely if ever (except in very cold weather)see near that for an output. I
use (as a general, 77 degrees F) design parameter, 77% for overall power
production output output. I'm sure you would get a little clipping, but I
guess a significant amount would depend on a number of variables on the
site, time of the year, weather conditions, etc.

Daryl


> Yeahif you're OK with a not insignificant amount of clipping going on.
>
> -Original Message-
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of penobscotso...@midmaine.com
> Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2015 2:33 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 300W 72 cell micro inverters
>
> Hey Jason,
>The M-250's work well with LG 300 watt (60 cell) modules.
>
> Daryl
>
>
>> Hi Jason,
>>
>> The Enphase C250 Microinverters for three-phase commercial
>> applications does work with 72 cell modules.
>>
>> On Sun, Feb 8, 2015 at 12:58 PM, Jason Szumlanski <
>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>
>>> The ABB micros seem to be solid and easy to install. We have two
>>> sites with them with no issues. Unfortunately, the monitoring system
>>> sucks compared to Enphase and was far more difficult to set up. I
>>> really wish Enphase would come up with a good 72 cell option because
>>> we find ourselves competing with 300W modules occasionally, and
>>> consumers (irrationally) jump to the conclusion that bigger is
>>> better.
>>>
>>>
>>> [image: Logo-Sq-80.png]
>>>
>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>>
>>> Principal Solar Designer
>>>
>>> Florida Solar Design Group
>>>
>>> (239) 491-8010 office
>>>
>>> (239) 410-4985 mobile
>>>
>>> Authorized Sales Agent for Fafco Solar
>>>
>>> [image: Fafco-Solar-Enphase-Logo.png]
>>>
>>> License CVC56701
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sun, Feb 8, 2015 at 3:15 PM, Bill Hennessy 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Hi folks--

 We're planning a micro inverter install using 300W 72 cell modules
 for an area with a fair amount of shading. The choices we've found
 are ABB micro
 0.3 or APS YC500A.
 Any stories to tell about either of these or another suggestion?

 Thanks for your time.

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

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








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>>>
>>> *Florida Solar Design Group is not an engineering or architectural
>>> firm and acts only as a consultant and authorized independent sales
>>> agent.
>>> Any
>>> advice or work product provided shall not be considered licensed
>>> professional services provided under Florida Statute Chapters 471,
>>> 481, or
>>> 491.*
>>> ___
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>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Cordially,
>>
>> Nick Soleil
>> *Enphase Energy* | Field Applications Engineer
>>
>> office 707-763-4784 <%28707%29%20763.%204784> x7267 cell 07-321-2937
>>
>> 
>>
>> *Powering WhatÃ¢â¬â¢s Next*Ã¢âÂ¢* | *The Enphase Energy Management
>> System
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>
>>
>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer #03262011-300
>>
>> California C10 Licensed Electrician #986315
>>
>> Texas Master Electrician #284451
>>
>> 
>>
>> Ã¢â¬ÅDonÃ¢â¬â¢t get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! ItÃ¢â¬â¢s
>> just that I
>> prefer fusion to fission. And it just so happens that thereÃ¢â¬â¢s an
>> enormous fusion reactor safely banked a few million miles from us. It
>> delivers more than we could ever use in just about 8 minutes. And
>> itÃ¢â¬â¢s wireless!Ã¢â¬Â
>>
>> - William McDonough
>>
>>
>>
>> This email message is for the

Re: [RE-wrenches] 300W 72 cell micro inverters

2015-02-08 Thread penobscotsolar

Hey Jason,
   The M-250's work well with LG 300 watt (60 cell) modules.

Daryl


> Hi Jason,
>
> The Enphase C250 Microinverters for three-phase commercial applications
> does work with 72 cell modules.
>
> On Sun, Feb 8, 2015 at 12:58 PM, Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
>> The ABB micros seem to be solid and easy to install. We have two sites
>> with them with no issues. Unfortunately, the monitoring system sucks
>> compared to Enphase and was far more difficult to set up. I really wish
>> Enphase would come up with a good 72 cell option because we find
>> ourselves
>> competing with 300W modules occasionally, and consumers (irrationally)
>> jump
>> to the conclusion that bigger is better.
>>
>>
>> [image: Logo-Sq-80.png]
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>>
>> Principal Solar Designer
>>
>> Florida Solar Design Group
>>
>> (239) 491-8010 office
>>
>> (239) 410-4985 mobile
>>
>> Authorized Sales Agent for Fafco Solar
>>
>> [image: Fafco-Solar-Enphase-Logo.png]
>>
>> License CVC56701
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Feb 8, 2015 at 3:15 PM, Bill Hennessy 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi folks--
>>>
>>> We're planning a micro inverter install using 300W 72 cell modules for
>>> an
>>> area with a fair amount of shading. The choices we've found are ABB
>>> micro
>>> 0.3 or APS YC500A.
>>> Any stories to tell about either of these or another suggestion?
>>>
>>> Thanks for your time.
>>>
>>> Bill Hennessy
>>> Berks Solar, LLC
>>> 371 Centennial Rd
>>> Mertztown, PA 19539
>>>
>>> o 610 682 4300
>>> c 484 560 4666
>>> NABCEP certified installer
>>> PA contractor #44411
>>> www.berkssolar.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ___
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>>
>> *Florida Solar Design Group is not an engineering or architectural firm
>> and acts only as a consultant and authorized independent sales agent.
>> Any
>> advice or work product provided shall not be considered licensed
>> professional services provided under Florida Statute Chapters 471, 481,
>> or
>> 491.*
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
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>>
>
>
> --
>
> Cordially,
>
> Nick Soleil
> *Enphase Energy* | Field Applications Engineer
>
> office 707-763-4784 <%28707%29%20763.%204784> x7267
> cell 07-321-2937
>
> 
>
> *Powering Whatâs Next*â¢* | *The Enphase Energy Management System
> 
>   
>   
>
>
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer #03262011-300
>
> California C10 Licensed Electrician #986315
>
> Texas Master Electrician #284451
>
> 
>
> âDonât get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! Itâs just that I prefer
> fusion
> to fission. And it just so happens that thereâs an enormous fusion
> reactor
> safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could
> ever use in just about 8 minutes. And itâs wireless!â
>
> - William McDonough
>
>
>
> This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and
> may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not an
> intended recipient, you may not review, use, copy, disclose or distribute
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Gen4 - How Is It Doing?

2015-02-08 Thread penobscotsolar

We have 0 M-215 failures out of about 300 installed. Pretty good failure
rate, if I do say so myself


> M215 failures? I've seen only 1 or 2 out of thousands. The M215 was a
> remarkable improvement over the M190. Are you having a different
> experience?
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
> On Fri, Feb 6, 2015 at 12:56 PM, Mark Frye 
> wrote:
>
>> Folks,
>>
>> How is the Gen4 Enphase (M250) holding up in the field? Any marked
>> improvement over M215 in terms of failures?
>>
>> Mark Frye
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable crimper question

2015-02-07 Thread penobscotsolar

I'm with Ray on this, Allan. 27 years of using Burndy and Greenlee
crimpers with tinned copper lugs on battery and inverter cables without a
failure says a lot. Like Ray, we do set it a little "tighter" than the
scale indicates.

Daryl


> If there actually is a small hydraulic pump connected between those
> handles?
> I have had previous experience a lot Chinese hydraulics, engines,
> generators
>
> Chinese hydraulics and engines have bad habits of seeping oil if not
> downright leaking!
> Their certainly looks like there's no room there for a reasonably sized
> reservoir to store the hydraulic oil.
>
> If it's being sold for 50 bucks it's probably coming out of China for 10 !
>
> Then you still have to consider the fact that if, unless it has changed I
> believe the crimpers still need to be UL listed
>
> No way they're going to spend the money for that!
>
> Interesting toy to play with but I don't think it would hold up, do good
> cramps or be legal
>
>
> Bob Ellison
>
>> On Feb 6, 2015, at 6:35 PM, Allan Sindelar 
>> wrote:
>>
>> Wrenches,
>> Has anyone used the cheap Chinese hydraulic cable crimpers? Any field
>> reports? Dies appear to be metric; do they correspond to AWG? All of
>> these kits run about $45, which is absurd, as a Klein manual crimper for
>> up to 4/0 runs $200+, and that's what I expected to buy before I came
>> across lots of these on Ebay.
>>
>> An example:
>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-Ton-Hydraulic-Wire-Crimper-Crimping-Tool-11-Dies-Battery-Cable-Lug-Terminal-/310896486645?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4862dfe8f5
>>
>> I'm hesitant without good reviews, but it's tempting. No lectures,
>> please.
>>
>> Thank you,
>> Allan
>>
>> --
>> Allan Sindelar
>> al...@sindelarsolar.com
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
>> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
>> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
>> Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
>> 505 780-2738 cell
>>
>>
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[RE-wrenches] SW4024

2015-01-16 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi all,
   I know this is a real shot in the dark, but is there a possibility
someone out there has an SW4024 for sale. I have an off grid client
whose has a major issue. Because they are off grid, they do not want to
send the inverter off to be fixed and have to run their generator for a
couple of weeks.
   If anyone has one, or possibly a lead, please contact me off list.

