Re: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

2011-03-24 Thread Starlight Solar, Larry Crutcher
Benn, First off, there is never a reason to add acid. The acid/water mixture is very specific and should not be changed. >From the moment a battery has been activated (electrolyte added), it is in a >discharge mode. The sulfuric acid in the electrolyte starts to be absorbed >into the plates (e

Re: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

2011-03-24 Thread dan
We got one shipment of thick plate 2V that apparently had been mistakenly shipped with the wrong electrolyte mix.. the Battery folks were pretty good about ponying up.. they sent me everything I needed to get things straightened out.. (Including $$ for the hassle).. Basically they had me set the Ch

Re: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

2011-03-24 Thread Rob Shappell
Hey Dana, it's EQ then top off. Rob From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dana Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011 1:35 PM To: 'RE-wrenches' Subject: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries HUP Solar One batteries recommen

[RE-wrenches] Looking for 1st generation OB inverter bypass setup

2011-03-24 Thread Dana
Hey all - I am looking for a 1st generation Outback Eng. Inverter bypass setup. Please contact off list. Thanks, Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc E - d...@solarwork.com V - 970.626.5253 F - 970.626.4140 C - 970.209.4076 web - www.solarwork.com "Responsible Technologies for R

[RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

2011-03-24 Thread Dana
HUP Solar One batteries recommend topping off the electrolyte and doing an initial EQ cycle prior to use. We always check SG and voltage/cell on arrival and to date never had any discrepancy on either. Additionally we unbolt all connections, polish with a copper pipe wire brush all connecting s

Re: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

2011-03-24 Thread Allan Sindelar
I just spoke with Derek at IBE, having just taken delivery of two sets of 2V industrial cells, one for a customer and the other for my own home. On the customer's set, installed yesterday, I measured one cell as .01V lower and .022 SG lower, before hooking up to any char

Re: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

2011-03-24 Thread Mick Abraham
Hi, Benn~ When the batteries are chemically discharged, the plates absorb some of the volume of the electrolyte...and that "lowers the tide". Upon recharge the chemicals that had been absorbed into the plates are driven back into solution...and that "raises the tide". This is why one should never

Re: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

2011-03-24 Thread benn kilburn
Mick n' Nick,Thanks guys. I shoulda mentioned that the date code says they were mfgrd the 7th week of 2011 and the one exception, the 8th week. So they haven't been sitting too long. I have been in contact with the mfgr, and of course i will take their advice over anyone else's (gotta keep th

Re: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

2011-03-24 Thread Mick Abraham
Benn~ If the company that built those batteries is a major brand name, I advise that you add neither water nor acid to the new cells. Check with the mfr, but most of the serious mfrs are using robotic fill equipment that is very precise. If some of the cells are older stock they may have self disc

Re: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

2011-03-24 Thread Nick Soleil
Hi Benn: Perhaps those batteries have just been sitting a little while, and need a recharge. Generally speaking, if you find that the batteries test reading are a little low, they are probably just a little discharged. After recharging the batteries, test them again. If those readings ar

[RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

2011-03-24 Thread benn kilburn
I'm curious of others experiences with testing "new" batteries right from the mfgr, before putting them into service. I'm not talking about load testing, i mean just basics...voltage, specific gravity and electrolyte level. I recently received some batteries (24 x 2V) and before putting them to

Re: [RE-wrenches] wrenches] Value of PV system to a home

2011-03-24 Thread Jason Szumlanski
That opens up a whole other discussion: why do people think solar is so troublesome to get installed. Is it the perceived cost? Selecting a contractor? Learning the basics? If we’re listening to the anecdotal evidence, the value seems to be from having someone else deal with the _hassle_ of gett

Re: [RE-wrenches] Value of PV system to a home

2011-03-24 Thread Jason Szumlanski
You hit a nail on the head. We hear very often older customers saying that they want to a) make sure their presumed future widow is taken care of, or b) want to leave a self-sustaining home to their kids. I think these are very valid and intriguing reasons to go solar. Jason Szumlanski Fafco S

Re: [RE-wrenches] Value of PV system to a home

2011-03-24 Thread Joel Davidson
Consider not moving or selling your PV powered home. Making your PV powered home your retirement home is a better investment than a savings CD and definitely a hedge against increased grid electricity prices for retired people on a fixed income. Plant some roots and lead your neighborhood by exa

Re: [RE-wrenches] racks

2011-03-24 Thread Bob-O Schultze
DP&W has a similar thing, but it's a clamp which grips the module frame from underneath. Bob-O On Mar 24, 2011, at 7:30 AM, jay peltz wrote: I wanted to add to the rack discussion that Unirac has a clip ( bottom mount clips) that allow you to use their rails but mount via the module mounting h

[RE-wrenches] racks

2011-03-24 Thread jay peltz
I wanted to add to the rack discussion that Unirac has a clip ( bottom mount clips) that allow you to use their rails but mount via the module mounting holes. Very slick design, I've used it a bunch. Very secure and of course you work from the bottom. Jay peltz power

[RE-wrenches] Chinese roof mounting system...

2011-03-24 Thread North Texas Renewable Energy Inc
Wrenches have any wrenches used the Grace Solar mounting rail/clamp assembly? The clamps are drop-in, like T-head bolts but clamp against both edges of the rail. The rail allows the same clamps to attach on either the top edge or side. Their www site didn't list any US distributors. http://www.gra