All,
We replaced a failed Radian in our shop PV/backup system with an elderly Sunny
Island 5048 salvaged from a demo. The inverter works fine, but needs a battery
temperature sensor. I’m having no luck finding one to buy, unless it ships from
Europe. Or, if another make is compatible.
Any help?
Larry,
I recommend considering retrofitting the SolarEdge “StorEdge” Li-ion battery.
It’s a high-voltage battery on the PV side of the inverter. We have a few out
there now for a few months without a problem. Really like the design concept of
the storage on the PV side, increasing system efficie
Hi All,
In the early days with PV and SWH we didn’t use flashings for most roofs
(except tile). We used L-feet directly to the roofing with butyl (comp) or EPDM
(metal) and pre-filled our holes and covered the attachments with good goop.
We've never had a leak reported from this practice. And, h
e a single line diagram you can share?
>
>
> Best,
>
>
> August
>
>
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
> Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2015 3:19 PM
> To: RE Wrenches lists
ingle line diagram you can share?
>
> Best,
>
> August
>
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
> Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2015 3:19 PM
> To: RE Wrenches listserve
>
Wrenches,
We have issues with a 1-1/2 year old 25 kW grid-tied PV system utilizing 2 step
up transformers from the array to grid. Actually it’s two identical, 12.5 kW
systems (for incentive and financing reasons) on each transformer. Note that
the inverter size and voltage selection was also dic
Ray,
The battery-based inverter in an AC-coupled system should not be
grid-interactive. The grid passes through the BB inverter to the grid-direct
inverter(s). The BB inverter is there to create a stable grid-like signal for
the grid-direct inverters when the grid is not present, and to manage t
be appreciated.
Thanks,
-Kelly
Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Principal
Whidbey Sun & Wind
Renewable Energy Systems
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
WA Electrical Administrator
987 Wanamaker Rd.
Coupeville, WA 98239
ke...@whidbeysunwind.com
PH & FAX: 360.678.7131
On Jan 13, 2011, at 7:33 PM,
LLC
PO Box 657
Petaluma, CA 94953
Cell: 707-321-2937
Office: 707-789-9537
Fax: 707-769-9037
From: "Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind"
To: RE-wrenches
Sent: Fri, January 14, 2011 3:06:09 PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Incompatible Metals
Scott,
300.3(2) allows grounding and
llows it, but
only for module interconnections.
Scott
On Jan 14, 2011, at 11:45 AM, Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
wrote:
Peter,
Yes the #10 XHHW (2) we use is green-jacketed, and 90˚ rated. We
get it through our local electrical supply house.
Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun &
m: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kelly
Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 10:14 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Incompatible Metals
Peter,
I have never understood the common practi
s?
Best,
August
-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kelly
Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 9:35 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] AC coupled, grid-tie
Peter,
I have never understood the common practice of using bare copper
ground wire on and against aluminum frames and modules. It always has
been a dissimilar metals issue. Just look anywhere copper has set
against aluminum for awhile.
We use #10 green jacketed Cu USE or XHHW conductor and
sage-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kelly
Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2011 7:33 PM
To: RE Wrenches listserve
Subject: [RE-wrenches] AC coupled, grid-tied Sunny Island -
contact
Wrenches,
We are including 2 Sunny Island inverters into a previously battery-
less grid tied design utilizing 20 kW of PV on Enphase micro inverters
and 2 SMA Windy Boy 6000 inverters (10 kW XZERES 442 turbine). Our
customer wishes to run his fuel generator as little as possible when
the g
group, good
and bad,
during and after the initial installation.
Best of Luck!
Matt Lafferty
-Original Message-----
From: Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 8:10 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] VAWT recommendation
Greg,
I've already
59-1; format=flowed
Kelly;
I would insist on a years worth of actual wind speed versus energy
output data performed by an unaffiliated third party, before even
touching this project with a 10-foot gin pole.
DAN FINK
Buckville Energy Consulting LLC
Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind wrote:
ot;VAWT"
and "last a while" can be used in the same sentence -- in terms of
company longevity, number of units flying in the field, *or* turbine
reliability record.
DAN FINK
Buckville Energy Consulting LLC
Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind wrote:
Hi Dan,
Project done
by an unaffiliated third party, before even
touching this project with a 10-foot gin pole.
DAN FINK
Buckville Energy Consulting LLC
Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind wrote:
Wind wrenches,
We have a subcontract to install 30kW of VAWT, along with 30kW of
PV for the Navy. The Navy sp
Wind wrenches,
We have a subcontract to install 30kW of VAWT, along with 30kW of PV
for the Navy. The Navy specified Helix Wind turbines, and is adamant
on sticking with VAWTs, although they may accept an alternative. The
GC we are working under is sufficiently scared of Helix to look for a
High, wind techs,
We need to buy new tower climbing/work harnesses. What make, model,
and features do you like and recommend?
