Re: [RE-wrenches] Which commercial string inverters?

[Jerry Shafer]

Wrenches
We do lots of bigger systems and our inverter of choice  has been SMA, we
have seen many manufacturers either fail or be bought out, neither we have
any control over but considering issues  SMA has had the least of any. We
have used fronius, AE, ABB, and satcon some filled with rain water, some
just die, so far SMA has been good on all fronts with 15 tripower 24 k`s on
line at one location all in the weather 100% on line, we have 50 k at the
wetest locations there is and they work well there too.
Jerry

On Aug 16, 2016 12:26 PM, "Stephen K"  wrote:

> Hello RE-Wrenches,
>
>
> I'm a long time recipient of great knowledge, experience and advice from
> this list, but I've been an infrequent poster.
>
>
> I'm curious about this list's opinion on the current status of the
> Commercial sized string inverter product options (from ~10kW to 80kW, 600
> and 1000VDC flavors).
>
> What are your preferred inverters for ~250kW to ~2MW, US based
> installations (any mounting type - ground-mount, rooftop, carport etc)?
>
>
> How would you rank the most well-known brands considering any of the
> following categories:
>
>
>
>  a) quality and reliability / uptime
>
>  b) long-term O issues
>
>  c) Tech Support and RMA processes
>
>  d) DAS (or SCADA) factors and challenges
>
>  e) cost
>
>  f) flexibility with design variables
>
>  g) arc fault issues
>
>  h) rapid shut down
>
>  i) firmware/software glitches
>
>  j) other
>
>
> Some brand name suggestions we've become familiar with over the years
> include - Fronius, SMA, Solectria, Chint, AE, ABB, Kaco, Refusol, Huawei,
> SunGrowand more
>
>
> Thanks for sharing your thoughts everyone,
>
>
>
> *Stephen Kane*
>
> *Namaste Solar*
>
> *Co-Owner | Commercial Service and O*
>
> *NABCEP Certified in Solar PV Installation*
>
> *303.447.0300 x308 <303.447.0300%20x308>*
>
> *stephen.k...@namastesolar.com *
>
> 4571 Broadway Street | Boulder, Colorado 80304
>
> 3330 Larimer Street, Suite 1A | Denver, Colorado 80205
>
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[RE-wrenches] Which commercial string inverters?

[Stephen K]

Hello RE-Wrenches,


I'm a long time recipient of great knowledge, experience and advice from
this list, but I've been an infrequent poster.


I'm curious about this list's opinion on the current status of the
Commercial sized string inverter product options (from ~10kW to 80kW, 600
and 1000VDC flavors).

What are your preferred inverters for ~250kW to ~2MW, US based
installations (any mounting type - ground-mount, rooftop, carport etc)?


How would you rank the most well-known brands considering any of the
following categories:



 a) quality and reliability / uptime

 b) long-term O issues

 c) Tech Support and RMA processes

 d) DAS (or SCADA) factors and challenges

 e) cost

 f) flexibility with design variables

 g) arc fault issues

 h) rapid shut down

 i) firmware/software glitches

 j) other


Some brand name suggestions we've become familiar with over the years
include - Fronius, SMA, Solectria, Chint, AE, ABB, Kaco, Refusol, Huawei,
SunGrowand more


Thanks for sharing your thoughts everyone,



*Stephen Kane*

*Namaste Solar*

*Co-Owner | Commercial Service and O*

*NABCEP Certified in Solar PV Installation*

*303.447.0300 x308 <303.447.0300%20x308>*

*stephen.k...@namastesolar.com *

4571 Broadway Street | Boulder, Colorado 80304

3330 Larimer Street, Suite 1A | Denver, Colorado 80205
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[William Miller]

Chris:



All I know is an application engineer with the transformer manufacturer
suggested the higher AIC breaker and it solved the nuisance tripping.



William





[image: Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com 
805-438-5600



*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Chris Mason
*Sent:* Tuesday, August 16, 2016 1:03 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches 
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high
voltage drop?



Just a note: AIC has nothing to do with breaker trip amperage ratings or
nuisance tripping, it has to do with the ability of the switchgear to
interrupt very large fault currents for very short periods such as you
would find close to a utility transformer with very low impedance in the
event of  service failure. AIC ratings go from 10,000 amps to millions.



Buck/boost and Step up/step down are the same thing.



