Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA -40 Arc Faults

2019-08-01 Thread Dana Brandt
Dana Brandt d...@ecotechsolar.com 360.318.7646 x700 www.ecotechsolar.com On Tue, May 8, 2018 at 12:15 PM Blake Gleason wrote: > Hi Matt - A couple of years ago, I worked extensively with an inverter > manufacturer (sorry I can't name) who was seeing a lot of arc-fault > nuisance

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sub Panel Mounted on Roof Slope

2016-09-29 Thread Dana Brandt
Thanks, Kirk. I understand that if a panel isn't list for other than vertical mounting we can't lay it down. I was hoping a wrench may know of a panel that *is* listed for other than vertical mounting. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com

Re: [RE-wrenches] getting PV modules up to the roof

2016-05-26 Thread Dana Brandt
Hi Wrenches, I'm curious if anyone has updates to this thread 3 years later. What are people using to lift modules to the roof? I've been looking at ladder hoists online and wondering how well they'd work in practice. Any experience or advice? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems

Re: [RE-wrenches] SnapNrack

2015-06-24 Thread Dana Brandt
Hi Jason, We've used Unirac for years but have been contemplating Ironridge. I'm curious what your experience was and why you went back to Unirac? Anyone else have input on best racking systems for flush-mounted residential systems on comp roof? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems

Re: [RE-wrenches] Code reference request

2014-11-05 Thread Dana Brandt
in the code. We'll see Thanks again! Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 On Mon, Nov 3, 2014 at 12:45 PM, August Goers aug...@luminalt.com wrote: Hi Dana, This is still a confusing issue, I agree. This article helps a bit

Re: [RE-wrenches] Code reference request

2014-11-03 Thread Dana Brandt
new TL inverters and found this: Per NEC 690.47, a GEC must be installed, and the Grounding Electrode Terminal (GET) conductor must be sized in accordance with NEC article 250.166. What am I missing? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com

Re: [RE-wrenches] Pathfinder vs. Suneye

2014-10-29 Thread Dana Brandt
Hi Allen, Thanks for the assessment. I think that makes a lot of sense. I prefer to be conservative with my grid-tied numbers, too. Maybe I'll just round down the Suneye projections. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 On Tue

Re: [RE-wrenches] Pathfinder vs. Suneye

2014-10-29 Thread Dana Brandt
for string shading. Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 On Tue, Oct 28, 2014 at 10:48 PM, William Miller will...@millersolar.com wrote: Dana: You can evaluate multiple points with a Pathfinder, thusly: 1.In case

[RE-wrenches] Pathfinder vs. Suneye

2014-10-28 Thread Dana Brandt
? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address settings: http

Re: [RE-wrenches] Module Degradation - voltage or current?

2014-06-05 Thread Dana Brandt
differently for different AC voltages. Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 On Wed, Jun 4, 2014 at 3:53 PM, Bill Brooks billbroo...@yahoo.com wrote: Folks, Voc does not degrade as much as Isc, but neither is key

[RE-wrenches] Module Degradation - voltage or current?

2014-06-03 Thread Dana Brandt
on the array over 30 years. Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address

[RE-wrenches] Tigo

2014-02-06 Thread Dana Brandt
We haven't used any of these yet but I'm considering it. Anyone have any experience they can share? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646 ___ List sponsored by Home Power

Re: [RE-wrenches] Wasps

2013-05-06 Thread Dana Brandt
Thanks for the input everyone. She's pretty set on getting rid of them. I'll recommend hosing them down with water at night. I think she's going to want to go chemical, though. I'd love to hear anyone's experience with sprays damaging the backsheet or not. Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech

[RE-wrenches] Davis Bacon

2013-04-10 Thread Dana Brandt
Hi all, What Davis Bacon federal wage categories do you use for different aspects of installation? Electrician is obvious for direct electrical work, but how about roof penetrations and rails? Moving and placing ballast blocks? Modules? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC

Re: [RE-wrenches] Ballasted Roof Racking Recommendations?

