Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Jason Szumlanski]

Setting aside code issues for a moment, I wouldn't hesitate to put an OCPD
under a module if strategically located such that only one module needs to
be removed and there is adequate working space (i.e. the last module in a
row). How often are OCPD service issues encountered, especially AC inverter
output circuits? Very infrequently in my experience. I think it's good
practice to keep a SolaDeck AC output circuit combiner box out of the
blazing Florida sun, plus it looks a heck of a lot better. I did it at my
home, and I'm happy I did so.

Jason
​ Szumlanski​





On Mon, Apr 28, 2014 at 5:38 PM, Rebekah Hren wrote:

>   *Fuses for PV dc circuits do not have to be readily accessible:*
>
> 690.9(D) Photovoltaic Source Circuit and Output
>
> Listed PV overcurrent devices shall be required to provide overcurrent 
> protection
> in PV source and output circuits. The overcurrent devices shall be
> accessible but shall not be required to be readily accessible.
>
> The language allowing j-boxes under modules has been in the NEC for many
> cycles:
>
> 690.34 Access to Boxes. Junction, pull, and outlet boxes located behind
> modules or panels shall be so installed that the wiring contained in them
> can be rendered accessible directly or by displacement of a module(s) or
> panel(s) secured by removable fasteners and connected by a flexible wiring
> system.
>
> A dc combiner is now defined in the 2014 Code as a device/equipment and
> thus outlet might have it covered. I think there is an argument to be made
> that a box containing overcurrent protection can be positioned under a
> module. However I don't think it's a great idea and wouldn't want to
> maintain a system with fuses on a roof under the array, but this seems like
> a grey area in the Code and getting the AHJ interpretation would be
> advisable.
>
> Rebekah Hren
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 28, 2014 at 4:52 PM, Michael Morningstar <
> mjmornings...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Readily accessible is now defined in the 2014 NEC. Installing OCPD’s
>> underneath a module is a major faux paux, and I can’t imagine any AHJ
>> thinking otherwise. Having to remove a module in order to reset a breaker,
>> what a drag.
>>
>> "Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection
>> without requiring those concerned to use a tool, to climb over, remove
>> obstacle or other.”
>>
>> Michael
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Apr 28, 2014, at 10:29 AM, William Miller 
>> wrote:
>>
>> You call it a solar panel, I call it a glass j-box cover plate.
>>
>> William
>>
>> Miller Solar
>>
>> On Apr 28, 2014, at 9:21 AM, Jason Szumlanski 
>> wrote:
>>
>> If that is the interpretation,
>> I don't see how the breakers are "readily accessible" in a SolaDeck
>> mounted anywhere, regardless of whether it is under a module. It
>> requires removal of four screws (using a tool) to access the breakers
>> inside the enclosure. It's all up to the AHJ. It has not been an issue
>> locally here. I can see how other jurisdictions may not
>> concur.
>>
>> _
>>
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Bill Brooks]

Read 690.9(D) and 690.34. Not sure where this "hysteria-run for the border"
sentiment is coming from.

 

690.9(D) Photovoltaic Source and Output Circuits. Listed PV

overcurrent devices shall be required to provide overcurrent

protection in PV source and output circuits. The overcurrent

devices shall be accessible but shall not be required to

be readily accessible.

 

690.34 Access to Boxes. Junction, pull, and outlet boxes

located behind modules or panels shall be so installed that

the wiring contained in them can be rendered accessible

directly or by displacement of a module(s) or panel(s) secured

by removable fasteners and connected by a flexible

wiring system.

 

This is not a change. Please help me understand the concern.

 

Bill Brooks.

 

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2014 2:23 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

 

Interesting so does "require a tool" include taking a screw off the cover
plate of the combiner box, too?
What a game changer.  I'm going to Mexico for my next project; I'll actually
enjoy even more being the sole AHJ on the project.  



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

On 4/28/2014 2:52 PM, Michael Morningstar wrote:

Readily accessible is now defined in the 2014 NEC. Installing OCPD's
underneath a module is a major faux paux, and I can't imagine any AHJ
thinking otherwise. Having to remove a module in order to reset a breaker,
what a drag.

 

"Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection
without requiring those concerned to use a tool, to climb over, remove
obstacle or other."

 

Michael

 

 

 





On Apr 28, 2014, at 10:29 AM, William Miller mailto:will...@millersolar.com> > wrote:





You call it a solar panel, I call it a glass j-box cover plate. 