I just sent a message to the Home Wind Tech list on this subject. But,
as I haven't seen a message there since May, I thought I might
generate a little more buzz,
ified PV Installer ™
david.brear...@solarprofessional.com
On 7/31/10 3:28 PM, "Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind" > wrote:
Hi All,
I'm working on the design for a PV & Wind power system for a
military installation. The specs call for Lightning Protection as
follow
Hi All,
I'm working on the design for a PV & Wind power system for a military
installation. The specs call for Lightning Protection as follows:
"Provide a complete lightning protection system with a UL Lightning
Protection Inspection Certificate.
including, but not necessarily limited to,
ation and most LA county
freeways experience particulate pollution that not only reduces PV
production but causes permanent respiratory damage to children and
shorten the lives of elderly people, sort of like the canary in the
mine.
Joel Davidson
- Original Message -----
From: Kelly
Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & Wind
Renewable Energy Systems
ke...@whidbeysunwind.com
360-678-7131
On Jun 9, 2010, at 8:59 AM, i2p wrote:
On Jun 9, 2010, at 8:22:12 AM, "Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind" > wrote:
Thanks, Joel
How about PV systems away from the coast, in a hot
degrees F.
Average minimum winter temp. 46 degrees F.
- Original Message - From: "Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun &
Wind"
To: "RE Wrenches listserve"
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 10:34 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Real world PV production
CA Wrenches,
What d
CA Wrenches,
What does a PV system in a hot, smoggy or dusty area of California
actually produce, in kWh/kWp/year? Not an ideal system that is washed
every month, but real-world, average system figures, verified by a
production meter.
Thanks,
-Kelly
Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & Wind
r interest in getting a solution to this pesky problem.
Bill Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar
- Original Message -
From: "Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind"
To: "RE Wrenches listserve"
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 1:14 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] SWH - mixi
6
ra...@brookssolar.com
www.BrooksSolar.com
On May 19, 2010, at 2:14 AM, Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
wrote:
Thermal wrenches,
I'm having an ongoing issue with mixing valves in my own system
not keeping a steady mix domestic HW temperature as the tank
temperature varies wi
sts
Morrisville, VT 05661
(p) 802-223-7014
(c) 802-498-5856
www.thesolarspecialists.com
On May 19, 2010, at 2:14 AM, Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind wrote:
Thermal wrenches,
I'm having an ongoing issue with mixing valves in my own system not
keeping a steady mix domestic HW temperatu
Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar
- Original Message -
From: "Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind"
To: "RE Wrenches listserve"
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 1:14 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] SWH - mixing valves
Thermal wrenches,
I'm having an ongoing is
Thermal wrenches,
I'm having an ongoing issue with mixing valves in my own system not
keeping a steady mix domestic HW temperature as the tank temperature
varies with solar heating. If I set it for (say) 122˚F mix when the
tank is 135˚, it seems to hold that differential at all tank temps -
Thermal Wrenches:
Have any of you tried the glycerin-based heat transfer fluid instead
of glycol? We're interested in its purported resistance to heat
degradation, perhaps extending the period between service changes. The
particular mfr and brand we're considering is Whitlam "Solar Hi-Temp.
As long as the pole surface area required is in earth contact I don't
see a problem with that. However, our pole mounts are filled to ground
surface with concrete- usually necessary for foundation strength
requirements.
If the hole is big we use a rebar mesh cage surrounding the pole. If
au
Todd,
I haven't checked the transformer temps, just haven't seen it shut
down. The temps I mentioned are max ambient (seldom).
Kelly,
from mobile
On Feb 25, 2010, at 9:23, toddc...@finestplanet.com wrote:
How high have the temp counts on your transformer gotten?
Todd
On Wednesday, Febru
All,
I'm a little late on this thread, but wanted to give some contrary
experience. We have, maybe, 15 BFS watering systems out there, dating back 5
to 6 years. Although I've experienced some issues in getting watering
systems set up properly, once they are set I haven't seen a problem develop.
Im
.414
> C - 970.209.4076
>
> -Original Message-
> From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kelly
> Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
> Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 9:21 AM
> To: RE Wrenches
Wrenches,
Anyone know of a source for dark bronze flashing for mounting posts? We'd
planned to use the Quick-Mount PV flashings. However, this is new
construction, so I'd prefer to mount posts direct to the sheathing before
the roofer gets on it.
Thanks,
-Kelly
Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & W
ntains and
> they work great.
>
> Best regards,
> Mark Dickson
>
> Oasis Montana Inc.
