Re: [RE-wrenches] NOS SMA-41

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

John,
Just an FYI, the new SBSE inverters are available in the up to 7.7kw
models. I believe the SPS is possible with them right now, but the more
involved backup options are not yet available.
Cheers,
Dave

On Tue, May 28, 2024 at 1:50 PM John Blittersdorf via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Jeremy,
> I’m looking for the same inverter as well.  I was just going to post info
> on a PV upgrade for one of my oldest customers currently running a grid tie
> with backup installed in  2002.  It is a Trace SW4024 with 3 MX60's and 3
> TOP racks of 12 Sunwize 110's.  I am going to repanel with 24 365 watt
> panels or higher with some continuing to feed into 2 FM80’s and the rest of
> the PV direct grid tied.  I was looking at the Secure Power supply as a
> source when grid was out to feed the additional power to the batteries
> through 2 iota DLS  24v 40 amps chargers in a longer outage.  It looks like
> the new SMA 3.8 hybrid inverter would also work but may not yet be
> available.
>
> John.
>
> On Tue, May 28, 2024 at 7:Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Looking for an SB3.8-1SP-US-41 if anyone has one please contact me off
>> list
>>
>>
>>
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1453+M+St.+%0D%0A+Penrose+Colorado+81240?entry=gmail=g>
>> Jeremy Rodriguez
>> Solar Installation / Design
>> All Solar, Inc.
>> 1453 M St.
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1453+M+St.+%0D%0A+Penrose+Colorado+81240?entry=gmail=g>
>>
>> Penrose Colorado 81240
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1453+M+St.+%0D%0A+Penrose+Colorado+81240?entry=gmail=g>
>>
>> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand.
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-- 
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Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Primo with tigos Arc fault issue

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

This winter we were fixing up a system with a fronius primo inverter and
adding rapid shutdown. Fronius very much recommended against using Tigo.
They recommended we use Fire Raptors. They have been working fine.

Cheers,
Dave


On Thu, May 23, 2024, 8:27 PM Chris Sparadeo via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hi Jeremy!
>
> We have encountered this his issue years ago with the AO and Fronius
> suggested we deactivate the arc fault setting. It works, but in order to do
> so, they give you a special passcode to input. Not an ideal solution. Arc
> fault detection is not worth compromising . IMO avoid this combination by
> all means.
>
> Kindly,
>
> Chris
>
>
> On Thu, May 23, 2024 at 7:18 PM Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>>  Has anyone had issues with Tigo TS4AF rapid shut down devices along with
>> their transmitter, causing arc fault codes with a Fronius Primo inverter?
>> Fronius tells me I need to use AP smart devices. Hmmm.
>>
>> Jeremy Rodriguez
>> Solar Installation / Design
>> All Solar, Inc.
>> 1453 M St.
>> Penrose Colorado 81240
>>
>> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand.
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid-Tied Radian Force Discharge

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Maverick and Mac

I am using Flextime here so that we are only using Grid Zero mode from
2-6am, when there is no solar coming in. The rest of the time, the system
is in Grid tied mode so that we can take advantage of as much solar as
possible. But the battery bank is two strings of the NSB190 FT Blue+
batteries, for 404AH. The typical load overnight is only about 400watts
from what I can tell through Optics. Since the system is grid tied it is
getting to absorb every day.

There is no Flexnet on this one. When we set it up, I was thinking that the
Flexnet would just give bad SOC readings and confuse the customer since the
batteries are not often cycled. However, it is frustrating that remotely, I
can only see hourly voltage readings, which does not give much detail.
However, I think I just noticed something interesting. I was about to say
that the low reading is not accurate, because yesterday it showed the low
being 49.2V. I noticed right now that the "temperature compensated target
voltage" was 2V lower than the actual voltage.  Optics seems to display the
actual voltage (since I see right now that the batteries are hanging out 2V
above the float setting. Anyway, if the system is using temperature
compensated voltage for the cutoff, then seeing 49.2V was actually the LBCO
cutoff voltage (since the settings was 47.2V). And I had the Grid Zero DOD
V set to 48. So, I had 0.8V difference between the settings, but I need it
to be >2V difference (on a chilly morning).

Also, frustrating, is that these batteries want a 2mV per cell temp
compensation. But the Radian can only do 5mV per cell. So on these cold
mornings, the Radian is probably overcompensating for the cold
temperatures.

Cheers,
Dave

On Fri, Apr 26, 2024 at 7:45 AM Mac Lewis via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hello Dave,
>
> Be sure you calibrate the flexnet and the inverter voltage.  My gut
> feeling is that the Delta voltage you have is too tight.  If you have the
> system on Optics, I'd set the LBCO pretty low, then observe how much
> voltage sag (or where your voltage cliff is) you are getting at
> the discharge SOC you are going for, then you can work your LBCO back up.
>
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 25, 2024 at 8:47 PM Maverick Brown via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Dave
>>
>> What is the size of the battery bank and what is the typical load, let’s
>> say at night or some other peak time?
>>
>> Bank size, SOC and demand can influence voltage. LBCO at 47.2 could be
>> too high under smaller bank higher load situations.
>>
>> Also, with the AC coupled solar in an off grid case, what is the
>> likelyhood of reaching Absorb daily or at least a couple times a week?
>>
>> The bottom line is to know the likely solar production kWh. The load kWh
>> and try to use just a bit of the battery storage kWh to keep the batteries
>> viable and reduce the electric bill without sacrificing the backup
>> capacity. OpticsRE can help fine tune these settings.
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>> Maverick
>>
>> Maverick Brown
>> Off-Grid Solar Commander since 2006
>> Maverick Solar Enterprises, Inc.
>>  • Solar Commander Remote Power
>>  • SunFlow Systems Cathodic Protection
>> maver...@mavericksolar.com
>> 512-460-9825
>>
>>
>>
>> On Apr 25, 2024, at 5:57 PM, Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> A minor update here. I had the grid zero DOD volts set to 48, and the low
>> battery cut out was set to 47.2v. But the homeowner told me that their
>> loads cut out at some point. Does anyone know whether it is possible that
>> Outback would be using a temperature compensated voltage for one of those
>> setpoints and a non-temperature compensated voltage for the other one?
>>
>> Thanks!
>> -Dave
>>
>> On Wed, Apr 24, 2024, 3:33 PM Dave Tedeyan 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Maverick and Steve,
>>>
>>> Thank you much for pointing me in the right direction here. I was
>>> looking at the Radian setting and not the Mate3S settings. I've decided to
>>> use the flextime schedule to have it go to grid zero mode at night when we
>>> will not be exporting any solar power anyway. It really does not matter in
>>> this case whether the batteries get recharged by the grid or from the AC
>>> coupled solar.
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> Dave
>>>
>>> On Tue, Apr 23, 2024 at 5:25 PM Steve Higgins via RE-wrenches <
>>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Yes, Grid Zero would work, but the customer wouldn't be

Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid-Tied Radian Force Discharge

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

A minor update here. I had the grid zero DOD volts set to 48, and the low
battery cut out was set to 47.2v. But the homeowner told me that their
loads cut out at some point. Does anyone know whether it is possible that
Outback would be using a temperature compensated voltage for one of those
setpoints and a non-temperature compensated voltage for the other one?

Thanks!
-Dave

On Wed, Apr 24, 2024, 3:33 PM Dave Tedeyan  wrote:

> Maverick and Steve,
>
> Thank you much for pointing me in the right direction here. I was looking
> at the Radian setting and not the Mate3S settings. I've decided to use the
> flextime schedule to have it go to grid zero mode at night when we will not
> be exporting any solar power anyway. It really does not matter in this case
> whether the batteries get recharged by the grid or from the AC coupled
> solar.
>
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
> On Tue, Apr 23, 2024 at 5:25 PM Steve Higgins via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Yes, Grid Zero would work, but the customer wouldn't be selling power to
>> the utility.   You could program the Radan to sell more power by lowering
>> the sell voltage. I would get aggressive with it for at least 20-30 cycles
>> to see if you can recover some capacity. Ideally, to recover lost capacity
>> from lead batteries, you want to do 50-80% cycling for at least 5-10
>> cycles.
>>
>> I would be cautious about HBX mode, its issue, and why this mode should
>> have died with the old Trace Eng inverters... HBX mode tends to kill
>> battery banks if left there too long or you are not getting the battery to
>> 100%. The problem with HBX mode is that there is no way to control absorb
>> timers, so the batteries get to the 80-85% range but never get to full; if
>> the batteries are lead, this is going to create sulfation problems, and if
>> AGM will end up in severe swelling.If I remember correctly, you can
>> adjust the delay timer for HBX, which should be equal to the programmed
>> Absrob timers, but I don't know if they killed this in the new firmware.
>>
>>
>>
>> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
>> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
>> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
>> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
>> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
>> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
>> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
>> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
>> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
>> Steve Higgins ⋅ Technical Services Manager
>> t +1.902.597.4020  m +1.206.790.5840
>> f +1.902.597.8447  e st...@surrette.com
>> <http://www.facebook.com/RollsBattery>
>> <https://www.youtube.com/user/RollsBattery>
>> <https://www.youtube.com/RollsBatteryEngineering>
>> <https://www.youtube.com/RollsBatteryEngineering>
>> <https://www.youtube.com/RollsBatteryEngineering>
>> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolls-battery-engineering>
>> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolls-battery-engineering>
>> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolls-battery-engineering>
>> <http://www.instagram.com/RollsBattery>
>> <http://www.instagram.com/RollsBattery>
>> --
>> CONFIDENTIALITY: The information transmitted herein is intended only for
>> the addressee and may contain confidential, proprietary and/or privileged
>> material. Any unauthorized review, distribution or other use of or the
>> taking of any action in reliance upon this information is prohibited. If
>> you receive this email in error, please contact the sender and delete or
>> destroy this message and all copies.
>> --
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 23, 2024 at 1:53 PM Maverick Brown via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>>> You can do it in one of several easy ways.
>>>
>>> HPX mode on the Mate. High Battery transfer. When the battery voltage
>>> and/or SOC is above the setpoint drop the grid. When the battery voltage or
>>> state of charge goes below the setpoint pick up the grid. This case the
>>> Mate  is doing the driving.
>>>
>>> Also available is Grid Zero mode where the inserter decides to zero the
>>> loads based on battery voltage and AC amp load. Then you would set

Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid-Tied Radian Force Discharge

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Maverick and Steve,

Thank you much for pointing me in the right direction here. I was looking
at the Radian setting and not the Mate3S settings. I've decided to use the
flextime schedule to have it go to grid zero mode at night when we will not
be exporting any solar power anyway. It really does not matter in this case
whether the batteries get recharged by the grid or from the AC coupled
solar.

Cheers,
Dave

On Tue, Apr 23, 2024 at 5:25 PM Steve Higgins via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Yes, Grid Zero would work, but the customer wouldn't be selling power to
> the utility.   You could program the Radan to sell more power by lowering
> the sell voltage. I would get aggressive with it for at least 20-30 cycles
> to see if you can recover some capacity. Ideally, to recover lost capacity
> from lead batteries, you want to do 50-80% cycling for at least 5-10
> cycles.
>
> I would be cautious about HBX mode, its issue, and why this mode should
> have died with the old Trace Eng inverters... HBX mode tends to kill
> battery banks if left there too long or you are not getting the battery to
> 100%. The problem with HBX mode is that there is no way to control absorb
> timers, so the batteries get to the 80-85% range but never get to full; if
> the batteries are lead, this is going to create sulfation problems, and if
> AGM will end up in severe swelling.If I remember correctly, you can
> adjust the delay timer for HBX, which should be equal to the programmed
> Absrob timers, but I don't know if they killed this in the new firmware.
>
>
>
> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
> <http://www.rollsbattery.com> <http://www.rollsbattery.com>
> Steve Higgins ⋅ Technical Services Manager
> t +1.902.597.4020  m +1.206.790.5840
> f +1.902.597.8447  e st...@surrette.com
> <http://www.facebook.com/RollsBattery>
> <https://www.youtube.com/user/RollsBattery>
> <https://www.youtube.com/RollsBatteryEngineering>
> <https://www.youtube.com/RollsBatteryEngineering>
> <https://www.youtube.com/RollsBatteryEngineering>
> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolls-battery-engineering>
> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolls-battery-engineering>
> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolls-battery-engineering>
> <http://www.instagram.com/RollsBattery>
> <http://www.instagram.com/RollsBattery>
> --
> CONFIDENTIALITY: The information transmitted herein is intended only for
> the addressee and may contain confidential, proprietary and/or privileged
> material. Any unauthorized review, distribution or other use of or the
> taking of any action in reliance upon this information is prohibited. If
> you receive this email in error, please contact the sender and delete or
> destroy this message and all copies.
> --
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>
> On Tue, Apr 23, 2024 at 1:53 PM Maverick Brown via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> You can do it in one of several easy ways.
>>
>> HPX mode on the Mate. High Battery transfer. When the battery voltage
>> and/or SOC is above the setpoint drop the grid. When the battery voltage or
>> state of charge goes below the setpoint pick up the grid. This case the
>> Mate  is doing the driving.
>>
>> Also available is Grid Zero mode where the inserter decides to zero the
>> loads based on battery voltage and AC amp load. Then you would set the
>> ReBulk set point on the inverter charger to trigger charging the batteries
>> instead of zero AC loads.
>>
>> The third choice is to program something called FlexTime where you set
>> the schedule of the AC input mode from grid tide to red zero or off grid,
>> etc.
>>
>> It’s the system is on OpticsRE, you can adjust the settings fine-tune to
>> get the best performance out of those Northstar batteries.
>>
>> I just decommissioned a 36 battery group of Northstar batteries after 13
>> years and most of them are still viable.
>>
>> As a precaution, For AC coupling, I also install a high battery AUX port
>> controlled relay that drops the AC coupling inpu

[RE-wrenches] Grid-Tied Radian Force Discharge

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,

I have an AC coupled Radian that is used to back up certain loads when the
grid is down. It is paired with the Northstar Blue (Outback) batteries. The
system sits in float nearly all the time. During a recent grid outage, the
batteries had less than half the capacity that I would have expected, and
they are only about 3.5 years old with very few cycles on them.

I tried to talk to Outback about it, which seems to not be possible
anymore. I did talk to Northstar, and they recommend not leaving the
batteries in float all the time.

I am wondering if anyone knows of a way to force the Radian to
automatically discharge the batteries to a certain voltage ideally once a
week, but could do daily. Essentially, I would like to utilize a time of
use schedule where I can force the radian to not use the grid and just use
the battery to power the loads for a little while. Ideally this would be
automatic, and not require the customer to go through the grid breaker
every once in a while. It seems that from the manual, I need to keep the
Radian in Grid Tie mode in order for it to be able to sell excess PV back
to the grid. Any ideas?

Thanks!
-Dave

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
c: (607) 270-0370
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark 15K AC Output

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that most inverter/chargers
are either being an inverter or a charger at any given time, but not both.
So, once the inverter sees the AC voltage from the generator, then it will
switch to being a charger and use the generator AC power to charge the
batteries and run the loads. So it will never be passing through generator
power and supplying power from the batteries/PV at the same time. I would
think that with a call to Sol-Ark you should be able to verify this for
sure, unless someone else here can verify.

But also, I would size the conductors for 1.25 * available amps, since it
could be continuous. So you might be able to get away with 62.5 * 4 * 1.25
= 313A rated conductors.

Cheers,
Dave

On Tue, Mar 26, 2024 at 5:28 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> I am going to have a quad-stack of Sol-Ark 15K for an off-grid 120/240V
> system with a 150A generator. I know the max real power is 62.5A each
> inverter including battery and PV. That would be 62.5A x 4 = 250A total. I
> intend to connect the output of the 4 inverters together with a 5-port
> Polaris tap, with the output of the Polaris Tap going to a 400A main lug
> only panelboard.
>
> My question revolves around the 200A passthrough capability for the
> generator, which is 150A max output and would be connected to the Grid
> input on each inverter. Since each inverter would need to handle the full
> pass-through current, that would require minimum 150A conductors on the
> input side of each inverter. I am under the impression that the inverters
> can supplement the "grid" or generator in this case if the current exceeds
> the available input. That means the inverter would have 150A of input plus
> 62.5A  of inverter power for a total of 212.5A. But there is a 200A load
> OCPD, so I could size the load conductors from each inverter for 200A.
>
> Obviously the 4 inverters can only pass through 150A from the generator in
> total, which would probably be split among them, but could go through a
> single unit if the rest fail.
>
> Now, is it possible for each inverter to output 62.5A each PLUS 150A of
> generator power spread across them for a total of 400A? That is important
> because I would need to size the combined output conductors for 400A if
> that is the case.
>
> I guess I'm not clear on how Sol-Ark 15K handles grid/generator
> assist/supplement. It does not seem to be documented clearly.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
>
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p: he | him | his
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Evaluating battery health

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi William,

Thinking out loud here, and I am guessing that there are reasons why not to
do this. But what about putting a voltage tester across each battery and
running a quick test?
I mention this because just a couple days ago, I went to check on a grid
tied battery backup system where capacity was much less than expected. It
is two strings of the Outback Northstar Blue+ batteries with a Radian
inverter. There should be about 9kwh of usable energy at 50% DOD. I was
able to get the data logs and found that on a recent grid outage the
inverter put out about 3kWh of energy before it shut off loads when the
batteries got to 48V. These batteries are only about 3.5 years old. Their
resting voltages were all pretty close (although, they were only resting -
not floating - for about 10 minutes)

But then I put a 100A battery tester across each battery. While most of
them dropped from about 13.8V to about 12.8V, I found one that dropped to
11V. There was also another that dropped to about 12.3. So, those two
batteries seem suspect to me. This is not a perfect method, but seemed to
quickly identify a couple batteries with issues.

Cheers,
Dave


On Sat, Mar 9, 2024 at 3:01 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Friends:
>
>
>
> Evaluating the state of health of a battery array is one concept I
> struggle with.
>
>
>
> It pretty easy with flooded batteries—charge them up and check SG.  Sealed
> batteries are different.
>
>
>
> I do track “at-rest” voltages of discrete 2 volt VRLA cells.  This
> generally can’t be done for monoblock batteries.  I see trending towards
> greater deviation over time.  For example a UnigyII array I am currently
> working with is about 8 years old and has been worked hard.  Recent at-rest
> voltage readings show a deviation of 8%.  Four years ago it was 2%.  How
> much deviation is too much?
>
>
>
> The O manual for UnigyII batteries suggests making ohmic measurements.
> My research indicates this requires a rather expensive meter, such as a
> Hioki 3554.  I suppose it may be cheap of me to not invest in one of these
> meters and I am still considering doing so.  Have any of you worked with
> one of these meters?
>
>
>
> Here is another idea:  As we have discussed here, I am not a fan of
> battery monitor modules in a battery inverter BOS package.  I am an Outback
> integrator so the option is the FNDC.  The FNDC will generate SOC values
> which are often inaccurate and confuse my clients.  These inaccuracies
> occur when the programmed efficiency does not reflect an accurate value.
> The eff will change over time, with different ambient temperature and at
> different states of charge.  (Another problem with the FNDC is it has only
> 3 shunt inputs.  This can be difficult to implement if you have a large
> battery array and many inverters and charge controllers.)
>
>
>
> My idea is to turn this concept around.  Instead of calculating SOC one
> could use the ratio of AH in to AH out over time to determine the actual
> efficiency of a battery array.  Battery efficiency seems like as good an
> indicator of battery health as any other value.  It is easy to obtain data
> files for the FNDC in CSV format.  (I suspect this is kind of like what is
> done internally for the Sunny Island battery health reading.)
>
>
>
> Have any of you pondered these questions?  I am interested in your
> thoughts.
>
>
>
> TIA.
>
>
>
> William
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
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Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Insurance for solar design and inspections

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Thanks for the recommendations to shop around. Seems like maybe this does
not need to be such a huge investment.

And Howie, I was also under the impression that the E would cover
inspections. We were just looking into an inspection policy instead of an
E because our agent said that it would be far less expensive and this all
came up around an inspection that I was planning on doing.

Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Mar 11, 2024 at 8:21 AM Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> I have carried E for much less. I think the recommendation to shop
> around is a good one.  NABECP I THINK, has some leads on firms for this.
>
>
> Chris
> On 3/10/2024 6:23 PM, Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I have an insurance question and am very curious about how others deal
> with this, or don't. People will sometimes ask us to either do some design
> work for a system that we will not be installing, or to inspect a system
> and give my professional opinion about it. These are two separate work
> situations.
>
> Recently, our insurance agent brought it to our attention that we should
> have insurance specifically for these kinds of work, and it is not
> something that is covered under our general liability (contractors)
> insurance.
>
> Their recommendation for design work is to get "professional liability"
> (errors and omissions) insurance. Even though I may do one or two designs a
> year, we are looking at a roughly $12,000 policy. This would be meant to
> cover us if I make a mistake in the design that leads to some sort of
> failure or fire.
>
> Their recommendation for the inspection type work is to get essentially a
> home inspector insurance policy for about $2400 per year. Again, this is
> something that we do a handful of times per year. This insurance is meant
> to cover us if I inspect a system and miss something that then ends up
> being a problem or a hazard.
>
> With a brief conversation with a lawyer acquaintance, he thought that I
> may be fine with out these insurances. It sounded like I should have
> something in my service contracts that would essentially say something like
> "we will do this work to the best of our ability", and then if something
> does go wrong and the homeowner takes us to court, it is upon them to prove
> that we missed something that a reasonable person would have caught. My
> business manager does not like this because we could still have lots of
> lawyer fees and have to show up in court if we were to get sued, even if
> the problem was not caused by a lack of diligence on our part.
>
> So my question to all of you is, do you have these insurances? Or do you
> just not do designs and inspections unless you are actually turning some
> wrenches on the site so that your general liability insurance covers your
> work? Or, is this a case of our insurance agent putting ungrounded fears in
> our head?
>
> Thanks for your thoughts.
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
> --
> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
> Owner | Sungineer Solar
> p: he | him | his
> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
> c: (607) 270-0370
>
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> --
>Christopher Warfel
>   ENTECH Engineering Inc.
>PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
>   401-477-5773
> [image: EE Logo] <https://entech-engineering.com/Home/default.php>
>
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[RE-wrenches] Insurance for solar design and inspections

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,

I have an insurance question and am very curious about how others deal with
this, or don't. People will sometimes ask us to either do some design work
for a system that we will not be installing, or to inspect a system and
give my professional opinion about it. These are two separate work
situations.