William

Miller Solar




On Apr 28, 2014, at 9:21 AM, Jason Szumlanski mailto:ja...@fafcosolar.com> > wrote:

If that is the interpretation,
I don't see how the breakers are "readily accessible" in a SolaDeck
mounted anywhere, regardless of whether it is under a module. It
requires removal of four screws (using a tool) to access the breakers
inside the enclosure. It's all up to the AHJ. It has not been an issue
locally here. I can see how other jurisdictions may not
concur.

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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Rebekah Hren]

*Fuses for PV dc circuits do not have to be readily accessible:*

690.9(D) Photovoltaic Source Circuit and Output

Listed PV overcurrent devices shall be required to provide overcurrent
protection
in PV source and output circuits. The overcurrent devices shall be
accessible but shall not be required to be readily accessible.

The language allowing j-boxes under modules has been in the NEC for many
cycles:

690.34 Access to Boxes. Junction, pull, and outlet boxes located behind
modules or panels shall be so installed that the wiring contained in them
can be rendered accessible directly or by displacement of a module(s) or
panel(s) secured by removable fasteners and connected by a flexible wiring
system.

A dc combiner is now defined in the 2014 Code as a device/equipment and
thus outlet might have it covered. I think there is an argument to be made
that a box containing overcurrent protection can be positioned under a
module. However I don't think it's a great idea and wouldn't want to
maintain a system with fuses on a roof under the array, but this seems like
a grey area in the Code and getting the AHJ interpretation would be
advisable.

Rebekah Hren








On Mon, Apr 28, 2014 at 4:52 PM, Michael Morningstar <
mjmornings...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Readily accessible is now defined in the 2014 NEC. Installing OCPD’s
> underneath a module is a major faux paux, and I can’t imagine any AHJ
> thinking otherwise. Having to remove a module in order to reset a breaker,
> what a drag.
>
> "Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection
> without requiring those concerned to use a tool, to climb over, remove
> obstacle or other.”
>
> Michael
>
>
>
>
> On Apr 28, 2014, at 10:29 AM, William Miller 
> wrote:
>
> You call it a solar panel, I call it a glass j-box cover plate.
>
> William
>
> Miller Solar
>
> On Apr 28, 2014, at 9:21 AM, Jason Szumlanski 
> wrote:
>
> If that is the interpretation,
> I don't see how the breakers are "readily accessible" in a SolaDeck
> mounted anywhere, regardless of whether it is under a module. It
> requires removal of four screws (using a tool) to access the breakers
> inside the enclosure. It's all up to the AHJ. It has not been an issue
> locally here. I can see how other jurisdictions may not
> concur.
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Ray Walters]

Interesting so does "require a tool" include taking a screw off the 
cover plate of the combiner box, too?
What a game changer.  I'm going to Mexico for my next project; I'll 
actually enjoy even more being the sole AHJ on the project.


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

On 4/28/2014 2:52 PM, Michael Morningstar wrote:
Readily accessible is now defined in the 2014 NEC. Installing OCPD's 
underneath a module is a major faux paux, and I can't imagine any AHJ 
thinking otherwise. Having to remove a module in order to reset a 
breaker, what a drag.


"Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection 
without requiring those concerned to use a tool, to climb over, remove 
obstacle or other."


Michael




On Apr 28, 2014, at 10:29 AM, William Miller > wrote:



You call it a solar panel, I call it a glass j-box cover plate.

William

Miller Solar

On Apr 28, 2014, at 9:21 AM, Jason Szumlanski > wrote:


If that is the interpretation,
I don't see how the breakers are "readily accessible" in a SolaDeck
mounted anywhere, regardless of whether it is under a module. It
requires removal of four screws (using a tool) to access the breakers
inside the enclosure. It's all up to the AHJ. It has not been an issue
locally here. I can see how other jurisdictions may not
concur.

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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Michael Morningstar]

Readily accessible is now defined in the 2014 NEC. Installing OCPD’s underneath 
a module is a major faux paux, and I can’t imagine any AHJ thinking otherwise. 
Having to remove a module in order to reset a breaker, what a drag.

"Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection without 
requiring those concerned to use a tool, to climb over, remove obstacle or 
other.”