On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 1:59 PM, William Miller 
wrote:

Chris:



If you do provide transformers I think they are called step-up/step down.
Buck/boost transformers I believe are to make adjustments to voltages.



I have learned that you need to account for the current flow and
direction.  For one-way flow, the upstream transformer has a slightly
different turns ratio than the downstream transformer to account for
voltage drop.  With two-way current flow, you might want to consult an
engineer (application or electrical) to determine the best, most efficient
transformer pair.  You can incur a lot of losses with transformers so
design is critical.



One other complication can occur:  In-rush currents can cause nuisance
beaker tripping.  You may need to buy a breaker with higher AIC rating to
compensate for this.



Also, I bought a transformer from a reputable manufacturer that had
mis-labeled terminals.  The smell was hard to forget.  I suggest you
ohm-out any transformer to identify terminals on the same and different
windings.



In general, this kind of project can have some unforeseen complications.  I
am not that experienced, but the experience I do have has come at some
cost.  I hope to help you and fellow wrenches avoid some of that pain.



Sincerely,



William Miller



[image: Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com 
805-438-5600



*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Chris Mason
*Sent:* Tuesday, August 16, 2016 10:39 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches 
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high
voltage drop?



How much of the power produced will be self-consumed, how much will be
exported?



On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 12:16 PM, Howard Arey 
wrote:

Good day,



I have a potential client that has an existing 1,000 foot run from the
meter and transformer at the street to the home. This is 4/0 Al and quick
calcs show the voltage drop at over 12%. He acknowledges that the wire is
undersized to keep voltage at/about 240 volts (I have not measured directly
at the street / transformer yet).



I know the wire has the necessary ampacity to carry his current service
needs and to carry amps from the to-be-suggested solar system.



My concern is that the voltage drop will change the 240 volts at the
street/transformer/meter to 211ish (or will I see a higher 268’sh voltage
at the far house end?) at the house. The inverter will try to synch to this
voltage but of course this is outside of typical inverter parameters.



So, instead of re-running much large wire, does anybody have experience and
comments about potentially using a buck-boots transformer at the home to
get us back to 240 volts? This would need to be service entrance sized.



*Howard “Scot” Arey*

Owner, Solar CenTex

254-300-1228

scot.a...@solarcentex.com




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-- 

Chris Mason

NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™

Solar Design Engineer

Generac Generators Industrial technician



www.cometsolar.com 

264.235.5670

869.662.5670

Skype: netconcepts


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[Ray Walters]

My guess is that in your case the GTPV will just help alleviate the volt 
drop situation.  I wouldn't start adding transformers, etc until you are 
having a problem.  Put in the contract that this extra cost may be 
necessary for proper function, but I would keep it as a backup.  Based 
on the numbers you just mentioned, you would only be selling a surplus 
of 30 amps, and the existing wire should be adequate for that.


R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 8/16/2016 1:16 PM, Howard Arey wrote:


Answers to all:

No – I did not measure voltage at the house. Right now, only an 
assumption of voltage drop based on my perception of what “typical” 
loads might be on this 150-amp service. I wasn’t expecting to see such 
small wires for such a long run from transformer to house when I 
showed up there without a voltmeter. He is a heavy user, using 6,000 
kwh in some months


We’re looking at a 20KW system (he has some other expansion 
requirements, he has the roof space, and the need.) I roughly estimate 
that he’ll use onsite 40-50 amps of the 82 amps at peak inverter power 
output.


Interesting to hear of one transformer response and hope to learn more 
on that, too.


*Howard “Scot” Arey*

Owner, Solar CenTex

254-300-1228

scot.a...@solarcentex.com

www.solarcentex.com 

https://www.facebook.com/SolarCentex

Rated #1 Solar Installer in Texas by Solar Reviews 
__


Solar Centex Logo - No Back



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[Chris Mason]

Just a note: AIC has nothing to do with breaker trip amperage ratings or
nuisance tripping, it has to do with the ability of the switchgear to
interrupt very large fault currents for very short periods such as you
would find close to a utility transformer with very low impedance in the
event of  service failure. AIC ratings go from 10,000 amps to millions.

Buck/boost and Step up/step down are the same thing.