>
>
>
> From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kelly
> Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind
>
Hi all,
We have a pond with rockery and small cascade (< 5-ft total head) with a
solar-direct pump for demonstration at our office. The Dankoff ³Sun Delight²
pump that¹s been running it for a year (plus at shows for the last 8 years)
has given out and needs to be replaced. We tried a 12-V bilge pum
Dave,
Only GEC's are subject to the "continuous" rule (250.64C). It sounds like
your are talking about an EGC tapped from the GEC.
When splicing PV GEC's required under 690.47D, either together (from
separated arrays) or to the existing AC GEC (if close enough), we have been
allowed to use split b
Hi all,
Any recommendations/prohibitions on sealant/glue to reattach a junction box
to the back of a PV module? BP 585, if it makes a difference.
Thanks,
Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & Wind, LLC
Renewable Energy Systems
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
987 Wanamaker Rd,
Coupeville, WA 98239
PH &
form as well as your tilted
> north-south tubes?
>
> Joel Davidson
>
> ----- Original Message -
> From: "Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind"
> To: "RE Wrenches listserve"
> Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 12:12 AM
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Tube s
All,
Apricus ET's have a cylindrical absorber surface, which are significantly
better at capturing low angle of incidence energy. I have both a Thermomax
(with flat collector plate internal to the tube) and Apricus collector in
parallel on my own home and see significantly better temperatures early
Laura,
I attended that seminar, toothe statistics on the overwhelming high
percentage of liability cases being due to water incursion into the building
made me sit up and pay attention.
Do you know if the ³EternaBond² sealant is compatible with polyurethane
sealant? I would prefer to fill our
Wrenches,
Forwarding the off-list reply to my post, below. (Matt's reply to the List
bounces back to him).
I've received a few replies off-list from other wrenches who are of like
mind on this.
-Kelly
-- Forwarded Message
From:
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:27:46 -0400 (EDT)
To: Kelly Keilwitz
William,
Do you use boots, even when there is no backing (sheathing) under the metal?
-Kelly
On 6/15/09 5:38 PM, "William Miller" wrote:
> Boots.
>
>
> At 05:14 PM 6/15/2009, you wrote:
>
>
>> What do you do on metal roofs in these situations?
>
__
Wrenches,
We install PV & SHW on a lot of flat-pan metal roofs here in the Great
Northwest. Most of these roofing seams are not amenable to S-5! clips and
if they are we can¹t trust how the roof is held down.
We want to install the supports to best roofing practices. The roofers that
we¹ve work
Mark,
On 6/5/09 5:16 PM, "Mark Frye" wrote:
> Kelly,
>
> I am in California which is inspecting to CEC 2007 referring to NEC 2005.
> The next adoption cycle is 2010, so it will be a year before the California
> AJH's have NEC 2008 officially on their desks.
AHHHTHAT'S why this list has b
991 x.5054
> e-mail:bcr...@nietc.org
>
>
>
>
> On Jun 5, 2009, at 12:10 PM, Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind wrote:
>
>> Mark,
>> I don't think that the 690.47D "PV GE" is part of the premises AC & DC
>> ground electrode system.
Mark,
Yes, it's confusing. Which is why I wanted to know what the Wrenches are
actually DOING in their installations to meet 690.47D.
On 6/5/09 1:19 PM, "Mark Frye" wrote:
> Thanks Kelly,
>
> I haven't gotten the handbook, but I think I am getting the picture.
>
> How nice of the handbook to
Mark,
I don't think that the 690.47D "PV GE" is part of the premises AC & DC
ground electrode system.
IMO, in order to function to properly as ³enhanced protection from lightning
induced surges² as described in the 690.47(D) section note in the 2008 NEC
Handbook, the ³optional supplementary groun
Dick,
Thanks for your take on this.
The problem I see with using the existing AC/DC system GE for the PV GE is
that the EGC will run in parallel with it, separate, but connected at each
end (at the array and at the GE). This could set up a ground loop and still
leaves the electronic imperiled.
I
All,
This issue was discussed here about a year ago, before most jurisdictions
had adopted the 2008 Code and AHJ's started interpreting it.
Our current situation is a residential, roof-mounted PV array, with not an
extraordinary distance to the existing AC GEC. The AHJ has NOT required the
"addit
Marco,
Just installed a 7.5 last week, our first. We have a 10K and a 4K in the
shop waiting to go up. I'm impressed with the design - it's obvious that a
lot of thought went into it. And, it's so nice not to lift a lot of
copper :)
We'll have to stay tuned on the energy production and reliabil
FYI, Enphase is lowering their subscription price for residential monitoring
systems, now making it much more cost effective. A recent reply from their
customer support:
Following is the "pre-release" price list for residential Enlighthen
service:
>>
>> ENLS-01-Y1 $2.00 Enlighten 1 year subscript
Hi Max,
We¹ve done one, have one in the shop ready to go, and another on contract.