Michael




On Apr 28, 2014, at 10:29 AM, William Miller  wrote:

> You call it a solar panel, I call it a glass j-box cover plate. 
> 
> William
> 
> Miller Solar
> 
>> On Apr 28, 2014, at 9:21 AM, Jason Szumlanski  wrote:
>> 
>> If that is the interpretation,
>> I don't see how the breakers are "readily accessible" in a SolaDeck
>> mounted anywhere, regardless of whether it is under a module. It
>> requires removal of four screws (using a tool) to access the breakers
>> inside the enclosure. It's all up to the AHJ. It has not been an issue
>> locally here. I can see how other jurisdictions may not
>> concur.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[William Miller]

You call it a solar panel, I call it a glass j-box cover plate. 

William

Miller Solar

> On Apr 28, 2014, at 9:21 AM, Jason Szumlanski  wrote:
> 
> If that is the interpretation,
> I don't see how the breakers are "readily accessible" in a SolaDeck
> mounted anywhere, regardless of whether it is under a module. It
> requires removal of four screws (using a tool) to access the breakers
> inside the enclosure. It's all up to the AHJ. It has not been an issue
> locally here. I can see how other jurisdictions may not
> concur.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[wirewiz]

Mac,

David Smead of Ample Power has many years experience with gel batteries and has 
published this about charging gel batteries:

http://www.amplepower.com/gel/index.html

Larry Liesner



On Aug 3, 2013, at 9:46 PM, Mac Lewis wrote:

> Ray,
> 
> Yes, this is an off-grid applications.  I think you are right, the battery 
> guy sold him what he had.  Pretty pricey battery lesson twice!
> 
> 
> On Sat, Aug 3, 2013 at 6:42 PM, Ray Walters  wrote:
> Mac;
> 
> Is this off grid?   The Intimidator is not a high cycle life battery.  I've 
> had trouble finding exact ratings, but its probably in the 250 to 300 cycles 
> at 80% DOD.  I'd expect 3 years max in an off grid application.  Also the 
> Intimidators  I've seen are actually AGM, not Gel, but I don't know.  I 
> looked on Deka's website but didn't find any good charge set points.  This is 
> basically a sealed RV/ Marine battery.  Definitely not a top choice, but its 
> what the battery guys have on the shelf, so that's what they sell.
> You're on to the biggest problem, pulling off opposite corners of the bank to 
> balance the connector resistance between all the strings.  
> I go out of my way not to poo poo the customer's choice, but to make sure and 
> let them know you can't guarantee the performance of the system.   I had 
> almost the exact experience just a few months ago, where the customer had 
> just bought a new set of Intimidators.  I just told him to use them up, no 
> sense in worrying about it, and when they were worn out, we'd get him 
> something better.  I used AGM setting on the Midnite controller on that 
> system. Voltage set points should be his responsibility to track down, if 
> their gel.  It keeps you from being responsible for anything to do with the 
> battery performance or life.  When he needs a new set, you sell him the right 
> stuff, set it up right, and low and behold you'll look good when they outlast 
> his previous sets.
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer, 
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer
> 303 505-8760
> On 8/3/2013 5:31 PM, Mac Lewis wrote:
>> Hello wrenches,
>> 
>> I am looking for guidance with charging setpoints for a battery that I don't 
>> have experience with.  This system was put in by another solar company and 
>> this battery bank failed after 1.5 years.  He bought these batteries without 
>> consulting us, but now we are stuck with them.
>> It is a Deka Intimidator Gel Sealed Battery 12V 225 Ahr.  It is set up as 3 
>> strings of 4 batteries to give a 675Ahr bank at 48V.  The batteries were not 
>> wired at opposite corners, but inverter/charger leads were connected to the 
>> middle string.  We will fix that and other things but I don't use Deka 
>> batteries.
>> What charger setpoints would you recommend for this battery bank?  Does 
>> anyone have a good tech contact at Deka?  Anyone have any results to report 
>> about this type of battery in a solar application?
>> 
>> Thanks in advance
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Mac Lewis
>> 
>> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
>> 
>> 
>> 
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> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> 
> 
> Mac Lewis
> 
> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Ray Walters]

Just let him know what to expect, and he will respect that latter when 
it turns out to be true.
Does he need sealed batteries?  I'd start talking up an industrial grade 
battery for latter.  After all this, he'll be ready for a battery that's 
going to stay put for awhile.


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

On 8/3/2013 7:46 PM, Mac Lewis wrote:

Ray,

Yes, this is an off-grid applications.  I think you are right, the 
battery guy sold him what he had.  Pretty pricey battery lesson twice!