Thanks,
Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design
www.penobscotsolar.com
(207) 326-0779


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[RE-wrenches] Schneider Technical Support

2014-10-09 Thread penobscotsolar

Does anyone have a number for Schneider's solar tech support? It seems
impossible to reach people there with a direct question, without having to
send an email and wait by a phonesomething it is hard to do and make
money at the same time.

Thanks,
Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design

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[RE-wrenches] Beacon Power M5????

2014-08-11 Thread penobscotsolar

Hello fellow wrenches,
   I have an "opportunity" to inherit a poorly installed system which the
client has had problems with for years OR simply replace his original,
but no longer functioning Beacon Power M5 inverter. I would greatly
prefer to do the latter, but Beacon has been out of business for quite
a while. Does anyone out there have one collecting dust that they
thought no one would ever buy? (I will!) If not,to anyone who might
have worked with them in the past, do you have a suggestion for a
replacement inverter which would semi-seamlessly integrate without a
lot of labor time?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions,
Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design

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Re: [RE-wrenches] 2v metal cased cells

2014-07-12 Thread penobscotsolar

Jay,
  A couple of things.
  There is a source for the Surrette/Rolls as 2 volt cells in a single
poly enclosure as opposed to the  double, four volt cells. Contact me
off list.
  We have been using these cells for more than 13 years in the  Caribbean
with great results. We do use ventilated battery boxes and do try as
much as possible to recess them at least partially into the ground
(usually limestone, but can be air hammered out)and as much as possible
on the north wall of the building.

Daryl
Penobscot Solar Design
207 326 -0779


> Hi all
>
> Yes good points.
> However I have good reason to believe that the dual plastic case batteries
> ( rolls or Trojan) act like good insulation.
> I'm working on some designs for the deep tropics and heat build up is a
> huge problem.
>
> Whether I use fans, water, or AC Units, I think that individual steel
> cased cells will have greater surface area and cool faster than other
> batteries.
>
> But maybe others have different ideas?
>
> Jay
>
>
>
>
>
>
>> On Jul 12, 2014, at 5:01 AM, Tump  wrote:
>>
>> Why would you NOT use the Surrette batteries. Far easier to move, up to
>> 2400 Has@20 hr rate. Steel CONDUCTIVE/ RUSTING cases never made sense to
>> me. The only reason I would use something steel would be the AGM when
>> seismic security was required.
>>> On Jul 11, 2014, at 11:51 AM, jay peltz wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I'm wondering what options people are using for steel cased individual
>>> 2v industrial cells.
>>>
>>> thanks
>>>
>>> jay
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Small pump in larger casing

2014-05-09 Thread penobscotsolar

No problem at all Mac. We've done it for years with Grundfos pumps with
great success (no service calls). The torque arrestors are a good thing,
even with the no surge models.

Daryl


> Hello wrenches,
>
> Is there any problem to putting a small diameter pump in a larger well
> casing?  Specifically, I want to put a 6 SQF-2 in a 4" casing.  I'm going
> to put a torque arrestor on it to help keep it from banging around.  I
> don't see a problem with this but haven't done many of these so I'd like
> to
> avoid any problems.
>
> Thanks
>
> --
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> *"Yo solo sÃ© que no sÃ© nada." -SÃ³crates*
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Propane block heaters

2014-04-12 Thread penobscotsolar

Mac,
My only recommendation is that if they are off grid or concerned about
consumption not to use one. We have many off grid systems installed in
Maine (very cold weather) that have generators with block heaters
which have been disabled. They start and run just fine without the
heater.

Daryl


> Hello wrenches,
>
> Does anyone have a good recommendation for a propane block heater product?
>
> Thanks
>
> --
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 208 3 phase Off Grid Inverter

2014-03-26 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Ray,
   This works very well with the SI's. We have an off grid, dual SI system
in the Bahamas which uses 5 Classics and 20 kW of PV, along with a 60
kW generator. It's been in for about 6 months and the client is very
pleased. Midnite makes a nice pre-wired panel (8' x4'), heavy, but in
off off grid it's nice to have as much pre-assembly as possible.

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PPV installer
Penobscot Solar Design



> I had another related question to add to using the SMA SI inverters:
> Can't we still use regular charge controllers to charge the battery, and
> just use the SIs as inverters, and gen in charging only?
> I don't see justification for the extra cost of an AC coupled system
> here.  The array will be on the garage roof, with equipment below.  Only
> 50 ft run for the PV, so I was planning on using Midnite Classics.
>
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer
> 303 505-8760
>
> On 3/25/2014 4:21 PM, Kevin Pegg wrote:
>> Hi Ray,
>>
>> I have several 3-phase off-grid inverter/battery/generator systems out
>> there.
>>
>> - SMA Sunny Island is the best. Can scale to at least 180 kW, maybe
>> more. Reliable & very solid. I have several sites going over 2 years
>> without a single second of power outage.
>> - Xantrex XW. It can work in a 3-ph config, but it's not as stable
>> system. We have taken to preventatively rebooting the systems every 4
>> months and that helps a lot - at least the outage can be planned and on
>> our terms.
>> - Outback has had so many power quality nightmares I won't go there
>> anymore.
>> - I believe Magnum has a 3-ph option but haven't installed one yet.
>>
>> SMA inverters are more expensive. And they work very well. They also
>> have a very good battery charging algorithm and integral gen start
>> control.
>>
>> Kevin
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]On Behalf Of Ray
>> Walters
>> Sent: March 24, 2014 6:44 PM
>> To: RE-wrenches
>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] 208 3 phase Off Grid Inverter
>>
>>
>> Hi All;
>>
>> I'm exploring options for an off grid project with an existing 30 Kw
>> Kohler wired for 208 vac 3 phase.  The generator runs some 8 hp air
>> compressors, so rewiring it is not an option.  We're primarily
>> interested in reducing gen run time from the current situation: 14 hrs/
>> day.
>> So far, only the Outback VFX inverters seem capable of being wired in
>> 208, 3 phase, but according to the manual they can only be stacked 1
>> inverter per leg. This limits the system to only 3 inverters total, or
>> 10.8 kW.  I would like expandability beyond this.
>> 1) are there any other inverters available that I'm over looking?
>> 2) Should I consider a transformer to convert from 208 vac/3phase to 240
>> vac/ singe phase?
>>
>> We're not going to even try to run the compressors, just the other
>> single phase loads, mostly 120 vac, but we have a couple of small air
>> conditioners, that are currently running on 208 single phase.  I believe
>> they would run fine on 240 vac, as they have a name plate rating at 230
>> vac.
>> 3) We may possibly run 2 separate 3 inverter stacks and only tie
>> together at the battery, but otherwise they would not be connected. This
>> seems inefficient, and would require some load balancing of the various
>> inverters.
>>
>> All help and discussion is greatly appreciated as always,
>>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Huge battery bank recommendation

2014-03-11 Thread penobscotsolar

Mac, for this type of large system we typically use Surrette/Rolls
2YS31.They are 2430 ah. When we get into battery banks this large we
typically only run two cells deep (front to back) for ease of maintenance.
I hope your customer has some free time on their hands for maintenance.
Remember, Surrette deep cycle batteries demand a higher than most charge
rate or you will find the life of the cell will be significantly shorter
than with proper charging. I'm sure your local battery distributor or
Jamie Surrette can send you the tech stuff on these batteries. Any way it
goes, this is a very big battery bank. Good luck!

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design



> Good point Jason.  To clarify this is a 48V system.
>
> Thanks
>
>
> On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 7:44 AM, Jason Szumlanski
> wrote:
>
>> Not that I have an answer for you, but I'm curious, too. You need to
>> specify voltage to get a good answer.
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>>
>> Fafco Solar
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 9:24 AM, Mac Lewis  wrote:
>>
>>> Hi wrenches,
>>>
>>> I am consulting on a job that requires an 8000 Ahr battery bank.  This
>>> is
>>> quite a bit beyond my normal battery bank realm.  What would you
>>> recommend
>>> for this?
>>>
>>>  Thanks in advance
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Mac Lewis
>>>
>>>
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> --
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>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunny Island battery OCP

2014-02-11 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi William,
   I wonder as well. About two months ago we installed a 20 kW off grid
system using two SI6048's with Midnite Solar's BOS and while it made
for an extremely heavy (two piece) powerpanel, it has performed very
wel and seems that Midnite has done the homework for us in providing
excellent OCP. They are definitely worth a look.