Recently, our insurance agent brought it to our attention that we should
have insurance specifically for these kinds of work, and it is not
something that is covered under our general liability (contractors)
insurance.

Their recommendation for design work is to get "professional liability"
(errors and omissions) insurance. Even though I may do one or two designs a
year, we are looking at a roughly $12,000 policy. This would be meant to
cover us if I make a mistake in the design that leads to some sort of
failure or fire.

Their recommendation for the inspection type work is to get essentially a
home inspector insurance policy for about $2400 per year. Again, this is
something that we do a handful of times per year. This insurance is meant
to cover us if I inspect a system and miss something that then ends up
being a problem or a hazard.

With a brief conversation with a lawyer acquaintance, he thought that I may
be fine with out these insurances. It sounded like I should have something
in my service contracts that would essentially say something like "we will
do this work to the best of our ability", and then if something does go
wrong and the homeowner takes us to court, it is upon them to prove that we
missed something that a reasonable person would have caught. My business
manager does not like this because we could still have lots of lawyer fees
and have to show up in court if we were to get sued, even if the problem
was not caused by a lack of diligence on our part.

So my question to all of you is, do you have these insurances? Or do you
just not do designs and inspections unless you are actually turning some
wrenches on the site so that your general liability insurance covers your
work? Or, is this a case of our insurance agent putting ungrounded fears in
our head?

Thanks for your thoughts.
Cheers,
Dave

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
c: (607) 270-0370
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Re: [RE-wrenches] TPM Search

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Another one out there that is worth looking at is MT Solar.
Cheers,
Dave

On Fri, Mar 8, 2024, 5:51 PM Kent via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Jeremy,
>
> I think the Solar RacksWorks TPMs are virtually identical to the DPW TPMs.
> My go to TPM is General Specialties
> ; They are a solid design and I
> think they are easier to assemble. They also have UL listed TPMs but they
> have top mounting clamps, and for the life of me I don't understand the
> logic of of a top mount clamp on a TPM.
>
> Kent Osterberg
> Blue Mountain Solar
>
>
> On 3/8/2024 2:30 PM, Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches wrote:
>
> With news that PLP has dropped the TPM line, what are you all recommending 
> for a good mount for up to 8 modules , 400 w range.
> I looked in the archives, but no luck.
> I thought there was someone formerly at DPW that was making them.
>
> Jeremy Rodriguez
> Solar Installation / Design
> All Solar, Inc.
> 1453 M St.
> Penrose Colorado 81240
>
> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand.
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[RE-wrenches] Anyone in the Maryland region want lots of used solar panels?

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

If anyone in the Maryland region is interested in lots of used solar panels
in the 235-300w range, send me a direct message. Sounds like they are
upgrading some older sites. Here is a message I received from an old friend:

As part of some of our upcoming portfolios there are old panels that we
might be removing as a favor to the customers or to increase productivity.
A couple of them are just 20-50 panels, but there is one that is about 1900
panels.  The panels are generally old though and in the 235W-300W range.
My question to you as someone who does small scale solar and deeply cares
about the environmental portion, is do you know if there are groups that
would want these older panels.  I have talked to some of the larger
recyclers and they don't want these to use as panels but would obviously be
happy to have us pay them to recycle.  I wasn't sure if you were aware of
any groups that would want to have these older panels and actually use them
for installation.  These are in the Maryland region, but would be happy to
have any contacts.

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Fortress

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
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Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Fortress

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

I also have been having some issues with reported SOC through the Guardian
with Fortress. Fortress is generally responsive, although no one has
specifically addressed my concern yet. What I have seen with two recent
eFlex installations (replacing an existing battery bank on an off-grid
system) is that the reported SOC in the Guardian app for some batteries is
way lower than it should be. For example, one system is at 92%, 92%, 92%,
62%. Yet the lights on the batteries all indicate that they are in the
75-100% range. The other system is reporting 23%, 63%, 62%, 25%, 48%, and
again, all the LED's on the batteries are in sync. This has led one
customer to keep disconnecting the batteries and trying to charge just one
of them up and then fiddling with it until they are all back within a good
voltage range, when I am nearly certain that they are all the same voltage
even though they are reporting different SOC on the Guardian app only.

I am looking forward to when they have the website up and I can look at
historical data to see whether this battery is actually doing more work. I
suspect it is not, but then maybe I can get Fortress to look more closely
at it. And for all these batteries, the cables are exactly the same length
and going to a bus bar.

Has anyone else noticed this discrepancy between the guardian app and (what
I think is) reality with the SOC?

Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Feb 15, 2024 at 8:52 AM Jay via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hi william
>
> Could you share the equipment used and what issues you had?
>
> Thx
> Jay
>
> On Feb 14, 2024, at 3:13 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Peter:
>
>
>
> I have only purchased one set of Fortress batteries.  There have been
> issues, I am sure many of them self-induced.  Fortress has been overall
> very responsive.  There have been a few days where I could not get through
> to technical support but with persistence I always manage.  Fortress has
> offered truck–roll compensation at a reasonable rate as well.
>
>
>
> William Miller
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Peter Giroux via RE-wrenches
> *Sent:* Wednesday, February 14, 2024 6:47 AM
> *To:* 'RE-wrenches'
> *Cc:* pgir...@mindspring.com
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Fortress
>
>
>
> Good morning my fellow wrenchers. While I see the comments on SunPower and
> the challenges, are any of you having similar issues with Fortress? Their
> bms boards from the early classics have not held up and even after
> replacement there are still issues ( parallel batteries and stand alone not
> showing accurate #’s,  ). While support has been, well supportive, the
> issues persist. Any thoughts or fixes you have come up with?? I just had a
> customer unplug the coms cable from their sol-ark and bring their readings
> to volts VS %% and it is starting to work a bit better. Any and all help or
> ideas appreciated.
>
>
>
> Thx
> peter Giroux
>
> American Solar
>
> Norcross Ga
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Dave 

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA String inverters

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

We also stopped using the -41's in 2023 due to the -SB requirement in NY.
We moved to Enphase for grid tied systems. I am hearing from Greentech that
the new Sunny Boy units, up to 7.7kw, should be available very soon. These
will have a secure power supply capability. But the larger KW units and the
better backup options will not be available until likely this summer. Its
been tough for string inverters here recently, but I am hoping these new
Sunny Boy's are good.

Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Jan 8, 2024 at 7:20 PM AE Solar via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> We haven’t used the -41s for just over a year, because they aren’t
> UL1741SB compliant (which became required here in NY last January).
> Additionally, the last time we did use the -41s we discovered (upon
> receiving the units) that they weren’t WiFi compatible anymore (due to some
> parts shortages) and that the inverters had to be hardwired in order to
> access monitoring.  The new inverter line that shows up on the SMA website
> is UL1741SB compliant, but the last time I checked with my distributor (a
> few weeks ago) they still weren’t able to get access to them.
>
> On Mon, Jan 8, 2024 at 4:44 PM Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> What are you wrenches that used to install the SB-41 units sourcing
>> now? Looks like there is a new model on their website
>>
>>
>> Jeremy Rodriguez
>> Solar Installation / Design
>> All Solar, Inc.
>> 1453 M St.
>> Penrose Colorado 81240
>>
>> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand.
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Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA TL-22 insulation resistance error

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Just an FYI, it is specifically an "insulation resistance" error that the
inverter is throwing, and not an "arc fault" error. Fortunately it is not
an arc fault. Meggering is not a bad idea, although due to the fact that
the fault is intermittent, that might not show anything?

Cheers,
Dave

On Wed, Dec 13, 2023 at 12:30 PM August Goers via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> You might want to make sure that the SMA inverter has the latest firmware.
> It's been a long time since we've routinely installed these, but at one
> point arc faults were being falsely tripped and firmware updates from SMA
> helped with the issue.
>
>
> https://my.sma-service.com/s/article/Loading-Firmware-for-an-SB-US-TL22-or-STP-US-10-using-a-2-GB-SD-Card?language=en_US
>
> August
> Luminalt
>
>
> On Wed, Dec 13, 2023 at 9:07 AM Jay via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> I think that using a megger etc to test the panels and wires is what I’d
>> do before I yanked out  all the
>> Wires.
>>
>> They are not that expensive anymore and maybe possible to rent one?
>>
>> Jay
>>
>> On Dec 13, 2023, at 8:53 AM, Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I am curious to hear if anyone else has run into this:
>>
>> This is the system I posted about a little while ago that had the
>> SolarWorld modules and all the module to module connectors were swollen and
>> melted. One of the inverters was giving an insulation resistance error, and
>> so after seeing the module connectors, I was sure that was the issue. We
>> replaced every single module connector with new MC4's, and then the error
>> came back!
>>
>> My next step was to swap in the junction box which strings go to which
>> inverter to identify whether the issue was on the roof or somewhere between
>> the roof jbox and the inverter. (the issue was isolated to only 1 of 4
>> strings previously). Turns out the same inverter is faulting, which leads
>> me to believe that there may be an issue with the wires in the DC conduit.
>> Maybe they got damaged by a rough wire pull at the initial installation 7
>> years ago, and its finally degraded enough to cause a problem. The fault is
>> intermittent, only showing up once every couple weeks or so, so it is
>> difficult to catch it while the fault is active.
>>
>> But my question is, could there also be something wrong with the inverter
>> itself? After spending a lot of time on this one, ideally, I would know
>> that replacing the DC wires will fix it. So I am curious if people have
>> done this, to still find that the issue was something internal to the
>> inverter.
>>
>> Thanks!
>> -Dave
>>
>> --
>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
>> Owner | Sungineer Solar
>> p: he | him | his
>> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
>> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> c: (607) 270-0370
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[RE-wrenches] SMA TL-22 insulation resistance error

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,

I am curious to hear if anyone else has run into this:

This is the system I posted about a little while ago that had the
SolarWorld modules and all the module to module connectors were swollen and
melted. One of the inverters was giving an insulation resistance error, and
so after seeing the module connectors, I was sure that was the issue. We
replaced every single module connector with new MC4's, and then the error
came back!

My next step was to swap in the junction box which strings go to which
inverter to identify whether the issue was on the roof or somewhere between
the roof jbox and the inverter. (the issue was isolated to only 1 of 4
strings previously). Turns out the same inverter is faulting, which leads
me to believe that there may be an issue with the wires in the DC conduit.
Maybe they got damaged by a rough wire pull at the initial installation 7
years ago, and its finally degraded enough to cause a problem. The fault is
intermittent, only showing up once every couple weeks or so, so it is
difficult to catch it while the fault is active.

But my question is, could there also be something wrong with the inverter
itself? After spending a lot of time on this one, ideally, I would know
that replacing the DC wires will fix it. So I am curious if people have
done this, to still find that the issue was something internal to the
inverter.

Thanks!
-Dave

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
c: (607) 270-0370
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid Tied Inverter back feed to Generator

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Jeremy,

It is my understanding that if the generator wakes up the grid tied
inverter and loads are more than the solar then maybe nothing bad would
happen. Although I would never do that because you don't have any control
over the loads. And if the solar production is more than the loads, then
the excess energy feeds back to the generator and can break things. In
other words, move the solar interconnection to the line side of the
transfer switch so that there is no chance of the generator and solar
"seeing" each other.

Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 8:20 PM Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Has anyone experienced a grid tie inverter back feed a whole house backup
> generator after a utility outage?
> What can happen ?
>
>
> Jeremy Rodriguez
> Solar Installation / Design
> All Solar, Inc.
> 1453 M St.
> Penrose Colorado 81240
>
> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand.
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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Fortress remote monitoring

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Interesting on the "mesh" wifi. That is good to know.
And yes, the site I linked is for the Guardian data. I don't know if there
is a separate site for the Envy data, but I'll find out in a couple weeks
when I install my first Envy inverter system. For what it's worth, their
tech support has been easy to get a hold of.

Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 12:04 PM Kirk Herander  wrote:

> Yeah, I tried that site the other day, my browser gave me warning
> messages, so I left it alone. So that site will be online access to the
> Guardian gateway data? I wonder if thats true for the Envy app also.
>
> PS I found out the Guardian gateway will not recognise a newer "mesh" wifi
> signal. Fortress is working on a fix, but the physical LAN connection does
> work.
>
> On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 11:28 AM Dave Tedeyan 
> wrote:
>
>> Kirk,
>>
>> I know that with the Guardian Battery monitor the app is working, but
>> they are doing a major overhaul on the website. My login info does not work
>> on the website right now, and I am told that it will not be available until
>> the new year. The website is:
>> https://app.fortresspower.io/
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Dave
>>
>> On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 11:25 AM Kirk Herander via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello,
>>>
>>> I installed an Evault 18.5 with Envy 8kw inverter the other day. I'm
>>> wondering if there is any way to actually monitor / download system data
>>> from a desktop computer? Can't find anything in the Fortress docs (some of
>>> which appear to be WIP for content) about this. The Fortress mobile apps
>>> are nice, but don't allow for any data download, unless I'm totally missing
>>> something. Thanks.
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>>>
>>> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>>>
>>> *Celebrating our 33st Anniversary 1991-2024!!*
>>>
>>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>>>
>>> 802.559.1225
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>>
>>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
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>>>
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>>
>> --
>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
>> Owner | Sungineer Solar
>> p: he | him | his
>> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
>> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> c: (607) 270-0370
>>
>
>
> --
>
> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>
> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>
> *Celebrating our 33st Anniversary 1991-2024!!*
>
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>
> 802.559.1225
>


-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
c: (607) 270-0370
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Fortress remote monitoring

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Kirk,

I know that with the Guardian Battery monitor the app is working, but they
are doing a major overhaul on the website. My login info does not work on
the website right now, and I am told that it will not be available until
the new year. The website is:
https://app.fortresspower.io/

Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 11:25 AM Kirk Herander via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I installed an Evault 18.5 with Envy 8kw inverter the other day. I'm
> wondering if there is any way to actually monitor / download system data
> from a desktop computer? Can't find anything in the Fortress docs (some of
> which appear to be WIP for content) about this. The Fortress mobile apps
> are nice, but don't allow for any data download, unless I'm totally missing
> something. Thanks.
>
> --
>
> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>
> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>
> *Celebrating our 33st Anniversary 1991-2024!!*
>
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>
> 802.559.1225
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
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[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable sizing for high current modules? NEC interpretation/guidance?

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Mine was a roof mount. We had very few SolarWorld projects. In fact, this
might be our only one.

On Fri, Nov 10, 2023, 8:10 AM Chris Schaefer via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> I'd be curious to know of the connector failures y'all have experienced,
> were the majority of these roof mounts?
> Just wondering if with better air flow like that of a pole/ground mount,
> if that helped to minimize connector failure.
>
> Christopher
>
> On Fri, Nov 10, 2023 at 1:21 AM Bill Battagin via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Ray,
>>
>> Exactly the same thing happened for me on a ground mount
>> system, 3500 feet elevation the the Sierras so open cooler air, fully
>> engaged MC4 factory connectors PV to PV connectors with SW285's, not
>> passing current, melted.  No attempt to contact SW just made up new
>> connectors.
>>
>> My calculation is with anything that is no doubt made up by
>> the bazillion with a machine (connectors, light bulbs, pencils, chicken
>> nuggets, etc) you're going to get some duds.  In 20+ years of installing
>> PVs with factory made-up connectors, I've only seen this happen 2-3 times.
>> Installing in the mountains we no doubt use ground mount much more often
>> than most installs in urban areas which would make a hot, melted connector
>> possibly more of an issue a couple inches above a comp or wood roof.  We've
>> never seen any connectors fail beyond the melted/deformed but still
>> "contained" stage .
>>
>> Back when SW was first transitioning from one connector to
>> another, I remember them saying they (I think it was UTX and MC or was it
>> UTX and Amphenol?) were compatible.  We NEVER mixed connectors despite
>> their claim.
>>
>> Bill
>>
>> Feather River Solar Electric
>> 4291 Nelson St. (Shipping)
>> 5575 Genesee Rd. (USPS, UPS)
>> Taylorsville, CA  95983
>> 530-284-7849, 258-1641(cell)
>> CA. C10 Lic # 874049
>> Solar Powered since 1982
>> Home of the Sunny Side Up
>>
>> On 11/9/2023 4:31 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches wrote:
>>
>> I'm trying to find a pic to post, but they were MC4 connectors, not the
>> UTX.
>>
>> Ray
>> On 11/9/2023 4:57 PM, Brian Mehalic wrote:
>>
>> Are they the Amohenol UTX connectors? SW had a recall on them, sounds
>> like about the right timeframe.
>>
>> BREAKING: SolarWorld recalls PV modules with Amphenol connectors
>> 
>> pv-magazine-usa.com
>> 
>>
>> 
>>
>>
>> Brian
>>
>> On Nov 9, 2023, at 4:47 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
>>  
>> wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> 12 Ga wire is not going to catch on fire, but the MC connectors might.  I
>> just went back on a 7 yr old Solarworld install, and had a bad series MC
>> connector (module to module).  It got quite crispy, deforming and bubbling
>> the plastic on both sides of the connection.  It was still passing current;
>> I didn't get a chance to measure the volt drop.  It was completely plugged
>> in, so not an installation issue.
>>
>> This was not one of our connectors made up in the field, these were
>> Solarworld factory connectors on both sides, same model modules.  That also
>> means no mismatch of "MC4" connector type.
>>
>> 10+ amps continuous, moist environment, 30F+  hotter than ambient temp,
>> all are tough on connectors.  I predict more connector failures as module
>> current ratings increase.
>>
>> Ray Walters
>> Remote Solar
>> On 11/9/2023 3:02 PM, Glenn Burt via RE-wrenches wrote:
>>
>> Good luck trying to convince your customer that their house caught on
>> fire because of a manufacturers flaw, and you have no responsibility for it…
>>
>> It may be an out to shift the blame, but it only makes everybody get some
>> on them…
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* RE-wrenches 
>>  *On Behalf Of *William
>> Miller via RE-wrenches
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 08, 2023 12:14 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches 
>> 
>> *Cc:* William Miller  
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable sizing for high current modules? NEC
>> interpretation/guidance?
>>
>>
>>
>> George:
>>
>>
>>
>> Appliance manufacturers have their own requirements that are not the same
>> as the NEC requirements.  As long as you are not modifying the manufactured
>> assembly you are not responsible for compliance of that appliance.  By
>> appliance, I mean the solar module, microinverter, etc.
>>
>>
>>
>> William Miller
>>
>>
>>
>> Miller Solar
>>
>> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>>
>> 805-438-5600
>>
>> www.millersolar.com
>>
>> CA Lic. 773985
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
>> Behalf Of *George McClellan via RE-wrenches
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 8, 2023 9:06 AM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>> *Cc:* George McClellan

Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable sizing for high current modules? NEC interpretation/guidance?

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Nuance ground racking

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Jeff,
Thanks for the notes and things to look for from the field. I was not aware
that there are two versions of their PowerJack out there, and I'll make
sure to get the newer one.

Kienan, I'm glad you have had luck with the cordless drill. I am leaning
towards that one, and it does have more rated power than some of the corded
drills out there. I think the concern will be if the batteries will last
long enough for what we need. Although if I end up with 3 batteries and two
chargers, hopefully we will not have to wait for batteries to charge.

Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Oct 12, 2023 at 6:10 AM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> On that subject, what bits are people using to drill holes through
> block/concrete (for 1" - 2" conduit)? We have been using some dry diamond
> coring bits we buy online, but they don't seem to last. We have had them
> break off at the weld. Wet coring seems overkill for the relatively few
> holes we need to make.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
> NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
> Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
>
>
> On Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 10:49 PM Kienan Maxfield via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> I own the Dewalt 2 inch 60V rotary hammer you linked and it is totally
>> awesome. You’ll be blown away by it. It’s totally worth it.
>>
>> You might want to make sure to just use the huge 12ah batteries that it
>> comes with… might be a lot of power demand fire smaller 60V batteries… but
>> I regularly use mine with the smaller batteries and I’ve never had a
>> problem.
>>
>> I mostly use it for drilling 2 inch holes in 8” concrete walls for
>> bringing conduit into basements and crawl spaces. It goes through amazingly
>> easily. Everyone who has tried mine has been totally blown away… probably
>> about 8 professionals and contractors.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Kienan
>>
>> *Green-Go Solar Wholesale Distribution LLC*
>>
>> *kienan@dist.solar*
>>
>> *(801) 631-5584(Cell)*
>>
>> *www.distribution.solar*
>>
>> On Oct 9, 2023, at 8:33 AM, Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I am going to try out the Nuance OSPREY PowerRack as a ground mount
>> option that does not require an excavator. I am wondering two things about
>> it:
>>
>> 1. Does anyone have experience with this, and do you like it?
>>
>> 2. What drill do you use for the drive rod?
>> It seems like the Milwaukee 2" SDS max drill is the standard -
>> https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/5342-21
>> I am wondering if it is possible to use a cordless drill though. DeWalt
>> makes both a cordless and corded version that claim to have the same impact
>> energy as each other, although both are less than the Milwaukee Drill.
>> Milwaukee has 19.9 ft-lbs of energy and the DeWalt ones have 19.4 Joules,
>> which is 14.3 ft-lbs of energy.
>> Cordless Kit -
>> https://www.dewalt.com/product/dch773y2/60v-max-2-brushless-cordless-sds-max-combination-rotary-hammer-kit
>> Corded Kit -
>> https://www.dewalt.com/product/d25773k/2-sds-max-rotary-hammer
>>
>> The cordless drill is tempting because I already have a bunch of DeWalt
>> equipment, and it would be nice to avoid needing a generator or some very
>> long extension cords.
>>
>> Thanks!
>> -Dave
>>
>> --
>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
>> Owner | Sungineer Solar
>> p: he | him | his
>> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
>> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> c: (607) 270-0370
>> ___
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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[RE-wrenches] Nuance ground racking

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi all,

I am going to try out the Nuance OSPREY PowerRack as a ground mount option
that does not require an excavator. I am wondering two things about it:

1. Does anyone have experience with this, and do you like it?

2. What drill do you use for the drive rod?
It seems like the Milwaukee 2" SDS max drill is the standard -
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/5342-21
I am wondering if it is possible to use a cordless drill though. DeWalt
makes both a cordless and corded version that claim to have the same impact
energy as each other, although both are less than the Milwaukee Drill.
Milwaukee has 19.9 ft-lbs of energy and the DeWalt ones have 19.4 Joules,
which is 14.3 ft-lbs of energy.
Cordless Kit -
https://www.dewalt.com/product/dch773y2/60v-max-2-brushless-cordless-sds-max-combination-rotary-hammer-kit
Corded Kit - https://www.dewalt.com/product/d25773k/2-sds-max-rotary-hammer

The cordless drill is tempting because I already have a bunch of DeWalt
equipment, and it would be nice to avoid needing a generator or some very
long extension cords.

