Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

Tom, Sorry, I failed to write clearly. I was not talking about bus bars in this sentence. I meant to say that I 'daisy chain' links from one string to the next. I parallel them by connecting A to B, B to C, C to D. Then I connect positive of A to the inverter, and negative of D to the inve

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA GFDI Err Tip was PV Powered vs SMA

We have seen this error on the SMA 3000 and SMA4000 units, the 5,6, and 7K do not seem to exhibit the problem. The disconcerting thing to me is that if you do nothing and just let the inverter stay ON, the error will clear itself in about 20 - 40 minutes. The error may clear on the first day of s

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA GFDI Err Tip was PV Powered vs SMA

I will pass that tip on. Thanks! Andrew Truitt Standard Solar On Thu, Dec 3, 2009 at 10:28 AM, Wayne Irwin wrote: > We have had the same issue with the SMA GFDI err. To fix the problem, > before commissioning we remove the fuse, squeeze the GFDI fuse holder a > little tighter and clean the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

Everybody has their favorite goo. Ours is Burndy Penetrox, a thick gray paste that we apply with an old toothbrush and work it on good so it's not too thick but everything's well covered. It's much thicker than Vaseline so it never melts or runs. One bottle lasts us a year or two. Terminals that

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

I've used 12 of Jamie's 2V cells in several 24V systems and 6 in a 12V system so far. A bit too soon to tell if they will give much better longevity than 12 6Vs in a series parallel configuration, but I'm convinced that series-parallel is nowhere near as desirable as one series string. Over the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

But it does have lots of bubbly, at least if it gets all charged up From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Tom Elliot Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 5:27 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series o

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

"If you connect links between all of the positives, and links between all of the negatives, to parallel the battery, then the only issue is where you connect the charge source and/or inverter." Hugh, The connection is very easy, if you look at the photos on the page I linked to the connectio

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

It has but the one drawback is there is no bar on this bus... From: Phil Undercuffler Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 11:46 AM To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries The Surrette 2v L16 is one single cell built in a case the size of

[RE-wrenches] Sunny Boy control

Friends: I need a Sunny Boy Control or a Sunny Boy Control Plus. Does anyone out there have one they wish to sell? Off-line is best. TIA William Please note new e-mail address and domain: William Miller Miller Solar Voice :805-438-5600 Fax: 805-438-4607 email: will...@millersolar.c

[RE-wrenches] Labels Revisited

Hi Wrenches, We're installing some PV systems in a jurisdiction which is following Cal Fire's solar installation guidelines (http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/pdf/reports/solarphotovoltaicguideline.pdf). Page 8 of the pdf describes specialized red labeling. Does anyone have any recommendations for sourc

Re: [RE-wrenches] Evergreen Panels

Does any one know wher I can get 14 Kw of Evergreen 200's? Max Balchowsky SEE Systems 760-403-6810 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

Just for a contrasting opinion: I rarely use grease or vaseline unless it proves necessary. I have changed out battery banks after seven years and the connectors are still pristine whilst dry. I agree that sometimes there will be localised corrosion on battery terminals. I find it rarely, a

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

The Surrette 2v L16 is one single cell built in a case the size of a standard L16. I've seen other 2v products come out which are really just three 2v cells with internal parallel bus bars, rather than the standard series connections. That means you don't get the real benefits of using larger cel

Re: [RE-wrenches] Evergreen EC 110

Evergreen is making an ES-C series 80 watt and 120 watt modules in China. They do not have the same dimensions as the old EC series. AEE will have them after the new year. David David Katz Chief Technical Officer AEE Solar 1155 Redway Drive P.O. Box 339 Redway, CA 95560 Tel (707) 825-1

[RE-wrenches] More from NWES - looking for a 2 volt load tester

Thought I would pass this along Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc www.solarwork.com E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 I will be the shift in how the world uses power! - Dana Orzel From: Rob Shappell [mailto:r...@nwes.com] Sent: Thursday,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

Are they three cells in parrallel or are they one big cell? --- On Thu, 12/3/09, Brian Teitelbaum wrote: > From: Brian Teitelbaum > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries > To: "RE-wrenches" > Date: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 2:11 PM > > > > > > > > > > > #yiv1