Great solution for future expansion and clean installation. All mods are in
parallel, but installation (with adapter cord) is end to end. No main
inverter, no DC disconnect, no service or ³grouped² AC disconnect requ
Drake,
As we have an Interstate distributor nearby and get daily, free, delivery,
we've used the Interstate "Workaholic" L-16's extensively, for ~ 6 years. I
have them in my own system. I understand that they are made by U.S. Battery
for Interstate, so you should get specs, there. I got printed spe
Hi All,
Anyone use the Quick-Mount PV system for tile? We don't do many tile roofs,
but we have an upcoming job with flat cement tiles. In the past we've pulled
the tiles, placed posts and flashed, cutting the tile to fit. It's a pain.
The Quick Mount PV system, www.quickmountpv.com, replaces a til
Hi All,
Xantrex is gone from Washington. I¹m fairly sure that it¹s complete.
They¹ve been moving out since they bought Trace. Perhaps the Xantrex rep can
confirm.
-Kelly
On 12/6/08 10:36 AM, "Ken Schaal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> The Schneider deal has closed, stock has been redeemed, a mon
Wrenches,
We¹re doing a lot of work on new-construction metal roofs. The problem isn¹t
so much staying on the roof (unless wet!) but tracking sand up onto the roof
from the foundation area which scratches up the roof and, then, becomes a
safety issue. We¹ve tried laying old carpet at the ladder o
Hi Dana,
I¹m hearing that it ³should² be OK, but to CYA install a relay.
We just secured a third such system this one with the generator and
transfer switch 200 feet away from the inverter. Installing a relay on this
one would mean 200 feet of conduit through driveway and landscaping. Or,
maybe
All,
I suppose a normally-closed relay on the inverter output, with coil
energized from the generator (i.e. It opens when the genny is on) might be
easier than a NO relay on the grid-side. Anyone do it this way?
-Kelly
On 11/20/08 9:30 AM, "Kelly Keilwitz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> The re
Jay, Drake, Don, Jeff & Wrenches,
The relay seems like a reasonable solution. However, if the main panel is
entirely backed up by the genny, to power the relay from the grid (only)
requires a line-side tap, yes? Is there a simple solution that I¹m missing?
We have another, similar system complete
Wrenches,
I'm dredging up this subject again (previous postings 6/08) with a simple
question that doesn't seem to have been answered:
Is there any issue connecting a batteryless grid-tie PV system to the load
side of a panel that is backed-up by a generator on an automatic transfer
switch, when th
Carl,
Thanks for the info. Is data logging/collection possible with the Metrima
meters? There is a lot of information in a language I don¹t understand
in the ³communication² section of the link you provided.
-Kelly
On 11/14/08 7:39 PM, "Carl Adams" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Kelly,
>
> I
Nik,
Thanks for the info. I was just about to ask if anyone has used the
Heliodyne Delta T-Pro
Where did you source it from? Gro has given me an expected price of ~$300
(but don't have 'em). The cost of the digital flow meter/temp gauge is on
top of that. Is the digital flow meter necessary, o
Thermal wrenches,
We have a customer who wants to log the energy gain of his SHW system.
The only viable option we've found is by Resol (also rebranded by Caleffi)
which includes their top-line controller (~$280) in conjunction with their
data logger, DL-2 ($500). With markup and installation this
Hi Carl,
We've installed Apricus systems for about 3 years. I expect that the 72.5
psi = 5 bars, is the recommended system TEST pressure, before charging. We
hold pressure on all our systems at 75 - 80 psi, before charging at 25 to 35
psi. We used to take the test pressure higher, before using pum
Hi Ray,
I'm curious to know why you think that metallic conduit is required for the
inverter AC output. 690.31(E) specifically addresses DC source and output
circuits.
We have an AHJ who interprets the section the same as you and I've been
working to turn him (as he's now responsible for training
Hi All,
We¹ve seen this on 2 SMA SB¹s (one a 3000; can¹t recall the other) this
year. In both cases we got it to work by fiddling with the jumper. Another
installer recommended that trick.
-Kelly
Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & Wind, LLC
Renewable Energy Systems
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
98
Hi Bob,
You can download just about any panel, inverter, etc that you want and drop
it into your drawing. Just search someone out there has likely already
drawn it, and put it out to share.
-Kelly
Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & Wind, LLC
Renewable Energy Systems
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Hi Nik,
We recently started using Google¹s 3-D program ³Sketchup² for our layouts.
The basic program is free and fairly fast to get started with. It allows us
to give prospective customers a simple perspective drawing showing how it
will look. It has a shading feature that allows you to move the su
Wrenches:
We're designing a 30kW PV system based around the PVP-30kW inverter. I'd
appreciate any feedback from those of you who have experience with this
inverter.
Also, any experience with PVP's web-based performance monitoring (included
with this inverter)? The specifications call for Fat Spani
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