Thanks!
-Dave

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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Damaged PV module cells

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

It was a bunch of years ago, but I had seen many of these "snail trails" on
some modules. I actually took a curve tracer to them, and they functioned
essentially the same as the other modules there that did not have the snail
trails. Maybe these will be sources of premature failure in the future, but
surprisingly, they were not affecting the module at the time.
Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Jul 17, 2023 at 8:16 PM frenergy via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Not sure where this install is located but here in the Sierra, we had a
> near record snowfall and we saw a few failures, very few, but...
>
> Bill
>
> Feather River Solar Electric
> Bill Battagin, Owner
> 4291 Nelson St.(shipping)
> 5575 Genesee Rd. (USPS, UPS)
> Taylorsville, CA 95983
> 530.284.1925 Office/ 530.258.1641 Cell
> CA Lic 874049
> Solar powered since 1982
>
>
> On 7/16/2023 7:10 PM, Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches wrote:
>
> Kent
> I can assume there is no backsheet external damage, These look cell
> fractures, more common on poly, they may be cause of manufacturing or a
> result of overheating traces or both. Run an IR Curve test and see if this
> is resulting in decreased output. Sharp had a similar issue when they
> stepped up to the 200 larger modules some 20 years ago.
> Fun times
>
> On Sun, Jul 16, 2023, 2:59 PM Kent via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Found some damage to a customer's Grape CS-S-180-DJ PV modules this
>> morning. Unlike anything I've ever seen; so I'm hoping that someone on this
>> list can tell me the cause. I've put several photos of the cells online
>> <https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nQhTqahEx4whmmWyy89tqaEEGvzkvEps?usp=sharing>
>> so you can inspect them. While it looks like there has been some localized
>> heating on the traces, there isn't any evidence of damage on the rear of
>> the PV modules. These are on an off grid system charging some 12-volt
>> batteries. Thanks.
>>
>> Kent Osterberg
>> Blue Mountain Solar
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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Testing strings with Tigo

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi William,

I recently installed these connected to an FM100, and also on a couple grid
tied systems in the past year. I think that as long as you are getting the
expected 0.6V per module you know that everything is connected as it should
be. Unfortunately I do not think that you will be able to do your other
tests until the strings are terminated at the charge controller with the
transmitter sending the keep alive signal. But then you can open up the
fuses/breakers in your combiner to test strings one at a time. And once the
system is running, you can obviously check that your strings have the same
Vmp/Imp. If this is your first TS4-A-F installation, then some of it is
just that, yes, these things do work when installed correctly.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 1:12 AM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Friends:
>
>
>
> We are in the midst of our first off-grid, DC coupled project using Tigo
> TS4-A-F RSS switches.
>
>
>
> In my few years installing solar I am accustomed to testing PV strings
> with a Fluke 87 for Voc, Isc, Vmp and Imp, or some combination.  I do this
> regularly in the midst of installing PV so I can be confident once we are
> finished there will be no issues with the panels or the wiring.
>
>
>
> I understand these tests are not possible with the Tigo units.  With the
> circuits unterminated, I can see the 0.6 VDC/Tigo with no keep-alive signal
> transmitted.  With the signal being transmitted, I do not see the expected
> readings for Voc.  I get only the 0.6/Tigo.  When shorted into the Fluke DC
> input the Isc jumps around between 0 and about 2 amps.
>
>
>
> I was told by tech support the PV circuits need to be “terminated” at an
> inverter before any voltage or current can be measured.  The circuits do
> not terminate in an inverter; they will connect to a charge controller
> (FM100, in this case).
>
>
>
> We have not pulled the PV feeders so connecting to the charge controllers
> is not yet possible.  I am nervous about installing the remainder of the
> modules without knowing for certain they will produce as they should.
>
>
>
> What would you all do to assure yourselves the PV will produce once
> connected?
>
>
>
> TIA.
>
>
>
> William
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
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Re: [RE-wrenches] AC coupling with Solar Edge, pre HD Wave

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Sam,
Thanks for pointing me in that direction. It looks like you can update some
of the grid protection settings, although I am not sure if that will allow
for freq-watt control. My LG rep told me to use CA rule 21 grid profile,
but I am not sure if there is something like that on the old A series
inverters.

Cheers,
Dave

On Fri, Jun 30, 2023 at 10:07 AM Sam Haraldson 
wrote:

> Good Morning, Dave,
>
> Take a look at this pdf and see if the info about setting up "Grid
> Protection" gets you anywhere.  Starting on page three it shows how to make
> the Vmin/max and Fmin/max for screened inverters.  What I can't verify for
> you is whether the A series has the same menu structure as highlighted in
> this document or not.
>
>
> https://knowledge-center.solaredge.com/sites/kc/files/viewing_grid_protection_values.pdf
>
> Cheers,
> Sam
>
>
> [image: OnSite Energy]
> <https://www.google.com/url?q=https://onsiteenergyinc.com/=gmail-html=1677085494759000=AOvVaw2NN36GoM1sjnS4RdC8Svt->
>
> SAM HARALDSON
> Field Operations Director
> (406) 551-6135
> 1515 N. Rouse Ave Bozeman, MT 59715
> Locally owned and operated since 2012
> [image: B Corporation]
> <https://www.google.com/url?q=https://onsiteenergyinc.com/bcorp=gmail-html=1677085494759000=AOvVaw0EluC1lXtz2KlRFag-htKe>
>


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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
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[RE-wrenches] AC coupling with Solar Edge, pre HD Wave

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi all,

Does anyone know if you can make the SolarEdge inverters (the A series,
before the HD wave inverters) respond to frequency control? I cannot find a
way to update the grid settings, and was wondering if anyone else has AC
coupled these inverters to a non-SolarEdge battery system. If not, its not
a big deal, since these batteries are just for short term backup, so if the
inverter just cycle off and on when the batteries are mostly full, that
will be okay. But it would be nice if I can set up the frequency control.

Cheers,
Dave

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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] AFCI tripping on SB 4000US-12

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

William,
If you swap strings, does the fault stay with the string, or with the
input? and if you do run without the string for a while can you determine
that the arc faults stop? Just figure it is worth making 100% sure the
fault is actually in the DC side of that one string you have isolated, and
not something internal to the inverter or on the AC side.

Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 5:30 PM Kirk Herander via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hi William,
> Modules can be meggered individually in or in series strings (with a
> caveat). I've done it many times and discovered internal module shorts
> between positive and gnd,or neg and gnd.
>
> I once took the customer's garden house up on the roof, and meggered a
> string, while trickling water on panels individually. When a short
> occurred, I knew that the respective soaked panel was internally
> compromised (old Sanyo 190's BTW). .
>
> The caveat with meggering a string is that you have to be sure the series
> string voltage plus the megger voltage (i.e. V scale you are measuring with
> on the meter) does not exceed the max. voltage rating of the panels.
> Obviously most new modules have at least a 1000vdc rating these days, who
> knows what Shell SQ's rating is/was. For modern mods rated @ 1000v, I use
> the meggers 500vdc scale.
>
> And with Solaredge, you can megger straight through their optimizers if
> necessary. There's an app note on their site with directions.
>
> On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 2:11 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Friends:
>>
>>
>>
>> We installed a bunch of Shell SQ-150-PC modules on a ground mount almost
>> 20 years ago.  The original SB2500 inverters died so we upgraded to
>> SB4000US-21 inverters.  We had some ground fault or AFCI issues a number of
>> years ago so we replaced all homeruns with PV wire which resolved the
>> problem.
>>
>>
>>
>> These panels have J-boxes which we interconnected with 1/2” NMLT.  The
>> home runs are with PV wire with absolutely no splices and the inter-panel
>> jumpers are THWN.
>>
>>
>>
>> Recently we started getting AFCI disturbances on one inverter.  We
>> isolated the fault to one string.  We opened every pull box and panel J-box
>> and all of the wiring looks dry, clean and tightly connected.  We inspected
>> every panel front and back and see no hotspots or visible corrosion.
>>
>>
>>
>> I have a megger I have never used.  The homerun is kind of long so maybe
>> it has insulation problems.  I could isolate the homerun and megger those
>> leads.  I am researching if I can megger PV modules.  It looks like this is
>> commonly done.  That looks like my next step.
>>
>>
>>
>> Does anyone have any ideas on what I should do next? I suppose I could
>> start swapping each of the 10 modules in the problem string with panels in
>> the non-problem strings, but that seems like a lot of work.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks in advance.
>>
>>
>>
>> William Miller
>>
>>
>>
>> Miller Solar
>>
>> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>>
>> 805-438-5600
>>
>> www.millersolar.com
>>
>> CA Lic. 773985
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ___
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>
> --
>
> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>
> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>
> *Celebrating our 32st Anniversary 1991-2023!!*
>
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>
> 802.863.1202
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Bonding Metal Roofs Part II

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Adam,
There are so few standing seam metal roofs here in central NY as compared
to Ag metal roofs. So I have not come across a standing seam roof in a few
years. For the Ag metal roofs, we aim to get just one lug up under the
ridge cap, and then at the bottom of the roof where the metal hangs over
the eave, we put in a small bolt with star washers where the metal panels
overlap. This bonds all the panels together, and then we pick up the ground
from the one lug at the top. If you can get under the seam at the bottom of
the panel (where you can get a star washer on each panel), then maybe you
can do something similar with the standing seam panels?

Cheers,
Dave

On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 8:45 AM AE Solar 
wrote:

> Dave,
> Interested to hear how you all are complying with NYSERDA on bonding in
> the 3' perimeter outside of the array. Their QA team just points me towards
> the Illsco SGB-4 lugs, but sometimes there is no graceful way for us to
> install them. If we can't get easy access under a ridge cap to hide/protect
> the lugs, then the only other solution seems to be Michael's idea of
> running lugs/bare copper on the seams outside of the array perimeter (which
> sometimes includes whole other adjacent roof sections). Aside from being
> aesthetically unpleasant, I'm also skeptical that ice and snow won't grab
> onto the copper and tear the lugs off eventually...
> Adam
>
> Adam Katzman (he/him)
> Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
> www.AutonomousEnergies.com <http://www.autonomousenergies.com>
> (518) 567-1468
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 2:33 PM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Also being in NYS, I have been familiar with this requirement for a long
>> time. I believe the idea is that just like how any metal part in a system
>> needs to be grounded, metal roof panels under solar panels are kind of part
>> of the system. What if a wire comes loose and touches the roof? You would
>> not want someone going up there to get zapped. I see the point that the
>> worst you can do with RSD is 80V. But in NY at least, you cant really argue
>> with NYSERDA if they decide they want this. I have never come across a
>> building or electrical inspector here that would care about this, but
>> NYSERDA does and that is where the incentive money comes from...
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Jun 6, 2023 at 2:34 PM Jay via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>>> But isn’t the whole concept of RS to prevent the energizing of say a
>>> metal roof?
>>>
>>> The inverter sees a ground fault or ark fault. Trips off line, the RS
>>> activate and now it’s less than 80v. Isn’t that what it’s supposed to do?
>>>
>>> What is the purpose of grounding the metal roof?
>>>
>>> Jay
>>>
>>> On Jun 6, 2023, at 10:09 AM, Glenn Burt via RE-wrenches <
>>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>> If I am not mistaken, this derives from some UL testing that showed that
>>> a metal roof may become energized during a thermal event.
>>>
>>> I suppose no less important than our RSD requirements...
>>>
>>> -Glenn
>>> Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
>>>
>>> -- Original message--
>>> *From: *Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches
>>> *Date: *Tue, Jun 6, 2023 10:25 AM
>>> *To: *offgridso...@sti.net;RE-wrenches;
>>> *Cc: *Jason Szumlanski;
>>> *Subject:*Re: [RE-wrenches] Bonding Metal Roofs Part II
>>>
>>> I'm watching this thread with interest. Is anyone aware of any serious
>>> injury or property damage caused by an energized metal roof, and if so,
>>> what were the circumstances? Is bonding metal roofs a solution looking for
>>> a problem?
>>>
>>> In response to the ground mount alternative, that isn't really an option
>>> in many areas of Florida where the cost can be 50% higher or more to ground
>>> mount if it's even practical due to flood level. Tile and shingle roofs in
>>> Southwest Florida are being switched to metal at shocking rates in the wake
>>> of Hurricane Ian, and we love it from an installer's standpoint.
>>> Fortunately, I haven't run into any bonding inspection issues for over 10
>>> years here.
>>>
>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>> Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
>>> NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
>>> Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mon, Jun 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bonding Metal Roofs Part II

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

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[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Retail price lists

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

articipant bios:
>>> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
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> --
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> Michael Morningstar
>
>
> Morningstar Electric
>
> PO Box 1494
>
> Mount Shasta, CA 96067
>
> 530-921-0560
>
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>
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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Attaching Array To or Through Ply

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi Matt,
I've used these in the past when on a comp roof and there was no good way
to get into the rafters (or TJI's in this case)
https://sunmodo.com/nanomount/

You might want to replace the screws with something shorter and beefier
though to get more grip if you are only going into 1/2" plywood.

Cheers,
Dave

On Wed, Mar 29, 2023 at 10:38 AM Matt Sherald via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I've run into a roof-mounted job where the roof is built-up with the
> following:
>
> Comp shingle
> Plywood
> Foam board
> T (roof deck, but also interior ceiling)
>
> The beams that hold the t up are wide-spaced and not convenient for
> fastening the full extent of the array.
>
> This being the case, I was considering other fastening options and am
> writing to pick the collective brain of the Wrenches to see how others have
> addressed similar situations.
>
> One thought I had was to use the PLP Easy Mounting Foot and I'd be glad
> for any opinions on that or another solution.
>
> -Matt
>
> --
> Matt Sherald
> PIMBY Energy, LLC
> 304-704-5943
>
>
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Owner | Sungineer Solar
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Voltage Rise

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,
Just thought I'd follow up here. Turns out the transformer was rated at
10kva. (remember, this system has three 7.7kw inverters...) We were able to
get the utility to come out and put in a 25kVa transformer, and the voltage
rise is now way more in line with what we would expect.
Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Feb 23, 2023 at 1:36 PM Dave Tedeyan 
wrote:

> The customer has already had the utility come out to take a look. He says
> they had him turn off the solar, and then they measured 246V at the
> transformer and then said it's not their problem. He was going to try to
> get them back out to check the connections at the transformer and the
> meter.
> Also, that's a good suggestion to check each leg separately to see if
> maybe there is only one line that has a bad connection.
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
> On Thu, Feb 23, 2023 at 1:33 PM Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Wrenches, Dave
>> I have had this issue, first turn off everything, check static voltage,
>> this will drive everything else. If the static is 240 L-L look at the
>> utility side you might have small conductors, you might also have a
>> transformer size issue bottlenecking the current.  Next turn loads more the
>> better watch if there is a drop and how much. Now turn off everything and
>> power up the solar again watch the voltage at the meter if it climbs up and
>> close to limit it might be the feeders. It's all process of elimination.
>> Lots of fun
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 23, 2023, 9:03 AM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I've got a customer who is having issues with high voltage at their
>>> house. This first became an issue after installing 23.1kw of AC solar
>>> output. They have some GREE heat pumps which have been having some
>>> failures. The heat pump people are saying that the problem is that the
>>> voltage is above 252V.
>>>
>>> The grid voltage was measured at 246V with the solar off, and 260V with
>>> the solar cranking. The inverters are within 10' of the MSP where there is
>>> a line side connection. Then there is 4/0 AL cable which has to go roughly
>>> 175' before it reaches the transformer. At 246V and 92A, there should only
>>> be about a 3.6V rise, or maybe 4V including the wire from the inverters to
>>> the combiner to the MSP. Yet somehow there is about 14V of rise.
>>>
>>> The service entrance cable is buried. It is in conduit where it goes
>>> into and out of the ground, but I have no idea whether there is conduit for
>>> most of the run underground. Maybe there is a nick in the cable underground
>>> which has caused corrosion? Does anyone have any ideas of how to find the
>>> cause of the increased resistance? I should go back out there with an IR
>>> camera to check the connections that I can at least get to in the house.
>>>
>>> I have suggested that they install a buck/boost transformer on the heat
>>> pump circuits to bring down the voltage a little bit. But they are also
>>> concerned about the high voltage causing issues with other electrical
>>> appliances in the house. Does anyone have any anecdata to show whether
>>> there are other hidden issues if the house is at 260V during times of high
>>> solar production?
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>> -Dave
>>>
>>> --
>>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>>> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
>>> Owner | Sungineer Solar
>>> p: he | him | his
>>> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
>>> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>>> c: (607) 288-2898
>>> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Voltage Rise

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

The customer has already had the utility come out to take a look. He says
they had him turn off the solar, and then they measured 246V at the
transformer and then said it's not their problem. He was going to try to
get them back out to check the connections at the transformer and the
meter.
Also, that's a good suggestion to check each leg separately to see if maybe
there is only one line that has a bad connection.
Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Feb 23, 2023 at 1:33 PM Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Wrenches, Dave
> I have had this issue, first turn off everything, check static voltage,
> this will drive everything else. If the static is 240 L-L look at the
> utility side you might have small conductors, you might also have a
> transformer size issue bottlenecking the current.  Next turn loads more the
> better watch if there is a drop and how much. Now turn off everything and
> power up the solar again watch the voltage at the meter if it climbs up and
> close to limit it might be the feeders. It's all process of elimination.
> Lots of fun
>
>
> On Thu, Feb 23, 2023, 9:03 AM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I've got a customer who is having issues with high voltage at their
>> house. This first became an issue after installing 23.1kw of AC solar
>> output. They have some GREE heat pumps which have been having some
>> failures. The heat pump people are saying that the problem is that the
>> voltage is above 252V.
>>
>> The grid voltage was measured at 246V with the solar off, and 260V with
>> the solar cranking. The inverters are within 10' of the MSP where there is
>> a line side connection. Then there is 4/0 AL cable which has to go roughly
>> 175' before it reaches the transformer. At 246V and 92A, there should only
>> be about a 3.6V rise, or maybe 4V including the wire from the inverters to
>> the combiner to the MSP. Yet somehow there is about 14V of rise.
>>
>> The service entrance cable is buried. It is in conduit where it goes into
>> and out of the ground, but I have no idea whether there is conduit for most
>> of the run underground. Maybe there is a nick in the cable underground
>> which has caused corrosion? Does anyone have any ideas of how to find the
>> cause of the increased resistance? I should go back out there with an IR
>> camera to check the connections that I can at least get to in the house.
>>
>> I have suggested that they install a buck/boost transformer on the heat
>> pump circuits to bring down the voltage a little bit. But they are also
>> concerned about the high voltage causing issues with other electrical
>> appliances in the house. Does anyone have any anecdata to show whether
>> there are other hidden issues if the house is at 260V during times of high
>> solar production?
>>
>> Thanks!
>> -Dave
>>
>> --
>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
>> Owner | Sungineer Solar
>> p: he | him | his
>> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
>> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> c: (607) 288-2898
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[RE-wrenches] Voltage Rise

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,

I've got a customer who is having issues with high voltage at their house.
This first became an issue after installing 23.1kw of AC solar output. They
have some GREE heat pumps which have been having some failures. The heat
pump people are saying that the problem is that the voltage is above 252V.

The grid voltage was measured at 246V with the solar off, and 260V with the
solar cranking. The inverters are within 10' of the MSP where there is a
line side connection. Then there is 4/0 AL cable which has to go roughly
175' before it reaches the transformer. At 246V and 92A, there should only
be about a 3.6V rise, or maybe 4V including the wire from the inverters to
the combiner to the MSP. Yet somehow there is about 14V of rise.

The service entrance cable is buried. It is in conduit where it goes into
and out of the ground, but I have no idea whether there is conduit for most
of the run underground. Maybe there is a nick in the cable underground
which has caused corrosion? Does anyone have any ideas of how to find the
cause of the increased resistance? I should go back out there with an IR
camera to check the connections that I can at least get to in the house.

I have suggested that they install a buck/boost transformer on the heat
pump circuits to bring down the voltage a little bit. But they are also
concerned about the high voltage causing issues with other electrical
appliances in the house. Does anyone have any anecdata to show whether
there are other hidden issues if the house is at 260V during times of high
solar production?

Thanks!
-Dave

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA SB-41 without WLAN

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi Jeremy,

I've seen that whitepaper from SMA about using the USB to power a Vonets
wifi adapter. It does not work well at all. I tried this and it worked
great for about a week. Then one of the two inverters stopped being able to
power the Vonets at all, and the other Vonets device could not stay
connected to the wifi signal. I called tech support and the person I talked
to said not to use the USB for power and didn't even know that the
whitepaper existed. I had already purchased a few of the vonets devices, so
I tried on another site and had similar bad luck. It connected great at
first, and then a week later stopped working. These were both ground
mounts. The first one, the wifi was coming from a wireless radio at the
house, but that was in front of the array. But the second time, there was a
strong wifi signal coming from behind the array, and it still would not
work. At both sites, I ended up installing an outlet in a box and used
this, which has an ethernet port and ran a cable to the inverters:
https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-Range-Extender-EX2700/dp/B00L0YLRUW/

Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Jan 19, 2023 at 9:10 AM Mac Lewis via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hey Jeremy,
>
> However, I have had good success with TP Link Nano Router in Client Mode
> (as opposed to router, repeat, AP and hotspot mode).  Client mode is great
> because it's not re-broadcasting the wireless signal for other devices,
> it's basically just acting as an ethernet port.  They seem to be robust and
> fairly cheap.   I can't speak to using the USB ports to power them (worth a
> try).
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> On Thu, Jan 19, 2023 at 5:47 AM Jeremy Rodriguez via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Now that there has been some time since the non WLAN units came out, does
>> anyone have recommendations for a good WiFi extender to utilize?
>>
>> Is it OK to use the onboard USB port to power one.   I’ve seen the white
>> paper on this set up but have yet to try it.
>>
>>
>> Jeremy Rodriguez
>> Solar Installation / Design
>> All Solar, Inc.
>> 1453 M St.
>> Penrose Colorado 81240
>>
>> Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand.
>> ___
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> --
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
c: (607) 288-2898
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[RE-wrenches] Enphase consumption data

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,

I have a system where the solar panels (with Enphase IQ8) are on a detached
garage and the IQ gateway is in the house. The gateway is in the house so
that it can gather consumption data, and there is an internet connection
there. There are other loads in the garage, so it is impossible to get a
production CT to the gateway that will register only the solar production.
When I go through the commissioning in the installer toolkit, I can verify
that the consumption CT's are installed and working properly. I've been
having a tough time getting consumption and production data to display
correctly in Enlighten because the production meter is not enabled.