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

Hi Jamie, Have you seen any change in cycle life by having the three cells in the L16 connected in parallel instead of series? Just a question that has been on my mind for a while. Brian Teitelbaum AEE Solar From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wr

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

Hi Jeff, Not to plug but we (and some other vendors) have 2V L-16's on offer. So you can get 1000AH (C/20) in a series string in this more manageable size. Regards, Jamie James Surrette Surrette Battery Co. Ltd 1 Station Rd. Springhill, NS, CAN B0M 1X0 Direct: 902.597.4027 Fax: 902.597

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-Grid Sizing Case

Hi Mark, I'd install as much PV as I could afford, a MPPT controller and a battery capacity meter to keep an eye on things. And if they are still looking to throw money around then a new generator as Allan suggested. jay peltz power On Dec 3, 2009, at 9:22 AM, Mark Frye wrote: > Folks, > >

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

Not to be a solar wussy, but that's my main reason for using vaseline most of the time, when high temps aren't an issue. I'm a solar electrician, not an auto mechanic. (also why we quit servicing generators) R. Walters r...@solarray.com Solar Engineer On Dec 3, 2009, at 9:38 AM, toddc...@fi

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-Grid Sizing Case

Mark, You haven't provided enough information for the questions you're asking. You have said nothing about the customer's load profile. Did you install a Tri-Metric in the system? CAH will allow you to estimate daily consumption. Otherwise, get the customer to provide a load analysis, and comp

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-Grid Sizing Case

Off-Grid Sizing CaseThe rate of charging is not the real problem in most undersized systems, it is the fact that the batteries seldom, if ever, get fully charged. Given the ratio of PV vs battery capacity, I would suspect that their batteries have been chronically undercharged for ages. We usual

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

Friends: Regardless of what material you prefer to protect battery posts, I don't recommend applying it until after the connection is torqued. The cable ends and the terminals need to be wire brushed immediately prior to assembly. We had to dis-assemble a set of batteries and move them for 4

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-Grid Sizing Case

So being able to achieve C10 charging from the PV is not so important? Mark Frye Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 303 Redbud Way Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 401-8024 www.berkeleysolar.com _ From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto

[RE-wrenches] reverse return on batteries

Battery cabling and bus bars do follow a similar plumbing schematic of "reverse return" [first in last out and last in first out] That and keeping the cables equidistant has kept our installs happy. We here in cooler country have used cheapo Vaseline for years and it has worked fine. We buff the me

[RE-wrenches] FW: Strings and series of batteries

I sent this thread to Rob Shappell of NWES Battery. Here is his .02. Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc www.solarwork.com E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 I will be the shift in how the world uses power! - Dana Orzel -Original Message- From: Rob

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-Grid Sizing Case

Off-Grid Sizing CaseI would go with #1. The solar is obviously undersized for the battery bank he has. Another panel + MPPT should give him about 25-40% more, depending on temps etc. .. Northern Arizo

[RE-wrenches] Off-Grid Sizing Case

Folks, I have a customer with a 3 year old system in northern CA: 8 - Deka 370AH, 6V, 2x4 banks - 740Ah @ 24V 2 - DR2424 120/240V series 4 - EC-120-GL 1 - C40 CC 1 - 5000W, old portable gas gen The problem is increased gen runtime probally due to chronic undercharging. Based on estimated consu

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

Boy, this string on strings and series of strings is starting to string into a very long list of string related emails! We also avoid multiple strings of batteries, but sometimes this is required to get the right combination of system voltage and amp-hour capacity. We also agree that 3 or mor

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

After 20 years of not wearing rubber gloves, I've come to my senses, it is lead, and the grease too possibly has heavy metals in it. "I use high temp lithium based wheel bearing grease, cover all surfaces and assemble. After 18+ years my own set of IBE 2v cells looks like the day I greased them, no

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

Hi Walter, We used the Polaris Insultaps out at the batteries, paralleled to the 3 OB shunt busses and 3 OB Big Busses on the 10 inverter breakers, it's a big system that required all custom cabling, approx 15' to the battery. Sincerely, Chris Worcester Solar Wind Works NABCEP Certified PV In

