Re: [RE-wrenches] USDA Rural Development fund

Hi Daniel, it is a lot of paperwork, but if they pay you for your time, and they should, I think it is worth it. Importantly, you need to speak with the regional office administering this fund and make sure you know what they are requiring. Some of them use a subcontractor to help, but you do N

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fwd: Re: Cantilevered array

Sky Sims Https://EcologicalSystems.org 732-462-3858 On Jan 19, 2024, at 3:09 PM, Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches wrote: I've done a fair amount of roof mounted solar structural compliance, and I would say that the cantilevered design looks like a disaster waiting to happen. You

Re: [RE-wrenches] Insurance for solar design and inspections

I have carried E&O for much less. I think the recommendation to shop around is a good one.  NABECP I THINK, has some leads on firms for this. Chris On 3/10/2024 6:23 PM, Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches wrote: Hi All, I have an insurance question and am very curious about how others deal with t

Re: [RE-wrenches] Plaques

I use a thermal printer with labels that are UV rated. (duralabel). The problem with engraved is if you make a mistake and have to have it redone.  The labels from my printer are best placed out of the sun although UV rated.  I do see fading after 8 or 10 years. On 3/30/2024 4:33 PM, Dana Orze

Re: [RE-wrenches] IRS Audit

Qualified equipment I think would be it's UL certification.  I have never run into this issue though.  Chris On 6/3/2024 4:53 PM, pieter offgridenterprises.org via RE-wrenches wrote: Yes and no,  We had the IRS send an agent to one of our clients Ranch, and they asked to see the equipment but

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark 15k solar panel frame grounding

The reason for less white PV wire I believe is due to less UV resistance capability.  Time showed that it was inferior to black.  Using black in lieu of white, and color coding at the terminal connections is an allowed practice and that is why less white PV wire is used I believe.  Chris On 6

Re: [RE-wrenches] REC Twin Peak 305/310/315/320

Daryl, check SunElec in FL.  I got one from them. Chris On 6/18/2024 7:11 AM, Daryl DeJoy via RE-wrenches wrote: I have a client who dropped a tree on his array and I need to replace a single module. If anyone has one, used or otherwise, please contact me off list. I'd be happy to find one. T

Re: [RE-wrenches] Another Mate 3 programming issues

the CC directly to see if it reads it, probably easier with another mate. It just sucks to not have tech support or anyone on wrenches from some OEMS Jay On Jul 19, 2024, at 10:13 AM, Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches wrote: This is grid tied system with all firmware updates that the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Another Mate 3 programming issues

ight if its connecting to anything on that port. You can try plugging into the CC directly to see if it reads it, probably easier with another mate. It just sucks to not have tech support or anyone on wrenches from some OEMS Jay On Jul 19, 2024, at 10:13 AM, Christoph

[RE-wrenches] Midnite Solar AIO question

I wasn't aware of the new AIO product until this thread.  I downloaded the manual and quick start guide and wanted to ask if this can be used without batteries, and then batteries added later, as with Sol Ark. All the schematics in the AIO show batteries. Searching didn't help with the terms I

[RE-wrenches] MN 15-12KW-AIO

Hello, I have a one week old information request into Midnite regarding the MN 15-12KW-AIO, but no response yet. Has anyone have information on how it is performing during its early production phase, and does anyone have information on when it will be available. It is either them or SolAr

Re: [RE-wrenches] MN 15-12KW-AIO

wrote: Backwoods Solar sent out an announcement on July 11 that it is in stock and shipping, Chris. You might contact them. Allan On Aug 1, 2024, at 4:52 AM, Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches wrote: Hello, I have a one week old information request into Midnite regarding the MN 15-12KW-AIO, b

Re: [RE-wrenches] MN 15-12KW-AIO

On 8/1/2024 11:10 AM, Allan Sindelar wrote: Backwoods Solar sent out an announcement on July 11 that it is in stock and shipping, Chris. You might contact them. Allan On Aug 1, 2024, at 4:52 AM, Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches wrote: Hello, I have a one week old information request into Midni

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark install

I talked to SolArk about the input amperage limitation on a recent project. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but SolArk does automatically limit excess amperage.  We were very close on the limit and it made no sense to me that they would design something with parallel MPPT that limit one to on

[RE-wrenches] Availability of 320 watt modules

We had several projects on hold over the winter and now my usual sources of modules do not have any 320watt modules.  Can anyone provide to me a source for this size module.  Basically in some cases we are getting too close to the roof edge with the 360 watt ones, which are available. Thank you

Re: [RE-wrenches] DC SHW pumps

March pumps, Laing are all good dc pumps.  Chris On 6/22/2022 11:32 AM, Todd Cory via RE-wrenches wrote: I have a customer with a (now obsolete) Hartell DC 1/2" X 1/2" MIP solar hot water circulation pump which is failing. Does anyone happen to have one of these in their inventory? Or can a

Re: [RE-wrenches] Insurance for consulting.