After many calls to tech support we finally have it set up that the
production meter is enabled, but Enlighten is displaying the measurements
from the microinverters. Then when the solar is backfeeding, the CT's
register a negative value (as it should) and flags an error message. I have
finally been able to get Enphase to just make that message go away. The
last piece of the puzzle, which I do not know yet is: Does anyone know
whether the consumption data will properly take into account the production
data from the microinverters, or will it try to use the production data
from the production CT which is now enabled, even though Enlighten displays
the microinverter production data.

I hope that all made sense. I am surprised that this is such an issue with
Enlighten, so was just wondering if others have had better experiences when
there is consumption CT's but no production CT's.

Cheers,
Dave

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA inverterters with SPS

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

I have heard from my distributor that SMA is in the process of ending the
-41 line and will be coming out with a new line of inverter that is
UL1741-SB certified. I've been told SMA says Q2 next year is when the new
line will be available, but my vendor says that it always slips. This is a
bummer for anyone in NY where the utilities are going to require UL1741-SB
starting Jan1. So it seems for most of next year, our options are basically
Enphase and SolarEdge...

Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Dec 12, 2022 at 10:42 AM Tump via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Been waiting on a Fronius for a 3.8kW for 2 months have an older system
> that had a low voltage array that is below the strike voltages of their
> “replacement” inverters…… Ahhhn the joys of Solar installation.
>
> On Dec 12, 2022, at 10:23 AM, Kirpal via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
> Good morning folks!
> Been interesting to see that both SMA and Fronius inverters ar no longer
> available thru our normal distribution channels.  All their residential
> models seem to be unavailable with our distributors not having any idea on
> return to availability.  Anyone know why both of these string inverter
> options seem to have evaporatedare they gone for good?
> WE have a client looking to do a system with 3 - 5kW inverters with the
> SPS.  The SPS being the feature they are after.  Anyone have insight into
> this availability issue or know where to get some of those inverters? Mike
> Mahon?
> Would appreciate any insight.
>
> Thanks.
> Sunny Regards,
> Kirpal Khalsa
> Oregon LRT#25
> Oregon Solarworks LLC
> www.oregonsolarworks.com
> 541-299-0402
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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
c: (607) 288-2898
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[RE-wrenches] Locus to Vision meter swap

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,

I have a service request to replace a Locus LGate120 with a Vision CatM1
meter. I have never used the Vision meters, and have not used an LGate120
in many years. Does anyone know if this will be a 1 to 1 swap? As in, is
the meter specific to the meter enclosure, or can I just pull out the Locus
meter and put in the Vision meter?

Thanks!
-Dave

-- 
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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] AC coupled grid tie only inverter

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi Drake,
Just to make sure I understand you correctly, I could tie in a new grid tie
inverter on the load side of the Magnum inverter. Then when the grid is up,
the power will be able to backfeed through the MMP175-30D panel to the AC
input (which will get rewired to the grid). And when the grid is down, the
Magnum inverter will be able to take the power from the grid tie inverter
on the load side of the Magnum inverter to charge the batteries?
Cheers,
Dave

On Fri, Oct 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM Drake Chamberlin via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> The grid tie inverter can sell through the Magnum relay. When the grid
> goes down, it will feed the batteries.
>
>
>
> Drake Chamberlin
>
> Athens Electric LLC
>
> Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810
>
> CO Master Electrician’s License 4526
>
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> ---
>
>
>
> On 2022-10-07 11:42, Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I've got someone who wants to tie their off-grid system with a Magnum
> inverter (which I think is a 4024 PAE inverter) to the grid. Since the
> Magnum inverter cannot be grid tied, I was wondering if there is some kind
> of simple grid tie inverter that can be the grid interface, while keeping
> the existing system in tact.
>
> Otherwise, I see two paths here. The less expensive path would be to ditch
> the batteries and connect the panels to a grid tie inverter. Otherwise it
> seems that we will need to get another battery based inverter that is meant
> to be grid connected to replace the Magnum.
>
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
> --
>
> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
> Owner | Sungineer Solar
> p: he | him | his
> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
> c: (607) 288-2898
>
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Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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[RE-wrenches] AC coupled grid tie only inverter

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,

I've got someone who wants to tie their off-grid system with a Magnum
inverter (which I think is a 4024 PAE inverter) to the grid. Since the
Magnum inverter cannot be grid tied, I was wondering if there is some kind
of simple grid tie inverter that can be the grid interface, while keeping
the existing system in tact.

Otherwise, I see two paths here. The less expensive path would be to ditch
the batteries and connect the panels to a grid tie inverter. Otherwise it
seems that we will need to get another battery based inverter that is meant
to be grid connected to replace the Magnum.

Cheers,
Dave

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
c: (607) 288-2898
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[RE-wrenches] Vent fan for Conext MPPT 80-600

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,

I need to get some replacement vent fans for a Schneider CC. Tech support
gave me the replacement part number as  Sunon pf80251b1--a99. Looking
around online, I cannot find anything with that exact part number, but I
have found a bunch that is off by one digit -  Sunon pf80251b1-000*U*-a99
(the difference being a "U" rather than a "0" in the middle part. Does
anyone know if this matters? I would hate to get fans that have a different
connector or something like that and be incompatible with the charge
controllers.

Separately, the existing fan in there is an  ADDA ad0812ub-f71. I found one
seller on ebay who has a few of these, so maybe I should just get them?

Cheers,
Dave

-- 
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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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[RE-wrenches] EG4

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any experience with EG4 products? I am doing an off-grid
consultation for someone who plans on getting EG4 inverter and lithium
batteries. The equipment seems so cheap, yet appears to be somewhat legit.
They do at least have UL1741 listing. But their 6500w inverter/charger also
takes PV power directly and goes for $1250. And their 48V 100AH battery is
only $1500. I am curious if anyone has used this stuff and if it is
actually legit.

Cheers,
Dave

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[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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[RE-wrenches] Enphase production CT with Sunpower PVS5

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,
I am expanding on an existing Sunpower system, with non Sunpower equipment
(SMA inverters). In order to get their consumption monitoring to work
properly, I would like to install a production CT for the PVS5. Does anyone
know whether you can use an Enphase production CT with a Sunpower PVS5? The
Enphase CT is rated at 0.5V at 200A (at least that is what it says on the
CT label). I would prefer to just get a Sunpower production CT, but I am
not sure that I can being that we are no longer a Sunpower dealer.
Cheers,
Dave

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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] wire management on Qcell AC module

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Jerry,
Sorry for any confusion there. With that first photo with the leads taped,
I was showing how the module came from the factory. The other two photos of
the backsheet show how far you can pull the leads when the tape is off.
With the setup I explained above, that was with the tape removed from the
modules.
Cheers,
Dave


On Thu, Jun 30, 2022, 7:00 PM Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

>
> Dave
> Nothing should be attached to the back sheet as it can be an issue down
> the road, I might want to look at looping the cords to let them
> statically remain in location without the tape, the loop will prevent
> drooping and if properly located rest on the rail.
> Jerry
>
> On Wed, Jun 29, 2022 at 1:07 PM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>> I realize it has been a while, but I've been meaning to send out an
>> update. With these modules in particular, one lead was long enough to get a
>> clip on the side frame. We found that if we put the upper rail as low as
>> possible allowed by the module (about 19.75" from the top) then it roughly
>> split the distance from the junction box to the microinverter. It seems
>> that even over time, there is not enough slack with the rail there for the
>> wire to ever reach the roof. It is possible that it will eventually sag
>> such that the wire is visible under the rails, but at least for now, you
>> cannot see any wires under the array.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Dave
>>
>> On Thu, Jun 2, 2022 at 1:23 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Except if it is UL listed and tested as part of the assembly. Haha. I
>>> seriously don't that happened, but technically...
>>>
>>> Bottom line, a manufacturer should supply guidance on this.
>>>
>>> On Thu, Jun 2, 2022, 1:02 PM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches <
>>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Tape is not approved as a wire retaining device as far as I can find in
>>>> the NEC :-]
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *From:* RE-wrenches  *On
>>>> Behalf Of *Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches
>>>> *Sent:* Thursday, June 2, 2022 9:40 AM
>>>> *To:* RE-wrenches 
>>>> *Cc:* Jerry Shafer 
>>>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] wire management on Qcell AC module
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Regarding the tape on the back sheet
>>>>
>>>> I have seen Novis installers keep the tape to secure the modules and I
>>>> have also seen it with the tape stll attached to the wires laying on the
>>>> roof so in my humble opinion the tape is for shipping only and is not to be
>>>> used as a wire management system.
>>>>
>>>> Jerry
>>>>
>>>> NABCEP PV Inspector
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, Jun 2, 2022 at 6:37 AM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
>>>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hi All,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I just got some of the Qcell 360w AC modules that have the Enphase
>>>> microinverter factory applied to the back. The module is the half cut cell
>>>> type with the DC leads coming from either side of the middle of the module.
>>>> The modules come with the wires taped to the back of the module. If you
>>>> remove that tape, there appears to be almost no way to properly manage
>>>> those wires. Is that tape meant to just keep the wire on the back of the
>>>> module forever? Would that even last more than a year? I am curious what
>>>> other people have done for these if they have used them or something
>>>> similar. Maybe if you get the rail in the right spot, the wires will just
>>>> sit on the rail...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I realize that we have had a thread on wire management with half cut
>>>> cell modules before, but this is a little different, as I am specifically
>>>> asking about that tape and if anyone knows if it holds up over time.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Cheers,
>>>>
>>>> Dave
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>&g

Re: [RE-wrenches] wire management on Qcell AC module

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

I didn't snap a photo yesterday, but next week I will certainly take some
photos, and report back on what we figure out. Definitely sounds like tape
is not a permanent solution.
Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Jun 2, 2022 at 11:39 AM Jerry Shafer 
wrote:

> Regarding the tape on the back sheet
> I have seen Novis installers keep the tape to secure the modules and I
> have also seen it with the tape stll attached to the wires laying on the
> roof so in my humble opinion the tape is for shipping only and is not to be
> used as a wire management system.
> Jerry
> NABCEP PV Inspector
>
> On Thu, Jun 2, 2022 at 6:37 AM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I just got some of the Qcell 360w AC modules that have the Enphase
>> microinverter factory applied to the back. The module is the half cut cell
>> type with the DC leads coming from either side of the middle of the module.
>> The modules come with the wires taped to the back of the module. If you
>> remove that tape, there appears to be almost no way to properly manage
>> those wires. Is that tape meant to just keep the wire on the back of the
>> module forever? Would that even last more than a year? I am curious what
>> other people have done for these if they have used them or something
>> similar. Maybe if you get the rail in the right spot, the wires will just
>> sit on the rail...
>>
>> I realize that we have had a thread on wire management with half cut cell
>> modules before, but this is a little different, as I am specifically asking
>> about that tape and if anyone knows if it holds up over time.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Dave
>>
>> --
>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
>> Owner | Sungineer Solar
>> p: he | him | his
>> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
>> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> c: (607) 288-2898
>> ___
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[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] wire management on Qcell AC module

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

I just got a quick look at them on the pallet when they arrived on site
yesterday. We will be starting this installation next week, so I can report
back with more details then.
Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Jun 2, 2022 at 9:47 AM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> That's concerning. We just added these to our product offerings. I
> reviewed the QCell installation manual for this product and there doesn't
> seem to be any guidance on the subject.
>
> Are the DC leads tight enough when connected to the microinverter that
> they would not sag enough to touch the roof, or is the tape the only thing
> preventing the leads from touching the roof?
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jun 2, 2022 at 9:37 AM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I just got some of the Qcell 360w AC modules that have the Enphase
>> microinverter factory applied to the back. The module is the half cut cell
>> type with the DC leads coming from either side of the middle of the module.
>> The modules come with the wires taped to the back of the module. If you
>> remove that tape, there appears to be almost no way to properly manage
>> those wires. Is that tape meant to just keep the wire on the back of the
>> module forever? Would that even last more than a year? I am curious what
>> other people have done for these if they have used them or something
>> similar. Maybe if you get the rail in the right spot, the wires will just
>> sit on the rail...
>>
>> I realize that we have had a thread on wire management with half cut cell
>> modules before, but this is a little different, as I am specifically asking
>> about that tape and if anyone knows if it holds up over time.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Dave
>>
>> --
>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
>> Owner | Sungineer Solar
>> p: he | him | his
>> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
>> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> c: (607) 288-2898
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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[RE-wrenches] wire management on Qcell AC module

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,

I just got some of the Qcell 360w AC modules that have the Enphase
microinverter factory applied to the back. The module is the half cut cell
type with the DC leads coming from either side of the middle of the module.
The modules come with the wires taped to the back of the module. If you
remove that tape, there appears to be almost no way to properly manage
those wires. Is that tape meant to just keep the wire on the back of the
module forever? Would that even last more than a year? I am curious what
other people have done for these if they have used them or something
similar. Maybe if you get the rail in the right spot, the wires will just
sit on the rail...

I realize that we have had a thread on wire management with half cut cell
modules before, but this is a little different, as I am specifically asking
about that tape and if anyone knows if it holds up over time.

Cheers,
Dave

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
c: (607) 288-2898
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[RE-wrenches] SMA Rapid Shutdown and Secure Power Supply

[Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches]

Hi All,

The last SMA-41 inverter I commissioned, had the option for SunSpec rapid
shutdown with Secure Power Supply. I just talked to a level one tech who
was not particularly familiar, but told me that with a sunspec rapid
shutdown device like the JMS-F, you can still use the Secure Power Supply
as if there was no rapid shutdown. I had stopped installing the SPS on
rooftop systems, because if losing grid power initiates rapid shutdown,
then you clearly do not have the power to run a SPS. But it sounds like
maybe the inverter has the smarts to wake the solar back up once you flip
the switch to activate the SPS. Can anyone here verify this? Have you done
this, and does it work as expected with no extra hardware needed?

Cheers,
Dave

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
c: (607) 288-2898
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Ironridge BOSS splice

[Dave Tedeyan]

Tump, thank you for John's phone number from Ironridge.
I talked to Ironridge, and John confirmed that the intent here is that the
UFO and stopper sleeve needs to be 1" from the joint for an *expansion
joint only*. He did also mention that you should not have a t-bolt right on
the splice for a normal joint. It just needs to be far enough away so that
the bolt can engage properly.

Cheers,
Dave

On Wed, Mar 16, 2022 at 4:24 PM Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> That's how I read it. They meant to write:
>
> "UFO and Bonding Hardware must be installed *no less than *1" away from
> the point where two Rails join together."
>
> It's frustrating when using 41.5" W modules on 168" IronRidge rails. Four
> panels just barely fit on one rail, so when splicing for more modules you
> need to cut some rail off.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Mar 16, 2022 at 4:08 PM Daniel Young  wrote:
>
>> My read on that is that the splice needs to be anywhere EXCEPT where two
>> modules meet, so for every 40” nominal module width, there is a 2”
>> exclusion zone (5% of the module width), so there is a 95% chance a random
>> splice placement will be in a good place.
>>
>>
>>
>> Basically they don’t want mid clamps right on the splice.
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>>
>> Danny Young
>>
>> Engineering Team Lead
>> Solar Energy Solutions
>>
>> Lexington | Louisville | Bloomington | Cincinnati | Evansville |
>> Indianapolis
>>
>> 513-448-5176 (mobile)
>>
>> 877-312-7456 (Main Office)
>>
>> da...@sesre.com
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* RE-wrenches  *On
>> Behalf Of *Dave Tedeyan
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 16, 2022 3:38 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches 
>> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Ironridge BOSS splice
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi All,
>>
>>
>>
>> I am looking through the installation manual for Ironridge racking and
>> noticed this:
>>
>> 
>>
>> BOSS - Bonded Structual Splice
>> Insert BOSS into first Rail up until the Stop Tab. Slide second Rail
>> fully into place.
>> ➢ Rows using Classic Splice or BOSS and exceeding 100 feet of Rail must
>> use
>> Expansion Joints.
>> ➢ Boss Splices may be installed in any location within a span.
>> ➢
>> *UFO and Bonding Hardware must be installed 1" away from the point where
>> two Rails join together.*
>>
>> *--*
>>
>> I put the third bullet point in bold. Is this saying that you need to
>> ensure that the splice ends up essentially right where two modules meet? Or
>> are they talking about for an expansion joint only? Needing to plan out the
>> exact splice locations and cut every rail to the right length seems to make
>> these splices way more difficult to work with than the normal splice, so I
>> don't get why anyone would use them.
>>
>>
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Dave
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> [image: Logo]
>> <https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/4d1996105ba7f47f07eff2417581599d9b254e62?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sungineersolar.com%2F=1613865=646c02ea29544933>
>>
>>
>> *Dave Tedeyan, P.E. Owner | Sungineer Solar*
>>
>> *p: *he | him | his
>> * a: *1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
>> *w:* www.sungineersolar.com
>> <https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/69d0e2be7b463666f46256049eb0e2e962ac00c6?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sungineersolar.com%2F=1613865=29437372b0cf8d1c>
>> *c:* (607) 288-2898
>>
>>
>> ___
>>
>> ___
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[RE-wrenches] Ironridge BOSS splice

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi All,

I am looking through the installation manual for Ironridge racking and
noticed this:

BOSS - Bonded Structual Splice
Insert BOSS into first Rail up until the Stop Tab. Slide second Rail fully
into place.
➢ Rows using Classic Splice or BOSS and exceeding 100 feet of Rail must use
Expansion Joints.
➢ Boss Splices may be installed in any location within a span.
➢
*UFO and Bonding Hardware must be installed 1" away from the point wheretwo
Rails join together.*
*--*
I put the third bullet point in bold. Is this saying that you need to
ensure that the splice ends up essentially right where two modules meet? Or
are they talking about for an expansion joint only? Needing to plan out the
exact splice locations and cut every rail to the right length seems to make
these splices way more difficult to work with than the normal splice, so I
don't get why anyone would use them.

Cheers,
Dave

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Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
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p: he | him | his
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Monitoring on Remote Sites

[Dave Tedeyan]

The lower the frequency, the less it will be affected by the trees. I've
sent the 2.4GHZ radios through some trees before with no issues, but I have
not tried a quarter mile. I would not be concerned about the elevation
change though as long as you don't have to go through earth with the line
between the radios.
Cheers,
Dave

On Wed, Mar 16, 2022 at 1:22 PM AE Solar 
wrote:

> Hey all,
>
> Thanks for all the good info and sorry for the slow reply. I meant to
> mention in the first post that line of sight is an issue. It’s probably a
> quarter mile (maybe less) through forested terrain to the nearest building
> on the property that has WiFi. There is also a decent elevation change (the
> array is uphill from the building…maybe 40’ of difference in elevation?)
>
>
>
> To answer Sam’s questions, we could put AC at each inverter if that needed
> to happen.  Maybe since line of sight is an issue, Glenn’s suggestion of
> looking into a Yagi antenna is best place to start?
>
> Adam
>
>
> Adam Katzman (he/him)
> Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
> www.AutonomousEnergies.com <http://www.autonomousenergies.com>
> (518) 567-1468
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Mar 14, 2022 at 6:00 PM Foxfire Energy 
> wrote:
>
>> We’ve had success with Wilson amplifiers and a cell phone modem hotspot
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Mar 14, 2022, at 5:58 PM, Sam Haraldson 
>> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> Adam,
>>
>> What kind of distance between the inverters and the existing internet
>> connection?  Is there line of sight between the two?  Is there an
>> electrical panel at the inverters that would allow you to install a low
>> amperage AC circuit for powering comms devices?  Folks have made some good
>> suggestions so far regarding building wireless bridges or using a
>> directional (yagi) antenna to beam a wireless but depending on distance and
>> line of sight these options may not be possible.  I have successfully
>> installed both of these options but the devil is in the details as to
>> whether it will work.
>> Sam Haraldson 
>> Installation & Service Manager
>> <http://www.onsiteenergyinc.com/>
>>
>>
>> | o. (406) 551-6135
>> <https://www.facebook.com/onsiteenergysolar/>
>> <https://www.instagram.com/onsiteenergyinc/>
>> <https://twitter.com/onsiteenergyinc>
>> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/onsite-energy-inc/>
>>
>> <https://onsiteenergyinc.com/bcorp>
>>
>>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Monitoring on Remote Sites

[Dave Tedeyan]

Luke,
I wanted to try out Ubiquiti products, and bought a NanoStation M2, but
haven't installed it yet. With the Lighbeam, can any device connect to it?
If so, I know at least the SMA SB wifi can only connect to 2Ghz, and not
5Ghz. I'll have to see if there is a 2Ghz option. This is why I cannot use
the Engenius equipment anymore, since their 202 replacement is 5Ghz only.
Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Mar 14, 2022 at 2:28 PM Luke Christy 
wrote:

> Adam,
> I would second Dave’s suggestion to use wireless bridges for this
> application -if hardwired internet access is available elsewhere on the
> property and if there is decent line of sight access between that point and
> where your equipment lives.
>
> I have used a lot of Ubiquiti Litebeam point-to-point links for this sort
> of thing and they are awesome. They have given me rock solid dependability
> once they are set up and configured, they function just like a virtual
> ethernet cable over the radio link, and you can even have a single access
> point transmit to multiple stations. Range for the entry-level Litebeam M5
> unit is up to 10km and you can get a pre-configured pair of antenna dishes
> on Amazon for less than $200. Two devices can be had for around $100 if you
> are willing to configure them yourself with a laptop or the UISP app from
> Ubiquiti.   Worth checking out. Other versions are available with longer
> range and more features but I have found the Litebeam M5 is very affordable
> and works well for most shorter-range applications.
>
>
> Luke Christy
>
> Renewable energy consultant.
>
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional™:
>
> Solar Gain Services, LLC
> PO Box 531
> Monte Vista, CO. 81144
> sgsrenewab...@gmail.com 
> 719.588.3044
>
>
> On Mar 14, 2022, at 11:48 AM, AE Solar 
> wrote:
>
> Wrenchers,
> We have a project on a large property, where the install site has no
> internet (there is internet much further away on the property, and on a
> different service) and cell reception is pretty bad. We attempted to use
> SMA Cell Modem Kits (sunny boy inverters), but couldn't get a good enough
> signal for them to work. The client was fine with having just a production
> meter with no internet based monitoring. Now there is the possibility of
> expanding the system quite a bit (also with Sunny Boy's), and I'd prefer to
> figure out a way to monitor everything from offsite. Has anyone had
> any success using a third party antenna with the SMA Cell Modem Kits? Or
> have thoughts on other methods for setting up monitoring where we could, at
> a minimum, see the combined output of all the inverters? Thanks for any
> thoughts.
> Adam
>
> Adam Katzman (he/him)
> Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
> www.AutonomousEnergies.com <http://www.autonomousenergies.com/>
> (518) 567-1468
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Monitoring on Remote Sites

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi Adam,
I have had good luck in the past setting up a wireless bridge. You will
need an outlet at the array to power the radio there, but these things can
work over long distances as long as there is line of sight. In the past, I
have used the Engenius ENH202. They often would even make the wifi signal
strong enough that the SMA inverter internal wifi could pick it up without
a second radio at the array (and sometimes with the radio mounted inside
the house). Unfortunately this product no longer exists. I have used some
of the TP-link CPE210, but they are not nearly as strong as the Engenius
one, and always need to get mounted outside.

