Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid refrigerator

Assuming you have a sinewave inverter t this point, I agree with Jerry about going to a 120vac fridge. However, I would suggest going to your computer before the appliance store. For Kathleen and I, Energy Star rated is the starting point. There is some really good info here:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Chevy Bolt

Krikey! Can we all please stop using the term “modified sine wave”? It’s just marketing BS and y’all know it. Anyone who has looked at that waveform on an oscilloscope can plaining see that it is a modified square wave. When we use the BS marketing term we are lying to our clients and to

Re: [RE-wrenches] Ibew is working to exclude C-46 contractor’s from installing Batteries.

William, NABCEP writes no state laws, makes no regulations or policies. As such, the only “teeth” it has is to revoke or suspend the Certification of a bad actor. Some states have recognized the value of a NABCEP Certification and tied it to their solar incentive programs in some way, but not

Re: [RE-wrenches] Ibew is working to exclude C-46 contractor’s from installing Batteries.

It’s totally a California issue. On Mar 23, 2018, at 8:51 PM, Solar wrote: I’ve never heard of C-10 or C-46. A quick google search seems to point to it only being a CA thing. Nothing like this happening in MN. Jesse Dahl NABCEP PV Installation Professional IBEW Local

Re: [RE-wrenches] Ibew is working to exclude C-46 contractor’s from installing Batteries.

and easy path for experienced C-46 workers to upgrade to a C-10 with additional testing. Then, the C-46 should revert to solar thermal again. My two cents. Bob-O Schultze On Mar 23, 2018, at 6:02 PM, Jason Andrade <ja...@westcoastsustainables.com> wrote: Hi at this point I b

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fuses

I have replaced a few paper fuses over the years in outside boxes which appear to have failed due to moisture as there was no other faults. On Mar 18, 2018, at 10:39 AM, Jay wrote: Hi Jerry, Curious what amp rating the fuses are and what the ISC rating of the modules

Re: [RE-wrenches] Apprentice interview

An apprenticeship is the original 4 year degree. If the trainers are good, high quality workpersons, and the apprentice WANTS to learn, the apprentice will learn the trade. It's exactly the same in a college situation except that the newly minted journeyman, unlike a college graduate, will

Re: [RE-wrenches] RE; SW4024's were off grid, now on grid AC2 Controls?

Ray has it right but if he DOES try to sell back, make sure is electric meter is the old disc type. and not de-tented. You can tell if it is de-tented by observing it spin backwards on a sunny day. A de-tented meter will spin back just one revolution then a pawl releases and it spins back to

Re: [RE-wrenches] ITC for solar water pumping on a ranch

It's totally OK to apply for an offgrid Fed ITC. Some state (like OR) will even give you a State ITC for offgrid. However, I did have an offgrid client a few years back who's ITC was questioned. The IRS wanted to know if the PVs were for real (Mitsubishi just makes cars and TVs, right?) and

Re: [RE-wrenches] Mounting height

If it has some sort of switch or CB, the top of the handle cannot be higher than 6'7. As to the lower limit, I think that would depend on the location. In a garage, for example, the AHJ could make a case for 18 as that's where outlets generally live, but there is no lower limit that I'm aware

Re: [RE-wrenches] Watsun problem

A small amount of dirt or (more probably, bird crap on the E sensor might do that. Also, try moving the limit switch to limit the E stop by just a tooth or two. If that works, it's probably because there is a bit of wear on the gearing which would be normal. Bob-O On Sep 22, 2014, at 5:27 PM,

Re: [RE-wrenches] AFCI disturbances.

. I will be troubleshooting this job tomorrow and I will let you all know what I learn. William Miller Lic 773985 millersolar.com 805-438-5600 -Original Message- From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bob-O Schultze Sent: Tuesday, June

Re: [RE-wrenches] AFCI disturbances.