2012-08-31 Thread Dana Brandt
We just did a system on 10 degree AET and liked it. I think they have a 30 degree option. I'd be worried about inter-row shading, though. The DPW POWER-FAB BRM has more flexibility with row spacing, but I found it to be pretty expensive. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power line communications interference

2012-08-31 Thread Dana Brandt
Enphase recommends this ferrite toroid you can put on the lines to the pump to filter out the noise: http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?vendor=0keywords=Epcos%20B64290L0082X087cur=USD Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com

Re: [RE-wrenches] Unirac SolarMount rail caps

2012-08-14 Thread Dana Brandt
I just bought some Aluminum Trim Channel for 3/4 Plywood and it fits perfectly over the end of the rail. It's very similar to this: http://www.lowes.com/pd_55981-37672-11385_0__?productId=3058185 Thanks everyone your input! Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d

[RE-wrenches] Unirac SolarMount rail caps

2012-08-10 Thread Dana Brandt
fully installed. Unirac has endcaps for the SunFrame, but those aren't compatible with SolarMount. Anyone run into this before? Thoughts on solutions? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.318.7646

Re: [RE-wrenches] Multiple angle conundrum

2012-04-05 Thread Dana Brandt
the other and a third has two from each side. The one with two from each side produces the exact average of the other two. The theory works! Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 11:39 AM, Howie Michaelson ho

Re: [RE-wrenches] Metal roofs

2012-03-14 Thread Dana Brandt
on compression on the rubber for the rest of time in order to stay water tight. It seems to me that an adhesive might still hold water better if things loosen up a bit over the next 30 years. Eternabond has been recommended here in the past for this. Thoughts? Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems

Re: [RE-wrenches] backfeeding six disconnect panel

2010-11-02 Thread Dana Brandt
.* Is there something special in the busing on these main-lug-only panels that means we don't have to be so conservative or is it a matter of the code not really being consistent? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Mon

Re: [RE-wrenches] backfeeding six disconnect panel

2010-11-01 Thread Dana Brandt
that top bus. Can we consider a connection there a supply side tap? If not, who do we do the 690.64 (B) (2) calculation without a main breaker? Thanks! Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Thu, Oct 28, 2010 at 6:37 PM, Matt Lafferty

Re: [RE-wrenches] Power line shading

2010-10-29 Thread Dana Brandt
I have a system with Enphase inverters that has a 1/2 cable crossing 8-10ft above the array. I used the Enphase inverters specifically for isolating that shading, but have seen no noticeable impact on production from the modules being shaded. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC

[RE-wrenches] backfeeding six disconnect panel

2010-10-28 Thread Dana Brandt
with 690.64 (B) (2) when there's no main breaker? Thanks! Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org

Re: [RE-wrenches] GT 3.0 FAILURES

2010-06-07 Thread Dana Brandt
Xantrex GT. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Mon, Jun 7, 2010 at 11:22 AM, i2p i...@aol.com wrote: SORRY FOR THE BLANK, I am replacing some GT 3.0 multiple times. Though Xantrex pays the labor, this is still a crummy deal

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solmetric Suneye 210

2010-05-13 Thread Dana Brandt
Do those apps have location specific info that will translate percentage sky blockage into percent annual solar energy so it can be used for PV calculations? Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Thu, May 13, 2010 at 10:40 AM

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase performance

2010-05-10 Thread Dana Brandt
is a good design. I recently installed 4kW of 230s with the Enphase 190s and have seen their output as high as 199W. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Fri, May 7, 2010 at 4:48 PM, Chris Worcester ch...@solarwindworks.comwrote

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase performance

2010-05-10 Thread Dana Brandt
not around here. One thing to consider is that if you go with smaller modules you need more inverters. You might compare the cost of the additional inverters to the value of the 0.2% energy loss from clipping over the lifetime of the system. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC

Re: [RE-wrenches] anti islanding?