I would also be curious to hear what models others have tried.
Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Mar 14, 2022 at 1:48 PM AE Solar 
wrote:

> Wrenchers,
> We have a project on a large property, where the install site has no
> internet (there is internet much further away on the property, and on a
> different service) and cell reception is pretty bad. We attempted to use
> SMA Cell Modem Kits (sunny boy inverters), but couldn't get a good enough
> signal for them to work. The client was fine with having just a production
> meter with no internet based monitoring. Now there is the possibility of
> expanding the system quite a bit (also with Sunny Boy's), and I'd prefer to
> figure out a way to monitor everything from offsite. Has anyone had
> any success using a third party antenna with the SMA Cell Modem Kits? Or
> have thoughts on other methods for setting up monitoring where we could, at
> a minimum, see the combined output of all the inverters? Thanks for any
> thoughts.
> Adam
>
> Adam Katzman (he/him)
> Autonomous Energies | Owner/Operator
> www.AutonomousEnergies.com <http://www.autonomousenergies.com>
> (518) 567-1468
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Panel Sealant

[Dave Tedeyan]

August and Jason, thanks for the suggestions.

I also had a random vendor online tell me that the S2 and S4 is in fact
discontinued and was replaced by the Geocel 4600 series. I am wondering if
anyone here has used that as well?

Cheers,
Dave

On Wed, Mar 9, 2022 at 9:32 AM August Goers  wrote:

> We’ve been using ChemLink M-1 for at least 10 years now, I have not seen
> any signs of issues:
>
> https://chemlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/M-1-1072021.pdf
>
> We’ve been training our crews to use isopropyl alcohol to clean surfaces
> including metal flashings to clean off any residual oil that might be left
> after manufacturing, just to assure strong adhesion.
>
> Geocell 2300 is another classic:
>
> https://www.geocelusa.com/product/2300-construction-tripolymer-sealant/
>
>
> August
> Luminalt
>
> On Wed, Mar 9, 2022 at 6:14 AM Dave Tedeyan 
> wrote:
>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> What sealant do you all like to use for flashings on a shingle roof? I
>> have used the Geocel S2 and S4 for years, and it seems like it is nearly
>> impossible to get right now.
>>
>> Thanks!
>> Dave
>>
>> --
>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
>> Owner | Sungineer Solar
>> p: he | him | his
>> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd.
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1653+Slaterville+Rd.+%C2%A0+%7C%C2%A0Ithaca,+NY+14850?entry=gmail=g>
>>
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1653+Slaterville+Rd.+%C2%A0+%7C%C2%A0Ithaca,+NY+14850?entry=gmail=g>|
>>  Ithaca,
>> NY 14850
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1653+Slaterville+Rd.+%C2%A0+%7C%C2%A0Ithaca,+NY+14850?entry=gmail=g>
>> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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[RE-wrenches] Solar Panel Sealant

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi All,

What sealant do you all like to use for flashings on a shingle roof? I have
used the Geocel S2 and S4 for years, and it seems like it is nearly
impossible to get right now.

Thanks!
Dave

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge Monitoring Access

[Dave Tedeyan]

Maybe I just got lucky, but at least once I just called (or maybe even only
submitted a ticket to) SolarEdge about an orphaned system asking for
installer access and they just granted it. It's worth a shot.
Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Feb 7, 2022 at 3:57 PM Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> Does anyone know if there is an easier way to get access to a client's
> monitoring site? The Site Transfer Form is an infuriating process and
> customer service takes forever to process forms in my experience. Enphase
> makes this SO much easier. I'm [reluctantly] taking on quite a few service
> clients due to bankrupt contractors leaving SolarEdge owners hanging.
>
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown for Off-grid systems

[Dave Tedeyan]

I also recently used the Tigo with Sol-Ark to provide the 12V signal with
good success. The Tigo transmitter can also (barely) fit inside the Sol-Ark
wiring compartment, so you do not need the whole Tigo enclosure for it.
Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Jan 31, 2022 at 8:21 PM Kirpal  wrote:

> Hi William.
> We have had good luck with the AP Smart Rapid shutdown system.  It is
> similar to the Tigo in that it sends a "heartbeat" signal to the units up
> behind each solar panel over the power wires. I haven't tried the Tigos yet
> but would be open to it if the opportunity presented itself.  The thing we
> like about the AP Smart shutdown units is they can be attached to the solar
> panels before the panels are brought up to the roof.  Makes for a quick and
> tidy installation.  We found the Fire Raptor units with their incredible
> amount of extra wiring and cables to be a real pain in the ass to install.
> It typically takes longer to install the Fire Raptor units and manage the
> wiring than it does to install the solar panels themselves. The fire
> raptors are more expensive and require a seperate control wire to be run
> upto the roof.  We haven't had any failures on either the fire raptor or
> the AP Smart units with probably a dozen installs of each style installed
> to date.  Brad Bassett at AEE has some great easy to use wiring diagrams
> for both systems with Outback or Sol Ark.  All the above systems have some
> requirement for either 12V or 24V power to power the signal generator.  We
> typically use some version of din rail mounted 48-24v or12V power supply
> and power it from the batteries so that if the inverter were to fail or the
> grid the solar can still stay on..  At this stage we have settled on any of
> the rapid shutdown systems except Fire Raptor.  - if you do use the Fire
> Raptor - calculate a  bunch of extra time into the install for wire
> management.
> Hope that gives you some food for thought.
> Cheers,
>
> Sunny Regards,
> Kirpal Khalsa
> Oregon LRT#25
> Oregon Solarworks LLC
> www.oregonsolarworks.com
> 541-299-0402
>
>
>
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] neutral sizing for sense

[Dave Tedeyan]

Drake,
I believe that is for a single phase 2 wire output only. I am assuming one
hot and one neutral for the inverter output in this case. I would think
most *grid tied* inverters fall under 705.95B, where the neutral is only a
voltage sense and can be sized as small as the equipment ground.
Cheers,
Dave


On Tue, Jan 25, 2022, 8:37 AM  wrote:

> "the maximum load connected between the neutral and any one ungrounded
>  
> conductor
> plus the inverter
> 
>  output
> rating shall not exceed the ampacity
>  of
> the neutral conductor
> 
> ."
>
>
> So the neutral conductor is supposed to be sized for the connected load
> plus the entire maximum output of the inverter?
> ---
>
>
>
> On 2022-01-24 12:10, Kirk Herander wrote:
>
> 705.95 Ampacity of Neutral Conductor
> National Electrical Code 2017 of New York State
>  > 7 Special Conditions
> 
>  > 705 Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources
> 
>  > 705.95 Ampacity of Neutral Conductor
> 
> JUMP TO FULL CODE CHAPTER
>
> The ampacity
>  of
> the neutral conductors
> 
>  shall
> comply with either (A) or (B).
>
>
> (A) Neutral Conductor for Single Phase, 2-Wire Inverter Output
> <#m_3695074346584270383_NOP>
>
> If a single-phase, 2-wire
> 
>  inverter
> 
>  output
> is connected to the neutral and one ungrounded
>  
> conductor
> (only) of a 3-wire
> 
>  system
> or of a 3-phase, 4-wire
> ,
> wye-connected system, the maximum load connected between the neutral and
> any one ungrounded
>  
> conductor
> plus the inverter
> 
>  output
> rating shall not exceed the ampacity
>  of
> the neutral conductor
> 
> .
>
>
> (B) Neutral Conductor for Instrumentation, Voltage, Detection or Phase
> Detection <#m_3695074346584270383_NOP>
>
> A conductor used solely for instrumentation, voltage
> 
>  detection,
> or phase detection and connected to a single-phase or 3-phase interactive
> inverter
> ,
> shall be permitted to be sized at less than the ampacity
>  of
> the other current-carrying conductors and shall be sized equal to or larger
> than the equipment grounding conductor
> 
> .
>
> On Mon, Jan 24, 2022 at 11:58 AM Foxfire Energy 
> wrote:
>
> I'd start with the manufacturers recommendations
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Jan 24, 2022, at 11:52 AM, jay  wrote:
> >
> > HI All,
> >
> > Where do I find in the code how to size a sense only neutral wire for GT
> inverter.
> >
> > thanks
> >
> > jay
> >
> > peltz power
> >
> >
> > ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Ion tool batteries

[Dave Tedeyan]

I use DeWalt tools, mostly because that is what I ended up with. But they
have been working totally fine. No complaints here in upstate NY. I do
generally bring them in overnight in the winter.
Cheers,
Dave

On Fri, Jan 21, 2022 at 11:12 AM Jesse Dahl  wrote:

> I use Delwalt only because they still make a couple power/battery tools in
> the USA. And it’s the only reason I buy them.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 20, 2022, at 12:16 PM, Jesse Dahl  wrote:
>
> I live in far northern MN (it was -32F this morning) my shop is well
> insulated but I only heat when I working in there (wood heat). It was 22F
> in the shop this morning. My batteries give the “cold temp” light when I
> try charge them even when as warm as 20F. So I need to bring my batteries
> in at night. It doesn’t take to long to warm them up if I leave them out
> there at night. Not sure what the magic temp is on them.
>
> Jesse
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 19, 2022, at 10:39 AM, Foxfire Energy 
> wrote:
>
>  Manufacturers Instructions.. most say “Protect from Freezing n Over
> Heating “.. like in a trunk.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 19, 2022, at 10:28 AM, Dana Orzel  wrote:
>
> 
>
> Hey All,
>
>
>
> For those of us that live & work in freezing winter temps – What is the
> overall effect on LI tool batteries stored in a frozen truck overnight,
> needs to be used or charged & the battery is -15˚ to 32˚F?
>
> I assume it’s the same as stationary LI batteries, though I have never
> seen a warning on the battery package or in the tool literature.
>
>
>
> What are you all doing with work tool batteries in freezing  temps?
>
>
>
> Are you taking the batteries inside to be warm & charge at night?
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Dana Orzel  Great Solar Works, Inc.
>
> *C - 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
> *
>
> Idaho Contractor - # 028765 Idaho PV # 028374
>
> NABCEP # 051112-136   www.greatsolarworks.com
>
> *"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  *
>
> *P* Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>
>
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] Conext XW+ 5548 fan replacement

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi all,

Does anyone have a source where you can get a replacement fan for the
Conext XW+ inverters? I just talked to Schneider and since this inverter is
just out of warranty, they will not send another one, nor sell me one.

I also checked the archives because I thought that someone asked about this
before, but that was for the charge controller. A couple people said they
had suppliers for the fans, but none specifically were mentioned on that
thread.

I appreciate the help!
Cheers,
Dave

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a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge inverter blowing fuses

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi All,
I thought I would follow up to report that I swapped out the old GE 60A
switch with a SQD one, and there have been no blown fuses since!
Cheers,
Dave

On Tue, Nov 2, 2021 at 4:50 PM Jerry Shafer 
wrote:

> looks like one more failure, once they start there is no going back as the
> fuse retainer loses its spring
>
> On Tue, Nov 2, 2021 at 1:38 PM Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
>> Ugh - no joke - we just found another one this morning with a blown fuse.
>> Pic attached. It's really a nightmare.
>>
>> Check out how discolored the top of the left fuse is (again). Always the
>> same fault...
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>> Florida Solar Design Group
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 8:43 PM Jason Szumlanski <
>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>
>>> See attached image. Notice the discoloration on the top of the left
>>> fuse. It's always the same thing, same place.
>>>
>>> Jason
>>>
>>> On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 8:30 PM Jason Szumlanski <
>>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I should also mention that it has nothing to do with ambient heat. This
>>>> has occured in all seasons and with disconnects in direct sunlight on a
>>>> south wall and disconnects in air conditioned garages.
>>>>
>>>> It's just a garbage product. We switched to Square D for 60A D222NRB
>>>> fusible disconnects and are also using their 100A circuit breaker
>>>> enclosures which are cost effective. The D223NRB is also a good fusible
>>>> disconnect, but pricey.
>>>>
>>>> Jason
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 8:24 PM Jason Szumlanski <
>>>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> It's the disconnect. We had dozens of this subpar disconnect design
>>>>> fail on Enphase systems. The 2 Pole has the same issue.
>>>>>
>>>>> GE gave us some nonsense answer that it's General Duty and not
>>>>> designed for continuous high power. Even 40A combined Enphase systems will
>>>>> blow a 60A fuse.
>>>>>
>>>>> What you will find is the fuse will blow on one side and then
>>>>> replacements will blow at decreasing intervals until it blows daily. Our
>>>>> experience is the left side (of the 2-pole)  is far more problematic for
>>>>> some odd reason. It's not the fuse brand either.
>>>>>
>>>>> I believe the design fault is how the blades only hit a single contact
>>>>> on one side when they close. The Square D alternative has the blade
>>>>> slipping between two contacts.
>>>>>
>>>>> Sadly we have had to replace so many of these and most are supply side
>>>>> interconnections, which make it tricky and expensive.
>>>>>
>>>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>>>> Florida Solar Design Group
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 4:26 PM Dave Tedeyan 
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I am servicing a system that keeps blowing fuses on the AC side,
>>>>>> although it
>>>>>>  appears that everything is sized correctly. It is a SolarEdge
>>>>>> SE11400A-US inverter.
>>>>>>  Max continuous output current is 47.5A x 1.25 = 59.4A. There is a GE
>>>>>> TG3222R
>>>>>>  60A AC disconnect, and it is wired up with #6 THHN wire. The
>>>>>> terminals were tight
>>>>>>  and there was no evidence of arcing or burning in the past. This is
>>>>>> indoors, and not
>>>>>>  exposed to sunlight. No extra conductors are in the conduit.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> But they say that they need to replace a fuse roughly once per month.
>>>>>> Has anyone
>>>>>>  seen this before? Could there be some kind of fault in the inverter
>>>>>> itself that
>>>>>>  occasionally induces extra current? Is there any way to tweak the
>>>>>> settings so that it
>>>>>>  actually produces a bit more than 11.4kw? I appreciate your thoughts.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Cheers,
>>>>>> Dave
>>>>>>
>>>&

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA arc faults

[Dave Tedeyan]

FpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000=3MilECv4JLAMH%2BMunjxDp7a6Am%2FYrbC60QCWZ26XFVU%3D=0>
>
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>
>
> <https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sma-america.com%2Fproducts%2Fsolarinverters%2Fsunny-tripower-core1.html=04%7C01%7Cmichael.mahon%40sma-america.com%7C8f44865f11fd477f872508d9c6a18ead%7Ca059b96c28294d1188374cc1ff84735d%7C0%7C1%7C637759219458292776%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000=rzT09SNKVs10m75zjHMzOzEjNZAtP4JTPjuVRsU7wNw%3D=0>
>
> This email and any attachments thereto may contain SMA America, LLC
> confidential, privileged and private material for the sole use of the
> intended recipient. Any review, copying, or distribution of this email (or
> any attachments thereto) by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not
> the intended recipient, please contact the sender immediately and
> permanently delete the original and any copies of this email and any
> attachments thereto. Thank you.
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches 
>  *On Behalf Of *Dave Tedeyan
> *Sent:* Saturday, December 18, 2021 6:28 PM
> *To:* RE-wrenches 
> 
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA arc faults
>
>
>
> Hi Mac,
>
>
>
> Might I ask what modules these are connected to? There is some history
> here with Sunpower modules (and possibly other high power, high voltage
> modules). In these cases the issue is the module. If that's the case I can
> provide some more detail about it.
>
>
>
> As for remote resetting, it is actually possible. Although it takes some
> networking knowhow that I am not savvy enough to tell you the specifics. I
> believe it is possible to remotely access the inverter through some kind of
> port forwarding. So you can always reset the inverter by physically being
> there and doing the right power cycle and taps (depending on the inverter
> model), but you can also reset the arc fault through the computer (or smart
> phone) inverter interface.
>
>
>
> There is also one other thing you can try if there is no shading. At least
> with the Sunpower module issue, the inverter would always trip when it does
> an MPPT sweep. With the optitrac global peak that the sma inverters use,
> they do a full MPPT sweep every 6 to 30 minutes. You can turn this off, and
> sometimes that will stop the arc faults. But that also means that partial
> shading can take out a whole string, rather than just a modules worth of
> voltage.
>
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> Dave
>
> On Sat, Dec 18, 2021, 4:15 PM Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
> I haven't seen many, but every one I've seen has been a melted MC4
> connector.
>
>
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
>
>
> On Sat, Dec 18, 2021, 3:21 PM Jerry Shafer 
> wrote:
>
> Over the years every SMA arcfault has been real, l am also not saying
> hazard, well, AC, welding, all creat Arc noise in the system and it can be
> from a normal contactor arc. I have also seen AM arc faults caused by
> defective or knock off MC connectors, in adequately stripped wires that
> result in the screw down connection on the insulator causing arc in the
> connector.
>
> Jerry
>
> NABCEP PV Inspestor
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> <https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.avast.com%2Fsig-email%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dlink%26utm_campaign%3Dsig-email%26utm_content%3Demailclient%26utm_term%3Dicon=04%7C01%7Cmichael.mahon%40sma-america.com%7C8f44865f11fd477f872508d9c6a18ead%7Ca059b96c28294d1188374cc1ff84735d%7C0%7C1%7C637759219458292776%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000=kSjodRX8nqjX7a0ffN83lpe%2FN5EEU97vIefjmMRr7Ew%3D=0>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA arc faults

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi Mac,

Might I ask what modules these are connected to? There is some history here
with Sunpower modules (and possibly other high power, high voltage
modules). In these cases the issue is the module. If that's the case I can
provide some more detail about it.

As for remote resetting, it is actually possible. Although it takes some
networking knowhow that I am not savvy enough to tell you the specifics. I
believe it is possible to remotely access the inverter through some kind of
port forwarding. So you can always reset the inverter by physically being
there and doing the right power cycle and taps (depending on the inverter
model), but you can also reset the arc fault through the computer (or smart
phone) inverter interface.

There is also one other thing you can try if there is no shading. At least
with the Sunpower module issue, the inverter would always trip when it does
an MPPT sweep. With the optitrac global peak that the sma inverters use,
they do a full MPPT sweep every 6 to 30 minutes. You can turn this off, and
sometimes that will stop the arc faults. But that also means that partial
shading can take out a whole string, rather than just a modules worth of
voltage.

Cheers,
Dave

On Sat, Dec 18, 2021, 4:15 PM Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> I haven't seen many, but every one I've seen has been a melted MC4
> connector.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
> On Sat, Dec 18, 2021, 3:21 PM Jerry Shafer 
> wrote:
>
>> Over the years every SMA arcfault has been real, l am also not saying
>> hazard, well, AC, welding, all creat Arc noise in the system and it can be
>> from a normal contactor arc. I have also seen AM arc faults caused by
>> defective or knock off MC connectors, in adequately stripped wires that
>> result in the screw down connection on the insulator causing arc in the
>> connector.
>> Jerry
>> NABCEP PV Inspestor
>>
>> On Sat, Dec 18, 2021, 6:07 AM Mac Lewis  wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Wrenches,
>>>
>>> I have spent this last week clearing arc faults on SMA inverters.  There
>>> never appears to be a true arc event, just the occasional event and then
>>> lockout.
>>>
>>> What is the best approach to fix these tripping inverter issues?  Is
>>> there a way to decrease the sensitivity?  Any procedures that are effective
>>> at keeping this from happening?  All connections are good and tight and
>>> triple checked.  Anyway to remotely clear these faults?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Mac Lewis
>>>
>>> *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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There 

[RE-wrenches] Key for SMA rapid shutdown controller

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi all,
Does anyone have a source to get a replacement key for SMA's rapid shutdown
controller. I have someone who lost their key at some point, and then for
some reason initiated rapid shutdown. I have a spare to unlock it, but I am
wondering if it is possible to get one without getting the whole controller.
Thanks!
-Dave

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
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Re: [RE-wrenches] AC-PVs

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi Bill,
Your assumption is right about the rapid shutdown. Like any microinverter,
as soon as you cut grid power, the output goes to 0V.
Actually funny you mention the 395w AC panels. I am fairly certain that LG
stopped making the AC panels in their NeON R line, which is that second
link you sent. I was told they were not moving enough of those AC panels so
they stopped making them. You might still be able to find some of them out
there from suppliers in their random stock, but they are no longer actively
stocked. They are actively producing the AC panels in their NeON 2 line,
which is the 380w ones from your first link. My supplier should be getting
the 380's by around the new year, as they just switched over from the
375's. Then there are also 370w ones with the black backsheet. (
https://www.lg.com/us/business/neon-2/lg-lg370m1k-a6).