On Sat, Aug 3, 2013 at 6:42 PM, Ray Walters > wrote:


Mac;

Is this off grid?   The Intimidator is not a high cycle life
battery.  I've had trouble finding exact ratings, but its probably
in the 250 to 300 cycles at 80% DOD. I'd expect 3 years max in an
off grid application.  Also the Intimidators  I've seen are
actually AGM, not Gel, but I don't know.  I looked on Deka's
website but didn't find any good charge set points.  This is
basically a sealed RV/ Marine battery.  Definitely not a top
choice, but its what the battery guys have on the shelf, so that's
what they sell.
You're on to the biggest problem, pulling off opposite corners of
the bank to balance the connector resistance between all the strings.
I go out of my way not to poo poo the customer's choice, but to
make sure and let them know you can't guarantee the performance of
the system.   I had almost the exact experience just a few months
ago, where the customer had just bought a new set of
Intimidators.  I just told him to use them up, no sense in
worrying about it, and when they were worn out, we'd get him
something better.  I used AGM setting on the Midnite controller on
that system. Voltage set points should be his responsibility to
track down, if their gel.  It keeps you from being responsible for
anything to do with the battery performance or life.  When he
needs a new set, you sell him the right stuff, set it up right,
and low and behold you'll look good when they outlast his previous
sets.

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

On 8/3/2013 5:31 PM, Mac Lewis wrote:

Hello wrenches,

I am looking for guidance with charging setpoints for a battery
that I don't have experience with.  This system was put in by
another solar company and this battery bank failed after 1.5
years.  He bought these batteries without consulting us, but now
we are stuck with them.
It is a Deka Intimidator Gel Sealed Battery 12V 225 Ahr.  It is
set up as 3 strings of 4 batteries to give a 675Ahr bank at 48V.
 The batteries were not wired at opposite corners, but
inverter/charger leads were connected to the middle string.  We
will fix that and other things but I don't use Deka batteries.
What charger setpoints would you recommend for this battery bank?
 Does anyone have a good tech contact at Deka?  Anyone have any
results to report about this type of battery in a solar application?

Thanks in advance

-- 




Mac Lewis

*

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

*


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--



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*

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Mac Lewis]

Ray,

Yes, this is an off-grid applications.  I think you are right, the battery
guy sold him what he had.  Pretty pricey battery lesson twice!


On Sat, Aug 3, 2013 at 6:42 PM, Ray Walters  wrote:

>  Mac;
>
> Is this off grid?   The Intimidator is not a high cycle life battery.
> I've had trouble finding exact ratings, but its probably in the 250 to 300
> cycles at 80% DOD.  I'd expect 3 years max in an off grid application.
> Also the Intimidators  I've seen are actually AGM, not Gel, but I don't
> know.  I looked on Deka's website but didn't find any good charge set
> points.  This is basically a sealed RV/ Marine battery.  Definitely not a
> top choice, but its what the battery guys have on the shelf, so that's what
> they sell.
> You're on to the biggest problem, pulling off opposite corners of the bank
> to balance the connector resistance between all the strings.
> I go out of my way not to poo poo the customer's choice, but to make sure
> and let them know you can't guarantee the performance of the system.   I
> had almost the exact experience just a few months ago, where the customer
> had just bought a new set of Intimidators.  I just told him to use them up,
> no sense in worrying about it, and when they were worn out, we'd get him
> something better.  I used AGM setting on the Midnite controller on that
> system. Voltage set points should be his responsibility to track down, if
> their gel.  It keeps you from being responsible for anything to do with the
> battery performance or life.  When he needs a new set, you sell him the
> right stuff, set it up right, and low and behold you'll look good when they
> outlast his previous sets.
>
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer303 505-8760
>
> On 8/3/2013 5:31 PM, Mac Lewis wrote:
>
> Hello wrenches,
>
>  I am looking for guidance with charging setpoints for a battery that I
> don't have experience with.  This system was put in by another solar
> company and this battery bank failed after 1.5 years.  He bought these
> batteries without consulting us, but now we are stuck with them.
> It is a Deka Intimidator Gel Sealed Battery 12V 225 Ahr.  It is set up as
> 3 strings of 4 batteries to give a 675Ahr bank at 48V.  The batteries were
> not wired at opposite corners, but inverter/charger leads were connected to
> the middle string.  We will fix that and other things but I don't use Deka
> batteries.
> What charger setpoints would you recommend for this battery bank?  Does
> anyone have a good tech contact at Deka?  Anyone have any results to report
> about this type of battery in a solar application?
>
>  Thanks in advance
>
>  --
>
>
>
>  Mac Lewis
>
> *
>
> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
> *
>
>
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-- 



