[RE-wrenches] Float, Sell Voltages

Trying to tweak a couple of battery based grid-tie systems.Trying to maximize sell back without frying or draining the batteries. Have gotten various opinions from manufacturer's techs, so why not a few more.. Concord AGM's set now as follows: Bulk = 57.2v float = 53.2v sell = 52v It is my u

Re: [RE-wrenches] Float, Sell Voltages

Mike, I approached it as if the batteries where installed in a UPS system. What constant float voltage would the batteries be charged at during grid-up, so they would be ready for grid-down? I would use 53.2V for Float and for Sell. I also recommend to use software on the inverter to automatic

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunny boy 1800

Jesse, Here is one more thing to look at. I have 3 SMA 1800 W inverters on my house and had a very similar problem when I installed them. They are very sensitive to AC voltage. Mine would turn off at 128 VAC. My utility voltage is 125 per leg and because of voltage "drop" in a log run of w

[RE-wrenches] Conductor supporting requirements

Does anyone know the maximum support spacing for conductors in free air and what code section addresses it? I'm thinking of USE-2 or PV Wire being run in loop hangars along purlins under an array. Thanks in advance! For a brighter energy future, Andrew Truitt Principal Truitt Renewable Energy

Re: [RE-wrenches] Conductor supporting requirements

338.10(B)(4)(b) says to support in accordance with 334.30: 334.30 Securing and Supporting. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties, straps, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable, at intervals not exceeding 1.4

[RE-wrenches] community solar

wrenches. I have had several inquires into this possible scenario. anybody have any experience doing this with their local utility? several families in a neighborhood or community invest together to put up a solar array either on an existing building that has excellent solar access or a

Re: [RE-wrenches] community solar

If you have a muni then it's possible, but I'd guess that with most investor-owned utilities they'd just laugh in your face. There are a few utilites out there that have done this- I think that Portland, OR and Seattle have this and we're working on it here in Orlando too. These links should h

Re: [RE-wrenches] community solar

Larry, et al, The State of Maryland is working on legislation to enable such "virtual" net metering arrangements but it is not here yet. It is a wonderful idea as you can imagine new sub-divisions being built with one lot set aside for a large array for the community. We set up a group of local

Re: [RE-wrenches] community solar

Washington State has a very good program which I believe is a kind of FIT Community solar thing that pays over $1.00/kW generated. Andrew Koyaanisqatsi President Solar Energy Solutions, Inc. Since 1987, Moving Portland and Beyond to an Environmentally Sustainable Future. 503-238-4502 www.solar

Re: [RE-wrenches] community solar

I believe Massachusetts has this, which is called "community net metering". New York State does not allow it, but a bill is in the assembly and senate this session called "virtual net metering" whereby a single customer with multiple meters can interconnect to one and apply excess generation cr

Re: [RE-wrenches] community solar

This is a great topic for discussion on the RE-Markets list, where there are several more policy-oriented folks than here. I am cc'ing that address in this reply, so let's move the discussion there. Community solar is an important, up-and-coming thing. Specially for folks that don't have solar

Re: [RE-wrenches] community solar

Vermont has a "Group Net Metering" program that permits any individual rate payers on the same utility to create a net metered array and have the utility credit each members account according to a formal legal agreement. Legislation requires that all utilities in the state are required to allow an

Re: [RE-wrenches] galvanized barn roofing

Does anyone have experience mounting arrays on barns with 24" wide galvanized roofing (not standing seam)? It is flat, not corrugated, but has an overlapping edge on either side. It's pretty much a standard on barn roofs around here, but I hesitate to penetrate any metal roof. How have others dealt

[RE-wrenches] PVC running through the house

Hi folks Was wondering- does anyone know back in 2005, if it was permissible to run DC conductors from the roof, through the home to the inverter location, inside the house, per the NEC? Thanks  Keith Cronin___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine

Re: [RE-wrenches] Conductor supporting requirements

Maybe check out 396?Dan BrownFoxfire Energy Corp.Renewable Energy Systems(802)-483-2564www.Foxfire-Energy.comNABCEP #092907-44 Original Message Subject: [RE-wrenches] Conductor supporting requirements From: Andrew Truitt Date: Thu, April 07, 2011 1:39 pm To:

Re: [RE-wrenches] PVC running through the house

690.31(E), requiring metallic raceways or enclosures for DC circuits inside the building was introduced in the 2005 NEC. Depending on when the 2005 NEC was adopted by your local authority, it may or may not have been required at the time of the installation. -Hans _ From: re-wrenches-b

Re: [RE-wrenches] Conductor supporting requirements

338.10(B)(4)(b) also kicks you over to 225 I... like 225.12+14- which kicks over to Table 230.51C.. maybe? (I'd do a messenger ground).Dan BrownFoxfire Energy Corp.Renewable Energy Systems(802)-483-2564www.Foxfire-Energy.comNABCEP #092907-44 Original Message Subject: Re: [RE-wre