Try Brown and Brown. They are who we use.  Chris On 6/24/2022 11:48 AM, Luke Christy via RE-wrenches wrote: Hi Wrenches, Like many of you, I have been in PV industry a long time. I have focused on design-build operations in the off-grid realm. In recent years I have started shifting toward doi

Re: [RE-wrenches] WATER COOLED - 1800 RPM - 13KW GENERATORS INQUIRY

The more our local utility tries to suppress solar, the more we are taking people off grid, so I would estimate 3 a year for our small locale. On 7/10/2022 12:53 PM, Tump via RE-wrenches wrote: How many folks require UL listing to install, this may expedite delivery? On Jul 8, 2022, at 3:09 PM,

[RE-wrenches] Converting Enphase systems to ac coupled multimode systems

I have several Enphase system customers looking to add battery storage.   The Enphase system, which I got certified in, comes across to me as fairly complicated with several historical installation issues. The Outback Mojave looks pretty simple, and we have installed quite a few Radian, GVFX, e

Re: [RE-wrenches] Old Solar Modules

If you can't find anything, I would think measuring Voc, adjusting for temperature,  and then dividing into the wattage would give you some reasonable approximations. Chris On 9/12/2022 10:28 AM, Amos Post via RE-wrenches wrote: Hi all, I have a few old modules I am trying to date best I can.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Butt End Connector Warning

You cannot use them with Al. The connection will disintegrate over time. I have pictures somewhere of mismatching rail bonding connectors that were gone in a year. Chris On 10/6/2022 9:32 AM, Drake Chamberlin via RE-wrenches wrote: Our electrical supplier seamlessly transitioned from crimp on b

Re: [RE-wrenches] Need two wire submersible cable

Would SJO cord work? On 10/26/2022 12:44 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches wrote: Friends: I am looking for cable appropriate to connect a low water sensor. It is two wire, low current. 18 to 14 gauge would work. Does anyone know where I can source such an item? I need only 150’. Thanks in

Re: [RE-wrenches] "Qualified solar electric property"?

I agree with Lloyd. It is qualified if listed I would have to believe. Chris On 10/21/2022 6:36 PM, Lloyd Hoffstatter via RE-wrenches wrote: Howie, I think he is referring to the tax language https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/energy-incentives-for-individuals-residential-property-updated-questions-a

[RE-wrenches] SolArk and Tigo compatibility

Hi, We are doing our first system with these two devices. The inverter is SolArk 12P (mutimode) and the Tigo product for RS is the TS4F.  Tigo has me a little bit walking in circles. I told them that SolArk says not to use the 12VDC RS output terminals for connecting the transmitter.  I gave t

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolArk and Tigo compatibility

Energy Services (RES), Inc. Mobile: _808-938-9239 <http://808-938-9239/>_ www.renewablenergy.com <http://www.renewablenergy.com/> On Nov 16, 2022, at 4:33 AM, Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches wrote:  Hi, We are doing our first system with these two

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolArk and Tigo compatibility

v 16, 2022, at 4:33 AM, Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches wrote:  Hi, We are doing our first system with these two devices. The inverter is SolArk 12P (mutimode) and the Tigo product for RS is the TS4F.  Tigo has me a little bit walking in circles. I told them that SolA

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolArk and Tigo compatibility

ways connected in the inverter with no issues, Now with that connecting to the output side it would do much the same work until it did not then shut off the modules. Fun times On Wed, Nov 16, 2022 at 6:33 AM Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches wrote: Hi, We are doing ou

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolArk and Tigo compatibility

power supply because we were using Tigo optimizers, CCA and TAP. Best regards, Lloyd Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> *From:* RE-wrenches on behalf of Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches *Sent:* Friday, No

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolArk and Tigo compatibility

Hi List, Tigo was hard to pin down on this issue and they told me to contact Sol-Ark. I did, and they called back and said the method I proposed was their recommended method.  So, I will reattach the drawing.  The one thing this does not do, is shut down the Critical Loads panel.  To do that wo

Re: [RE-wrenches] Utility transformer limitations

Wouldn't the microinverters shut down if the voltage rose?  They wouldn't be able to raise voltage about PUC/DPU limits I would think. They would shut down on high voltage. I am saying this because of an experience this fall where our infamous Block Island Power Company raised the taps on a loc

Re: [RE-wrenches] Utility transformer limitations

What happens if the study shows yes, that their no was wrong. Or does that never happen?😕 On 12/26/2022 12:48 PM, Jay via RE-wrenches wrote: If the utility is PG&E in my experience here is what happens They say yes or no to the interconnection. If no you have the option to request an engineeri

Re: [RE-wrenches] Low Frequency transformer off-grid inverter options

Have they already installed soft starts on these motors?  Chris On 1/13/2023 1:41 PM, Starlight via RE-wrenches wrote: Mac, What was the lowest voltage measured at inverter battery terminals during the inrush measurement? Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar Power Systems On Jan 13, 2023, at 11