Daryl



> HI William,
>
> I agree with your choices below, but I"m  curious why you decided against
> the midnite Epanel for the SI?
>
> thanks
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
>
>
> On Feb 10, 2014, at 9:33 PM,  wrote:
>
>> Friends:
>>
>> Thanks for all of the replies.  Here is what I have learned so far
>>
>> 1.   The SMA fuse blocks are not UL listed for installation in the
>> USofA.
>> 2.   The Square D switches are not high enough in amperage for
>> battery circuits.
>> 3.   The bolt-switch idea is great if you want fuses and a pullout.
>> Not for me.
>> 4.   Our solution will be an Outback FX 1000 with three 250 amp
>> breakers.
>>
>> I am not that thrilled with the lack of information or BOS on the Sunny
>> Island line.  SMA was very vague about recommended OCP value and wire
>> gauge.  This is not in the spirit I am use to.  I understand a
>> disclaimer, but please, give it up with a rule of thumb to get us
>> started.  I finally received a broad hint that for the SI4548 or the SI
>> 6048 the recommendation is for 250 amp breakers and 4/0 wire within
>> reasonable distances.
>>
>> William
>>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Charge Controller with Configurable Maximum Output Current

2014-01-03 Thread penobscotsolar

I recently installed a system using a Classic that required current
limiting. Like the OutBack, the limit setting can be a few amps off. I was
told that to be safe, for a 60 amp max, to set the controller current
limiting to 55 or 56 amps. It has been working great and has hit 59 amps
several times, but never 60. The setting is at 55 amps.



> Hi Jason,
> Both the XW MPPT60 (865-1030-1) and MPPT80 (865-1032) models can have the
> charge % adjusted using the SCP (865-1050).
> Advanced Settings>Charger Settings>Max Chg Rate
> Rgds,
> _
>
>
> Eric Bentsen  |   Schneider Electric   |  Solar Business  |   UNITED
> STATES  |   Technical Support Representative
> Phone: +(650) 351-8237 ext. 001#  |
> Email: eric.bent...@schneider-electric.com  |   Site:
> www.schneider-electric.com/solar  |   Address: 250 South Vasco Rd.,
> Livermore, CA 94551
>
>
> *** Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
>
>
>
>
> From:
> Jason Szumlanski 
> To:
> RE-wrenches 
> Date:
> 01/03/2014 11:38 AM
> Subject:
> [RE-wrenches] Charge Controller with Configurable Maximum Output Current
> Sent by:
> re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
>
>
> What commonly available MPPT controllers have a user configurable current
> output limit? (other than Outback FM##)
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Fafco Solar
>
>
> __
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Oddball wire request

2013-10-10 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Allan,
   Is it possible to use 1/2" carflex connectors and nm carflex from panel
to panel? You could then use THWN anywhere you wanted. This is what we
used to do with all our systems back in the  day

Daryl


> 
>   
>
> 
>   
>   
> Wrenches,
> I do a fair amount of work on ancient systems, just because there's
> been off grid here for decades. I'm rewiring several old arrays for
> my next door (meaning < 1/4 mile away) neighbor. The particular
> array has six 53W Solec modules wired as three two-module 24V pairs,
> on a Zomeworks tracker so old that it has aluminum rails and
> attached freon canisters instead of the integral square tubes. Both
> modules and tracker continue to work well, but the wiring is so
> degraded from sun exposure that's it's bare in spots, and this is
> what I want to fix.
> 
> Each module has a tiny j-box - 3" x 3" x 7/8" deep. Each j-box has a
> single 3/8" cord grip bushing (CGB). Each bushing has two #10
> conductors coming out of the single hole in the CGB. The O.D. of
> each wire is about the same as that of THWN. The problem is that the
> single hole in the CGB is only large enough to fit this diameter.
> USE-2 is too large, and modern PV wire is way too large. 
> 
> I bought a dozen replacement 3/8" CGBs from Del City, but the
> matching lock rings are too large to fit inside the j-boxes. I'd be
> cautious about using a narrow Unibit to drill an additional hole in
> each j-box anyway, given that the holes would be so close to the
> backsheet. 
> 
> The easiest solution would be to find some sunlight-resistant,
> wet-rated single-conductor wire in #10 or #12 that has an insulation
> O.D. about the same as THHN/THWN. Any ideas, please? Code is not an
> issue in this instance - I just want a solution that works.
> 
> I thought about using float switch cable, which is UV-resistant,
> wet-rated, direct-burial-rated type TC. We keep plenty in stock for
> signal circuits, and it fits and is strong. The problem is that I
> need single conductors, because each module will have one series
> conductor and one output conductor, and they run to different
> locations. 
> 
> Are there any better ideas out there?
> Thanks, Allan
> -- 
>   
>   
>   
>   
>   
>namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
> name="address">
>namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
>   name="PostalCode">
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> name="Street">
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>   Allan  class="SpellE">Sindelar
>  href="mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com";> 
> style="color:#99">al...@positiveenergysolar.com
> NABCEP Certified PV
>   Installation Professional
>   NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
>   New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
>   Founder, Positive Energy,
> Inc.
>   A
>   Certified B  class="SpellE">Corporation style="font-size:7.5pt">TM
>

Re: [RE-wrenches] question about pole mount interconnection

2013-10-08 Thread penobscotsolar

Ron,
   We also install a lot of top of pole mounts and use conduit similar to
what Kirpal describes. We typically will trench and install the conduit
before we pour the concrete foundations (at least to the elbow at the
pole) as it allows for conduit to sweep up the pole instead of having
to come out of the ground and over the top of the concrete before you
sweep up. That is all I would add. We always go pole to pole with
conduit.

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design



> Always value the input of the group William, that's why I ask for it but I
> admit I am leaning towards the conduit between poles idea. What has your
> practice been? Kirpal, your points are valid aside from cost which is the
> big nut to crack these days it seems. Ray, would love to have gone
> multi-pole, wasn't aware of those - alas, the single pole mounts are
> already enroute.
>
> Ron
>
> On 2013-10-07, at 8:32 PM, William Miller  wrote:
>
>> Ron:
>>
>> Sounds like you have already reached a conclusion.  Good luck!
>>
>> William
>>
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ron @
>> earthRight Solar
>> Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 8:08 PM
>> To: RE-wrenches
>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] question about pole mount interconnection
>>
>> Hi Wrenches, I am installing six 8 panel pole mounts in a grid tied
>> system.
>> My question is about preference for cable run between the poles. I am
>> interested in industry best practices. I have been told that running
>> conduit
>> between the poles, i.e. along the axis, will hold the cabling but the
>> poles
>> of course must be precisely aligned. The alternative is to run cabling
>> down
>> the poles, underground and up the next pole. This is wasteful of
>> materials,
>> expensive to the client and in my view presents as many safety concerns
>> as
>> the other option. Hope to hear some ideas.
>>
>> Ron
>> _
>>
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[RE-wrenches] MC4 center conductors

2013-08-19 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi all,
   Does anyone have a source of just the center conductor (small metal
inserts) for MC4 connectorsI seem to have accumulated a lot of
female - plastic without the associated crimpable center conductor

Daryl

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Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist

2013-08-16 Thread penobscotsolar

Honestly, William, in these type of cases I usually walk away from the job
if the customer isn't willing to reduce where possible. There is no such
thing as a completely fool proof off grid PV system. Like a good lawyer,
the best way to have a stellar record is to know which cases to
takejust one man's opinion of course, but we get approached for many
systems like this, particularly in the Caribbean and I have learned that
there is such a thing as a good solar customer and also a bad solar
customer.