Wire nuts on the DC side have been verboten in Oregon for over a decade. IMO, copper split bolts wrapped with insulating then regular tape are the way to go. Back in the days of 12V system and no series fusing, we used to use them all the time to combine PVs. I've gone into some of those

Re: [RE-wrenches] Timer for SQF pump

2nd all that. I would add that since you want all this to run array direct, you need to be VERY aware of the MAX voltage of both the relay and contacts that the switch can handle. If it's a summer only gig, you can probably go with Voc. On Jun 23, 2014, at 6:14 AM, Allan Sindelar wrote: Agree

Re: [RE-wrenches] Lumos LSX250 modules

Ah to be young and immortal again. And not give a rat's ass about safety gear... On Jun 19, 2014, at 10:17 PM, Chris Worcester wrote: Hi Benn, I purchased a set of 4 years ago through a local glass company that does a lot of custom window installs, using these on some really big expensive Tahoe

Re: [RE-wrenches] 60 Cell Small 12 V System

Look into the BZ Products MPPT 500. Bob-O On Jun 19, 2014, at 6:30 AM, Drake wrote: Hello Wrenches, A small town wants to put a kiosk in a park with a video display. It would be great to power this with a 60 cell, 255 W module and charge a 12 V battery. Morningstar has a product that would

Re: [RE-wrenches] Small pump in larger casing

No problem with the smaller pump. Can't do it the other way 'round anyway! While there is no problem with using a torque arrestor, it just isn't necessary with an SQ Flex as the pump soft starts. Bob-O On May 9, 2014, at 7:14 AM, Mac Lewis wrote: Hello wrenches, Is there any problem to

Re: [RE-wrenches] high efficiency modules in U.S.

Try Mage? Bob-O On Apr 25, 2014, at 8:17 AM, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote: Hey Kirk, We have sold sanyo then Panasonic modules for over a decade. Not only were they highly efficient, they were the last truly high performance modules in the US. I have exhausted my

[RE-wrenches] Golf Cart Array

Esteemed and just steamed Fellows, I've rebuilt an old dead 36V golf cart and I'd like to put an array on it. The problem is that the roof area is only 40 x 65ish and it's 36V. I'm OK with a bit of overhang the 65 dimension, but not side to side as it will be a head bumper getting in and out.

Re: [RE-wrenches] 72-cell modules

MAge has a 190W 72 cell mono. On Jan 30, 2014, at 8:37 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote: Wrenches, About a year ago I asked for suggestions of 72-cell modules with 125 mm cells - the standard 155-195W modules of just a few years ago. Now we really need some. We have a good customer for whom we put in

Re: [RE-wrenches] Charge Controller with Configurable Maximum Output Current

Midnite Solar has that capability as well. IMO, it's a better CC than the OB FMs. Bob-O On Jan 3, 2014, at 11:37 AM, Jason Szumlanski wrote: What commonly available MPPT controllers have a user configurable current output limit? (other than Outback FM##) Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar

Re: [RE-wrenches] Entertainment: A contrarian approach to off grid PV

Dan, Better he be insulted than you get blamed for the fire. I pass on things like this too. Bob-O On Dec 16, 2013, at 4:42 AM, d...@foxfire-energy.com wrote: This is actually pretty clean compared to some DIY systems. We have a local broadcast engineer up here running an old 12v DR and 20

Re: [RE-wrenches] Square D Disconnects mounted on the slope of the roof.

Dan, I think this thread applied not to OCDs but to an unfused 600VDC disconnect can mounted on a roof which is less than vertical. Bob-O On Nov 11, 2013, at 9:21 AM, Exeltech wrote: Wrenches, There appears to be some misinformation getting into this thread. The trip mechanism within standard

Re: [RE-wrenches] Square D Disconnects mounted on the slope of the roof.