On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 1:59 PM, William Miller 
wrote:

> Chris:
>
>
>
> If you do provide transformers I think they are called step-up/step down.
> Buck/boost transformers I believe are to make adjustments to voltages.
>
>
>
> I have learned that you need to account for the current flow and
> direction.  For one-way flow, the upstream transformer has a slightly
> different turns ratio than the downstream transformer to account for
> voltage drop.  With two-way current flow, you might want to consult an
> engineer (application or electrical) to determine the best, most efficient
> transformer pair.  You can incur a lot of losses with transformers so
> design is critical.
>
>
>
> One other complication can occur:  In-rush currents can cause nuisance
> beaker tripping.  You may need to buy a breaker with higher AIC rating to
> compensate for this.
>
>
>
> Also, I bought a transformer from a reputable manufacturer that had
> mis-labeled terminals.  The smell was hard to forget.  I suggest you
> ohm-out any transformer to identify terminals on the same and different
> windings.
>
>
>
> In general, this kind of project can have some unforeseen complications.
> I am not that experienced, but the experience I do have has come at some
> cost.  I hope to help you and fellow wrenches avoid some of that pain.
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>
> William Miller
>
>
>
> [image: Gradient Cap_mini]
> Lic 773985
> millersolar.com 
> 805-438-5600
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Chris Mason
> *Sent:* Tuesday, August 16, 2016 10:39 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches 
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high
> voltage drop?
>
>
>
> How much of the power produced will be self-consumed, how much will be
> exported?
>
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 12:16 PM, Howard Arey 
> wrote:
>
> Good day,
>
>
>
> I have a potential client that has an existing 1,000 foot run from the
> meter and transformer at the street to the home. This is 4/0 Al and quick
> calcs show the voltage drop at over 12%. He acknowledges that the wire is
> undersized to keep voltage at/about 240 volts (I have not measured directly
> at the street / transformer yet).
>
>
>
> I know the wire has the necessary ampacity to carry his current service
> needs and to carry amps from the to-be-suggested solar system.
>
>
>
> My concern is that the voltage drop will change the 240 volts at the
> street/transformer/meter to 211ish (or will I see a higher 268’sh voltage
> at the far house end?) at the house. The inverter will try to synch to this
> voltage but of course this is outside of typical inverter parameters.
>
>
>
> So, instead of re-running much large wire, does anybody have experience
> and comments about potentially using a buck-boots transformer at the home
> to get us back to 240 volts? This would need to be service entrance sized.
>
>
>
> *Howard “Scot” Arey*
>
> Owner, Solar CenTex
>
> 254-300-1228
>
> scot.a...@solarcentex.com
>
>
>
>
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>
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>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Chris Mason
>
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
>
> Solar Design Engineer
>
> Generac Generators Industrial technician
>
>
>
> www.cometsolar.com 
>
> 264.235.5670
>
> 869.662.5670
>
> Skype: netconcepts
>
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>


-- 
Chris Mason
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
Solar Design Engineer
Generac Generators Industrial technician

www.cometsolar.com 
264.235.5670
869.662.5670
Skype: 

[RE-wrenches] Outback radian issues

[Jay]

Hi all

I was contacted by someone offsite about a 5 stack outback radian, grid 
connected that is having all sorts of problems. 
He's been in long contact with OB engineering but still no answers. 

If anyone has experience with such a critter, please let me know. 

Thanks
Jay
Peltz power. 


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[William Miller]

Chris:



If you do provide transformers I think they are called step-up/step down.
Buck/boost transformers I believe are to make adjustments to voltages.



I have learned that you need to account for the current flow and
direction.  For one-way flow, the upstream transformer has a slightly
different turns ratio than the downstream transformer to account for
voltage drop.  With two-way current flow, you might want to consult an
engineer (application or electrical) to determine the best, most efficient
transformer pair.  You can incur a lot of losses with transformers so
design is critical.



One other complication can occur:  In-rush currents can cause nuisance
beaker tripping.  You may need to buy a breaker with higher AIC rating to
compensate for this.



Also, I bought a transformer from a reputable manufacturer that had
mis-labeled terminals.  The smell was hard to forget.  I suggest you
ohm-out any transformer to identify terminals on the same and different
windings.



In general, this kind of project can have some unforeseen complications.  I
am not that experienced, but the experience I do have has come at some
cost.  I hope to help you and fellow wrenches avoid some of that pain.



Sincerely,



William Miller



[image: Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com 
805-438-5600



*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Chris Mason
*Sent:* Tuesday, August 16, 2016 10:39 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches 
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high
voltage drop?



How much of the power produced will be self-consumed, how much will be
exported?