Cheers,
Dave

On Wed, Dec 8, 2021 at 12:04 AM frenergy  wrote:

> That's a pretty hefty reimbursement for replacing a failed unit, they must
> of actually been thinking about the installer.  I also like the high
> efficiency PV they paired it with, 395 watts and its still 60 cell,
> inverter 97% CEC .
>
> Sorry about the wrong link, here's the correct one:
>
> https://www.lg.com/us/business/neon-r/lg-lg395a1c-a6
>
> Should I assume that if the fire department pulls the meter at
> a house fire, that qualifies as rapid shutdown?
>
> Bill
> On 12/7/2021 5:27 AM, Dave Tedeyan wrote:
>
> Hi Bill,
> I started installing the LG AC modules this year. So far they seem like a
> great product. I have about 120 of them in the field so far, but I have had
> 0 issues. I used to install the Sunpower AC modules, but I like these more.
> There are no DC leads at all. There are just AC cables coming out of the
> microinverter on the back that connect to the next panel, so there is no AC
> drop cable. It takes a little getting used to the best ways to wire manage,
> but I've been finding it pretty straightforward. The commissioning process
> goes much more smoothly than it ever did with Sunpower. Two minor drawbacks
> - One is that with the commissioning, the customer needs to log in and
> approve the system before the monitoring will work. Two, is that the panel
> and microinverter are entirely one piece, so that if a microinverter were
> to fail the entire unit needs to get replaced. LG does offer a $450 labor
> reimbursement, and I have not had any issues yet, but that will be a more
> involved service than a simple microinverter replacement. Overall, these
> sell at a good price point and make for a simple installation. I wish that
> they would still offer AC panels in their NeON R line as well, but
> supposedly they were not selling very many of those.
>
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
> On Mon, Dec 6, 2021 at 11:42 PM frenergy  wrote:
>
>> Wrenches,
>>
>>  Not sure if AC panels are being installed yet, am I living
>> under a rock?  We've been really happy with LG NeON 370 watt panels and
>> wondering if anybody has installed any of their AC panels yet:
>>
>> https://www.lg.com/us/business/neon-2/lg-lg380m1c-a6
>>
>> or any other AC PVs.  The LGs may still be vaporware.
>>
>> Bill
>>
>> Feather River Solar Electric
>> Bill Battagin, Owner
>> 4291 Nelson St.
>> Taylorsville, CA 95983
>> 530.284.7849
>> CA Lic 874049
>> www.frenergy.net
>>
>>
>> --
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> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
> Owner | Sungineer Solar
> p: he | him | his
> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
> c: (607) 288-2898
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Re: [RE-wrenches] AC-PVs

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi Bill,
I started installing the LG AC modules this year. So far they seem like a
great product. I have about 120 of them in the field so far, but I have had
0 issues. I used to install the Sunpower AC modules, but I like these more.
There are no DC leads at all. There are just AC cables coming out of the
microinverter on the back that connect to the next panel, so there is no AC
drop cable. It takes a little getting used to the best ways to wire manage,
but I've been finding it pretty straightforward. The commissioning process
goes much more smoothly than it ever did with Sunpower. Two minor drawbacks
- One is that with the commissioning, the customer needs to log in and
approve the system before the monitoring will work. Two, is that the panel
and microinverter are entirely one piece, so that if a microinverter were
to fail the entire unit needs to get replaced. LG does offer a $450 labor
reimbursement, and I have not had any issues yet, but that will be a more
involved service than a simple microinverter replacement. Overall, these
sell at a good price point and make for a simple installation. I wish that
they would still offer AC panels in their NeON R line as well, but
supposedly they were not selling very many of those.

Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Dec 6, 2021 at 11:42 PM frenergy  wrote:

> Wrenches,
>
>  Not sure if AC panels are being installed yet, am I living
> under a rock?  We've been really happy with LG NeON 370 watt panels and
> wondering if anybody has installed any of their AC panels yet:
>
> https://www.lg.com/us/business/neon-2/lg-lg380m1c-a6
>
> or any other AC PVs.  The LGs may still be vaporware.
>
> Bill
>
> Feather River Solar Electric
> Bill Battagin, Owner
> 4291 Nelson St.
> Taylorsville, CA 95983
> 530.284.7849
> CA Lic 874049
> www.frenergy.net
>
>
> --
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Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge inverter blowing fuses

[Dave Tedeyan]

It is always the left fuse! Thanks all for the pointers. I'll double check
the monitoring, but am thinking that I will be replacing the switch with a
SQD, and replacing the taps and AC wires as well while I'm at it.
Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 9:13 PM Jerry Shafer  wrote:

> Bad switch
>
>
> On Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 5:44 PM Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
>> See attached image. Notice the discoloration on the top of the left fuse.
>> It's always the same thing, same place.
>>
>> Jason
>>
>> On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 8:30 PM Jason Szumlanski <
>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I should also mention that it has nothing to do with ambient heat. This
>>> has occured in all seasons and with disconnects in direct sunlight on a
>>> south wall and disconnects in air conditioned garages.
>>>
>>> It's just a garbage product. We switched to Square D for 60A D222NRB
>>> fusible disconnects and are also using their 100A circuit breaker
>>> enclosures which are cost effective. The D223NRB is also a good fusible
>>> disconnect, but pricey.
>>>
>>> Jason
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 8:24 PM Jason Szumlanski <
>>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> It's the disconnect. We had dozens of this subpar disconnect design
>>>> fail on Enphase systems. The 2 Pole has the same issue.
>>>>
>>>> GE gave us some nonsense answer that it's General Duty and not designed
>>>> for continuous high power. Even 40A combined Enphase systems will blow a
>>>> 60A fuse.
>>>>
>>>> What you will find is the fuse will blow on one side and then
>>>> replacements will blow at decreasing intervals until it blows daily. Our
>>>> experience is the left side (of the 2-pole)  is far more problematic for
>>>> some odd reason. It's not the fuse brand either.
>>>>
>>>> I believe the design fault is how the blades only hit a single contact
>>>> on one side when they close. The Square D alternative has the blade
>>>> slipping between two contacts.
>>>>
>>>> Sadly we have had to replace so many of these and most are supply side
>>>> interconnections, which make it tricky and expensive.
>>>>
>>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>>> Florida Solar Design Group
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 4:26 PM Dave Tedeyan 
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>>
>>>>> I am servicing a system that keeps blowing fuses on the AC side,
>>>>> although it
>>>>>  appears that everything is sized correctly. It is a SolarEdge
>>>>> SE11400A-US inverter.
>>>>>  Max continuous output current is 47.5A x 1.25 = 59.4A. There is a GE
>>>>> TG3222R
>>>>>  60A AC disconnect, and it is wired up with #6 THHN wire. The
>>>>> terminals were tight
>>>>>  and there was no evidence of arcing or burning in the past. This is
>>>>> indoors, and not
>>>>>  exposed to sunlight. No extra conductors are in the conduit.
>>>>>
>>>>> But they say that they need to replace a fuse roughly once per month.
>>>>> Has anyone
>>>>>  seen this before? Could there be some kind of fault in the inverter
>>>>> itself that
>>>>>  occasionally induces extra current? Is there any way to tweak the
>>>>> settings so that it
>>>>>  actually produces a bit more than 11.4kw? I appreciate your thoughts.
>>>>>
>>>>> Cheers,
>>>>> Dave
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>>>>> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
>>>>> Owner | Sungineer Solar
>>>>> p: he | him | his
>>>>> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
>>>>> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>>>>> c: (607) 288-2898
>>>>> ___
>>>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Strange Enphase IQ7A Failure Issue

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi Jason,
I recently did a microinverter swap of the old D380's to 54 of the IQ7
190's. Once it was commissioned I started seeing random MI's drop out, but
not always the same ones. I am pretty sure that this was due to
overvoltage. I measured the line voltage at 255v with the system turned
off.

Not being my original install, I am not sure if this was an issue before. I
wonder if somehow the IQ series could be more sensitive to overvoltage? But
anyway, try checking voltage...

Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 6:31 PM Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> We have a site with 34 microinverters at two orientations. It's a couple
> of months old. After about a month a couple of microinverters started
> acting up and dropping power production for no apparent reason, then
> finally started throwing Device Produced No Power issues and totally sopped
> producing but continued communicating. Slowly but surely additional units
> have dropped off. Now a few weeks later we have 24 of the 34 units with the
> same issue. Ten random units are completely fine. These are on various
> branch circuits and both orientations. There is no rhyme or reason to this
> issue that I can see.
>
> I have never seen such a widespread failure on a single site (since the
> M190) and we are not seeing failures of the IQ7A at higher than usual rates
> on any other site. It seems almost impossible that we got a bad batch and
> haven't seen a bunch of failures at at least one more site (it's more than
> a box full of quantity 18 but less than 36).
>
> Enphase Tier 2 tech support was no help at all (many many hours on the
> phone, on hold, etc, no real answers). It was supposedly escalated to a
> higher level, but I never heard back. I finally gave up and just demanded
> that they replace them all. I'm concerned that there is something else
> wrong here and might be wasting my time replacing 2 dozen units. We
> replaced two today and for the last half of the day they seemed to work
> flawlessly, but for how long they will continue to work is anyone's guess.
>
> Needless to say, the client is quite concerned.
>
> If you have had any similar experiences I would love to hear the
> resolution.
>
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge inverter blowing fuses

[Dave Tedeyan]

The fuses are Ferraz Shawmut Trionic TR60R. 60A, 250V. I looked them up to
find that they are time delay, RK5 type.

I would imagine that there is monitoring, but not being my installation, I
don't have access to it. That's a good idea though to get access to see
when this is happening.

I am also waiting to hear back as to whether it is both legs, or only one.
I've been to the site only once so far, to initially diagnose the bad fuse.
At the time, I was hoping that it was just a bad fuse since everything else
looked okay.

Lloyd, thanks for the insulation tip. Next time I head out there, I should
pull out the wires and take a closer look. Unfortunately it's a line side
tap, so I'm not excited about removing the tap, but may be worth it if I
can't find anything else. Although come to think of it, I did find a ground
fault in the wires for another system at the same site, so the original
installers' wire pulling technique is certainly suspect.

Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 6:05 PM Jerry Shafer  wrote:

> Does this system have monitoring, what time of day is this happening, the
> monitoring site should show output at time of failure, what leg is tripping
> both or one side? You may want to look at the fuses they are using, rapid
> blow, slow blow, rated for the duty these are being used for. You can also
> use a data logger to get a better idea of what and when
>
> Jerry
>
> On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 1:45 PM Lloyd Hoffstatter <
> ll...@sunstruckconsulting.com> wrote:
>
>> Dave,
>>
>>
>>
>> My first thought would be a small nick in wire insulation going to
>> ground, causing the fuse to fail over time.
>>
>> We had a similar situation with a much larger system where the culprit
>> was hard to notice…
>>
>>
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> Lloyd
>>
>>
>>
>> Lloyd Hoffstatter
>>
>> Sunstruck Consulting
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for
>> Windows
>>
>>
>>
>> *From: *Dave Tedeyan 
>> *Sent: *Monday, November 1, 2021 4:26 PM
>> *To: *RE-wrenches 
>> *Subject: *[RE-wrenches] SolarEdge inverter blowing fuses
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi All,
>>
>>
>>
>> I am servicing a system that keeps blowing fuses on the AC side, although
>> it
>>
>>  appears that everything is sized correctly. It is a SolarEdge
>> SE11400A-US inverter.
>>
>>  Max continuous output current is 47.5A x 1.25 = 59.4A. There is a GE
>> TG3222R
>>
>>  60A AC disconnect, and it is wired up with #6 THHN wire. The terminals
>> were tight
>>
>>  and there was no evidence of arcing or burning in the past. This is
>> indoors, and not
>>
>>  exposed to sunlight. No extra conductors are in the conduit.
>>
>>
>>
>> But they say that they need to replace a fuse roughly once per month. Has
>> anyone
>>
>>  seen this before? Could there be some kind of fault in the inverter
>> itself that
>>
>>  occasionally induces extra current? Is there any way to tweak the
>> settings so that it
>>
>>  actually produces a bit more than 11.4kw? I appreciate your thoughts.
>>
>>
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Dave
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>>
>>
>> *Dave Tedeyan, P.E. Owner | Sungineer Solar*
>>
>> *p: *he | him | his
>> * a: *1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
>> *w:* www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> *c:* (607) 288-2898
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
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[RE-wrenches] SolarEdge inverter blowing fuses

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi All,

I am servicing a system that keeps blowing fuses on the AC side, although it
 appears that everything is sized correctly. It is a SolarEdge SE11400A-US
inverter.
 Max continuous output current is 47.5A x 1.25 = 59.4A. There is a GE
TG3222R
 60A AC disconnect, and it is wired up with #6 THHN wire. The terminals
were tight
 and there was no evidence of arcing or burning in the past. This is
indoors, and not
 exposed to sunlight. No extra conductors are in the conduit.

But they say that they need to replace a fuse roughly once per month. Has
anyone
 seen this before? Could there be some kind of fault in the inverter itself
that
 occasionally induces extra current? Is there any way to tweak the settings
so that it
 actually produces a bit more than 11.4kw? I appreciate your thoughts.

Cheers,
Dave

-- 
[image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
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[RE-wrenches] Long span commercial solar racking

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi All,

I am looking for recommendations for a solar racking system that can be put
on a flat commercial roof where the point loads can span 12-13" east/west.
I am imagining a system built up almost like a ground mount. Does anyone
have manufacturer suggestions?

Thanks!
-Dave
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Tigo Rapid Shutdown equipment

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi Chris,
I also am curious of others experiences. I've got one system with SMA and
the TS4-R-F. No problems, but it's only 6 months old. I hear that SMA now
recommends the ones made by JMS, but it looks like essentially the same
thing.
Cheers,
Dave

On Tue, Aug 24, 2021, 11:22 AM Christopher Warfel <
cwar...@entech-engineering.com> wrote:

> WRENCHES,
>
> We are meeting our customer demand for more multimode systems.  All are
> grid interconnected. I wanted to use micro inverters to ac couple, but I
> have to look at the better economics of dc coupling.  I have never used a
> dc module level Rapid Shutdown device. In the past we have had ground
> mounted or used Outback's huge dc array disconnect.
>
> My question, and please feel free to contact off list, are Tigo's TS-4 and
> similar devices reliable.  I know that they were not considered as reliable
> as an Enphase inverter for example at one time.  Thank you for any previous
> experience you can relay.
>
>
> Chris
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>  Christopher Warfel
>  ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
> PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
> 401-466-8978
> 
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Charging a 108V battery bank

[Dave Tedeyan]

Dave,
This is for a boat that will stay mostly on the finger lakes and in the
Erie Canal system in upstate NY. Definitely not an ocean boat. But the plan
is to convert it to a full time residence, potentially in the winter as
well.
Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Jul 1, 2021 at 11:52 AM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar <
offgridso...@sti.net> wrote:

> Less is more offgrid. On a boat, if it is oceangoing, it is a life or
> death kind of world. A fire at sea probably will happen at night in bad
> seas. Not sure if this is your clients scenario for their use. An all
> electric boat sounds a bit scary. How will they get ashore? I use to give
> the owner a schematic that showed the location on the boat of electrical
> devices, wiring, and disco's.
>
> Hopefully this is for a lake sailor. Although one of the round the world
> guys I know tells me that he was never as scared as he was on a lake one
> day...Good Luck!
>
>
>
> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines don't"
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>
> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net 
> text 209 813 0060*
>
> On Thu, 1 Jul 2021 11:21:51 -0400, Dave Tedeyan 
> wrote:
>
> Bob,
> This is a very interesting idea to have two separate battery banks in
> series. I find it odd though that this particular motor's datasheet calls
> for 9 12V batteries. I suppose that I could have one charge controller set
> for 48V and the other set for 60V. Although this will also pose the problem
> of trying to run the house loads - if I have two 48V inverters that still
> leaves one battery that will get loaded less than all the others.
>
> And it seems that everyone else is pointing to the fact that it seems
> important to keep the neutral and ground internally separated in the
> inverter in a boat, so I'll stick to marine inverters for this one.
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
>
> On Wed, Jun 30, 2021 at 5:30 PM b...@midnitesolar.com 
> wrote:
>
>>
>> If you can't find a single compatible charger, what also works it to use
>> 2 (two) separate
>>
>> MPPT charge controllers each with a separate PV array inputs and connect
>> each CC's
>> battery to half of the battery bank.  This has worked fine for both OB
>> and MNS controllers
>> in past years and should with others as well I would imagine.  Set each
>> for slightly higher
>> voltage than 48V of course.
>>
>> One thing you may not be able to do might be connecting the chassis
>> grounds together
>> depending on how those grounds are tied to the battery negative and
>> positive lines internally.
>>
>> Sometimes the internal SPD MOVs can get in the way if their voltage isn't
>> high enough to handle
>> the two PV voltages that are seen as in series from the MOV's
>> standpoint.  But those MOVs are
>> usually sized voltage wise to handle much higher voltage than, say, 300V
>> which would he the maximum
>> voltage both CC's would see for 150V max input controllers.
>>
>> You also cannot use the same remote controllers if they are not isolated
>> from battery minus except for
>> the controller that is on the bottom side of the battery bank.
>>
>> I have seen this method used many times now for 120V battery banks and
>> also for higher voltage
>> electric boats.   There is quite a bit of this kind of wiring out there
>> as I remember.
>>
>> There are some other standards for marine inverters like,  UL 458 marine
>> supplement and ABYC ratings.
>>
>> This includes neutral ground switching like in mobile apps too IIRC.
>>
>> Of course, just adding the word "marine" has to increase the price not
>> matter what the product is.
>> 
>>
>> boB
>>
>>
>>
>> On 6/30/2021 12:50 PM, Dave Tedeyan wrote:
>>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I am going to be working with someone who plans to completely electrify a
>> boat. The electric motor is meant to run on nine 12V batteries, or 108V.
>> The motor manufacturer recommends a charger that can run on 120V or 240V.
>> But has anyone seen a charger that can take solar power and directly charge
>> a battery bank of 108V? The alternative that I see here is to have two
>> separate battery banks, one for the motor, and one for house loads. Then we
>> would have the solar charge a 48V battery bank, and then use an inverter to
>> charge the 108V battery bank. It seems inefficient, although that may be
>> the only choice.
>>
>> A separate but related question: what is special about a marine inverter?
>> If there is a 5kw charger for the batter

Re: [RE-wrenches] Charging a 108V battery bank

[Dave Tedeyan]

Bob,
This is a very interesting idea to have two separate battery banks in
series. I find it odd though that this particular motor's datasheet calls
for 9 12V batteries. I suppose that I could have one charge controller set
for 48V and the other set for 60V. Although this will also pose the problem
of trying to run the house loads - if I have two 48V inverters that still
leaves one battery that will get loaded less than all the others.

And it seems that everyone else is pointing to the fact that it seems
important to keep the neutral and ground internally separated in the
inverter in a boat, so I'll stick to marine inverters for this one.
Cheers,
Dave


On Wed, Jun 30, 2021 at 5:30 PM b...@midnitesolar.com 
wrote:

>
> If you can't find a single compatible charger, what also works it to use 2
> (two) separate
>
> MPPT charge controllers each with a separate PV array inputs and connect
> each CC's
> battery to half of the battery bank.  This has worked fine for both OB and
> MNS controllers
> in past years and should with others as well I would imagine.  Set each
> for slightly higher
> voltage than 48V of course.
>
> One thing you may not be able to do might be connecting the chassis
> grounds together
> depending on how those grounds are tied to the battery negative and
> positive lines internally.
>
> Sometimes the internal SPD MOVs can get in the way if their voltage isn't
> high enough to handle
> the two PV voltages that are seen as in series from the MOV's standpoint.
> But those MOVs are
> usually sized voltage wise to handle much higher voltage than, say, 300V
> which would he the maximum
> voltage both CC's would see for 150V max input controllers.
>
> You also cannot use the same remote controllers if they are not isolated
> from battery minus except for
> the controller that is on the bottom side of the battery bank.
>
> I have seen this method used many times now for 120V battery banks and
> also for higher voltage
> electric boats.   There is quite a bit of this kind of wiring out there as
> I remember.
>
> There are some other standards for marine inverters like,  UL 458 marine
> supplement and ABYC ratings.
>
> This includes neutral ground switching like in mobile apps too IIRC.
>
> Of course, just adding the word "marine" has to increase the price not
> matter what the product is.
> 
>
> boB
>
>
>
> On 6/30/2021 12:50 PM, Dave Tedeyan wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I am going to be working with someone who plans to completely electrify a
> boat. The electric motor is meant to run on nine 12V batteries, or 108V.
> The motor manufacturer recommends a charger that can run on 120V or 240V.
> But has anyone seen a charger that can take solar power and directly charge
> a battery bank of 108V? The alternative that I see here is to have two
> separate battery banks, one for the motor, and one for house loads. Then we
> would have the solar charge a 48V battery bank, and then use an inverter to
> charge the 108V battery bank. It seems inefficient, although that may be
> the only choice.
>
> A separate but related question: what is special about a marine inverter?
> If there is a 5kw charger for the battery bank, we will need a large
> inverter to handle this plus other AC loads, and I am not sure if there are
> "marine" inverters this large. And so other than concerns about getting
> wet, is there harm to putting a Radian, or a Sol-Ark on a boat?
>
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
> --
> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
> Owner | Sungineer Solar
> p: he | him | his
> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd. | Ithaca, NY 14850
> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
> c: (607) 288-2898
>
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Owner | Sungineer Solar
p: he | him | his
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark 12k w/ Generac Transfer Switch

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi Rick,
I have a similar situation with a GE transfer switch, but am curious to
hear what others have to say. My assumption was that the switch transfers
based on loss of 240V from the grid. But I believe (at least with the GE
generator) that the transfer switch sends a two wire start signal to the
inverter when the transfer switch loses the 240V signal. My plan was to
rewire that start signal to the Sol-Ark inverter, but keep the transfer
switch as the main service point to prevent any kind of backfeeding to the
grid.
Cheers,
Dave

On Thu, Jun 17, 2021 at 9:41 AM r...@solshineenergy.com <
r...@solshineenergy.com> wrote:

> Wrenches,
>
> I’m looking to tie in a Generac Powerpact 7.5kW generator with transfer
> switch to a Sol-Ark 12kW. The Sol-Ark has a two wire start (NO or NC)
> capability, however, the Generac transfer switch operates on loss of 240V.
> Is my only option to use a relay driven by the two wire start to drop 240V
> to the transfer switch?
>
> Thank you,
>
> rick brown
> SolShine Energy Alternatives, LLC
> Electrical & Solar Contracting Services
> www.SolShineEnergy.com
> Check, Virginia 24072
> Office: 540.235.3095
> Mobile: 540.808.9502
>
> VA Class A Contractor Lic# 2705147660
> VA Master Electrician Lic# 2710062762
> VA Alternative Energy Systems Installer
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional 110112-21
>
>
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-- 
*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
[image: Sungineer Solar]
1653 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Cell: 607-288-2898
www.sungineersolar.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator and AC coupling on a Sol-Ark

[Dave Tedeyan]

wrenches.org
>
> Jason Szumlanski 
> May 7, 2021 at 9:21 AM
> I like the idea of some small amount of AC Coupled PV for off-grid systems
> when there is a known consistent daytime load. Around here the worst case
> scenario involves afternoon air conditioning in summer, so some WSW-facing
> AC coupled PV is an efficient way to cover that load and go into darkness
> with full batteries.
>
> If I understand things correctly, with a Sol-Ark you can simultaneously do
> AC coupling on the GEN input and DC coupling on the MPPTs and use the GRID
> input for the generator.
>
> Jason
>
>
>
>
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> Dave Tedeyan 
> May 7, 2021 at 8:41 AM
> I would certainly agree with you all that AC coupled for off-grid is not
> the best design choice. But just for clarification, this is a grid-tied
> system where there is already an Enphase M215 system and a whole house
> generator set up.
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
>
>
> --
> *Dave Tedeyan, PE*
> [image: Sungineer Solar]
> 1653 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
> Cell: 607-288-2898
> www.sungineersolar.com
>
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> Jerry Shafer 
> May 7, 2021 at 8:10 AM
> I have to agree with Dave on this, complex and off grid generally are not
> good together, l sugest backing up and you might consider a redesign, dump
> enphase, go directly in to the inverter DC side, now a gen set back up will
> work. Your spending more time and effort going in a bad direction. AC
> coupling for resi is not a great solution to start with and Solark even say
> that. KISS is better
> Jerry
> NABCEP PV Inspector
>
>
>
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> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar 
> May 6, 2021 at 7:33 AM
>
> I would not do any of this for an offgrid client. It is against the rule
> of less is more. The whole design is flawed in my opinion.
>
>
>
>
>
> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar"we go where powerlines
> don't"http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
> <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>e-mail offgridso...@sti.net
> text 209 813 0060*
>
> On Tue, 4 May 2021 19:24:13 -0400, Dave Tedeyan 
>  wrote:
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Breakers weakening?