Midnight now has a multi-string 600V rooftop disco. Bob-O On Nov 9, 2013, at 8:14 AM, Kirpal Khalsa wrote: Thank you all for the ideas and infoin many parts of Oregon you are required to have a rooftop fireman's disconnectwe have been using a variety of methods...for small residential

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fronius Installer Support Sucks

Jeff, Bummer. Sounds like you should be madder at Conergy than Fronius here, but it's obviously a FUBAR all around. I've sold and installed Fronius for many years. During that time, I've had about six failures. All were dealt with swiftly and replacement sent out right away. The installer

Re: [RE-wrenches] Advice Needed: L16 Accident! Damage Questions

And if you do use them, I'd replace the spilled electrolyte with electrolyte, not water. I'd make the battery store do that for you if they poorly wrapped the pack for transport. Chances are that the batts were mostly charged when you got them new so most of the the sulfuric acid would have

Re: [RE-wrenches] size of Surrette AGM S-460 Stud Terminals?

My experience is that a 5/16 bolt will always work but a 3/8 bolt will be tight. Easy enough to ream out to 3/8. It's only soft lead... On Sep 1, 2013, at 7:20 PM, RE Ellison wrote: Most of the ones I have run across are 3/8’s Bob From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist - customer management

Jim. Like my dear friend Bob Maynard once told me, The pioneers get the arrows. The settlers get the land. Bob-O On Aug 17, 2013, at 8:41 AM, Solarguy wrote: Funny reminds me of the old days, I seem to recall a lot of years back, on this same discussion site, a similar exchange. It seems

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist

Folks, I've heard lots of good advice on this subject and as an old off-grid system designer, energy conservation has long been a field I take seriously. Generating power that you wouldn't otherwise need because you refuse to use the power wisely is just... Stupid. Stupid financially and

Re: [RE-wrenches] GFX Series with generator

William, Two possibilities: 1) I'd try a GVFX with the genny they have. If the voltage and frequency on the genny are within grid parameters and is stable enough, it should work just fine. If not: 2) get a VFX and a GVFX ac board. Maybe save yourself some time by not mounting the VFX on the

Re: [RE-wrenches] GFX Series with generator

Then again, SOME of us don't buy Chinese goods. On Aug 8, 2013, at 9:53 AM, Ryan wrote: To echo Tom the XW is probably the best product for the job. Ryan Mail Attachment.jpeg On 8/8/2013 12:49 PM, Tom Duffy wrote: William How about the Schneider XW4024 or if 48 volt a XW4548? It’ll sand

Re: [RE-wrenches] 150 watt dump load for 48 v micro hydro

, Bob-O Schultze bo...@electronconnection.com wrote: Then again, SOME of us don't buy Chinese goods. On Aug 8, 2013, at 9:53 AM, Ryan wrote: To echo Tom the XW is probably the best product for the job. Ryan Mail Attachment.jpeg On 8/8/2013 12:49 PM, Tom Duffy wrote: William

Re: [RE-wrenches] Trojan L-16s

Steve, Good advice but I'm not at all surprised that most folks don't have a hydrometer. Frankly, unless you are willing to spend a bunch of dough, you aren't going to get one that is worth having. And, they are damn hard to find. The $5 cheapies with the floating balls, etc are just worthless,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tax credit question.

I have had several offgrid clients apply for and get the Fed ITC for offfgrid systems. You should go to dsireusa.org and read the law. As far as I can tell, so long as your clients fulfill the rest of the requirements, IE the system is installed on their primary residence, etc, then they

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tax credit question.