Daryl



> Hi William,
> In off grid applications, you want to have sufficient RE to keep up with
> load demand
> and only run the generator when RE cannot keep up. However, having too
> much RE is a waste because it will
>  result in energy not harvested (if regulating), however, diversion
> controllers can allow the excess energy to be utilized
>  (i.e. water heating).
> Running the gen up to the bulk level replaces approx 80% of capacity, and
> maximizes fuel consumption, allowing RE to get the
>  batteries charged the last 20%. Automatic gen start capability with
> staggered start voltages allow you to target 50% discharge
> more accurately, and minimizes user interaction. Try to calculate the
> total daily kWhrs and match the demand with RE as
> closely as possible.
> Hope that helps,
> Rgds,
> _
>
>
> Eric Bentsen  |   Schneider Electric   |  Solar Business  |   UNITED
> STATES  |   Technical Support Representative
> Phone: +(650) 351-8237 ext. 001#  |
> Email: eric.bent...@schneider-electric.com  |   Site:
> www.schneider-electric.com/solar  |   Address: 250 South Vasco Rd.,
> Livermore, CA 94551
>
>
> *** Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
>
>
>
>
> From:
> Jay Peltz 
> To:
> RE-wrenches 
> Date:
> 08/16/2013 02:01 PM
> Subject:
> Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist
> Sent by:
> re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
>
>
> Hi William
>
> Thx helps a lot.
> I can only say how I do it.
> I'll give the client some options, including the change of appliances and
> usually the price difference makes the sale one way or the other.
>
> Funny reminds me of the old days, only with much smaller loads/$.
>
> Good luck
>
> Jay
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Aug 16, 2013, at 12:49 PM, "William Miller" 
> wrote:
>
> Jay:
>
> There are four systems in question.  In three the loads are year round and
> one is summer only AC loads.  The year round loaded systems have loads day
> and night.
>
> One is a highway maintenence station with at least 4 residences.
> One is a family compound with two homes with electric ranges, water
> heaters, AC units (I know its stupid, lord knows I've tried to convince
> them to change appliances.)
> One is an animal rescue operation with heater loads.
> One is a large home with 5 very small, very new, very sophisticated and
> frugal AC units
>
> I know it is silly to move these loads off-grid, but people do it and they
> will hire someone to work on the systems.  It may as well be me, doing the
> best I can to use the resources as wisely as possible.
>
> William
>
> PS:  It always happens like this:  I get a call from a client with
> problems.  Well, of course their expensive battery bank died and it died
> because of wasteful appliances.  The prescription is a new, expensive
> battery bank and, at the same time, new, expensive, efficient appliances.
> They complain can't afford both and they have to have the batteries, so
> that is what they get.  Repeat every two years.  Sad
>
> Wm
>
>
> From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [
> mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jay Peltz
> Sent: Friday, August 16, 2013 12:22 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist
>
> Hi William
>
> I feel it's impossible to discuss without more specifics.
>
> For example if the extreme loads are only every ( just run the genny) so
> often vs seasonal ( maybe AC coupling makes more sense vs cycling a
> extremely expensive battery 4 x day),  vs year round vs what is do able
> etc
>
> I would be curious to know what some of the parameters are, as I'm sure
> others as well
>
> Jay
>
> Peltz power.
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Aug 16, 2013, at 10:53 AM, "William Miller" 
> wrote:
>
> Friends:
>
> We have been receiving a flurry of requests for design of off-grid systems
> where the loads are enormous, relative to normal off-grid requirements. It
> is obvious that the size of PV and battery arrays to power these loads is
> beyond what is practical.  We have dubbed these systems Generator/battery
> with PV assist, or PV assist for short.
>
> These systems will cycle batteries multiple times per day.  It is my
> understanding that the extra battery cycels will shorten battery life.
> Since generator run is expected, we are willing to increase generator run
> time in order to prolong battery life.
>
> The parameters I suggest are an aggressive

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hawker versusu MK

2013-08-13 Thread penobscotsolar

I second Tump's experience!

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design


> I install large battery banks ALL the time. We DO NOT use any battery that
> is incased in a metal enclosure.
> REAL pain to move, cells DO go bad & when they do its a real pain to bring
> the engine hoist to remove them. Hard to keep the cases from leaking &
> rusting.
> We DO use the Surrette 2 volt cells in the dual container exclusively.
> These are rated as a "containment vessel", & much easier to move. In the
> event when a cell does go bad, use a jumper to bypass the bad cell,
> operate w/ a lower LBCO setting leave the CC settings the same, while
> waiting for replacement.
> 1700 AH -2400 AH.
> By the time you have the tractor/back hoe on site, my 2 volt cells are up
> n running! E mail me off list and I can give you a few tricks to move
> them.
> On Aug 13, 2013, at 3:28 AM, William Miller wrote:
>
>> Friends:
>>
>> We are shopping for industrial, flooded, lead acid batteries.  We are
>> considering 12 volt packages in the 1800 AH range.  Under consideration
>> are:
>>
>> Hawker 12-25W-23S at 1705 AH or MK 106M1033STB at 1896 AH.
>>
>> Have any of you had experience with either, or recommend another option?
>>
>> As always, I am extremely grateful to all of you for the limitless
>> wisdom offered.
>>
>> Sinceerly,
>>
>> William Miller
>>
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>> t...@swnl.net   www.SWNL.net
>> Solarwinds Northernlights
>>Serving Mid Coast Maine & Northern California
>>  207-832-7574   Cl. 610-517-8401
>>   Blair "TUMP" May
>>  MAINE'S CHARTER 
>>   NABCEP"Certified PV Installer"
>>
>>     MAINE'S CHARTER 
>>   Trace Xantrex "Certified" Dealer / Installer"
>>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Tax credit question.

2013-07-27 Thread penobscotsolar

We have had at least a half dozen off grid folks with "camps" in Maine
where they stay for a couple of months every year be completely honest
with their tax person and receive the 30% federal tax incentive. Their tax
people were comfortable with the wording vs. the use of the building with
the installed system on it.

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV professional
Penobscot Solar Design
www.penobscotsolar.com


> So, has anyone had a customer install a ITC eligible system on a second
> "residence" and claim the credit?
>
> Jesse
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jul 27, 2013, at 4:36 PM, Bob-O Schultze 
> wrote:
>
>> Here is IRS Form 5695. You can hand them a copy and they can make the
>> determination themselves. As Allan says, we ain't tax advisors. I see on
>> the dsireusa.org website that it says that the PV system does not have
>> to be on your primary home, but my reading of this form would seem to
>> indicate otherwise. It defines a home as:
>> Home. A home is where you lived in 2012 and can include a house,
>> houseboat, mobile home, cooperative apartment, condominium, and a
>> manufactured home that conforms to Federal Manufactured Home
>> Construction and Safety Standards.
>> It also defines a "Main" home:
>> Main home. Your main home is generally the home where you live most of
>> the time. A temporary absence due to special circumstances, such as
>> illness, education, business, military service, or vacation, will not
>> change your main home.
>> Now, perhaps an expert bean-counter can work his/her magic on that, but
>> methinks we'd be dumb asses to try it.
>> Bob-O
>> 
>> On Jul 27, 2013, at 12:45 PM, frenergy wrote:
>>
>> Alan,
>>
>> I have always defaulted to that advice also. Just last week,
>> after I had told a customer a 30% ITC is still available and
>> told him to confirm that with his tax advisor to be sure he
>> could take full advantage of it (some folks have to take the 30%
>> over a couple years), he came back to me and told me his tax
>> person said it was no longer available!  I was so glad he told
>> me this so I could straighten it out (and get the job of
>> course).
>>
>> This issue did get rectified but it has made me think of
>> providing a copy of the pertinent page(s) from the IRS related
>> to the ITC to future potential customers, and give them the
>> advice of speaking to their tax person.
>>
>> Bill
>> Feather River Solar Electric
>> - Original Message -
>> From: Allan Sindelar
>> To: RE-wrenches
>> Sent: Saturday, July 27, 2013 12:20 PM
>> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Tax credit question.
>>
>> "Consult your tax advisor"...
>> Jesse, any advice you give your customer other than the words above
>> could get you into trouble. We're solar installers, not tax advisors. I
>> always pass the buck on this kind of question.
>> Allan
>>
>> Allan Sindelar
>> al...@positiveenergysolar.com
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
>> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
>> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
>> Founder and Chief Technology Officer
>> Positive Energy, Inc., a Certified B CorporationTM
>> 3209 Richards Lane
>> Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
>> 505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
>> www.positiveenergysolar.com
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Generac Ecogen (was RE: generator suggestions)

2013-07-07 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Kirk,
   The Ecogens we have out there (3) have been working great, without
needing service. We do leave the switch set to "manual" which I don't
believe has a phantom load. It so, it is very minimal as we haven't had
customers complaining of lack of power. I continue to recommend them
for small to medium size systems.