On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 12:16 PM, Howard Arey 
wrote:

Good day,



I have a potential client that has an existing 1,000 foot run from the
meter and transformer at the street to the home. This is 4/0 Al and quick
calcs show the voltage drop at over 12%. He acknowledges that the wire is
undersized to keep voltage at/about 240 volts (I have not measured directly
at the street / transformer yet).



I know the wire has the necessary ampacity to carry his current service
needs and to carry amps from the to-be-suggested solar system.



My concern is that the voltage drop will change the 240 volts at the
street/transformer/meter to 211ish (or will I see a higher 268’sh voltage
at the far house end?) at the house. The inverter will try to synch to this
voltage but of course this is outside of typical inverter parameters.



So, instead of re-running much large wire, does anybody have experience and
comments about potentially using a buck-boots transformer at the home to
get us back to 240 volts? This would need to be service entrance sized.



*Howard “Scot” Arey*

Owner, Solar CenTex

254-300-1228

scot.a...@solarcentex.com




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-- 

Chris Mason

NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™

Solar Design Engineer

Generac Generators Industrial technician



www.cometsolar.com 

264.235.5670

869.662.5670

Skype: netconcepts
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[Glenn Burt]

Maybe a 208v inverter will fit the bill?

-Original Message-
From: "Howard Arey" 
Sent: ‎8/‎16/‎2016 12:16
To: "'RE-wrenches'" 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

Good day,

 

I have a potential client that has an existing 1,000 foot run from the meter
and transformer at the street to the home. This is 4/0 Al and quick calcs
show the voltage drop at over 12%. He acknowledges that the wire is
undersized to keep voltage at/about 240 volts (I have not measured directly
at the street / transformer yet).

 

I know the wire has the necessary ampacity to carry his current service
needs and to carry amps from the to-be-suggested solar system.

 

My concern is that the voltage drop will change the 240 volts at the
street/transformer/meter to 211ish (or will I see a higher 268'sh voltage at
the far house end?) at the house. The inverter will try to synch to this
voltage but of course this is outside of typical inverter parameters.

 

So, instead of re-running much large wire, does anybody have experience and
comments about potentially using a buck-boots transformer at the home to get
us back to 240 volts? This would need to be service entrance sized.

 

Howard "Scot" Arey

Owner, Solar CenTex

254-300-1228

scot.a...@solarcentex.com

 

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[RE-wrenches] Any Exeltech Dealers here?

[Starlight Solar Power Systems]

Wrenches,

Is anyone setup as a dealer with Exeltech? I need a 22kW MX bi-phase system but 
they only offer me retail pricing. Please contact off the list: 
la...@starlightsolar.com

Thank you,

Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems
(928) 342-9103




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[RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[Howard Arey]

Answers to all:

 

No - I did not measure voltage at the house. Right now, only an assumption
of voltage drop based on my perception of what "typical" loads might be on
this 150-amp service. I wasn't expecting to see such small wires for such a
long run from transformer to house when I showed up there without a
voltmeter. He is a heavy user, using 6,000 kwh in some months

 

We're looking at a 20KW system (he has some other expansion requirements, he
has the roof space, and the need.) I roughly estimate that he'll use onsite
40-50 amps of the 82 amps at peak inverter power output.

 

Interesting to hear of one transformer response and hope to learn more on
that, too.

 

Howard "Scot" Arey

Owner, Solar CenTex

254-300-1228

scot.a...@solarcentex.com

 

www.solarcentex.com  

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Rated #1 Solar Installer in Texas by Solar Reviews
 



 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[jerrysgarage01]

Wrenches
We have done transformers for issues just like this with good results, the cost 
vs the new wire, conduit and trenching must be done to make sure which 
direction. We have had to use paired mcm 300 to make residentual so run the 
numbers
Jerry


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT 4G LTE smartphone

 Original message From: Chris Schaefer 
 Date:08/16/2016  7:53 AM  (GMT-10:00) 
To: RE-wrenches  
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high 
voltage drop? 
Perhaps I missed it but you didn't say what you measured the voltage to 
be at the clients service entrance panel at his house?

Christopher

On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 1:40 PM, Mac Lewis  wrote:
Yes, what current did you use to calculate that voltage drop? How big is the PV 
system?


On Aug 16, 2016 11:38 AM, "Chris Mason"  wrote:
How much of the power produced will be self-consumed, how much will be exported?