Right, I stand corrected. Still, a hunting cabin would be pushing it. On Jul 27, 2013, at 10:23 AM, danbo...@gmail.com wrote: Has to be used as a residence, but does NOT have to be the primary residence. Dan Fink Sent from my iPod On Jul 27, 2013, at 9:43, Bob-O Schultze bo

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tax credit question.

from my iPod On Jul 27, 2013, at 14:36, Bob-O Schultze bo...@electronconnection.com 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

Re: [RE-wrenches] Wet NiCad batteries

You might want to check your early Home Powers. We went thorough that dance in 1989 or so. It's ugly and the spent electrolyte is serious toxic waste. On Jun 25, 2013, at 9:32 AM, jay peltz wrote: HI All, I'm looking for information on how you recondition wet cell NiCad batteries, Thanks in

Re: [RE-wrenches] outback fx service work

Todd, For sure take it off the wall and listen to the other Wrench responses as well. Good advice. When I took an OB Service Tech class back when the FX first came out they warned us that while it was possible to do it while mounted, it was a bad idea. While the circuit boards are in rails to

Re: [RE-wrenches] 24V charging with 60 cell modules

Mac, No way to do this effectively. You need at least 72 cells to effectively charge a 24V battery, especially during hot weather. Bob-O On Jun 4, 2013, at 8:04 AM, Mac Lewis wrote: Hello wrenches, Is there a good method to charge 24V battery bank with single 60 cell modules? Ideally, I'd

Re: [RE-wrenches] Defective modules

Me too, please. Bob-O On Jun 2, 2013, at 7:32 AM, jay peltz wrote: Hi Carl Would like to see real data. Photon publishes their module data, and thin film are no where near the top of the list. Nexpower. #14 First solar. #131 Total of 151 modules in the test. Jay Peltz power Sent from

Re: [RE-wrenches] pump questions

Todd, The easiest way to do this is to use the Grundfos pump sizing software. Regrettably, it only runs on a PC. You can input the specs of the module, the head and the GPD desired and it will size the array for you. Once you know the # of modules in series you can use the Imp and Vmp derated

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fronius warranty payment

PM, Bob-O Schultze bo...@electronconnection.com wrote: Jason, I'm one of the many installers who still won't touch a micro yet. It's not so much that there were failures early on, it's how companies like Enphase HANDLED them. My understanding is that you basically got a replacement inverter

Re: [RE-wrenches] not sure what's going on here

Ron, It certainly sounds like a failed diode (there are two) to me. Usually they fail open, but it isn't unheard of that they might just avalanche when they see the current of the other PVs. Solarworld would probably replace it under warranty IF you return the dead module to them. How the hell

Re: [RE-wrenches] Dual Channel Inverters

Jason, I'm one of the many installers who still won't touch a micro yet. It's not so much that there were failures early on, it's how companies like Enphase HANDLED them. My understanding is that you basically got a replacement inverter and got stuffed for your time and travel. That may have

Re: [RE-wrenches] Wasps

Jim, Sorry, but that's really bad advice. Smoke doesn't stun bees. It makes them think there is a fire and they begin to gorge themselves with honey in preparation for fleeing. While they are doing that, they mostly ignore you. Might work that way with wasps, but I don't know that for sure and

Re: [RE-wrenches] TR Inverter Problems

The TR is a classic example of what I call 3C. Cheap Chinese Crap. If Xantrex had any ethics at all they would have killed that line and refunded everyone's dough years ago. Bob-O On Apr 30, 2013, at 3:44 PM, Kent Osterberg wrote: Ray, I've got a customer that has the same problem with a dual

Re: [RE-wrenches] Wire Gutters

I use gutters all the time. I zip tie the wires of the separate voltages together and label them with a label maker.Psses inspection every time. Bob-O On Apr 28, 2013, at 5:27 AM, Jesse Dahl wrote: 690.4(B)(1-4)covers the requirements. AC and DC can be together with some requirements for

Re: [RE-wrenches] backup without batteries

Hiya Nick, SMA is bringing out an inverter that will do that. Not yet available, I think, but hopefully soon. I heard about it at the NABCEP CE conference this month in Sacramento, CA. I don't think it is specific to using the Mitsu PVs at all. Bob-O On Mar 25, 2013, at 8:56 AM, Nik Ponzio

Re: [RE-wrenches] SB2500 Refurbish program gone

Just about the worst thing a company can do, IMO, is orphan a vast number of their early products. This is a slap in the face to the early adopter Wrenches who's recommendations made your company into what it is today. Offering replacements which require higher array voltages is clearly just