Daryl



> Kirk,
>
> I have 4 Eco-gens out there and working fine.   I'm not sure about the
> phantom load but it does include the battery charging.  My guess is
> that after the battery recovers from starting, the load probably drops
> to minimal.  There is an hour meter in the menu under "state" which is
> many keystrokes to find.  Took me awhile to find it.  Other than a
> possible ghost load problem,  my customers and I really like them.
> Quieter and more fuel efficient.  However, for larger off grid systems
> with really big loads, it may not be strong enough.  Time will tell.
> I have one wired at 240 and the others all at 120.  We did have a
> problem with one of them with a faulty rpm sensor.  I found that the
> authorized service from the middlebury outfit... Taylor Rental or
> green Mtn rental... Not sure of the name... Was excellent.  No charge
> to the customer under warranty and fast service. P
>
> John
> Cvsolar.
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jul 7, 2013, at 9:58 AM, jay peltz  wrote:
>
>> Hi Kirk
>>
>> One trick I learned from my generator guy is to hook up the remote start
>> to the manual on position
>> This bypass's the auto position and the extra load on the battery
>>
>> Best I can tell only difference on the Koehler anyway is how fast it
>> starts. On auto right now
>> On manual a few seconds delay.
>>
>> Jay
>>
>> Peltz power
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
>>
>> On Jul 6, 2013, at 10:46 AM, "Kirk Herander"  wrote:
>>
>>> Alan and others,
>>>
>>> I have an off-grid customer looking at the Ecogen. Now that 6 months
>>> have passed since your comments, can you tell us more of the pros and
>>> cons of this unit?
>>> I read somewhere the phantom load of the controller (and charger?) is
>>> 20 to 50 watts total. Is it just the controller which needs to stay
>>> awake? Is there a separate charger for the battery, meaning no
>>> alternator / rectifier direct from the engine? Regardless,  it seems
>>> dumb to me that a generator designed for off-grid would mandate a
>>> phantom load to operate. For that reason, it seems no more appealing
>>> than the Kohler R series. Is there an on-board hour-meter? Thanks. The
>>> brochure does not address these questions.
>>>
>>> Kirk Herander
>>> VT Solar, LLC
>>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>>> NABCEPTM Certified Inaugural Certificant
>>> NYSERDA-eligible Installer
>>> VT RE Incentive Program Partner
>>> 802.863.1202
>>>
>>> From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan
>>> Sindelar
>>> Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 3:21 PM
>>> To: RE-wrenches
>>> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] generator suggestions
>>>
>>> Ray,
>>> Everything has changed. The Kohler 6.5RMY and the Onan 6.5 Commercial
>>> were wonderful units, but also both flathead twins, eventually
>>> discontinued for efficiency and emissions reasons, as I came to
>>> understand. Also, the American residential market was (and remains)
>>> almost exclusively about home standby, not off grid, and the major
>>> manufacturers went in that direction. Home standby is a competitive
>>> market, and generators aren't expected to run for many hours over their
>>> useful life, so internals can be cheapened and features to make them
>>> more like a home appliance are added. Many of us have customer horror
>>> stories about home standby units used off grid.
>>>
>>> I have written favorably about the Generac EcoGen here and in Home
>>> Power, as it's pretty much currently the only under-10K unit designed
>>> for off grid use. I have now had two at my home - we had a fire in May
>>> that took out an outbuilding and the gennie, and I replaced it with the
>>> same model, because it had performed well and there was nothing else to
>>> compete with it. Always starts, minimal maintenance, exceeds its rated
>>> output on occasion, doesn't require a separate enclosure, and is sealed
>>> against mice. Oh, and very quiet. So far the only disadvantage is the
>>> need for either an AC feed for the 8W phantom load to keep the
>>> controller awake, but a PV module and small controller on the starting
>>> battery will handle that one of these days. It's not just one of their
>>> standard units with different bells and whistles, but has hardened
>>> valves, lower (2,500) rpm, longer maintenance intervals, and other
>>> reliability features.
>>>
>>> I know all about Generac's otherwise-poor reputation, and am willing to
>>> stick my neck out about this model, as I think it's the best we
>>> currently have in this size range. My understanding is that the Propane
>>> Reliability Council (or some similar organizational name) was involved
>>> wi

[RE-wrenches] Victron inverter?Victron batteries?

2013-06-18 Thread penobscotsolar

Wrenches,
   I have a potential customer in Dominica who has asked for a quote. He
has already spec'd out a system with an internet company. They have
recommended a Victron 10 kw inverter, 5590 watts of PV and a 48 volt,
835 ah Victron battery bank. Does anyone have any experience with this
equipment? I want to give him an estimate with what I know is the most
reliable equipment, but I don't know whether I'll be comparing apples
to apples or apples to oranges. I have an opinion, but will keep it
to myself (for now). I would like to see what others with some
experience with this equipment have to offerthanks!

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design

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[RE-wrenches] Victron inverter?Victron agm batteries?

2013-06-18 Thread penobscotsolar

Wrenches,
   I have a potential customer in Dominica who has asked for a quote. He
has already spec'd out a system with an internet company. They have
recommended a Victron 10 kw inverter, 5590 watts of PV and a 48 volt,
835 ah Victron battery bank. Does anyone have any experience with this
equipment? I want to give him an estimate with what I know is the most
reliable equipment, but I don't know whether I'll be comparing apples
to apples or apples to oranges. I have an opinion, but will keep it
to myself (for now). I would like to see what others with some
experience with this equipment have to offerthanks!

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Gas oven question

2013-06-10 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Allan,
   While not a separate gas unit, Premiere makes a nice stainless steel
and black propane gas stove/oven. It's sort of a step up from the 
Lehmans Catalogue old school stuff but still not what you're looking
for. I have used one at home for the last four years with good
experience

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design


> Allan;
> We are stymied on this stuff too. All the fancy foodie and commercial
> versions use electricity (sometimes LOTS of it) for glowbars, blowers,
> lights, thermostatic control units, on and on.
> We basically just recommend the nice old-fashioned gear from Lehmans etc.
> and try to convince people that the "retro" look is cool, and that *real*
> foodies should be able to cook over a campfire if they're worth their sea
> salt as a chef, etc and just re-plan the kitchen around it. Cook top plus
> a
> couple small wall ovens is a great space saving foodie plan, lots going
> for
> that idea, but we can't find any products either. The nice old-school
> propane range/ovens have awesome valves and burners that are highly
> controllable; the only other non-glowbar options seem to be very poor and
> cheesy apartment-type ranges. I have one, they suck, as here in the
> Colorado mountains, we also have the propane de-rate and the high altitude
> de-rate. Ugh.
> Best of luck. Recommend the Paleo diet I guess.
>
> Dan Fink,
> Executive Director;
> Otherpower
> Buckville Energy Consulting
> Buckville Publications LLC
> NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers
> 970.672.4342
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 12:21 PM, Allan Sindelar <
> al...@positiveenergysolar.com> wrote:
>
>>  Here's a long-shot question: Is any Wrench out there aware of a gas
>> slide-in oven without an electric glow bar? Occasionally (as in now) we
>> have an off grid client who'd prefer a separate wall oven and gas
>> cooktop
>> to a standard range.
>> Thank you,
>> Allan
>> --
>>
>> *Allan Sindelar*
>> al...@positiveenergysolar.com
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
>> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
>> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
>> Founder and Chief Technology Officer
>> *Positive Energy, Inc.*, a Certified B CorporationTM
>> 3209 Richards Lane
>> Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
>> *505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell*
>> www.positiveenergysolar.com
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack

2013-05-31 Thread penobscotsolar

It is my favorite. My crew said they would mutiny if I changed back to
others we have used. Wire management is simplified due to a large channel,
spacing of L feet can be up to 6 feet on a 12 pitch roof. We have tried
many manufacturers and this is all we have been using for the last three
years.

Daryl


> Hello Wrenches,
>
> How would you rate the SnapNrack mounting systems against Unirac and
> other mounting systems?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Drake
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase / Inverter failures

2013-05-09 Thread penobscotsolar

Living on the coast of Maine, the majority of our M-215 installs
(approximately 200) are along the immediate coast, say, within a couple
thousand feet of salt water. We have had zero failures of this inverter
(M-215) since it came out. We had one non-coastal issue with AC Out Of
Frequency events that Enphase stayed on top of, including extensive
engineer inclusion and even a site visit from an engineer for Enphase out
of Boston, until the problem was fixed. I actually have high praise for
how they dealt with that situation. I do understand the problems that
still occur with the 190's and to a lesser extent the 210's, but I haven't
seen them with the 215's.