On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 12:16 PM, Howard Arey  wrote:
Good day,

 

I have a potential client that has an existing 1,000 foot run from the meter 
and transformer at the street to the home. This is 4/0 Al and quick calcs show 
the voltage drop at over 12%. He acknowledges that the wire is undersized to 
keep voltage at/about 240 volts (I have not measured directly at the street / 
transformer yet).

 

I know the wire has the necessary ampacity to carry his current service needs 
and to carry amps from the to-be-suggested solar system.

 

My concern is that the voltage drop will change the 240 volts at the 
street/transformer/meter to 211ish (or will I see a higher 268’sh voltage at 
the far house end?) at the house. The inverter will try to synch to this 
voltage but of course this is outside of typical inverter parameters.

 

So, instead of re-running much large wire, does anybody have experience and 
comments about potentially using a buck-boots transformer at the home to get us 
back to 240 volts? This would need to be service entrance sized.

 

Howard “Scot” Arey

Owner, Solar CenTex

254-300-1228

scot.a...@solarcentex.com

 


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-- 
Chris Mason
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
Solar Design Engineer
Generac Generators Industrial technician

www.cometsolar.com
264.235.5670
869.662.5670
Skype: netconcepts

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Tel/Fax 585-229-2083 or Cell 585-748-1870 
5115 South Hill Road ~ Canandaigua New York 14424
www.solarandwindfx.com ~ E-mail: ch...@solarandwindfx.com



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Ballasted Roof Racking?

[Benn Kilburn]

We've been using Polar Racking which is pretty light (without ballast). 

...from my mobile
Benn Kilburn 
SkyFire Energy Inc. 
780-906-7807

> On Aug 16, 2016, at 12:58 PM, Nik Ponzio, Building Energy 
>  wrote:
> 
> Wrenchers,
> 
> Ironridge just pulled plug on their BRM. What are people specifying for small 
> (<15kW) ballasted roof mount racking for PV? 
> 
> Thanks in advance.
> 
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[RE-wrenches] Ballasted Roof Racking?

[Nik Ponzio, Building Energy]

Wrenchers,

Ironridge just pulled plug on their BRM. What are people specifying for
small (<15kW) ballasted roof mount racking for PV?

Thanks in advance.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[Chris Schaefer]

Perhaps I missed it but you didn't say what you measured the voltage to be
at the clients service entrance panel at his house?

Christopher

On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 1:40 PM, Mac Lewis  wrote:

> Yes, what current did you use to calculate that voltage drop? How big is
> the PV system?
>
> On Aug 16, 2016 11:38 AM, "Chris Mason" 
> wrote:
>
>> How much of the power produced will be self-consumed, how much will be
>> exported?
>>
>> On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 12:16 PM, Howard Arey 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Good day,
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I have a potential client that has an existing 1,000 foot run from the
>>> meter and transformer at the street to the home. This is 4/0 Al and quick
>>> calcs show the voltage drop at over 12%. He acknowledges that the wire is
>>> undersized to keep voltage at/about 240 volts (I have not measured directly
>>> at the street / transformer yet).
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I know the wire has the necessary ampacity to carry his current service
>>> needs and to carry amps from the to-be-suggested solar system.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> My concern is that the voltage drop will change the 240 volts at the
>>> street/transformer/meter to 211ish (or will I see a higher 268’sh voltage
>>> at the far house end?) at the house. The inverter will try to synch to this
>>> voltage but of course this is outside of typical inverter parameters.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> So, instead of re-running much large wire, does anybody have experience
>>> and comments about potentially using a buck-boots transformer at the home
>>> to get us back to 240 volts? This would need to be service entrance sized.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *Howard “Scot” Arey*
>>>
>>> Owner, Solar CenTex
>>>
>>> 254-300-1228
>>>
>>> scot.a...@solarcentex.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ___
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>>> Change listserver email address & settings:
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>>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>>
>>> Check out or update participant bios:
>>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Chris Mason
>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
>> Solar Design Engineer
>> Generac Generators Industrial technician
>>
>> www.cometsolar.com 
>> 264.235.5670
>> 869.662.5670
>> Skype: netconcepts
>>
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-- 

Chris Schaefer’s


*Tel/Fax 585-229-2083 or Cell 585-748-1870 *
*5115 South Hill Road ~ Canandaigua New York 14424**www.solarandwindfx.com
 ~ E-mail: ch...@solarandwindfx.com
*


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"democracy" will cease to exist when you take away from those who are
willing to work and give to those who would not."
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[Mac Lewis]

Yes, what current did you use to calculate that voltage drop? How big is
the PV system?