Re: [RE-wrenches] Snow loads

the modules before the roof. But...Gotta be real about that. Bob-O Schultze On Feb 19, 2013, at 11:06 AM, Will White wrote: Most structural engineers I’ve seen take a reduction for slippery surface but I think you’d be stretching things to say adding PV panels reduces the load to zero. I have a 45

Re: [RE-wrenches] Best practices for conduit penetration on roof

Don't forget that EMT carrying DC within a building has to be marked every 10'. Bob-O On Nov 25, 2012, at 11:41 AM, Rich Nicol wrote: Soladeck it is, thanks everyone. Rich -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org

Re: [RE-wrenches] Steel roof attachments

In the past, I've used 1/4 SS pop rivets. Two per foot which means you have to drill new holes to either side of the existing hole in the foot. They have a shear strength of about 2500 lbs per rivet. If this is a parallel to the roof mount, they should work fine. I use Direct Power racks, so

Re: [RE-wrenches] green tag meters

Kirpal, If this is in ETO territory, you no longer have to install production meters on battery back-up systems. Per the 8/1/12 new ETO regs. Did that just make your day? On Sep 21, 2012, at 2:05 PM, Kirpal Khalsa wrote: Hey All! We are doing a grid tied battery back up project and need to

[RE-wrenches] DR512

Anyone have any experience backing up a Toyotomi oil stove with one of these? Thanks, Bob-O ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Ilsco SGB bonding lug

A downside might be that the SS screw will corrode into the AL lug and won't ever unscrew after 9 months or so in the weather unless you put some sort of anti-seize on it. This tip also applies to S5! clips. I got it from the S5! tech guy. Bob-o On Aug 27, 2012, at 7:37 PM, David Brearley

Re: [RE-wrenches] Invert first?

And, of course, made in China. Given other good choices, that loses me right there. On Oct 2, 2011, at 10:36 AM, Dan Fink wrote: Brand new, and it is shipping now. XW-MPPT80-600. It certainly raised my eyebrows. But it's so new that i don't know of anyone who has installed one yet. Dan Fink

Re: [RE-wrenches] Dangerous installs/installers..

Dan, The problem with them getting busted by an AHJ is that no one gets -or is required to get- a permit for plugging in an appliance. That's how the peeps are going to view these things and regrettably, that's how they are going to be marketed. There are far more non-UL and falsely marked UL

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sealed L-16 size batteries / battery terminals

Need we mention here that Fullriver batteries are made in China as are so many of the PVs flooding the market these days? Honestly folks, we are killing our own industry. Hark ye back to the words of the Prophet Pogo: We have met the enemy and he is us. Bob-O On Jun 29, 2011, at 10:41 AM,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

Good point, Matt. We've been required to install a revenue-grade solar production KWH meter in Oregon with every system. In 6-7 years with different inverter manus, I've never seen an inverter KWH display that wasn't, shall we say... exuberant, in relation to the revenue grade meter. Bob-O On

Re: [RE-wrenches] 24 volt Battery Bank comparison

This has been a great string. Battery systems and the weather are the most variable things we all have to deal with- and the most misunderstood. I totally agree with Darryl here and it makes common sense. PV cells are manufactured under seriously strict controls and nearly entirely by machines

Re: [RE-wrenches] 24 volt Battery Bank comparison

Wayne, First, let's hope you mean 12 of the 2YS31. A single battery string is always preferable to multiple strings in my book. The only downside is interconnect cables the same size as your inverter cables. That probably means 4/0 CU for most 24V, 3KW and up inverters. Two strings in

Re: [RE-wrenches] 24 volt Battery Bank comparison

Wayne, I'd recommend against that. To do an effective equalization charge on that bank you'll need to get the voltage up to at least 2.6-2.7V per cell. That would mean a 13 cell pack voltage of 34-35V. Got any DC loads at all? Danger, Will Robinson, Danger! Using the inverter as a charging