Daryl



> This is fascinating - the majority of the Enphase failures reported on
> this
> list seem to be near coastal areas. I know that is true for us. We've had
> extensive failures on the M190 and M210 units close to the ocean. We have
> yet to have a single M215 failure so I have my fingers crossed.
>
>
>
> SMA has continued to be the most reliable for us but I worry that slowly
> their fans will fail. The first gen Fronius units have been horribly
> unreliable and have all been replaced. Fronius was excellent in dealing
> with the warranty claims. The 2nd Gen Fronius have been pretty good with
> just a couple of units DOA and no long term failures yet. Power One, which
> is the most interesting to me, is still too new to judge. We've had two
> Power One failures so far. I understand that the first 10 and 12 k units
> sold in the US had really bad problems but those are fixed now. Xantrex
> was
> horrible but we still have over 100 units in operation after the capacitor
> recall.
>
>
>
> It's a real crapshoot with all these inverters!
>
>
>
> Best,
>
>
>
> August
>
>
>
> *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
> re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Mike & Jessica
> Nelson
> *Sent:* Thursday, May 09, 2013 8:45 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase / Inverter failures
>
>
>
> Wrenches,
>
> I have had extensive failures on 3 installs that are situated right on the
> coastal bluff in Northern California. Once you replace more than one
> inverter at one site on one day, the compensation goes from $150.00 per
> inverter, to next to nothing for the remaining. Enphase actually sent out
> their field services tech, and did a complete swap out on these 3 systems
> (with my assistance). It was a long day. But now, 2 years later, we are
> seeing more failures. One has had 4 micro failures to date. Once I get
> away
> from the coastal edge, with it's corrosive effect, the failure rate goes
> way down. I have asked Enphase to upgrade these 3 systems to the newer
> M215
> system, and am still waiting for a response. I am to the point where I
> won't install Enphase within 1/2 mile of the ocean.
>
> Michael D. Nelson
>
> MD Electric & Solar
>
> On Thu, May 9, 2013 at 8:31 AM, Will White 
> wrote:
>
> Its funny because Ive had a very different experience from everyone
> else.  Ive had lots of Xantrex inverters fail and a few Fronius but not
> to
> the extent that everyone else has.  Ive only replaced a few Enphase
> inverters and they were usually dead out of the box.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Will
>
>
>
> *
> __
> *
>
> Will White
>
> Regional Field Operations Manager  New England
>
>
>
> Real Goods Solar
>
> 64 Main St.
>
> Montpelier, VT 05602
>
> Tel: (802) 223-7804
>
> Cell: (802) 234-3167
>
> www.realgoodssolar.com
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
> re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Troy Harvey
> *Sent:* Thursday, May 09, 2013 11:06 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase / Inverter failures
>
>
>
>
>
> I don't enjoy the PLC interference problems, which are rare. When they
> have
> occurred, Enphase provided continuous technical support, including factory
> evaluation of line filters and enhanced system analysis.  Did you know
> that
> each Enphase system has a built in spectrum analyzer? Tech support can
> provide a printout of interfering signals to help in troubleshooting.
> Installing a separate AC load center to accept the AC return breakers
> helps
> with solving these problems.  I understand that the next release of
> Enphase
> inverters will be Wi-fi, eliminating the PLC protocol entirely.  When the
> communication works, (which it does most of the time) it is a very
> valuable
> resource.
>
>
>
> I find we have several times the service calls on enphase due to the
> customers thinking their system isn't working, when in fact it the flakey
> PLC network. And all that monitoring is only really telling me about the
> inverters or their networking, since the long term failure rate of the
> panels is several orders of magnitude better than even the best inverter
> on
> the market.
>
>
>
> I have only seen 2 Xantrex string i

[RE-wrenches] Cedar shingles/shakes

2013-05-08 Thread penobscotsolar

Would anyone be willing to share secrets about installing on Western Red
Cedar shingle roofing shingles? We're looking at our first ever job on a 7
year old roof. Any and all suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase "AC Frequency Out Of Range"

2013-04-15 Thread penobscotsolar

Dave,
  In multiple conversations about this with both the utility and Enphase
there was concern about high inductive loads, possibly from the paper
mill in the town, that turned out not to be the case. The fix Enphase
developed worked, but I thought it would be worth mentioning.

Daryl


> Dave,
>
> The problem occurs when the kWh meter sends data. I would expect any
> neighbors' meters on the same transformer to cause trouble. And probably
> neighbors that are not on the same transformer too.
>
> Kent Osterberg
> Blue Mountain Solar, Inc.
> www.bluemountainsolar.com
> t: 541-568-4882
>
> On 4/15/2013 1:12 PM, Dave Palumbo wrote:
>>
>> I'd like to revisit a thread from early February where we were
>> discussing Enphase microinverters going off line due to utility power
>> quality issues when "Pinging" of smart meters occur.
>>
>> I have a system where I was told by Enphase that they applied their
>> software fix in late March, but in this case it did work in fixing the
>> problem of the inverters dropping for anywhere from 5 minutes to an
>> hour a couple of times per day. The drops are not regular and now it
>> appears that they are not connected to the pinging of the meters on my
>> customers site as we had the utility change their schedule to only
>> ping at midnight.
>>
>> We are still seeing AC Frequency Out of Range errors almost daily on
>> our M-215 inverters. Sometimes it is for only several inverters and
>> other times up to the whole array of 32 inverters. On my other Enphase
>> systems have no problems.
>>
>> What other issues besides utility pinging of my customers smart meter
>> could be causing the problem?
>>
>> Could the pinging of the neighbors meters by the utility off of the
>> same transformer be affecting the Enphase M-215's? I'm suspicious of
>> something other than this because the errors occur at random times
>> that appear unrelated to utility pinging.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Dave
>>
>> David Palumbo
>>
>> Independent Power LLC
>>
>> 462 Solar Way Drive
>>
>> Hyde Park, VT 05655**
>>
>> */www.independentpowerllc.com /*
>>
>> Vermont Solar Partner
>>
>> 25 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Wire Management

2013-04-11 Thread penobscotsolar

We use as clips specifically designed to hold Enphase trunk cable to SnapN
Rack rails. We buy them from ARE.

DARYL


> Heyco Sunbundler!
>
> Typos courtesy of my iPhone.
>
> On Apr 11, 2013, at 8:52 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn  wrote:
>
>> Just wondering what people like to use for supporting the trunk cable
>> for the enphase 215 inverters.  WIth zipties going brittle after a
>> couple of years aluminum or steel options are what I am more interested
>> in.  I have seen some installs with steel zipties but the sharp edge on
>> them makes me wonder if there is a chance of them cutting into the
>> cable.   I have used 3/8" one hole conduit straps on each side of the
>> trunk cable connector and although this seems quite stout it gets
>> expensive on larger systems.  Any ideas about products out there for
>> supporting the trunk cable for the life of the system?
>>
>> Aaron Mandelkorn
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installer
>> Renewable Energy Outfitters
>> Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201
>> (970)596-3744
>> reoso...@gmail.com
>> www.reosolar.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Two Mates

2013-04-06 Thread penobscotsolar

Bill,
   We've tried it with both Mate and Mate 3 and it has not worked. It
seems like only one of the ports on the hub, whether 4 or 10, will
work.
 Hopefully something that can happen in the future, though, as it could be
very handy on certain situations.

Daryl


> Wrenches,
>
> I need a little Weekend Wrench assistance.  I can't find anything
> definitive in the Mate3 OM discussing how many Mates can be
> connected to a Radian.  I have a backhoe showing up Monday AM.  I
> am running power and cat5 for a Mate3 from a Radian to a location
> 300' away.
>
> Two things: This is the max recommended for the hub-to-a-mate distance so
> I'm planning on pulling it in its own conduit, separate from the power (do
> other tricks come to mind to insure the signal makes it?), and
> Can I connect this Mate3 and keep the one at the Radian online?  Has
> anybody actually done this?
>
> Thanks, as always,
>
> Bill
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Terminal Connections

2013-04-01 Thread penobscotsolar

And I would second, third and fourth Alan, Ray and William's
recommendations.Stainless steel flat washers on both sides of the terminal
with a split washer and vaseline coating have kept almost all of our
battery banks trouble free over the last twenty five years. We provide
each customer a laminated "battery care sheet" for the top of the battery
box. It includes watering instructions, "clean, bright and tight"
recommendations for the hardware,yearly cleaning of the battery top
surface with warm water, being sure to keep the battery tops tight, and
also recommendations of a yearly wipe down and re-application of a thin
coat of vaseline. This advice has kept us remarkably service call free on
our battery based systems (about 180 or so in Maine and the Caribbean)

Daryl


> Friends:
>
> In my opinion, the single most important procedure is to put a flat washer
> between the bolt head and the lead flag.
>
> Many, many times I have seen the bolt head sink into the flag, loosening
> the connection.  You know it has happened because the lead moves in around
> the bolt threads and makes the bolt difficult to remove.  I saw this twice
> last week, both with systems we installed, using hardware provided by the
> manufacturer that did not include flat washers.  We now provide the flat
> washers and use lock washers as well.
>
> Second most important procedure:  clean, shiny, metal-to-metal
> connections,
> torqued before any coating is applied.
>
> William Miller ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Auto Gen on Outback

2013-03-27 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi Drake,
   We used to have problems with the Outback gen-start s/w, but it seems,
at least over the last year, that Outback has gotten the software
corrected. No complaints from customers over the last year (winter) say
so. Time will tell, but I'm feeling more comfortable with them.

Daryl


> Hello Wrenches,
>
> We are adding a Generac EcoGen to an existing Outback VFX 3648
> system.  It was the recommendations from those of you on this list
> who have installed them that led to this choice. Your testimonials
> are very much appreciated.
>
> I've read, on this list, that people have had issues with FX family
> inverters starting and stopping generators reliably. The plan was to
> go with the Atkinson GSCM and a separate voltage controlled
> relay.  It appears that if the system is 48 volts, it is necessary to
> center tap the battery bank for a 24 volt feed to the GSCM. This I
> don't want to do.
>
> Is it still agreed that the FX inverters are not reliable for
> starting and stopping generators?
>
> Has anyone used a GSCM on a 48 volt system without problems?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Drake
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Drake Chamberlin
> Athens Electric LLC
> OH License 44810
> CO License 3773
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
> 740-448-7328
> http://athens-electric.com/
>
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[RE-wrenches] Kudos to manufacturer!

