Re: [RE-wrenches] SunSaver failures; MPPT controller reliability (1A Charge/Load controller)
Jason,Not much to elaborate on. A single 200 watt Sanyo module, about 25' of 8 gauge wire, lowest temperature 20 degrees. When the SunSaver controllers fail, they cause a short circuit at the battery terminals. Morningstar handled the warranty as they do all SunSaver warranty's, quickly sending replacements with return postage for the defective unit.We have had 4 SunSaver failures since November 1.I sell 150+ charge controllers at our retail store each season (Nov. ~ Dec.), most of which are MPPT. Reliability is critical to me and I pay very close attention to failures. Most of my customers are mobile and not able to return to our store if a product fails.I have tested and sold many MPPT models. The Phocos MPPT controller I was evaluating failed and we have had our share of Outback and BZ controller failures. Blue Sky Energy has had a few bad controllers but compared to the volume of BSE products we sell (over 1100) they have been the most reliable. I have not yet tested Steca, TriStar, or Xantrex MPPT controllers.Larry Starlight Solar Power Systems Original Message Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 10A Charge / load controller From: Jason Lerner wapa...@rockisland.com Date: Sat, January 22, 2011 11:56 am To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Hi Larry,I am curious about the failures you have had, could you elaborate?Thanks,Jason LernerWaldron Power and Light Co.On Jan 21, 2011, at 5:37 PM, Starlight Solar, Larry Crutcher wrote:I have had failures with the Sunsaver MPPT. I have used them with a single Sanyo modulein small battery systems. Perhaps they just can't handle the 50.9Voc.LarryStarlight Solar Power Systems ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] SunSaver failures; MPPT controller reliability (1A Charge/Load controller)
Thanks Larry for all the good info, I have not had any problem with SSMPPT but my volume is 2, a few years back I had trouble with a Morningstar product, and they were very fast and complete in the replace ment service. Also if they know of a problem they are very through ingetting to the source and will make product changes (as they did for the priduct that I used) to prevent it in the future. You by getting this back to them have probibly caused an evaluation and maybe a change in design. I have been most happy with them. I use their sunlight and similar small controllers. Darryl From: la...@starlightsolar.com la...@starlightsolar.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Sun, January 23, 2011 9:58:46 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SunSaver failures; MPPT controller reliability (1A Charge/Load controller) Jason, Not much to elaborate on. A single 200 watt Sanyo module, about 25' of 8 gauge wire, lowest temperature 20 degrees. When the SunSaver controllers fail, they cause a short circuit at the battery terminals. Morningstar handled the warranty as they do all SunSaver warranty's, quickly sending replacements with return postage for the defective unit. We have had 4 SunSaver failures since November 1. I sell 150+ charge controllers at our retail store each season (Nov. ~ Dec.), most of which are MPPT. Reliability is critical to me and I pay very close attention to failures. Most of my customers are mobile and not able to return to our store if a product fails. I have tested and sold many MPPT models. The Phocos MPPT controller I was evaluating failed and we have had our share of Outback and BZ controller failures. Blue Sky Energy has had a few bad controllers but compared to the volume of BSE products we sell (over 1100) they have been the most reliable. I have not yet tested Steca, TriStar, or Xantrex MPPT controllers. Larry Starlight Solar Power Systems Original Message Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 10A Charge / load controller From: Jason Lerner wapa...@rockisland.com Date: Sat, January 22, 2011 11:56 am To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Hi Larry, I am curious about the failures you have had, could you elaborate? Thanks, Jason Lerner Waldron Power and Light Co. On Jan 21, 2011, at 5:37 PM, Starlight Solar, Larry Crutcher wrote: I have had failures with the Sunsaver MPPT. I have used them with a single Sanyo module in small battery systems. Perhaps they just can't handle the 50.9 Voc. Larry Starlight Solar Power Systems ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] SunSaver failures; MPPT controller reliability (1A Charge/Load controller)
Larry Were the failures on 12 or 24v systems? Thank you, Maverick Maverick Brown BSEET, NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® President CEO Maverick Solar Enterprises, Inc. Office: 512-919-4493 Cell:512-460-9825 Sent from an iPhone. On Jan 23, 2011, at 9:58 AM, la...@starlightsolar.com wrote: Jason, Not much to elaborate on. A single 200 watt Sanyo module, about 25' of 8 gauge wire, lowest temperature 20 degrees. When the SunSaver controllers fail, they cause a short circuit at the battery terminals. Morningstar handled the warranty as they do all SunSaver warranty's, quickly sending replacements with return postage for the defective unit. We have had 4 SunSaver failures since November 1. I sell 150+ charge controllers at our retail store each season (Nov. ~ Dec.), most of which are MPPT. Reliability is critical to me and I pay very close attention to failures. Most of my customers are mobile and not able to return to our store if a product fails. I have tested and sold many MPPT models. The Phocos MPPT controller I was evaluating failed and we have had our share of Outback and BZ controller failures. Blue Sky Energy has had a few bad controllers but compared to the volume of BSE products we sell (over 1100) they have been the most reliable. I have not yet tested Steca, TriStar, or Xantrex MPPT controllers. Larry Starlight Solar Power Systems Original Message Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 10A Charge / load controller From: Jason Lerner wapa...