Jeff, Around 2001 Trace/Xantrex set up its Certified Dealer Program (it happened while Xantrex was taking over Trace). It was a good attempt, long before NABCEP, to set up a way for better installers to set themselves apart and market accordingly. Pagan MacKay set it up under Ezra Auerbach's initiative.
One of the things she did was to ask the inaugural members what they needed from Xantrex/Trace that would be a benefit of being a Certified Dealer. I suggested a "care package" of all the special screws and small parts that were too easy to lose (we were still using SW inverters and DC250s at that time). Darned if she didn't make it happen! Cover screws, etc. Soon enough, "Trace Certified Dealers" became the Xantrex Energy Club or something, Pagan was gone, and the program died. Now it sounds like we have everything made in China and inadequate tech support. My story suggests that there once was a solution, with the same company, but I don't know if it could be replicated today. It would have to come from someone high up in the company. I admit I made it more difficult for her. This was about the time Xantrex was shooting itself in the foot, both with the SunTie and losing UL listing for grid-tie with the SW series. I complained about something on this list and called the company Xanthrax. Pagan asked me never to do that again, that she was asked to explain why a Certified Dealer would say that. Allan Sindelar [email protected] NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer EE98J Journeyman Electrician Positive Energy, Inc. 3201 Calle Marie Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 www.positiveenergysolar.com _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2009 8:01 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] XW6048 parts problem Thanks to all. William Miller had a spare plug left over from another job and is sending it to me so for now I am back on track. However, this still does not resolve my initial question and comments from several others on the list. Over the years when installing and later servicing different brands and models of inverters and charge controllers, covers, cover screws, special plugs (like the one we lost), and plastic display cover lenses can get lost, dented, or broken. I have found that most of these small parts, including simple cover screws, are not standard items you can find at your local electrical supply house or Radio Shack. So my question is - since you can't most of these items anywhere but the manufacturer, and it seems the manufacturers do not stock any extra, and the manufacturers don't seem to care that some missing $2.00 part of theirs is holding up a job completion, what is the solution? Jeff Yago _____ Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
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