2013-02-20 Thread penobscotsolar

Hi all,
   I am not sure Michael will let this one pass, but with all the problems
we seem to have at times, I thought it was worth mentioning...
   We are currently working out of the country, in the Caribbean, in a
very isolated, off grid location. Our distributor (this name will
beheld for the "RE Bitching" List) sent us a wrongly configured quad
stack (Flex1000) which took less than 60 seconds to fry one of the
inverters due to AC feedback. I was in the middle of checking the
stacking configuration when the DC breaker to one of the inverters
tripped. Needless to say, the inverter never came back to life. OutBack
techs did an amazing job, getting me replacement boards in ONE DAY
(with NO HELP from the  distributor, despite my asking them to fix
their mistake). It might just have been luck, but the OutBack techs
created that luck in a situation that could have cost me many thousands
of dollars. I just think they deserve some recognition for it. A big
shout out to Jorge and Kurt at OutBack!! I owe you guys many cuba
libre's)

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design
www.penobscotsolar.com

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase "AC Frequency out of Range"

2013-02-07 Thread penobscotsolar

Enphase engineers have contacted my client and will do a preliminary test
of the Enphase fix sometime next week to see if it is effective. They will
be using a Hioki PQA during the testing.  I applaud Enphase for staying on
this and even if this first fix needs some tweaking, I am confident they
will make it work.

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design


> I see in your signal capture that the firing angle is earlier than mine
> so that it doesn't (always) go across the zero crossing. From what the
> utility system operator here has told me about their TWACS, the firing
> angle is adjustable from about 5 to 30 degrees before the zero crossing.
> Supposedly, they increase the firing angle to get a stronger signal from
> sites that are hard to reach.
>
> Kent Osterberg
> Blue Mountain Solar, Inc.
> www.bluemountainsolar.com
>
> On 2/7/2013 2:13 PM, Nick Soleil wrote:
>> Hi Kent and Wrenches,
>>
>> Thanks for sharing that image.  We have some readings that we captured
>> with a Hioki Power Quality Analyzer.
>>
>> I have this as a PDF, and can send it to anyone who would like to see
>> this, but have also attached a .tiff file that meets the file size
>> requirements of the list.  Send an email to me off-list if you'd like
>> the PDF.
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 10:21 AM, Kent Osterberg > > wrote:
>>
>> The Aclara  TWACS
>>  signal
>> that knocks the Enphase inverters off line is difficult to capture
>> because it only last a few seconds every time the meter replies to
>> a ping or data request. I did manage to capture it using Zelscope
>>  with a long recording time. The
>> attached image shows a pulse at the zero crossing of the ac
>> waveform; some crossings don't have a pulse  - I think that is a
>> binary zero and the pulse represents a one. The pulse does not
>> change the ac frequency and has only a negligible effect on the
>> rms ac voltage. However, the time between zero crossings is not
>> always 16.67 ms.
>>
>> Messing with the zero crossing like that is an ugly thing to do to
>> the ac voltage. Many things other than inverters can be messed up
>> by this. It caused one of my digital clocks to run fast. Our local
>> utility has had complaints about numerous other devices that it
>> has messed up. I've got some SunnyBoy systems with remote
>> monitoring that don't seem to be bothered by this signal. The
>> Enphase inverters do not tolerate it. I'm glad to hear that
>> Enphase is working on a fix and hope that it is rolled out soon.
>>
>> Kent Osterberg
>> Blue Mountain Solar, Inc.
>> www.bluemountainsolar.com  
>>
>> On 2/5/2013 2:38 PM, Nick Soleil wrote:
>>> Hi wrenches,
>>>
>>> The frequency out of range issue is being caused by some utility
>>> meter's communication "ping".  This ping is actually affecting
>>> the utility voltage and frequency, and can be viewed with a power
>>> quality analyzer.  It is highly likely that this is affecting a
>>> wide variety of utility-interactive inverters, but is only
>>> noticeable with the Enphase systems; due to the high level of
>>> visibility that our Enlighten monitoring and reporting provides.
>>>
>>> These changes required that the software undergo a new
>>> certification process. We have completed our CSA certification of
>>> the new software, and are validating it's functionality before
>>> pushing out the solution to our entire population of
>>> microinverters.  We are in the process of beta testing the
>>> software fix, and are hoping to have this resolved in February.
>>>
>>> Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this issue.
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Feb 5, 2013 at 9:24 AM, >> > wrote:
>>>
>>> Dave,
>>>It doesn't happen often, and the longest I've seen him
>>> stay "down" is
>>> about a half hour, but it seems to get progressively worse as
>>> time goes
>>> on for some reason (initially only the five minutes, but
>>> longer down
>>> times lately). This particular customer is difficult and
>>> picky, to
>>> boot. I hope yours is a bit kinder. Mine seems to think we
>>> did him an
>>> injustice of monumental proportions.
>>>We have had the utility out there logging events, meetings
>>> with the
>>> utility and another solar company in Maine to discuss all
>>> this, and
>>> have kept Enphase in the loop throughout. Enphase has
>>> responded in a
>>> responsible and reasonable manner throughout.
>>>If you want to discuss this with Enphase, call and ask for
>>> Bret. He's
>>>

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase "AC Frequency out of Range"

2013-02-05 Thread penobscotsolar

Thanks for the succinct explanation Nick. I look forward to the fix. Like
you, I believe this is happening with other inverters, but lacking the
level of monitoring available with Enphase, people just aren't aware it is
happening.

Daryl



> Hi wrenches,
>
> The frequency out of range issue is being caused by some utility meter's
> communication "ping".  This ping is actually affecting the utility voltage
> and frequency, and can be viewed with a power quality analyzer.  It is
> highly likely that this is affecting a wide variety of utility-interactive
> inverters, but is only noticeable with the Enphase systems; due to the
> high
> level of visibility that our Enlighten monitoring and reporting provides.
>
> These changes required that the software undergo a new certification
> process. We have completed our CSA certification of the new software, and
> are validating it's functionality before pushing out the solution to our
> entire population of microinverters.  We are in the process of beta
> testing
> the software fix, and are hoping to have this resolved in February.
>
> Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this issue.
>
>
> On Tue, Feb 5, 2013 at 9:24 AM,  wrote:
>
>> Dave,
>>It doesn't happen often, and the longest I've seen him stay "down" is
>> about a half hour, but it seems to get progressively worse as time goes
>> on for some reason (initially only the five minutes, but longer down
>> times lately). This particular customer is difficult and picky, to
>> boot. I hope yours is a bit kinder. Mine seems to think we did him an
>> injustice of monumental proportions.
>>We have had the utility out there logging events, meetings with the
>> utility and another solar company in Maine to discuss all this, and
>> have kept Enphase in the loop throughout. Enphase has responded in a
>> responsible and reasonable manner throughout.
>>If you want to discuss this with Enphase, call and ask for Bret. He's
>> the engineer I previously dealt with, although he is second tier, he is
>> accessible.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > Thanks Daryl. Does your system also sometimes stay off for longer
>> periods
>> > sometimes? My clients system can stay off for up to 64 minutes.
>> >
>> > Dave
>> >
>> > -Original Message-
>> > From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> > [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of
>> > penobscotso...@midmaine.com
>> > Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2013 12:01 PM
>> > To: RE-wrenches
>> > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase "AC Frequency out of Range"
>> >
>> > Dave,
>> >   We have been having the same problem with an Enphase system in
>> Maine. I
>> > have been dealing directly with the third tier engineers at Enphase
>> and
>> > they
>> > are working on a software fix for this. The"event" itself is only a
>> > fraction
>> > of a second but IEEE requirements are that the inverter shut down for
>> five
>> > minutes. I only found out about this problem when it started for this
>> > customer. It sems that Enphase has already addressed the problem with
>> a
>> > software fix for the M-190's. The M-215 fix should come, according to
>> > Enphase, by the end of March. It will be automatically downloaded
>> through
>> > the Enlighten router.
>> >It's a known issue with Smart Meters with Enphase, but should be
>> > reconciled soon.
>> >
>> > Daryl DeJoy
>> > NABCEP Certified PV installer
>> > Penobscot Solar Design
>> > www.penobscotsolar.com
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >> Wrenchsters,
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> I have an Enphase 7.5kW system on a residence with utility Smart
>> >> Metering, both the PV Production Meter as well as the utility billing
>> >> meter being "read" every hour. This system has experienced many "AC
>> >> Frequency Out Of Range" events since the system was installed. Below
>> >> is copied the Enphase Event message. This particular event was for 5
>> >> minutes. Most of the events (all events are AC Frequency Out Of
>> Range)
>> >> last 5 to 10 minutes but occasionally they have lasted from 45
>> minutes
>> >> to
>> > 64 minutes.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> My question is: Could the use of the smart metering increase the
>> >> likely hood that AC Frequency events happen? Or is this just a
>> >> coincidence and that we are dealing with fluctuating utility power AC
>> >> Frequency issues?
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> <<
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Started on: Mon February 04, 2013 12:49 PM EST
>> >>
>> >> Cleared on: Mon February 04, 2013 12:54 PM EST
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Recommended action
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> This condition should correct itself. No action is required.
>> >>
>> >> Details
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> The microinverter reports that the frequency coming from the utility
>> >> is either too low or too high as specified by applicable regional
>> > standards.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> AC frequency is the frequency at which voltage varies on the utility
>> >> grid.
>> >> Frequency Out of Range events are usually transient and
>> >> self-correc

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase "AC Frequency out of Range"

2013-02-05 Thread penobscotsolar

Will do. Enphase had originally projected the beginning of February for
the release of the fix. It is now projected for the end of March. I am
hoping it will be a done deal before this next "season" starts here in
Maine. It might be good incentive to try Power One, Exeltech or other
inverters. In all honesty, my interpretation is that the Enphase inverters
are very sensitive and respond quickly to these "pings". I believe the
software fix will allow the inverters to ignore micro-events of less than
1/100th of a second or so (the length of the "ping". I will keep the list
in the loop!

