[RE-wrenches] Barrel Roof Mounting
Just wondering if anyone has any info about mounting systems designed for barrel roofs. I have been looking into this for a little while and can't seem to find any commercially available mounting solution to this roof type. Has anyone else had any experience mounting to this roof type? My first thought was to create some kind of raised flat structure to mount to using unistrut and standoffs and maybe a top down mounting system on top of it? Any ideas? Aaron Mandelkorn Renewable Energy Outfitters P.O. Box 65 Salida CO 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Grid Tied AC Disconnect Question
It seems as though almost every utility has a different requirement concerning Utility External Disconnects and the AC disconnects for the PV system in general. Some utilities require lockable blade style disconnects while others will accept the backed breaker in a load panel(if outside) as the photovoltaic AC system disconnect. My question refers to situations where grid tied inverters and the AC point of connection are both inside a dwelling. Specifically, if a grid tied inverter is located inside a garage and it's output is connected to a back fed breaker in the main panel (also in the garage), can the utility disconnect at the meter serve as both the utility and PV system AC disconnect? I see nothing in the NEC that says the PV system's external AC disconnect has to be independent of the utilities' disconnect. Can this one breaker act as the disconnect for two sources of power? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Aaron Mandelkorn Renewable Energy Outfitters P.O. Box 65 Salida CO 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP What's the problem?
I can't believe that reputable installers are actually trying to have this ad removed and have a problem with NABCEP's efforts to give this industry some standards. I can't even count how many jobs I have fixed that were installed by professionals 10 years ago. It is just scary what some installers try to get away with. If someone has been in the industry for 10+ years they should be able to pass the NABCEP. If they expect someone to pay big bucks for their service don't you think they should have some way of backing up their claim of professionalism other than the fact that others have trusted their work? It seems to me that if the test is to hard, takes to long, or is a financial burden to anyone in this industry; you are in the wrong line of work. I pay way more per year in liability insurance and other costs to keep by business open that the $400 test fee (for 3 years) is really just a drop in the bucket. And yes I am NABCEP Certified and proud of it. Aaron Mandelkorn Renewable Energy Outfitters P.O. Box 65 Salida CO 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com On Feb 7, 2011, at 7:59 AM, wire...@gmail.com wrote: Bob-O, It sounds like you have some influence as to running this ad when you stated NO FREAKIN' WAY! as a response to me asking NABCEP to either stop running it or alter it so it doesn't have a negative effect on non-certificants. Obviously, from the responses to my thread, the ad offends some non-certificants. If NABCEP wants to continue to offend, then go ahead, continue to run the ad. Please keep in mind that the ad not only offends some non certificants but may also affect their business in a negative way. Offending is one thing but negatively affecting livelihoods is quite another. Grid-tie PV is hard enough to sell as is without the added burden of countering the certification argument as someone suggested. I know NABCEP wants everyone to be certified and we all want to be certified but until we all have the time, money and the stress to do so or until it is actually required then please use your influence to get NABCEP to stop running of this ad. Thank you. Larry Liesner Wirewiz Westport, CT Phone: 203-644-2404 Fax: 203-557-0556 wire...@gmail.com www.wire-wiz.com On Feb 6, 2011, at 11:36 PM, Bob-O Schultze wrote: Larry, Aram, etc, Let me put this as succinctly as I can: NO FREAKIN' WAY! I've sat on the NABCEP BoD for many years -almost since it began. I am not an IBEW or NECA member, nor have I ever been. I've had my CA C-10 since 1991 and I've been a NABCEP Certified PV installer since 2003. For many years we had no IBEW or NECA representation at NABCEP, but because we subscribe to the Big Tent theory and feel that all the players need a place at the table, we invited both of those organizations to participate in NABCEP some time ago. We are proud that both of them -along with many others- now sit with us and help to make our testing better and more relevant to today's RE markets. The IBEW is a large and very powerful union, but they do not control NABCEP -not even close. As long as I (and others) serve on the Board, they never will. I'm sorry that you have a problem with our Home Power ad, but we're not backing down or changing it. Do you buy your components through distribution? Your distributor is going to tout their dealers as the best in the biz and they all support Certification. You bitching them out too or just us? While there are many highly qualified Wrenches who have not yet achieved Certification or don't seek it for whatever reasons, those that have are among the best in the business. Can a Certificant screw up and make a mistake? Sure. Ain't nobody walking on water here. Do we have a very few Certificants who gamed the system and aren't as good as they should be? Probably. Are you going to stop using medical doctors because of a couple of quacks? Same thing. Certification not for you? Fine. Be well and good luck. You might want to consider, however, that Certificants command a better wage or get more jobs than the average installer. While it's hard to accurately put a price on that, our research indicates that Certification adds $10K-$15K a year to an installer's pocket. Certification costs $400. and is good for three years. Do the math. Peace, Bob-O On Feb 6, 2011, at 10:11 AM, Aram Alexander wrote: No you are not. I have been installing grid tied PV for 10 years in ca. Nabcep is union based and all though it is good but it does not mean by any means the best as we have to fix several nabcep installed systems. I personally don't like there advertising either Aram On Feb 6, 2011, at 9:13 AM, wire...@gmail.com wrote: Hello Wrenches, NABCEP has a full page ad in Home Power magazine that tells potential PV buyers to Insist on a NABCEP Certified Installer. That's a great ad if you
[RE-wrenches] Financial Analysis Tools