On Aug 16, 2016 11:38 AM, "Chris Mason" 
wrote:

> How much of the power produced will be self-consumed, how much will be
> exported?
>
> On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 12:16 PM, Howard Arey 
> wrote:
>
>> Good day,
>>
>>
>>
>> I have a potential client that has an existing 1,000 foot run from the
>> meter and transformer at the street to the home. This is 4/0 Al and quick
>> calcs show the voltage drop at over 12%. He acknowledges that the wire is
>> undersized to keep voltage at/about 240 volts (I have not measured directly
>> at the street / transformer yet).
>>
>>
>>
>> I know the wire has the necessary ampacity to carry his current service
>> needs and to carry amps from the to-be-suggested solar system.
>>
>>
>>
>> My concern is that the voltage drop will change the 240 volts at the
>> street/transformer/meter to 211ish (or will I see a higher 268’sh voltage
>> at the far house end?) at the house. The inverter will try to synch to this
>> voltage but of course this is outside of typical inverter parameters.
>>
>>
>>
>> So, instead of re-running much large wire, does anybody have experience
>> and comments about potentially using a buck-boots transformer at the home
>> to get us back to 240 volts? This would need to be service entrance sized.
>>
>>
>>
>> *Howard “Scot” Arey*
>>
>> Owner, Solar CenTex
>>
>> 254-300-1228
>>
>> scot.a...@solarcentex.com
>>
>>
>>
>> ___
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>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Chris Mason
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
> Solar Design Engineer
> Generac Generators Industrial technician
>
> www.cometsolar.com 
> 264.235.5670
> 869.662.5670
> Skype: netconcepts
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[Chris Mason]

How much of the power produced will be self-consumed, how much will be
exported?

On Tue, Aug 16, 2016 at 12:16 PM, Howard Arey 
wrote:

> Good day,
>
>
>
> I have a potential client that has an existing 1,000 foot run from the
> meter and transformer at the street to the home. This is 4/0 Al and quick
> calcs show the voltage drop at over 12%. He acknowledges that the wire is
> undersized to keep voltage at/about 240 volts (I have not measured directly
> at the street / transformer yet).
>
>
>
> I know the wire has the necessary ampacity to carry his current service
> needs and to carry amps from the to-be-suggested solar system.
>
>
>
> My concern is that the voltage drop will change the 240 volts at the
> street/transformer/meter to 211ish (or will I see a higher 268’sh voltage
> at the far house end?) at the house. The inverter will try to synch to this
> voltage but of course this is outside of typical inverter parameters.
>
>
>
> So, instead of re-running much large wire, does anybody have experience
> and comments about potentially using a buck-boots transformer at the home
> to get us back to 240 volts? This would need to be service entrance sized.
>
>
>
> *Howard “Scot” Arey*
>
> Owner, Solar CenTex
>
> 254-300-1228
>
> scot.a...@solarcentex.com
>
>
>
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>


-- 
Chris Mason
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
Solar Design Engineer
Generac Generators Industrial technician

www.cometsolar.com 
264.235.5670
869.662.5670
Skype: netconcepts
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[RE-wrenches] Buck-Boost transformer to mitigate high voltage drop?

[Howard Arey]

Good day,

 

I have a potential client that has an existing 1,000 foot run from the meter
and transformer at the street to the home. This is 4/0 Al and quick calcs
show the voltage drop at over 12%. He acknowledges that the wire is
undersized to keep voltage at/about 240 volts (I have not measured directly
at the street / transformer yet).

 

I know the wire has the necessary ampacity to carry his current service
needs and to carry amps from the to-be-suggested solar system.

 

My concern is that the voltage drop will change the 240 volts at the
street/transformer/meter to 211ish (or will I see a higher 268'sh voltage at
the far house end?) at the house. The inverter will try to synch to this
voltage but of course this is outside of typical inverter parameters.

 

So, instead of re-running much large wire, does anybody have experience and
comments about potentially using a buck-boots transformer at the home to get
us back to 240 volts? This would need to be service entrance sized.

 

Howard "Scot" Arey

Owner, Solar CenTex

254-300-1228

scot.a...@solarcentex.com

 

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