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

This was my first thought too.  An ac disconnect that is readily available that controls the ac conductors to the back up loads panel(s) would be less dangerous and has much less worries about it failing.  Chris On 1/27/2023 2:45 PM, Glenn Burt via RE-wrenches wrote: Does the AHJ really want th

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

Seems confusing that the AHJ is requiring a disconnect for AC wiring, not specific to which or both panel types, and then a dc disconnect with no code reference.  Was trying to convey a reasonable, safe approach.  A lot of bad information from fire department solar consultants making a lot of m

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

nc. 1453 M St. Penrose Colorado 81240 Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand. On Jan 28, 2023, at 7:28 AM, Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches wrote:  Seems

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar and tenant billing

There are quite a few utility grade submeters out there. Leviton is one, and here is a link: https://www.leviton.com/en/products/commercial/submetering/submeters#t=Products&sort=%40wcs_site_tree_rank%20ascending&layout=card Usually a utility will not let you distribute renewable energy to more

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

Thanks for doing this.  Chris On 2/1/2023 4:49 PM, Brian Mehalic via RE-wrenches wrote: Most firefighters are not electrical engineers; nor are most insurance agents. However both of those groups are stakeholders with influence over codes and standards. Some may say too much influence, but the

[RE-wrenches] Clearing out equipment

I've begun the process of clearing out my solar inventory as I reach the age equivalent of a junk yard.  Reclaimed modules with plenty of life have found homes.  I have quite a few older PV Power (5), Fronius (2) old non arc fault "new inverters", and all the usual suspects of miscellaneous equ

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fire fighters

They can generate enough illumination to have the module(s) reach ~ Voc. On 3/8/2023 10:31 AM, Kristopher Schmid via RE-wrenches wrote: Hi wrenches, In speaking to local firefighters last year, I had a question that stumped me.  At night, will the light from the flames or the fire fighters' f

Re: [RE-wrenches] Attaching Array To or Through Ply

Quickbolt makes a similar product to the nano. I've used it several times. The last time when I was trying to attach to oak beam and had no experience with how difficult that was.  They work well, but no greater than 36" spacing. https://quickbolt.com/catalog?field_roof_type_tid=1175&field_ra

Re: [RE-wrenches] Attaching Array To or Through Ply

If you look at FEMA's design guide for solar installations in FL and the Caribbean, the recommended module to rail attachment method is back to using the attachment holes in the solar module.  Chris On 3/30/2023 5:56 AM, Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches wrote: This thread has morphed into more

Re: [RE-wrenches] Attaching Array To or Through Ply

fessional (PVIP) Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956 On Thu, Mar 30, 2023 at 7:35 AM Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches wrote: If you look at FEMA's design guide for solar installations in FL and the Caribbean, the recommended module to rail attachment method is ba

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-ark without batteries

Yes, we just did one.  Chris On 4/10/2023 7:38 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches wrote: Friends: Can the Sol-ark 15 be installed without batteries in grid-tie mode? I have been told the answer is yes but I’d like confirmation. Thanks in advance. William Miller -- William Miller Miller Sola

Re: [RE-wrenches] Truss finder

There are very good roof mounting systems that do not require finding the rafter. There was a thread on this within the past two weeks.  I understand the comfort of lagging into a rafter, but unless you can see the rafters from below, you'll never know 100% you did not come out the side of the

Re: [RE-wrenches] active vs apparent power readings with solar

I think the power factor will be very close to one for split phase.  What's the inverter specs say w/r to this? Chris On 4/27/2023 5:10 PM, August Goers via RE-wrenches wrote: Hi Wrenches, We have a residential site with grid tied solar where there is an electrician involved who has gotten in

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery balancers

Would you recommend that for FLAs?  Thank you, Chris On 5/15/2023 6:12 PM, Starlight via RE-wrenches wrote: Jay, I started recommending the Victron battery balancer for all series and series/parallel Li battery banks. It has eliminated trouble in some problematic systems. If you reach a cell

[RE-wrenches] Heliene 66M HJT All Black Module 360 or 370 watt module

/I have had one of these break and I am wondering if anyone has one for sale or knows who is caring them. I have struck out over the past two weeks. Please contact me off list. Thank you for any help. Chris /BEGIN:VCARD VERSION:4.0 N:Warfel;Christopher;;; TEL;VALUE=TEXT:401-447-5773 (c) NOTE:Use

Re: [RE-wrenches] Record Low

Hi Drake, here you go ASHRAE climatic design conditions 2009/2013/2017/2021 (ashrae-meteo.info) Chris On 8/22/2023 1:28 PM, Drake Chamberlin via RE-wrenches wrote: Hello Wrenches, Is there a good source for finding record low temperatures in various areas?

Re: [RE-wrenches] Line Side Tap

The intent of the line side tap, was to allow larger pv systems to interconnect to the SE conductors and not have to consider the service panel. So, I agree with others that the service panel has no consideration for what you are doing. The panel is protected by the MSP Breaker.  Chris On 10/