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

I am sure the reason for using gloves with grease is lithium based grease stinks like 90 weight. Who wants that on their hands? Todd On Thursday, December 3, 2009 1:21am, "R Ray Walters" said: > I was just picking up on where everybody is located. The cold weather boys > like > vaseline, an

[RE-wrenches] Aluminum Lay-In Lugs

Wrenches, I have heard conflicting information regarding the use of aluminum lay-in lugs for bonding module frames and racking. Would anyone care to comment on the use of aluminum, copper or tin plated lugs. Which ones are best? For what reason should a particular type be avoided? (eg. dissim

Re: [RE-wrenches] Buss Bar

The correct spelling is BUS BAR or BUSBAR :) As one that also spelled it wrong for 30+ years, I figure it is time for payback. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buss .. Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Elec

Re: [RE-wrenches] trenching for solar thermal

I tried it, I had failure, I do not try again. Pex that is. I use it all the time on boilers. (hydronic heating that is) Darryl --- On Thu, 12/3/09, Nicholas Ponzio wrote: > From: Nicholas Ponzio > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] trenching for solar thermal > To: "RE-wrenches" > Date: Thursday,

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA GFDI Err Tip was PV Powered vs SMA

We have had the same issue with the SMA GFDI err. To fix the problem, before commissioning we remove the fuse, squeeze the GFDI fuse holder a little tighter and clean the contact ends of the fuse. Fires right up. Wayne Irwin EE Pure Energy Solar International Inc. State Licensed Solar Contrac

Re: [RE-wrenches] Buss Bar

Hello, Jay & all~ Here's a source for robust buss bar materials: http://www.stormcopperstore.com/index.html Jolliness, Mick Abraham, Proprietor www.abrahamsolar.com Voice: 970-731-4675 On Thu, Dec 3, 2009 at 8:07 AM, jay peltz wrote: > Hi Tump, > > thanks its what I've used in the past but

Re: [RE-wrenches] Buss Bar

Hi Tump, thanks its what I've used in the past but thought I'd find out what the "real" parts are, thanks, j On Dec 3, 2009, at 5:17 AM, Tump wrote: > Hey Jay, when on the west coast, we buy Bbuss bar down to Louie's/Chris or > John's(what ever they are calling it now). OR for the rest of us M

Re: [RE-wrenches] Evergreen EC 110

Gro and Evergreen has split the sheets. AEE, maybe. Bob-O On Dec 2, 2009, at 10:34 AM, penobscotso...@midmaine.com wrote: Hey Tump, Evergreen still makes these. I suspect Gro or one of the other Evergreen dealers stocks them. Daryl > Anyone have one of these around? Please contact me off l

Re: [RE-wrenches] trenching for solar thermal

Thanks for the replies. Tump, my understanding is that the outdoor wood boilers use PEX tubing. Are you guys using PEX linesets for solar thermal now? I've always shied away from using PEX since it's only rated for 200-deg. Please clarify. Thanks again. Nik --

Re: [RE-wrenches] trenching for solar thermal

One can buy insulated line sets for direct burial from most of the outdoor furnace retailers. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Carl Hansen Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 4:3

[RE-wrenches] Buss Bar

Hey Jay, when on the west coast, we buy Bbuss bar down to Louie's/Chris or John's(what ever they are calling it now). OR for the rest of us McMaster Carr has quite a bit of buss bar stock. -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Powered vs SMA

Yikes! We have not personally used PVP yet (and have a fleet of bulletproof SMA out there), but we have heard plenty about the early residential sized units.  We have had disaterous experiences with the old Advanced energy GC-1000s and plenty of Xantrex GC failures.  Clearly, inverters are

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

I've seen that leakage to ground on almost all flooded cell batteries. A battery expert told me it was a fine mist of battery acid that clanged to the case of the battery and caused this few milliamps of short. The only systems I've seen that didn't have this were either very new/ clean batterie

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

I was just picking up on where everybody is located. The cold weather boys like vaseline, and obviously you warm weather folks need the grease. I think this affects the battery sizing debate too: if I size a battery for 4 days storage, it only has 2 or 3 days of storage in really cold weather.