Daryl




> We see the same issue here in WI.  Funny that you say 64 minutes, as some
> of the M215s show the error for 64 minutes for us routinely.  Could that
> just be some designated error reporting length?
>
> Daryl, thanks for the Enphase update.  Keep us updated if you can on the
> software fix.
>
>
> Ryan Harkins
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer /
> Project Manager
>
>
>
>
>
> Synergy Renewable Systems, LLC
> PO Box 58
> Stoughton, WI 53589
> PH: 608-712-7862
> ryan.hark...@energycraft.com
> www.energycraft.com
>
>
>
>
> On Feb 5, 2013, at 11:10 AM, Dave Palumbo wrote:
>
>> Thanks Daryl. Does your system also sometimes stay off for longer
>> periods
>> sometimes? My clients system can stay off for up to 64 minutes.
>>
>> Dave
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of
>> penobscotso...@midmaine.com
>> Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2013 12:01 PM
>> To: RE-wrenches
>> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase "AC Frequency out of Range"
>>
>> Dave,
>>  We have been having the same problem with an Enphase system in Maine. I
>> have been dealing directly with the third tier engineers at Enphase and
>> they
>> are working on a software fix for this. The"event" itself is only a
>> fraction
>> of a second but IEEE requirements are that the inverter shut down for
>> five
>> minutes. I only found out about this problem when it started for this
>> customer. It sems that Enphase has already addressed the problem with a
>> software fix for the M-190's. The M-215 fix should come, according to
>> Enphase, by the end of March. It will be automatically downloaded
>> through
>> the Enlighten router.
>>   It's a known issue with Smart Meters with Enphase, but should be
>> reconciled soon.
>>
>> Daryl DeJoy
>> NABCEP Certified PV installer
>> Penobscot Solar Design
>> www.penobscotsolar.com
>>
>>
>>
>>> Wrenchsters,
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I have an Enphase 7.5kW system on a residence with utility Smart
>>> Metering, both the PV Production Meter as well as the utility billing
>>> meter being "read" every hour. This system has experienced many "AC
>>> Frequency Out Of Range" events since the system was installed. Below
>>> is copied the Enphase Event message. This particular event was for 5
>>> minutes. Most of the events (all events are AC Frequency Out Of Range)
>>> last 5 to 10 minutes but occasionally they have lasted from 45 minutes
>>> to
>> 64 minutes.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> My question is: Could the use of the smart metering increase the
>>> likely hood that AC Frequency events happen? Or is this just a
>>> coincidence and that we are dealing with fluctuating utility power AC
>>> Frequency issues?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> <<
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Started on: Mon February 04, 2013 12:49 PM EST
>>>
>>> Cleared on: Mon February 04, 2013 12:54 PM EST
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Recommended action
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> This condition should correct itself. No action is required.
>>>
>>> Details
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The microinverter reports that the frequency coming from the utility
>>> is either too low or too high as specified by applicable regional
>> standards.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> AC frequency is the frequency at which voltage varies on the utility
>>> grid.
>>> Frequency Out of Range events are usually transient and
>>> self-correcting by the utility.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> When the microinverter detects an out of frequency condition, it must
>>> remain offline until the utility has been within acceptable limits
>>> continuously for a short period of time (seconds to minutes, varies by
>>> region). If during that time the utility again exceeds or falls short
>>> of acceptable limits, the five-minute timer must restart and the
>>> microinverter may not begin producing power for an additional short
>>> period following the last out-of-bounds condition.  >>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Best,
>>>
>>> Dave
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> David Palumbo
>>>
>>> Independent Power LLC
>>>
>>> 462 Solar Way Drive
>>>
>>> Hyde Park, VT 05655
>>>
>>> www.independentpowerllc.com
>>>
>>> Vermont Solar Partner
>>>
>>> 25 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ___
>>> 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-A

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase "AC Frequency out of Range"

2013-02-05 Thread penobscotsolar

Dave,
   It doesn't happen often, and the longest I've seen him stay "down" is
about a half hour, but it seems to get progressively worse as time goes
on for some reason (initially only the five minutes, but longer down
times lately). This particular customer is difficult and picky, to
boot. I hope yours is a bit kinder. Mine seems to think we did him an
injustice of monumental proportions.
   We have had the utility out there logging events, meetings with the
utility and another solar company in Maine to discuss all this, and
have kept Enphase in the loop throughout. Enphase has responded in a
responsible and reasonable manner throughout.
   If you want to discuss this with Enphase, call and ask for Bret. He's
the engineer I previously dealt with, although he is second tier, he is
accessible.




> Thanks Daryl. Does your system also sometimes stay off for longer periods
> sometimes? My clients system can stay off for up to 64 minutes.
>
> Dave
>
> -Original Message-
> From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of
> penobscotso...@midmaine.com
> Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2013 12:01 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase "AC Frequency out of Range"
>
> Dave,
>   We have been having the same problem with an Enphase system in Maine. I
> have been dealing directly with the third tier engineers at Enphase and
> they
> are working on a software fix for this. The"event" itself is only a
> fraction
> of a second but IEEE requirements are that the inverter shut down for five
> minutes. I only found out about this problem when it started for this
> customer. It sems that Enphase has already addressed the problem with a
> software fix for the M-190's. The M-215 fix should come, according to
> Enphase, by the end of March. It will be automatically downloaded through
> the Enlighten router.
>It's a known issue with Smart Meters with Enphase, but should be
> reconciled soon.
>
> Daryl DeJoy
> NABCEP Certified PV installer
> Penobscot Solar Design
> www.penobscotsolar.com
>
>
>
>> Wrenchsters,
>>
>>
>>
>> I have an Enphase 7.5kW system on a residence with utility Smart
>> Metering, both the PV Production Meter as well as the utility billing
>> meter being "read" every hour. This system has experienced many "AC
>> Frequency Out Of Range" events since the system was installed. Below
>> is copied the Enphase Event message. This particular event was for 5
>> minutes. Most of the events (all events are AC Frequency Out Of Range)
>> last 5 to 10 minutes but occasionally they have lasted from 45 minutes
>> to
> 64 minutes.
>>
>>
>>
>> My question is: Could the use of the smart metering increase the
>> likely hood that AC Frequency events happen? Or is this just a
>> coincidence and that we are dealing with fluctuating utility power AC
>> Frequency issues?
>>
>>
>>
>> <<
>>
>>
>>
>> Started on: Mon February 04, 2013 12:49 PM EST
>>
>> Cleared on: Mon February 04, 2013 12:54 PM EST
>>
>>
>>
>> Recommended action
>>
>>
>>
>> This condition should correct itself. No action is required.
>>
>> Details
>>
>>
>>
>> The microinverter reports that the frequency coming from the utility
>> is either too low or too high as specified by applicable regional
> standards.
>>
>>
>>
>> AC frequency is the frequency at which voltage varies on the utility
>> grid.
>> Frequency Out of Range events are usually transient and
>> self-correcting by the utility.
>>
>>
>>
>> When the microinverter detects an out of frequency condition, it must
>> remain offline until the utility has been within acceptable limits
>> continuously for a short period of time (seconds to minutes, varies by
>> region). If during that time the utility again exceeds or falls short
>> of acceptable limits, the five-minute timer must restart and the
>> microinverter may not begin producing power for an additional short
>> period following the last out-of-bounds condition.  >>
>>
>>
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Dave
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> David Palumbo
>>
>> Independent Power LLC
>>
>> 462 Solar Way Drive
>>
>> Hyde Park, VT 05655
>>
>> www.independentpowerllc.com
>>
>> Vermont Solar Partner
>>
>> 25 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194
>>
>>
>>
>> ___
>> 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
>>
>>
>
>
> ___
> 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

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