Hi Greg, we've done a lot of Gov't, Public Works stuff over the years. Be very
detailed with your list of inclusions and exclusions and stay away from the
"power performance guarantees" Your company should be the one to define "Prime
Solar Conditions". I'd have a line item in your bid to cover the cost of all
the testing and itemize your bid as much as possible so they know what they are
getting in your bid and can compare it to your competition......
Max Balchowsky
SEE Systems
1048 Irvine Ave, Suite 217
Newport Beach, Ca. 92660
________________________________
From: Greg Egan <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wed, May 5, 2010 8:21:28 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] required inverter and system testing
Esteemed Wrenches,
I'm in the process of bidding a small government job. They're requiring the
following tests. I was wondering if any of you have ever run across this
before and if so how you went about it.
- Inspect inverters according to requirements in NETA Acceptance
Testing
Specifications.
- Test the PV system under prime solar design conditions to validate
system
power performance rating. Use instruments calibrated within the
previous six
months according to NIST standards. (not easy since the site they've chosen
will shade some of the array all the time. I should be able to just explain
this to them)
- Simulate malfunctions, including ground faults, to verify protective
device
operation. (I would create a GF and then replace the fuse for this test)
- Test anti-islanding shutdown function due to normal utility source
failure,
time delay and automatic restart after utility power restoration. (this is an
easy one)
- Test and record the total harmonic distortion (THD) content of
output
current at 25, 50, and 100 percent of system rating. Comply with IEEE 519
at MDP point of connection.
- Test and record the real power output for each inverter, and total
power
delivered at the grid tie connection, for a 24 hour period. The continuous
power output during prime solar conditions shall meet or
exceed
performance requirement under part I of this specification.
- For each inverter, record DC input voltage for 24 hours, to
demonstrate
affects of maximum power point tracking (MPPT), voltage regulation within
inverter rated limits, and affect of partial shading on solar
modules.
Simulate partial shading by covering 50% of modules during prime
solar
conditions.
- Record of Tests and Inspections: Prepare and submit documentation
of tests and
inspections, including references to manufacturers' written instructions
and other test
and inspection criteria. Include results of tests, inspections, and retests.
Any advice would be gratefully accepted and appreciated!
Best,
Greg Egan
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Remote Power Inc.
Fairbanks, AK
--
Greg Egan
Remote Power Inc.
981 Gold Mine Trail
Fairbanks, AK 99712
P. 907.457.4299
U.S.Distributor for Outback Power Systems and other premium power equipment.
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