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fwd: out of business

Why, it's just what every sheeple needs! What the hell, I was looking for a job when I found this one... Cheers, Bob-O On May 17, 2011, at 5:29 PM, Ray Walters wrote: Fellow (soon to be former) Wrenches; This is it boys; we're done for! Ray Walters Original Message Check

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery purchase scam warning

If they a) ask what kind of credit card you take and/or b) want things shipped fast freight RUN! Otherwise, just walk away. On May 10, 2011, at 10:01 AM, la...@starlightsolar.com wrote: Has anyone received a request to quote 50 Lifeline GPL-6CT batteries? I think a scam might be going on.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Interfacing an Air 403 wind generator

Give it a resistor to work against and call it Kinetic Yard Art. Not worth much else... On May 5, 2011, at 11:15 AM, Peter Talmage wrote: Hi Dana, The battery and all associated equipment is being totally removed as the folks are now unable to do the required maintenance. They really love the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Batteries in parrallel Failure

While I think that any system with more than three parallel battery stings is a FUBAR waiting to happen, I agree with OC devices on all the strings and using the bussbar technique. I would certainly go with Class T fuses rather than CBs as the Class T is current-limiting and boy do we have

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2 volt Trojan RE series L16 Batteries

Rich, It sounds like you've got a rotter or two. Given the short age of the pack, that's my suspicion. Try checking the individual battery voltages when under load and fairly well discharged. I've seen a new battery bank all show good SG and individual voltages while resting but one or more

Re: [RE-wrenches] Xantrex / Schneider recall update

Aw Andrew.. give 'em a break! The parts have to come all the way from China, just like everything else that outfit sells. Bob-O On Apr 4, 2011, at 4:07 PM, Solar Energy Solutions wrote: Just got off the phone with Schneider Electric, formally Xantrex. They said, bla bla bla, yada yada yada

Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP Test

Larry, This also from Ezra -who, because of a bit of silliness on the part of the moderator of this list- cannot post here. Larry, NABCEP provides test takers with a passing score and a partial breakdown of their score by exam blueprint area. It is always a bit confusing because we report

Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP Stamp

Troy, On Mar 30, 2011, at 10:04 AM, Troy Harvey wrote: I am wondering if anyone has had a NABCEP stamp made to stamp plans. I have a city agency who is comfortable with the NABCEP certification as a qualification, but would like to see a stamp. Has anyone out there done this? Troy I'm with

Re: [RE-wrenches] racks

DPW 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

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

Regardless of the valuation placed on a PV or SHW system, a green real estate broker I know tells me that in the current market, having either or both of those on a home significantly increases the chance of the home actually selling rather than sitting on the market forever. It's hard to

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tall pole mount

Holt, Tracker technology and reliability has come a very long ways in the last five years or so. It used to be that my service calls on trackers were -by far and away- greater in numbers than for any other component. Still, I wouldn't consider putting a tracker -at least one that uses

Re: [RE-wrenches] Spot welding PV's to rails for theft prevention: bad idea?

The sad truth is that if a determined, competent thief wants your stuff, it's likely gone. Fortunately, MOST thieves are neither. I use 1/4 stainless steel pop rivets in a situation like this. It takes a grinder to remove them and steal the PV. With a little luck someone will see the sparks

Re: [RE-wrenches] Array tilt angle doesn't matter?