[Dave Tedeyan]

Kirk,
Could there be a loose wire connection to the breaker? That could cause it
to heat up an trip sooner than it otherwise would.
Cheers,
Dave

On Sat, May 8, 2021, 2:13 PM Kirk Herander, VSE  wrote:

> I have a system where the SE1 inverter fried internally. The 60A AC
> output breaker tripped several times, as a result of the homeowner
> resetting over and over until he called me.
> I replaced the inverter under warranty and all is fine, except on sunny
> days the breaker will trip at about 40A, close to the max output of the
> inverter. Reset it outside of peak inverter output and its good. I assume
> the breaker has weakened from stress of some sort, so I replaced it and
> time will tell.
> Anyone ever seen a breaker have it's trip point reduced like this?
>
> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>
> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>
> *Celebrating our 30th Anniversary 1991-2021!!*
>
> *www.vermont.solar*
> 
>
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>
> 802.863.1202
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Re: [RE-wrenches] DC transfer switch

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi Dave,

You did get the Square D part right. See the Schneider website, which shows
that it is 600V DC and does have an off in the middle.

https://www.se.com/us/en/product/DTU361/safety-switch%2C-double-throw%2C-non-fusible%2C-30a%2C-600-vac-vdc%2C-3-poles%2C-30-hp%2C-nema-1/

Cheers,
Dave

On Sat, May 8, 2021, 7:27 PM Howie Michaelson 
wrote:

> Kirk,
> Have you tried IMO (https://www.imoautomation.com/).  I haven't seen any
> ATS units advertised, but they have a pretty extensive and reasonably
> priced listing of DC control equipment.
> Howie
>
> *Howie Michaelson**Sun Catcher*
>
> *NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™*
>
> *Solar Electric Systems Sales & Service802-272-0004*
>
>
> On Sat, May 8, 2021 at 11:13 AM Kirk Herander, VSE 
> wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>> Any recommendations for sourcing a 600 vDC bypass / transfer switch? I
>> know Morningstar used to make a manual stand-alone, but now it appears to
>> be offered only as part of their HV charge controller. Thanks.
>>
>> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>>
>> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>>
>> *Celebrating our 30th Anniversary 1991-2021!!*
>>
>> *www.vermont.solar*
>> 
>>
>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>>
>> 802.863.1202
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator and AC coupling on a Sol-Ark

[Dave Tedeyan]

I would certainly agree with you all that AC coupled for off-grid is not
the best design choice. But just for clarification, this is a grid-tied
system where there is already an Enphase M215 system and a whole house
generator set up.
Cheers,
Dave

On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 11:10 AM Jerry Shafer 
wrote:

> I have to agree with Dave on this, complex and off grid generally are not
> good together, l sugest backing up and you might consider a redesign, dump
> enphase, go directly in to the inverter DC side, now a gen set back up will
> work. Your spending more time and effort going in a bad direction. AC
> coupling for resi is not a great solution to start with and Solark even say
> that. KISS is better
> Jerry
> NABCEP PV Inspector
>
> On Thu, May 6, 2021, 7:33 AM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar <
> offgridso...@sti.net> wrote:
>
>> I would not do any of this for an offgrid client. It is against the rule
>> of less is more. The whole design is flawed in my opinion.
>>
>>
>>
>> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
>> "we go where powerlines don't"
>> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>
>> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net 
>> text 209 813 0060*
>>
>> On Tue, 4 May 2021 19:24:13 -0400, Dave Tedeyan 
>> wrote:
>>
>> I suppose the question here is - which is the worse failure mode?
>> A. Solar turning off until an electrician can fix it.
>> OR
>> B. Not knowing the contactor failed until it does not open when the
>> generator turns on and running the risk that the solar backfeeds the
>> generator and breaks it.
>>
>> For off-grid maybe A would be more of a concern. But for grid tied, I
>> would think option B would be worse.
>>
>> Does anyone have a fail safe method of doing this?
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Dave
>>
>> On Tue, May 4, 2021, 4:41 PM Chris Schaefer 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Jason,
>>>
>>> A valid concern which is why I always wire them as powered open so if
>>> there is a failure it would transition closed or not open.
>>>
>>> Christopher
>>>
>>> On Tue, May 4, 2021 at 4:15 PM Jason Szumlanski <
>>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> What happens when the contactor fails? I don't trust a NC contactor
>>>> that is supposed to open on 240Vac coil voltage from the generator. It's
>>>> not a failsafe solution.
>>>>
>>>> Jason
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Tue, May 4, 2021, 3:15 PM Drake <
>>>> drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> P.S. The contactor method is even mentioned somewhere in the Outback
>>>>> literature. I've been using it for years. It is very simple and requires 
>>>>> no
>>>>> complex equipment. It will not interfere with rapid shutdown. 40 A, 240 V
>>>>> contactors with 240 V coils are readily available and not terribly
>>>>> expensive. The 240 V output of the generator circuit provides the signal.
>>>>>
>>>>> At 10:02 AM 5/4/2021, you wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Get a contactor with a 240 VAC coil. Connect the coil wire wires to
>>>>> the 240 V output circuit of the generator, so when the generator comes on,
>>>>> the contactor opens. Run the current from the AC coupled Enphase inverters
>>>>> through the contacts from common to N/C.
>>>>>
>>>>> ---
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 2021-05-03 10:26, Dave Tedeyan wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>>
>>>>> I am planning on using a Sol-Ark for the first time for adding battery
>>>>> backup to an existing system. It is Enphase, so clearly it will be AC
>>>>> coupled, and there is a whole house generator. When I talked to Sol-Ark
>>>>> about it, they recommended putting the generator on a time of use schedule
>>>>> to not allow it to come on during the day so that we don't run into the
>>>>> issue of the solar backfeeding the generator.
>>>>>
>>>>> I was wondering though if anyone has just used a contactor to cut out
>>>>> the solar when the generator turns on? Something like Outback's
>>>>> GS-AC-Gen-Kit, although in this case I will need something rated for just
>>>>> over 30A. This seems like a better way to allow the generator to run at 
>>>>> a

Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator and AC coupling on a Sol-Ark

[Dave Tedeyan]

I suppose the question here is - which is the worse failure mode?
A. Solar turning off until an electrician can fix it.
OR
B. Not knowing the contactor failed until it does not open when the
generator turns on and running the risk that the solar backfeeds the
generator and breaks it.

For off-grid maybe A would be more of a concern. But for grid tied, I would
think option B would be worse.

Does anyone have a fail safe method of doing this?

Cheers,
Dave

On Tue, May 4, 2021, 4:41 PM Chris Schaefer 
wrote:

> Jason,
>
> A valid concern which is why I always wire them as powered open so if
> there is a failure it would transition closed or not open.
>
> Christopher
>
> On Tue, May 4, 2021 at 4:15 PM Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
>> What happens when the contactor fails? I don't trust a NC contactor that
>> is supposed to open on 240Vac coil voltage from the generator. It's not a
>> failsafe solution.
>>
>> Jason
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, May 4, 2021, 3:15 PM Drake 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> P.S. The contactor method is even mentioned somewhere in the Outback
>>> literature. I've been using it for years. It is very simple and requires no
>>> complex equipment. It will not interfere with rapid shutdown. 40 A, 240 V
>>> contactors with 240 V coils are readily available and not terribly
>>> expensive. The 240 V output of the generator circuit provides the signal.
>>>
>>> At 10:02 AM 5/4/2021, you wrote:
>>>
>>> Get a contactor with a 240 VAC coil. Connect the coil wire wires to the
>>> 240 V output circuit of the generator, so when the generator comes on, the
>>> contactor opens. Run the current from the AC coupled Enphase inverters
>>> through the contacts from common to N/C.
>>>
>>> ---
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 2021-05-03 10:26, Dave Tedeyan wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I am planning on using a Sol-Ark for the first time for adding battery
>>> backup to an existing system. It is Enphase, so clearly it will be AC
>>> coupled, and there is a whole house generator. When I talked to Sol-Ark
>>> about it, they recommended putting the generator on a time of use schedule
>>> to not allow it to come on during the day so that we don't run into the
>>> issue of the solar backfeeding the generator.
>>>
>>> I was wondering though if anyone has just used a contactor to cut out
>>> the solar when the generator turns on? Something like Outback's
>>> GS-AC-Gen-Kit, although in this case I will need something rated for just
>>> over 30A. This seems like a better way to allow the generator to run at any
>>> time it is needed, especially if it is a gloomy, snowy, winter day.
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> Dave
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> *Dave Tedeyan, PE * [image: Sungineer Solar]
>>> 1653 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
>>> Cell: 607-288-2898
>>> www.sungineersolar.com
>>>
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>>
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[RE-wrenches] Generator and AC coupling on a Sol-Ark

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi All,

I am planning on using a Sol-Ark for the first time for adding battery
backup to an existing system. It is Enphase, so clearly it will be AC
coupled, and there is a whole house generator. When I talked to Sol-Ark
about it, they recommended putting the generator on a time of use schedule
to not allow it to come on during the day so that we don't run into the
issue of the solar backfeeding the generator.

I was wondering though if anyone has just used a contactor to cut out the
solar when the generator turns on? Something like Outback's GS-AC-Gen-Kit,
although in this case I will need something rated for just over 30A. This
seems like a better way to allow the generator to run at any time it is
needed, especially if it is a gloomy, snowy, winter day.

Cheers,
Dave

-- 
*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
[image: Sungineer Solar]
1653 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Cell: 607-288-2898
www.sungineersolar.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Trend away from roof flashings???

[Dave Tedeyan]

y.  Even the best caulk degrades with time,
> temperature and UV.  Roofing materials crack and become brittle and
> powdery.  Applying the new technology is iffy with a new comp roof and
> crazy on roofs a year or more old.
>
>
>
> We will not be using the new flashingless attachments on comp roofs.
>
>
>
> William
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Jeremy Coxon
> *Sent:* Wednesday, April 21, 2021 7:40 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Trend away from roof flashings???
>
>
>
> I’m interested in what the group has to say about the trend, by the
> racking manufacturers, away from the use of flashings for asphalt/comp
> roofs?  We have long used SnapNRack flashings with much success.  I
> especially like the fact that the penetrations are fully flashed and do not
> rely on sealant.  I am NOT a fan of their new raised cone/epdm gasket
> flashing.  There are a number of these raised cone flashings in the
> marketplace and it’s my experience that they don’t hold up to the test of
> time and I wonder what the roofing manufacturers have to say about this.
>
>
>
> I see that Unirac, SnapNRack and others are now offering basically a
> sealed L-Foot which is essentially where we were 15-16yrs ago and met with
> a lot of opposition from the roofing industry.  Just interested to hear
> what you guys are using these days on asphalt shingle roofs for reliably
> dry attachments?
>
>
> Best Regards,
> Jeremy Coxon NABCEP # 091308-21
> MWBE Certified
>
>
>
>
>
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-- 
*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
[image: Sungineer Solar]
1653 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Cell: 607-288-2898
www.sungineersolar.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] seeking 3ph battery based/backed inverters and experiences

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi Chris,
Another company that may be worth looking at is ELM.
http://www.elmmicrogrid.com/

It looks like they have some 480V commercial packages.
Cheers
Dave

On Wed, Apr 21, 2021 at 3:48 PM Chris Schaefer 
wrote:

> All good ideas, but what I'm trying to avoid is putting 3 inverters
> together in order to achieve 3 phase. I did take a look at the Delta unit
> suggested by Jay and intend to contact them for more details. So if you
> know of a single inverter setup that provides 3 phase in a BBU and
> Microgrid configuration please do share.
>
> Thanks,
> Christopher
>
> On Wed, Apr 21, 2021 at 10:32 AM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar <
> offgridso...@sti.net> wrote:
>
>> I know Schneider has a way for that Jay. I just took XWpro webinar
>> yesterday. Maybe a transformer was used for 480v but clusters up to around
>> 40 KW.
>>
>>
>>
>> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
>> "we go where powerlines don't"
>> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>
>> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net 
>> text 209 813 0060*
>>
>> On Wed, 21 Apr 2021 06:26:33 -0600, Jay  wrote:
>>
>> Hi Christopher
>>
>> I'm not sure what power your looking for.
>>
>> Try
>>
>> https://www.princetonelec.com/dela-inverter
>>
>> There are others too
>>
>> None of the normal ( OB, Schneider etc) will do 208-480. Only 120-208
>>
>> Jay
>>
>> On Apr 20, 2021, at 4:15 PM, Chris Schaefer 
>> wrote:
>>
>> G'day All,
>>
>> I'm not familiar with any 3 ph 208 to 480vac battery backup inverter
>> manufacturers. So if you could point me in the right direction on who you
>> know and better yet who you've had experience with, good, bad or otherwise,
>> that would be extremely helpful.
>>
>> Happy 420 to all my fellow Solar Bozo's,
>> Christopher-
>>
>> Chris Schaefer's
>> 
>>
>> *Tel/Fax 585-229-2083 or Cell 585-748-1870 *
>> *5115 South Hill Road ~ Canandaigua New York 14424**www.solarandwindfx.com
>> <http://www.solarandwindfx.com> ~ E-mail: ch...@solarandwindfx.com
>> *
>>
>>
>> Thomas Jefferson, the author of our great Constitution, once said,
>> "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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> --
>
> Chris Schaefer’s
> 
>
> *Tel/Fax 585-229-2083 or Cell 585-748-1870 *
> *5115 South Hill Road ~ Canandaigua New York 14424**www.solarandwindfx.com
> <http://www.solarandwindfx.com> ~ E-mail: ch...@solarandwindfx.com
> *
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] Charging multiple battery banks from one array

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi All,
I am adding solar to a boat, which is new for me. There are three
batteries: one for each of two engines (both of which can also power DC
loads), and a house battery connected to an inverter for AC loads on the
boat. All three batteries are able to get charged from the two engine
alternators through a Sure Power Multi Battery Isolator. We are going to
have 4 320w panels and two FM60 charge controllers. It is a 12V system.

I would like to be able to use the solar to charge all three batteries. Is
it reasonable to use something like another one of those Multi Battery
Isolators to allow all the solar to independently charge each battery? Is
there another product out there that people would recommend for this?

Thanks for the help!
Cheers,
Dave

-- 
*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
[image: Sungineer Solar]
1653 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Cell: 607-288-2898
www.sungineersolar.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Positive grounded inverters for SunPower modules

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi Don,
The Sunny Boy US models are able to be configured for positive ground. I
have found some of them here before for replacements:
https://you-love-solar.myshopify.com/search?type=product=love+solar

Looks like they even have an old Sunpower one on their front page.
Cheers,
Dave

On Fri, Mar 19, 2021 at 11:41 AM  wrote:

> We have several older-than-10-year installs with SunPower positively
> grounded modules and inverters that have failed.  The inverters were
> branded by SunPower but made by various vendors like PVPowered and Xantrex
> that aren't around any more.
> We know if a negative grounded inverter is used with these SunPower
> modules they gather some parasitic charge that inhibits normal current
> flow.
> I have a few used inverters with negative ground that look like they can
> be modified to positive ground, with the risk there is some internal
> software that cannot be adjusted.
> It looks like a Fronius IG can be changed over with a software adjustment
> that is actually in the manual.
> What I'm wondering is whether a new ungrounded inverter can be used with
> these SunPower modules and keep them operating normally.
> Does anyone have some pertinent experience with this?
> Thanks
> Don Barch
>
>
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-- 
*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
[image: Sungineer Solar]
1653 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Cell: 607-288-2898
www.sungineersolar.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase IQ7A 3 phase limitations

[Dave Tedeyan]

Then just as a follow up, I looked at the SMA-41 datasheet. This shows that
it runs at it's highest efficiency when the  output power / rated power is
about 0.4 to 0.6, and the only real loss in efficiency comes when you are
running at about 0.1 and below.

On Wed, Mar 3, 2021, 8:35 PM Dave Tedeyan  wrote:

> I've never really trusted PVWatts on this. I just did a quick test using
> my location in the northeast, with all the standard values and then just
> changing the DC to AC ratio. It's telling me that a ratio of 1.5 is almost
> exactly the same as a ratio of 1, and that around 1.3 is best. You actually
> lose about 2% at 0.5 and about 8% production at a ratio of 2.
>
> So I can only conclude that either PVWatts does not have a great
> calculation, or the efficiency loss due to not running the inverter at
> rated power is worse than I assumed.
>
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
> On Wed, Mar 3, 2021, 6:14 PM Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
>> I've used that document many times when clients question the ratio. I
>> wish I knew exactly how the PVWATTS ratio calculation worked. I know
>> there's information on how this is all done, but I don't really have the
>> time or inclination to study it. I'm wondering if someone knows how
>> accurate It is.
>>
>> On Wed, Mar 3, 2021, 4:04 PM Jay  wrote:
>>
>>> Emphase has a white paper showing production vs module size and
>>> locations around the country.
>>>
>>> I don’t know if it’s more accurate than pv watts but you might check it
>>> out.
>>>
>>> Jay
>>> Peltz power.
>>>
>>> On Mar 3, 2021, at 12:13 PM, Jason Szumlanski <
>>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>> I'm wondering how accurate the DC to AC ratio is when using PVWATTS. I
>>> did a quick PVWATTS analysis at my local area using a typical commercial
>>> roof tilt and found that using a 420W module on an IQ7A versus a 385W
>>> module on an IQ7+ yields almost identical results. The 420W module has 1%
>>> less annual production at to the 145% ratio compared to the 132% ratio with
>>> the 385W module.
>>>
>>> Given that, I can't imagine why anyone would use the IQ7A versus the
>>> IQ7+ on a 208V system. Why incur the additional cost if the AC output
>>> current is identical for both inverters?
>>>
>>> If PVWATTS is right, I guess it's a non-issue in my local area, but it
>>> may vary in other locations where clipping is more common. The heat here
>>> results in little clipping at a 132% ratio here, and I guess at 145% the
>>> morning and afternoon advantages largely outweigh the mid-day clipping
>>> increase.
>>>
>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 10:00 AM Jason Szumlanski <
>>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I was surprised to learn that the IQ7A is limited to 290 W continuous
>>>> at 208 volts. That pretty much puts Enphase out of the running for light
>>>> commercial jobs with new high-powered 72 cell panels. Any thoughts on this?
>>>>
>>>> Jason
>>>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase IQ7A 3 phase limitations

[Dave Tedeyan]

I've never really trusted PVWatts on this. I just did a quick test using my
location in the northeast, with all the standard values and then just
changing the DC to AC ratio. It's telling me that a ratio of 1.5 is almost
exactly the same as a ratio of 1, and that around 1.3 is best. You actually
lose about 2% at 0.5 and about 8% production at a ratio of 2.

So I can only conclude that either PVWatts does not have a great
calculation, or the efficiency loss due to not running the inverter at
rated power is worse than I assumed.