2010-02-15 Thread Dana Brandt
Hi August, I wrote a not-too-technical description of anti-islanding for the Ask the Experts section of Home Power a while back. You can find it online at: http://homepower.com/article/?file=HP130_pg28_ATE_2 or in print in the Apr/May 2009 (#130) issue. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems

Re: [RE-wrenches] EnPhase/Racking Best Fit

2010-01-18 Thread Dana Brandt
on standing seam roof. I'm a big fan of Unirac, but I think they missed on this one. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Sat, Jan 16, 2010 at 3:06 PM, solarepiph...@gmail.com wrote: Erika, I can tell you from experience

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sanyo 210N Hit Power Modules

2009-12-08 Thread Dana Brandt
Conergy and SunWize carry them. Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Tue, Dec 8, 2009 at 6:51 AM, Drake Chamberlin drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org wrote: Does anyone have a source for Sanyo 210N Hit Power Modules? Thank

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

2009-12-04 Thread Dana Brandt
In my experience tightening the fuse holder and cleaning the contacts didn't help but a 30 minute burn in did the trick. No problems since. SMA tech support said this has be a common problem for them in humid environments. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d

Re: [RE-wrenches] does the federal grant affect depreciation?

2009-09-30 Thread Dana Brandt
Thanks, Randy. Do you have a reference for the depreciable basis being reduced by half the tax credit? I've emailed the treasury dept. and will report back what I hear from them. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Tue, Sep

Re: [RE-wrenches] does the federal grant affect depreciation?

2009-09-30 Thread Dana Brandt
Thanks, David! That's exactly what I needed. Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 12:34 PM, David Brearley david.brear...@solarprofessional.com wrote: Dana, Here is an excerpt from the latest SEIA

[RE-wrenches] does the federal grant affect depreciation?

2009-09-29 Thread Dana Brandt
Wrenches, I feel like this must have been discussed before, but I can't find it in the archives. If a business takes the 30% federal grant, do they get to depreciate 100% of the system cost, or just the remaining 70%? Thanks, Dana Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com

Re: [RE-wrenches] AC disconnect options

2009-03-04 Thread Dana Brandt
That's our experience here in Washington, too. Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 11:37 AM, Louis Woofenden lo...@woofenden.netwrote: Hi Andrew, We haven't been able to get any of the utilities

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Micro Inverter Energy System

2009-02-06 Thread Dana Brandt
of each individual module as well as any number of energy production reports and the like. It's addicting! I think in certain applications (very small systems, partial shading, multiple module orientations) they're a great solution. Best, Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC

[RE-wrenches] automatic DC switch

2009-01-23 Thread Dana Brandt
-- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re

Re: [RE-wrenches] Back feeding battery inverter with grid-tie inverter

2009-01-20 Thread Dana Brandt
already have the XW? If not, another option for AC coupling would be to talk with Outback. They've done a few of these systems and can help you put it together. Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com d...@ecotechenergy.com 360.510.0433 On Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 9:31 PM

Re: [RE-wrenches] building permits for PV

2008-12-09 Thread Dana Brandt
from the inspection which verified that - yes indeed, there are L-feet and rails on the roof. Seems pretty silly... Thanks again, Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] 360.510.0433 On Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 8:11 AM, Paul Israel [EMAIL PROTECTED

Re: [RE-wrenches] More on AC coupling

2008-11-26 Thread Dana Brandt
for AC minigrids and the multi-master operation in HP 109 - Oct/Nov 2005. It's frustrating to me that SMA hasn't UL listed a full-featured SI for us in the States, but they must figure it doesn't make financial sense for them. Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com

[RE-wrenches] trouble shooting system with Sun Tie

2008-09-11 Thread Dana Brandt
a detrimental impact on the performance, but it doesn't seem to me that it could account for all of that energy loss. Thoughts? Thanks a lot! Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] 360.510.0433 ___ List sponsored