Re: [RE-wrenches] PVC running through the house

The Code back then was a little vague back then and I am not sure it has been improved. First, there needs to be a DC disconnect just before or just after penetrating the building shell. Most AHJ allowed us to place this disconnect in the attic within reach of the access door. Once we needed to pl

[RE-wrenches] Power One Aurora Inverters

Hi all. Does anyone have any experience with the Power One Aurora grid-tied inverters? Any comments on the failure rate for inverters manufactured in the last year or two? Thanks. Bruce Leininger PV System Designer GRID Alternatives - 1171 Ocean Av

Re: [RE-wrenches] galvanized barn roofing

Hi Daryl, I have drilled a small pilot hole, put plenty of sealant around it, then lag through it with what ever foot you are using. I don't think the cost of flashing around each foot with a rubber boot and 15 screws is any better but its sure more costly in time and money. jay peltz power

Re: [RE-wrenches] SunnyBoy 1800

In addition to David's insight, I would like to also offer this link for the manual: http://www.sma-america.com/en_US/service/downloads.html If you click on the "Archive" tab, documentation is available for all out-of-production units. Also, http://www.SMA.de sometimes may have info that the U

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power One Aurora Inverters

I have been involved with two installs, They are working great, they have dual inputs and the broadest MPPT range of any inverter I have seen. I have had no failure problems, and I have a friend that has experience with several and he reports no problems. They are ungrounded so you have to

Re: [RE-wrenches] galvanized barn roofing

Here's the VersaBracket option from S-5!: http://www.s-5.com/clamps/index_71.cfm For a brighter energy future, Andrew Truitt Principal Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting NABCEP Certified PV Installer™ (ID# 032407-66) (202) 486-7507 http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-truitt/8/622/713 [image: 24

Re: [RE-wrenches] galvanized barn roofing

Daryl~ Take a look at the EJOT line of fasteners: http://www.ejot.com/ejot.de/EJOT_Solarbefestiger_Bau_2009--2749,websiteLang__en.htm These sort of look like a "hanger bolt" but they are machined to cram down on a fat rubbery washer as they are tightened. EJOT is showing up in some of the PV whol

Re: [RE-wrenches] galvanized barn roofing

Daryl, I haven't done it but have heard of using "U" bolts from below to 2X rafters. Think 8 inch long muffler clamp with a metal flat drilled plate on the top, the bottom coated with sealant & L foot held down by nuts on top. Pullout strength is unlimited and a sturdy metal plate to attach to plus

Re: [RE-wrenches] galvanized barn roofing

Interesting that it seems the industry is moving back to L-feet and sealant? Always worked for many situations. R. Walters r...@solarray.com Solar Engineer On Apr 7, 2011, at 7:11 PM, Andrew Truitt wrote: > > Here's the VersaBracket option from S-5!: > > http://www.s-5.com/clamps/index_71

Re: [RE-wrenches] galvanized barn roofing

I have used hanger bolts on this exact roof several times. Filled the holes with copious amounts of a good polyurethene sealant (vulkem) before driving the hanger bolt, then built up with sealant around the hanger bolt base. Haven't had any leaks, always tried to stay on the ribs, above the water l

Re: [RE-wrenches] galvanized barn roofing

Daryl, AEE has a corrugated roof block that works pretty well. Penetrations are through the ridges, where leaks are less likely, and they can be sealed with Butyl tape. One draw back, same with the EJOT, is that the metal ridges will rarely line up with support structure below. You'll need to

[RE-wrenches] PV to 208v 3-phase with high leg

What is the best approach to interconnecting with a 208 volt 3-phase service having a high leg? Small to medium sized PV systems. Charlie Pickard Aladdin Solar ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org O

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV to 208v 3-phase with high leg

the usual 208 3 phase is Y and not have high leg. sometimes you will measure up to 208 on the high leg of at Delta high leg to neutral. If it is Delta 3 phase 120-240 and a 200 about volt high leg, connect across the 240 volt legs, I e that is across each phase they should be 240 each leg to

[RE-wrenches] Possible genset configuration error...but how do I convince my client!

Hello, Mechanics~ I went to a distant "off grid" jobsite where my client has an inverter/charger system set up for 120/240 60 hz system architecture. While investigating some screwy charge behavior I clipped my "pretty good" Extech clamp meter around the various AC wires from the generator, with t

Re: [RE-wrenches] Possible genset configuration error...but how do I convince my client!

Mick: Do you have access to a dual trace oscilloscope? That is how I check phase angle. William At 09:45 PM 4/7/2011, you wrote: Hello, Mechanics~ I went to a distant "off grid" jobsite where my client has an inverter/charger system set up for 120/240 60 hz system architecture. While in