Jim, Obviously, your latitude will make a big difference. The further north you go the wider the summer to winter sun angle. Also, I'd want to know if that data was taken using just I/V curves or through a controller which had MPPT capabilities. In a real world situation with MPPT, I'm guessing

Re: [RE-wrenches] FX inverter shutting itself off

John, Sounds like low voltage cutouts. And it is the dead of winter so the batts will be voltage depressed. Try installing the temp sensor directly into the FM60 rather than to the Hub. Also, unless those L16s are sealed, maybe bump the absorption voltage up to 30VDC or even a bit more for the

Re: [RE-wrenches] warranty liabilities

Marco, The only things on a battery-less PV system that carry a warranty are the modules and the inverter. The rest is pretty much on the installer to do a good job. Unless you are using 3C (Cheap Chinese Crap) modules, the probability of a failure is very small. Personally, I use an inverter

Re: [RE-wrenches] The Demise of WEEB

Ray, Your picture is clearly one of an aluminum lug with a steel screw. I would agree that this lug is unacceptable, but this is NOT the lug which is commonly used and has been used for many years. While you apparently are infatuated by the WEEB device, not all of us are. Could you please do us

Re: [RE-wrenches] Grundfos SQ Flex Float Switch

Hiya Kirpal, They are just signal wires from the CU200. Cheers, Bob-O On Aug 23, 2010, at 1:54 PM, Kirpal Khalsa wrote: Hi All.I can't find it in any of the manuals for grundfos.does anyone know if the wiring to the float switch carries current or not. The float switch has 3 #14AWG

Re: [RE-wrenches] AL wire with DC

Agreed with Dick on this one. First, if you are going the DB route, then you have to get it down at least 24 instead of 18. No problem some places, a HUGE problem others. Then there are the burrowing critters like ground squirrels which love to chew on anything. I have heard that there is

Re: [RE-wrenches] wind scam?

Hiya Todd, Well, your first clue is that in the video, it's installed about 10' off the deck. The second is the claim that it can reduce your power bills by half. That is particularly interesting when one goes to the website and finds out that it doesn't even cut in until 11.1mph wind speed

Re: [RE-wrenches] Picking a Quality Chinese PV Module

-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bob-O Schultze Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 4:30 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Picking a Quality Chinese PV Module If you like buying your oil from the Mideast and think that's a good idea, then you

Re: [RE-wrenches] Picking a Quality Chinese PV Module

If you like buying your oil from the Mideast and think that's a good idea, then you will love buying your PV from China. On Jul 19, 2010, at 3:14 PM, Peter Parrish wrote: We normally take a very conservative approach to accepting new product, whether they be PV modules or inverters. As a result

Re: [RE-wrenches] AM noise on battery less inverters

Not all sinewave inverters cause the AM wipeout by a long stretch, but those Morningstar 300W jobs are one of the worst. I refuse to sell them. Bob-O KG6MM On Jun 27, 2010, at 6:58 PM, Glenn Burt wrote: I just saw this firsthand this week - I was out camping and had a Morningstar SureSine 300W

Re: [RE-wrenches] For Big Bank Off Grid System Connoisseurs

One set of batteries in a series string is best. two paralleled strings are OK, three are marginal, four or more is just a bad idea and it's nearly impossible to get them to play nice together for long. Good Luck, bob-O On Jun 22, 2010, at 5:15 PM, Mark Frye wrote: Thanks Phil, I really

Re: [RE-wrenches] Mage Solar

Manufactured where? On Jun 2, 2010, at 8:19 PM, Drake Chamberlin wrote: Hello Wrenches, Who has tried Mage solar modules? http://www.magesolar.com/us/products/mono-and-polycrystalline-modules.html They look really good with a 30 year power warranty, a 10 year product warranty and +5%

[RE-wrenches] NABCEP Releases Small Wind Installer Certification Application Ahead of the September 2010 Exam

Subject: NABCEP Releases Small Wind Installer Certification Application Ahead of the September 2010 Exam Reply-To: i...@nabcep.org NABCEP Releases the Small Wind Installer Certification Application Ahead of the September 2010 Exam Clifton Park, NY, May 19, 2010 - NABCEP The North American

[RE-wrenches] NABCEP Announces New Level in PV Installer Certification Program

Subject: NABCEP Announces New Level in PV Installer Certification Program Reply-To: i...@nabcep.org NABCEP Announces New Level in PV Installer Certification Program CLIFTON PARK, NY, May 20, 2010 - The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) announces new

[RE-wrenches] NABCEP Statement about ULU

PRESS RELEASE CONTENT: May 5, 2010 Clifton Park, New York NABCEP Charges Ahead with New Credentialing Opportunities The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) announces new credentialing programs in response to growing renewable energy markets. NABCEP Chairperson Don

Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP competition? ANYONE OUT THERE????