Cheers,
Dave

On Wed, Mar 3, 2021, 6:14 PM Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> I've used that document many times when clients question the ratio. I wish
> I knew exactly how the PVWATTS ratio calculation worked. I know there's
> information on how this is all done, but I don't really have the time or
> inclination to study it. I'm wondering if someone knows how accurate It is.
>
> On Wed, Mar 3, 2021, 4:04 PM Jay  wrote:
>
>> Emphase has a white paper showing production vs module size and locations
>> around the country.
>>
>> I don’t know if it’s more accurate than pv watts but you might check it
>> out.
>>
>> Jay
>> Peltz power.
>>
>> On Mar 3, 2021, at 12:13 PM, Jason Szumlanski <
>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> I'm wondering how accurate the DC to AC ratio is when using PVWATTS. I
>> did a quick PVWATTS analysis at my local area using a typical commercial
>> roof tilt and found that using a 420W module on an IQ7A versus a 385W
>> module on an IQ7+ yields almost identical results. The 420W module has 1%
>> less annual production at to the 145% ratio compared to the 132% ratio with
>> the 385W module.
>>
>> Given that, I can't imagine why anyone would use the IQ7A versus the IQ7+
>> on a 208V system. Why incur the additional cost if the AC output current is
>> identical for both inverters?
>>
>> If PVWATTS is right, I guess it's a non-issue in my local area, but it
>> may vary in other locations where clipping is more common. The heat here
>> results in little clipping at a 132% ratio here, and I guess at 145% the
>> morning and afternoon advantages largely outweigh the mid-day clipping
>> increase.
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 10:00 AM Jason Szumlanski <
>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I was surprised to learn that the IQ7A is limited to 290 W continuous at
>>> 208 volts. That pretty much puts Enphase out of the running for light
>>> commercial jobs with new high-powered 72 cell panels. Any thoughts on this?
>>>
>>> Jason
>>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Small, non-Tesla GTBB system design

[Dave Tedeyan]

The Radian is also the system that I would typically use in this situation.
Although I am interested what people think about using a Sol-Ark inverter
here. I have not used one yet, but I am interested in the fact that
everything is integrated into one box, the string voltages can be up to
500V, and also if there is a battery failure at some point they can still
run as a grid tied system.
Cheers,
Dave

*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC

110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
www.taitem.com

Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
Certified B-Corporation since 2013


On Wed, Mar 3, 2021 at 7:10 AM John Blittersdorf <
john.blittersd...@gmail.com> wrote:

> William,
>I agree with you with Radian, Fortress and just add a subpanel
> identical to the main grid panel as close possible. Put all critical loads
> on sub and larger loads on grid panel.  Being side by side, swapping
> circuits is easy. I also install an iota charger for generator redundancy.
> OpticRE works great for monitoring.
>
> John Blittersdorf
>
> On Wed, Mar 3, 2021 at 1:19 AM William Miller 
> wrote:
>
>> Friends:
>>
>>
>>
>> I am getting asked more often to provide design for grid-tied battery
>> backup systems.  I generally try to talk clients out of battery backup
>> because I have always felt that the grid is the greenest battery and that
>> the grid reliability is better than one might remember.  However, with
>> climate change and media attention, the need and market pressure is
>> becoming stronger.
>>
>>
>>
>> I am really interested in what others have created in the way of
>> solutions to this question.  I have thought about it a lot.  If its ok, I’d
>> like to free-associate about some of my concerns and conclusions then ask
>> if any of you are willing to share your ideas on how best to fill this
>> need.  Here goes:
>>
>>
>>
>> I am a firm believer in segregate load delivery for these reasons:
>>
>> 1.   To back up an entire grid service you have to, in good conscience,
>> perform a thorough load study and provide enough through-transfer to
>> provide for maximum load conditions during grid up-time.  The backup system
>> cannot be a supply bottle-neck.
>>
>> 2.   I don’t accept manual load-shedding for one moment.  What if the AC
>> and the dryer are running when the grid goes out?  The system crashes.
>>
>> 3.   In a home with whole-house backup, it is difficult for the consumer
>> to know there is an outage and to conserve.  Cellphone notification
>> features are now more common, but cell phone batteries die and phones get
>> left in the other room with the ringer off, so it is possible for
>> homeowners to leave consumptive loads on after the grid goes down.
>>
>>
>>
>> Conclusion:  With segregated loads, the transfer, inverter and storage
>> can be scaled down and the reliability increases.  Less cost, better
>> performance.
>>
>>
>>
>> So given that the system sizing will be modest, has anyone come up with a
>> reasonable design using standard, grid-sell capable battery inverters?
>>
>>
>>
>> Here is how I am imagining such a system:
>>
>>
>>
>> I see a modest battery system with a 4 to 8 KW inverter, DC coupled PV
>> and a matching no-maintenance battery system. It would have these
>> components:
>>
>>
>>
>> Inverter:  Must have a dedicated generator and grid input and good remote
>> monitoring,  robust web interface and email notification.  Outback Radian.
>>
>>
>>
>> Batteries:  Gel or lithium.  I have a client that has been grid-floating
>> a set of MK Powered gel batteries since 1999.  Or a Blue Planet or Fortress
>> cabineted system.
>>
>>
>>
>> Generator:  Small pad-mount natural gas or propane fueled generator or a
>> portable gas powered unit with stabilized gas.  If the generator is
>> portable, provide an AC flanged inlet and sturdy cord long enough so
>> generator can be 10 feet from any opening in the home.  Provide durable
>> signage on the generator indicating CO safety practices.
>>
>>
>>
>> PV: DC coupled for simplicity.  Sized based on annual energy needs, not
>> on critical loads.  Grid power is likely to go down in the stormy winter
>> months or smoky fire season, so PV is not a reliable energy source during
>> grid outages.
>>
>>
>>
>> AC Distribution:  Segregated loads with at least one commonly used
>> lighting circuit not on the critical loads panel so the homeowne

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase IQ Envoy Distance for Monitoring

[Dave Tedeyan]

Along what Glenn is saying - I have often used wireless radios to get wifi
to the array. I used to use the Engenius ENH202 all the time and they were
great, but last I checked the prices went up. I have recently gotten the TP
Link CPE210. They are cheap, but not nearly as powerful. I was able to put
the ENH202 in the middle of someone's house and generally aim it in the
right direction and there would be great signal 500' away even through some
trees. The TP link one needs a much better line of sight.
Cheers,
Dave

*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC

110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
www.taitem.com

Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
Certified B-Corporation since 2013


On Mon, Mar 1, 2021 at 12:20 PM Glenn Burt  wrote:

> I have used a few different WiFi range extenders successfully to ge
> internet to a remotely located array.
>
> -Glenn
> Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
>
> -- Original message--
> *From: *Jason Szumlanski
> *Date: *Mon, Mar 1, 2021 10:39 AM
> *To: *RE-wrenches;
> *Cc: *
> *Subject:*[RE-wrenches] Enphase IQ Envoy Distance for Monitoring
>
> How far has anyone ever put an IQ Envoy from an array and successfully
> monitored it?
>
> I am planning a ground mount that is 300 feet from a home with 12/240V
> service. The branch circuits will have an AC combiner panel on a rack at
> the array with 2 parallel sets of 4/0 Al conductors back to the
> interconnection point at the house in a meter/main combo. I was planning to
> put a breaker in the meter/main combo for the IQ Envoy inside an
> adjacent enclosure. I'm wondering if I will be successful in picking up the
> microinverters 300 feet away.
>
> I'd rather do this than locate that IQ Envoy near the array and worry
> about getting Internet out there. I know Cellular is an option, but I hate
> the 6-hour delay in data acquisition.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] fronius country set up

[Dave Tedeyan]

There is also a menu (I don't have the code handy now, but Fronius tech
support should be able to tell you) where you can specifically adjust the
individual operating windows - voltage and frequency trips and trip times.
Cheers,
Dave

*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC

110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
www.taitem.com

Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
Certified B-Corporation since 2013


On Mon, Mar 1, 2021 at 11:10 AM Sam Haraldson 
wrote:

> Jay,
>
> Not sure if this will help but you can see all the available country codes
> and change them using the following method:
>
> Access the codes menu by first having the inverter screen on the "home"
> icon.
> 1. Press the 3rd button 5 times in a row
> 3. Enter code 73887.
> 4. press + or – to change grid voltage settings
> 5. Press enter to confirm
>
> Sam Haraldson 
> Installation & Service Manager
> <http://www.onsiteenergyinc.com/>
>
>
> <https://www.facebook.com/onsiteenergysolar/>
> <https://www.instagram.com/onsiteenergyinc/>
> <https://twitter.com/onsiteenergyinc>
> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/onsite-energy-inc/>
>
> <https://onsiteenergyinc.com/bcorp>
>
>>
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 600vdc A or B switch

[Dave Tedeyan]

Dave,
That is actually exactly how I used this one. It is only rated for 30A.
Some sites will only list it for 600V AC, but it is also 600VDC rated as
well.
Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Feb 22, 2021, 7:10 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar <
offgridso...@sti.net> wrote:

> I will search SQD and see if I can get a smaller than 400Adc. 30ADC switch
> rating would be fine. Really just need single throw to select select where
> solar DC goes. One path to the grid inverter, and one path to the
> mppt-600vdc. Thanks Dave! --Dave
>
>
>
> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines don't"
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>
> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net 
> text 209 813 0060*
>
> On Mon, 22 Feb 2021 18:52:14 -0500, Dave Tedeyan 
> wrote:
>
> It's big and expensive, but you can do a SQD DTU361. At least that part
> number should get you on the right track. You are looking for a double pole
> double throw switch, correct?
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
> On Mon, Feb 22, 2021, 4:59 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar <
> offgridso...@sti.net> wrote:
>
>> Anyone know of an A or B switch rated 600vdc, say 30 adc that is
>> available?
>>
>> In the past I have used these below. They have stopped making or it is
>> unavailable. I also have used 2 of the disco's but it is a bit clunky. Nice
>> to be metal like a Square D!  Thank-you !
>>
>>
>> https://www.industrialcontroldirect.com/dc-disconnect-si16-pel64r-4b-p-4083.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAyc2BBhAaEiwA44-wWy-XIBBc-KxyUfCAQ2_sDgUG2kfd_XHeo-vD_9KDK9j8oamYhsv2ShoCywoQAvD_BwE
>>
>>
>>
>> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
>> "we go where powerlines don't"
>> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>
>> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net 
>> text 209 813 0060*
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 600vdc A or B switch

[Dave Tedeyan]

It's big and expensive, but you can do a SQD DTU361. At least that part
number should get you on the right track. You are looking for a double pole
double throw switch, correct?
Cheers,
Dave

On Mon, Feb 22, 2021, 4:59 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar <
offgridso...@sti.net> wrote:

> Anyone know of an A or B switch rated 600vdc, say 30 adc that is available?
>
> In the past I have used these below. They have stopped making or it is
> unavailable. I also have used 2 of the disco's but it is a bit clunky. Nice
> to be metal like a Square D!  Thank-you !
>
>
> https://www.industrialcontroldirect.com/dc-disconnect-si16-pel64r-4b-p-4083.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAyc2BBhAaEiwA44-wWy-XIBBc-KxyUfCAQ2_sDgUG2kfd_XHeo-vD_9KDK9j8oamYhsv2ShoCywoQAvD_BwE
>
>
>
> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines don't"
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ 
> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net 
> text 209 813 0060*
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Conext SW4048 not charging from generator

[Dave Tedeyan]

So as you all expected, it was definitely the generator. A combination of
reducing the charge rate from the inverter and also not opening the choke
all the way helped get a consistently barely acceptable frequency for the
inverter to accept it. Without those changes, the frequency was mostly
around 52Hz, when loaded. After, we got it to stay around 56Hz.
Fortunately, the homeowner is open to getting a better generator.
Thanks for the tips!

*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC

110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
www.taitem.com

Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
Certified B-Corporation since 2013


On Wed, Dec 16, 2020 at 10:35 AM Mac Lewis  wrote:

> Often just adjusting the throttle screw is enough to get these low quality
> generators back into the spec that the inverter will accept.  I expect you
> will find it well below 60 Hz and 240V (or 120V) when loaded heavily.  Many
> people never do any maintenance so don't be surprised if the air-filter is
> clogged and the plugs need changed.
>
> As suggested, I'd probably set the AC input to ~50% of rated capacity of
> the generator, maybe less.
>
> On Wed, Dec 16, 2020 at 8:03 AM Jerry Shafer 
> wrote:
>
>> Wrenches
>> You may have answered you question here, "crappy genny" if the voltage or
>> the freq is to far out or just very dirty AC, the inverter will as you
>> discribed, keep attempting to connect but due to one of the issues can't
>> maintain a connection.
>> Jerry
>> NABCEP Inspector
>>
>> On Tue, Dec 15, 2020, 10:37 AM Dave Tedeyan  wrote:
>>
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I am going to service a system where the homeowner is telling me that
>>> their Conext SW4048 had been working fine for 14 months, and then all of a
>>> sudden recently stopped being able to charge the batteries from the
>>> generator. It is an off grid system.
>>>
>>> The inverter would start charging the batteries, but then about a minute
>>> later they would hear a relay click and the charging would stop. Then it
>>> would just keep cycling. If they turned everything off for a while, they
>>> could then turn it back on and charge for maybe 10 minutes before it would
>>> start cycling. They just have a crappy 4kw generator from Harbor Freight.
>>>
>>> I have not laid my own eyes on it yet, but will be there in the next day
>>> or two. Just wondering if anyone has experienced these symptoms and have a
>>> good idea of what to look for first.
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>> -Dave
>>>
>>> *Dave Tedeyan, PE*
>>> Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC
>>>
>>> 110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
>>> o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
>>> www.taitem.com
>>>
>>> Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
>>> Certified B-Corporation since 2013
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>
> --
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
> ___
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>
> L

Re: [RE-wrenches] Conext SW4048 not charging from generator

[Dave Tedeyan]

>From what I understand, they have had the system for a little over a year,
and have not done any maintenance on the generator.
I was also more suspicious of the generator, and was going to try turning
down the charging amps to see if the generator will work better not being
so loaded.

Dave, do you know if the Conext will log an error if the relays have
actually been damaged? I am hoping that there will be something in the
error logs that will help identify whether there is an inverter issue now,
or whether the issue lies with the generator input.

Thanks!
-Dave

*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC

110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
www.taitem.com

Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
Certified B-Corporation since 2013


On Tue, Dec 15, 2020 at 2:01 PM jay  wrote:

> HI Dave,
>
> Have them turn down the AC input and see if that fixes it.
> Sounds like a classic generator issue.
> As to why?  When did they last change the oil, air filter, fuel filter,
> spark plug, adjust the valve or some electronic issue with the generator.
>
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
>
> On Dec 15, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Dave Tedeyan  wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I am going to service a system where the homeowner is telling me that
> their Conext SW4048 had been working fine for 14 months, and then all of a
> sudden recently stopped being able to charge the batteries from the
> generator. It is an off grid system.
>
> The inverter would start charging the batteries, but then about a minute
> later they would hear a relay click and the charging would stop. Then it
> would just keep cycling. If they turned everything off for a while, they
> could then turn it back on and charge for maybe 10 minutes before it would
> start cycling. They just have a crappy 4kw generator from Harbor Freight.
>
> I have not laid my own eyes on it yet, but will be there in the next day
> or two. Just wondering if anyone has experienced these symptoms and have a
> good idea of what to look for first.
>
> Thanks!
> -Dave
>
> *Dave Tedeyan, PE*
> Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC
>
> 110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
> o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
> www.taitem.com
>
> Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
> Certified B-Corporation since 2013
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[RE-wrenches] Conext SW4048 not charging from generator

[Dave Tedeyan]

Hi All,

I am going to service a system where the homeowner is telling me that their
Conext SW4048 had been working fine for 14 months, and then all of a sudden
recently stopped being able to charge the batteries from the generator. It
is an off grid system.

The inverter would start charging the batteries, but then about a minute
later they would hear a relay click and the charging would stop. Then it
would just keep cycling. If they turned everything off for a while, they
could then turn it back on and charge for maybe 10 minutes before it would
start cycling. They just have a crappy 4kw generator from Harbor Freight.

I have not laid my own eyes on it yet, but will be there in the next day or
two. Just wondering if anyone has experienced these symptoms and have a
good idea of what to look for first.

Thanks!
-Dave

*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC

110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
www.taitem.com

Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
Certified B-Corporation since 2013
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase intermittent breaker trippjng

[Dave Tedeyan]

Jason,
Bright sunny days, disconnect on the west side of house, maybe in the sun?
43.56A * 1.25 for continuous duty = 54.45A. If these disconnects are also
baking in the sun, maybe the extra ambient heat is enough to push it over
the edge? Just a thought.
Cheers,
Dave

*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC

110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
www.taitem.com

Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
Certified B-Corporation since 2013


On Wed, Nov 18, 2020 at 3:41 PM Jay  wrote:

> Hi Jason
>
> Any chance for some photos?
>
> Jay
>
> On Nov 18, 2020, at 12:18 PM, Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
> 
> The plot thickens on the fuse blowing issue. Again, we tore the Enphase IQ
> system apart looking for any reason for the fuse to keep blowing. We
> reconfirmed torque on all line side conductors to the service (supply side
> interconnection using Polaris taps).
>
> Low and behold, I get a second client with the exact same issue yesterday.
> The circumstances are eerily alike. Both disconnects are located on the
> west side of the house and have 36 IQ7+ microinverters on an IQ
> Combiner, requiring 60A fuses on the 60A fusible disconnect. The combined
> inverter output rating is 43.56A. The interconnections are identical with
> #6 THHN 90ºC conductors and Polaris taps. Both disconnects have conductors
> on the right-hand side line-side terminal that are discolored (the copper
> is silvery, the insulation is not burned). The fuses blow at peak current
> around 1:30 pm, only on bright and sunny days.
>
> I'm starting to suspect a faulty fusible disconnect switch. Maybe the
> blades are not making proper contact with the line side terminals.
>
> For the client who is having regular/frequent fuses blowing I plan to
> replace the disconnect with a heavy-duty version or possibly get a 100A
> disconnect with fuse reducers. I'm not sure which option would yield a
> better test. I might also switch brands.
>
> Currently, we are using GE TG3222R. The fuses are Bussman FRN-R Time
> Delay. I have to believe a heavy-duty switch would be less susceptible to
> this, but maybe a higher rated one would be a better option. I'm not a fan
> of fuse reducers, however.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
>
>
> On Sun, Aug 30, 2020 at 5:54 PM Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
>> The tripping breaker occurred at random times, even at night. No
>> weather-related correlation.
>>
>> I have more research to do to see when this fuse issue is happening, but
>> previous visits showed no water ingress. I'm not sure about temperature.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Aug 27, 2020 at 8:51 PM Jay  wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Jason
>>>
>>> One thought I have about the blowing fuse is to check it with a IR tool.
>>>
>>> I suspect a poor connection of the fuse to holder which during higher
>>> air temp is causing it to fail.
>>> I’m assuming that the correct amp size and slow blow fuse Is installed
>>> and that the wire connections are done correctly. But again an IR tool
>>> during peak heat would be  a good test.
>>>
>>> About the enphase fix, wow what a head scratcher. But given that it’s
>>> fixed it means that it’s not a short, but enough amps going through over
>>> enough time to trip it. I wonder if a magnetic hydraulic vs thermal breaker
>>> ( CBI  vs CH etc) would have worked?
>>>
>>> Is that breaker box ever in the sun?  Is there any Correlation between
>>>  high ambient temperatures and tripping?
>>>
>>> It sure would keep me up at night too
>>>
>>> Jay
>>>
>>>
>>> On Aug 27, 2020, at 4:29 PM, Jason Szumlanski <
>>> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>> So the resolution to this is in... But I still have no idea what was
>>> wrong.
>>>
>>> The string of 10 offending microinverters was split into 5 and 5. We had
>>> a spare breaker in the IQ Combiner so it was relatively easy to run another
>>> branch circuit. It has been over two months with no recurrence. So the
>>> issue seems to be resolved, but again, no idea why.
>>>
>>> So here we go again... On another system we have a similar problem now.
>>> In this case it is supply side interconnected with a fusible disconnect.
>>> The same fuse (same line) keeps blowing every few to several weeks. We
>>> can't find any home run wiring issues or issues with terminator caps. There
>>&

[RE-wrenches] Sunpower monitoring site

[Dave Tedeyan]

To the other Sunpower dealers out there,

Is anyone else having issues with Sunpower's partner monitoring portal?
I log in, it takes a couple minutes before I can even view a site, and
once I do I can barely get to a new view before I get logged out again.

I know that they have a new monitoring site, but that one seems to be
almost as slow, and give only basic system information.

I am curious if others are having success monitoring their Sunpower
systems, or if people are having similar issues.

Cheers,
Dave

*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC

110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
www.taitem.com

Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
Certified B-Corporation since 2013
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Re: [RE-wrenches] unfused disconnect before service disconnect

[Dave Tedeyan]

Lloyd,
I see what you are saying. Although in 250.24, it seems that they are
expecting this first disconnect to have overcurrent protection and be the
service disconnecting means. So what if the first disconnect does not have
overcurrent protection? I am assuming the "service disconnect" is the first
point of overcurrent protection for the service. What I am thinking of is
similar to the disconnect allowed on the line side of the meter (230.82
(3)), although this one is on the load side of the meter.
Cheers,
Dave

*Dave Tedeyan, PE*
Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC

110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
www.taitem.com

Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
Certified B-Corporation since 2013


On Thu, Oct 29, 2020 at 12:03 PM Lloyd Hoffstatter <
ll...@sunstruckconsulting.com> wrote:

> Dave,
> Looking at 2014, NEC 250.24(B) FPN and exhibits tends to imply bonding at
> first means of disconnect. This also minimizes potential ground loops.
> Best regards,
> Lloyd Hoffstatter
> Sunstruck Consulting
>
> Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
> --
> *From:* RE-wrenches  on behalf
> of Dave Tedeyan 
> *Sent:* Thursday, October 29, 2020 9:56:47 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches 
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] unfused disconnect before service disconnect
>
> I'm looking to the hive mind here to see if others can weigh in on an
> issue I am having with an inspector. Grid tied PV system, with a line side
> tap in an automatic transfer switch. There is an outdoor utility required
> system disconnect right next to the transfer switch. But there was not
> enough physical space to get something that was service rated with
> overcurrent protection. So we installed a QO200TR, which is a tiny switch
> that looks like a circuit breaker, is rated at 60A, but does not actually
> have overcurrent protection. Then just inside the basement is the service
> disconnect with the neutral ground bond, etc. The inspector is telling me
> to bond the neutral and ground in the outdoor unfused disconnect, and
> remove it in the disconnect in the basement.
>
> I am having trouble finding a code reference. Does anyone know of one
> showing that the unfused disconnect is not the service point even though it
> comes first? Or is this not something that is allowed? We are on NEC 2017
> here in NY..
> .
> Thanks!
> -Dave
>
> *Dave Tedeyan, PE*
> Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC
>
> 110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
> o. *607.277.1118 x121*  f. 607.277.2119
> www.taitem.com
>
> Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
> Certified B-Corporation since 2013
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