@rockisland.com Date: Sat, January 22, 2011 11:56 am To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Hi Larry, I am curious about the failures you have had, could you elaborate? Thanks, Jason Lerner Waldron Power and Light Co. On Jan 21, 2011, at 5:37 PM, Starlight Solar, Larry Crutcher wrote: I have had failures with the Sunsaver MPPT. I have used them with a single Sanyo module in small battery systems. Perhaps they just can't handle the 50.9 Voc. Larry Starlight Solar Power Systems ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Thermal question
Wrenches, Who is a good wholesale source for El-Sid DC circulator pumps, preferably who also carries replacement drivers? Who has been a good source for thermal components and materials in general? Thanks, Allan -- Allan Sindelar Allan@positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer EE98J Journeyman Electrician Positive Energy, Inc. 3201 Calle Marie Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 www.positiveenergysolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Male Whip follow-up
As a (serious) side note, EnPhase says using a cut extension cable will void the warranty of the entire installation. This is due to the inconsistant color coding of the extension cables and whips. The danger of crossing phases within the same circuit. Best (and only acceptable) practice is to parallel sub arrays. Eric ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Thermal question
Try AEE Jonathan Hill Solar applications engineer Sierra Solar Systems 888-ON-SOLAR On Jan 23, 2011, at 8:57 AM, Allan Sindelar al...@positiveenergysolar.com wrote: Wrenches, Who is a good wholesale source for El-Sid DC circulator pumps, preferably who also carries replacement drivers? Who has been a good source for thermal components and materials in general? Thanks, Allan -- Allan Sindelar al...@positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer EE98J Journeyman Electrician Positive Energy, Inc. 3201 Calle Marie Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 www.positiveenergysolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Male Whip follow-up
Hello Eric: Would you please provide a reference to the literature where Enphase says, using a cut extension cable will void the warranty of the entire installation. I didn't see anything in the installation manual. Also, Enphase did recommend the application to me. It was actually pretty easy to make the connections without 'crossing phases.' Project Manager Advanced Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC PO Box 657 Petaluma, CA 94953 Cell: 707-321-2937 Office: 707-789-9537 Fax:707-769-9037 From: Eric Thomas solarepiph...@gmail.com To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Sun, January 23, 2011 10:29:08 AM Subject: [RE-wrenches] Male Whip follow-up As a (serious) side note, EnPhase says using a cut extension cable will void the warranty of the entire installation. This is due to the inconsistant color coding of the extension cables and whips. The danger of crossing phases within the same circuit. Best (and only acceptable) practice is to parallel sub arrays. Eric ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] 10A Charge / load controller
From memory it seems that the max voltage listed in the manual for the Sun Saver MPPT is 35 volts but I don’t have it handy. Bob Ellison From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Starlight Solar, Larry Crutcher Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 8:38 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 10A Charge / load controller I have had failures with the Sunsaver MPPT. I have used them with a single Sanyo module in small battery systems. Perhaps they just can't handle the 50.9 Voc. Larry Starlight Solar Power Systems - Original Message - From: Maverick Brown [Maverick Solar] mailto:maver...@mavericksolar.com To: RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 5:38 PM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 10A Charge / load controller Try SunSaver MPPT. 15 amps, MPPT and load control (or light) control Use the MSC to connect the controller to your PC and adjust many settings and get log data. We use a lot of them and have had very few issues. Thank you, Maverick Maverick Brown BSEET, NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® President CEO Maverick Solar Enterprises, Inc. Office: 512-919-4493 Cell:512-460-9825 Sent from an iPhone. On Jan 20, 2011, at 5:37 PM, Jason Szumlanski ja...@fafcosolar.com wrote: I’m looking for a ~10A charge controller for a 12V battery with adjustable LVD that goes up to at least 12V. Priorities in order are: 1. Small in size 2. Good 3. Cheap The best I can come up with now is the Xantrex C12. Looking for alternatives. Recommendations? Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _ ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