Blair, We're out here and are well aware of UL's toe-tipping into the world of certification. Look for a formal announcement from NABCEP in a few days. In the meantime, two things: First, it's no great wonder that UL made this announcement at the same time the DOE announced that they were

Re: [RE-wrenches] low voltage modules in high voltage applications

It's a damn shame we're not derivatives traders or we could sell short the guys house and make a bundle. As just working stiffs, that's against the law... Bob-O On Apr 27, 2010, at 8:59 AM, Chris Worcester wrote: I got my tickets on Ticketmaster! Flying in a day earlier to get front row seats,

Re: [RE-wrenches] DC wire sizing

Of course it's not a practical solution, which is why we strived for (but rarely got) 2% VD on low voltage situations as I said in my first post. The obvious reply to this post is that your scenario isn't real world anymore. MPPT controllers fixed that. Or perhaps you advocate that MPPT

Re: [RE-wrenches] DC wire sizing

. Bob-O Schultze wrote: Guys, Is it just me being dense or are none of you folks advocating for higher VD looking at the savings over time? If we assume that Kent's wire costs are correct (and even assuming a 33% mark-up, he's paying WAY, WAY too much for wire) , the difference

[RE-wrenches] NABCEP Exam was: PV excellent battery charger

Folks, While none of us obviously has access to the wording of the specific question itself, I can assure you that there are no tricky or non-sensical questions on ANY of the NABCEP exams. Our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who come up with the questions AND the answers aren't a bunch of nerds

Re: [RE-wrenches] Supply Side Tap Overcurrent Protection

Dave, OK, here's my shot at this. Your mileage may vary. I think 240.86(A) applies here. Unless the CB in the Xantrex XW has a higher interrupt ratting (AIC) than the available fault current from that supply side tap and the CB is so marked (240.83(C), a disconnect using appropriate current

Re: [RE-wrenches] rebar v/s fiber

Agreed. I'm surprised that no one mentioned that nice 3'-5' deep hole is a hell of a nice start for your grounding electrode On Mar 13, 2010, at 8:30 AM, Kent Osterberg wrote: The need for rebar or not depends on how the pole is secured and on the shape of the footing. If you are

Re: [RE-wrenches] DPW MPM

Hiya Phil, We did a 17+KW DPW MPM last year. A lot of work, but it came out great. Contact me off-list for some pics. Bob-O On Feb 9, 2010, at 11:58 AM, Phil Schneider wrote: There are many ground-mount options out there these days. We have used Unirac ULA in the past and are doing a

Re: [RE-wrenches] sales commissions

Hiya Marco, Tough call. Is the salesman the same one who was responsible for the original sale? If yes, well perhaps you could base it more on the profit margin rather than the gross. Add-ons generally don't have the same margins, but they could. If not, I think a vastly reduced commission

Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverter causing migraine?

Many years ago, Richard Perez and I built a Gauss meter just for that purpose. What we found (with the old Trace U series inverters) was that while EMF was very high on the cables and right at the inverter, six feet or so away, the readings were at nearly background levels. Never tried that

[RE-wrenches] Watermisers-was Battery Automatic Watering

Carl, No, they don't. Hydrocaps remove most of the free hydrogen from the air that is caused by gassing. The Watermisers do not, however they do the same good job of keeping the tops of the batteries clean ad the HCs. Bob-O On Dec 14, 2009, at 8:14 AM, Carl Hansen wrote: Watermiser caps work

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