Mac Lewis

*

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
*
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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Ray Walters]

Mac;

Is this off grid?   The Intimidator is not a high cycle life battery.  
I've had trouble finding exact ratings, but its probably in the 250 to 
300 cycles at 80% DOD.  I'd expect 3 years max in an off grid 
application.  Also the Intimidators  I've seen are actually AGM, not 
Gel, but I don't know.  I looked on Deka's website but didn't find any 
good charge set points.  This is basically a sealed RV/ Marine battery.  
Definitely not a top choice, but its what the battery guys have on the 
shelf, so that's what they sell.
You're on to the biggest problem, pulling off opposite corners of the 
bank to balance the connector resistance between all the strings.
I go out of my way not to poo poo the customer's choice, but to make 
sure and let them know you can't guarantee the performance of the 
system.   I had almost the exact experience just a few months ago, where 
the customer had just bought a new set of Intimidators.  I just told him 
to use them up, no sense in worrying about it, and when they were worn 
out, we'd get him something better.  I used AGM setting on the Midnite 
controller on that system. Voltage set points should be his 
responsibility to track down, if their gel.  It keeps you from being 
responsible for anything to do with the battery performance or life.  
When he needs a new set, you sell him the right stuff, set it up right, 
and low and behold you'll look good when they outlast his previous sets.


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

On 8/3/2013 5:31 PM, Mac Lewis wrote:

Hello wrenches,

I am looking for guidance with charging setpoints for a battery that I 
don't have experience with.  This system was put in by another solar 
company and this battery bank failed after 1.5 years.  He bought these 
batteries without consulting us, but now we are stuck with them.
It is a Deka Intimidator Gel Sealed Battery 12V 225 Ahr.  It is set up 
as 3 strings of 4 batteries to give a 675Ahr bank at 48V.  The 
batteries were not wired at opposite corners, but inverter/charger 
leads were connected to the middle string.  We will fix that and other 
things but I don't use Deka batteries.
What charger setpoints would you recommend for this battery bank? 
 Does anyone have a good tech contact at Deka?  Anyone have any 
results to report about this type of battery in a solar application?


Thanks in advance

--



Mac Lewis

*

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

*


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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[penobscotsolar]

Hi August,
  For small systems such as you are planning here we have had great luck
with the Morningstar MPPT controller, Suresine inverter and Morningstar
control module. We build them into a little "powerpanel" on a backing
board and take them out to the job pre-wired. We have five or six of
these out there with no issues over the last two years. Just my two
cents

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design



> Hi Off Grid Wrenches,
>
>
>
> Does anyone have any feedback on what brands and or models of small 12v
> charge controllers they like? I'm looking at setting up a small emergency
> power shed with a couple of PV modules and deep cycle batteries and
> perhaps
> a Morningstar or Xantrex small charge controller. We just need something
> to
> power a light or two and some cell phone chargers, etc.
>
>
>
> Also, has any tried the Morningstar SureSine 300W inverter?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> August
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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Lee Bristol]

August,

I have had good luck with the Morningstar Suresine 300W inverter at an
installation in Haiti.  I hope that saying this does not jinx the
installation.
I used the BZ 500 MPPT charge controller from BZ Products and 450
watts of modules to light up a small school.

Lee

Lee Bristol
NABCEP Certified Solar Designer/Installer
Co-Founder & Commercial Channel Manager

Standard Solar Inc.
1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 300
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 944-5105 Direct
(240) 479-1510 Cell
(301) 944-1202 Fax
leebris...@standardsolar.com


On Thu, Feb 17, 2011 at 3:00 PM, August Goers  wrote:
> Hi Off Grid Wrenches,
>
>
>
> Does anyone have any feedback on what brands and or models of small 12v
> charge controllers they like? I'm looking at setting up a small emergency
> power shed with a couple of PV modules and deep cycle batteries and perhaps
> a Morningstar or Xantrex small charge controller. We just need something to
> power a light or two and some cell phone chargers, etc.
>
>
>
> Also, has any tried the Morningstar SureSine 300W inverter?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> August
>
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-- 
Lee Bristol
NABCEP Certified Solar Designer/Installer

Co-Founder & Commercial Channel Manager
Standard Solar, Inc.
1355 Piccard Drive, #300
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 944-5105
(240) 479-1510 (c)
www.standardsolar.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Roy Butler]

  
  
I like the Morningstar line. Depending on how small
  you need, they have some nice sealed units up to 20 amps
  and have LVD versions of those. Some wrenches have had mixed
  results with them but I've been fortunate
  and spec these all the time.
  
  I have 3 of the 300 watt SureSines in use, 2 at unattended,
  unheated sites. All doing well!

Roy Butler
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®
NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer
PA Sunshine Program Approved PV Installer
Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC
8902 Route 46
Arkport, NY 14807
607-324-9747

www.four-winds-energy.com

Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message, 
a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.




On 2/17/2011 3:00 PM, August Goers wrote:

  
  
  
  
Hi Off Grid Wrenches,
 
Does anyone have any feedback on what brands and
or models of small 12v charge controllers they like? I'm
looking at setting up a small emergency power shed with a
couple of PV modules and deep cycle batteries and perhaps a
Morningstar or Xantrex small charge controller. We just need
something to power a light or two and some cell phone
chargers, etc.
 
Also, has any tried the Morningstar SureSine 300W
inverter?
 
Thanks,
 
August
  
  

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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[Jason Lombard]

Jim, August,

I like the Wiley clips the best as well after using zip ties and other
products over the years. The challenge I found with Plastic is it does not
last over the long haul and of the many styles I've used none have performed
better. The clips hide the cable cleanly and securely and will last as long
as the system.

Jason

On Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 5:38 PM, August Goers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Jim -
> I haven't used the Thomas & Betts product you found but we've had excellent
> results with the Wiley Acme Cable Clip found here:
>
> http://www.we-llc.com/ACC.html
>
> We use these clips on all our installations these days and it has allowed
> us to get almost completely away from zip ties. I don't trust zip ties over
> the long haul.
>
> Let us know what you think of the Thomas & Betts product if you end up
> using it.
>
> -August
>
>
> August Goers
>
> Luminalt Energy Corporation
> 4000 Irving Street
> San Francisco, CA 94122
>
>
> Office: 415.564.7652
> Mobile: 415.559.1525
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> www.luminalt.com
>
>
> --
> *From:* North Texas Renewable Energy Inc <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> *To:* RE Wrenches 
> *Sent:* Tuesday, December 2, 2008 3:30:56 PM
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] (no subject)
>
> Wrenches
> I'm proposing a ground mounted PV installation that will have the usual
> exposed DC conductors and so need to be secured into a raceway of some sort.
> I stumbled across this Thomas & Betts cable tying system which looked like
> it would work well for neatly securing long straight runs of one or more
> conductors attached behind a raceway or inside the module frame.
> Has anyone tried this method of mounting long or short wire runs?
> The Deltec plastic  is rated as very good UV resistance. T&B Part numbers
> are TCP5255, TYDLH, TYD50R
>
> http://www-public.tnb.com/shared/inst/ta00903-tb2.pdf
>
> Thanks as always
> Jim Duncan
> North Texas Renewable Energy Inc
> 817.917.0527
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> www.ntrei.com
>
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-- 
Jason Lombard CSBA
Open Hand Solar LLC.
Pecos, NM. 87552
505 795 8646
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

[August Goers]

Jim -

I haven't used the Thomas & Betts product you found but we've had excellent 
results with the Wiley Acme Cable Clip found here:

http://www.we-llc.com/ACC.html

We use these clips on all our installations these days and it has allowed us to 
get almost completely away from zip ties. I don't trust zip ties over the long 
haul.

Let us know what you think of the Thomas & Betts product if you end up using it.

-August


 August Goers


Luminalt Energy Corporation
4000 Irving Street 
San Francisco, CA 94122


Office:  415.564.7652
Mobile:  415.559.1525
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.luminalt.com






From: North Texas Renewable Energy Inc <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: RE Wrenches 
Sent: Tuesday, December 2, 2008 3:30:56 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)


Wrenches
I'm proposing a ground mounted PV installation that will 
have the usual exposed DC conductors and so need to be secured into a 
raceway of some sort. I stumbled across this Thomas & Betts cable tying 
system which looked like it would work well for neatly securing long 
straight runs of one or more conductors attached behind a raceway or inside the 
module frame. 
Has anyone tried this method of mounting long or short 
wire runs?
The Deltec plastic  is rated as very good UV 
resistance. T&B Part numbers are TCP5255, TYDLH, 
TYD50R
 
http://www-public.tnb.com/shared/inst/ta00903-tb2.pdf
 
Thanks as always
Jim Duncan
North Texas Renewable Energy 
Inc
817.917.0527
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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