Hello everyone. This question goes out to the contractors that deal with rebate structures that use a performance based incentive like the new Xcel solar rewards program. I am finding it difficult to compute the performance based incentive (.40 cents per kilowatt hour of production) into the RetScreen financial analysis tool and am wondering how others are dealing with this complication and what kinds of financial analysis tools allow for the input of this kind of performance based incentive. Since the PBI is not a up front rebate but rather a monthly payout based on production over time it is difficult to input this into the program. If I take the PBI and add up the amount over the ten year period and put it into the program as a lump sum it throws off the payback timeline. There is just no option for a performance based incentive in the program. How do you all deal with an incentive of this kind and what kinds of financial analysis tools do you all use to best represent a rebate of this kind. Thanks. Aaron Mandelkorn Renewable Energy Outfitters P.O. Box 65 Salida CO 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Grounding Requirement Question
Wrenches, Just installed a Magnum MS-PAE battery based system on an E-Panel distribution box and my inspector seems to have an issue with the grounding. He is saying that I must run an additional GEC down to the ground rod because I am dealing with two separate grounding systems. The DC and AC side of the grounding system shares the same ground buss bar in the E-Panel so why wouldn't a single GEC down to the ground rod suffice? The buss bar is where the two systems get grounded together rather than at the rod. The inspector is telling me to either dig up the rod and run an additional GEC down to it or connect the additional GEC to the existing with an irreversible splice. Am I missing something here? This requirement just seem redundant and wasteful. If I do have to make the correction I will be going with the splicing option. Some advise on irreversible splices would also be greatly appreciated. I can't seem to source them locally and have never used them before. Thanks for any help. Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Renewable Energy Outfitters (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Sunny Island Autotransformer
Dear wrenches, I will be installing a single Sunny Island 5048 for a battery backup system that will utilize a Sunny Boy 5000US as well as 240 volt loads. I know that Outback makes a 4 and 6kv autotransformer and there are units rated as much as 8kv from other companies. Being a 5000 watt inverter I think the 6kv from outback would work but SMA is telling me to go with the highest rated unit I can find. The price difference between the different autotransformers is substantial and I don't want to buy more than I need. It would be great to hear from anyone who has installed a single Sunny Island 5048 and what autotransformer they used. Thanks in advanced. Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Owner / Operator Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] PV Production Meter on a XW System
Wrenches, I would like to here some thoughts on monitoring the production a XW in grid tie with battery backup mode. I normally use the Sunny Island for my grid tie with battery backup systems and am considering going with the XW on my next one. Just wondering where in the system one would wire the AC PV Production meter to best represent the amount of power sold to the grid. We have performance based incentives around here that require metering of the power going back to the grid. With the SI systems this is easily accomplished by putting the required meter after the sunny boy before going to the critical loads panel. Any ideas about how to accomplish this with the DC coupled XW system? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Owner / Operator Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Ni-Fe batteries
Jon, Iron Edison in Colorado is the only supplier I know of. I am thinking about these as well. I know of a guy that has an Edison battery in his shop for many years with no complaints. Their contact info is: The Iron Edison Battery Company, LLC 10171 W. 9th Dr. Lakewood, CO 80215 720-432-6433 http://ironedison.com/ Good luck, Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com On Sep 25, 2012, at 11:19 AM, Jonathan Hill wrote: Anyone know anything about Nickel-Iron Batteries? We sold some many years ago but our supplier stopped carrying them. I have a client with a fairly large bank of Hawker industrial batteries; 2100ah @ 48v. He is asking about replacing them with Ni-Fe as he has heard that they will last virtually forever, or at least longer than he might. Any thoughts on this? Also, any suggestions of good suppliers? Thanks. Jonathan Hill, senior system engineer and founder Sierra Solar Systems 563C Idaho Maryland Road Grass Valley, CA 95945 Celebrating our 32nd year in solar! tech info and foreign orders: (530) 273-6754 order line: (888) ON-SOLAR (US only) FAX: (530) 273-1760 e-mail: mailto:solar...@sierrasolar.com world wide web: http://www.sierrasolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] 120% rule applying to conductors
I agree. With a 150A bus being fed by 100A from the grid leaves 80 additional amps (120% of 150A) to feed the bus from outside sources. It seems to me that 40A of PV being back fed will be just fine. Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com On Sep 28, 2012, at 6:32 AM, Drake wrote: Are you sure you can't? Since the bus has a rating of 150 A and is protected by a 100 A breaker, there is plenty of room to not over amp the bus from the two sources of power. The amperage from the inverter will cancel amperage coming from the utility in the feeder. The wire will never supply over the 100 A. The theoretical max the inverter could backfeed would be 40 Amps in the 100 Amp cable if no loads were being supplied. It would certainly not be a safety issue. Am I missing something in the code? At 12:51 AM 9/28/2012, you wrote: Mac: Nope. William Miller PS: It's pretty straight forwards, the code says bus or conductor. wm PPS: Can you customer live with a smaller feeder breaker, say 125 amps? If so, your gold. wm At 06:43 PM 9/27/2012, you wrote: Hello wrenches, I am looking for advice on how the 120% rule applies to feeders for a subpanel. I have this scenario: 150A bus rating on subpanel with main breaker of 100A. The conductors feeding this subpanel are 100A rated conductors. Can I backfeed with a 40A breaker? Thanks -- Mac Lewis Yo solo sé que no sé nada. -Sócrates ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.455 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/5272 - Release Date: 09/16/12 18:34:00 Miller Solar Voice :805-438-5600 email: will...@millersolar.com http://millersolar.com License No. C-10-773985 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid non-inverter battery charger recommendations?
Check out Iota. Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com On Oct 15, 2012, at 9:14 AM, William Dorsett wrote: What brand recommendations do the group have for an battery charger to be plugged into a genset? Used to be Todd but at some point they lost favor. Thanks all. Bill Dorsett Sunwrights 1715 Leavenworth Manhattan, KS 785/539-1956 Home/Office ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Soladeck Alternatives
I believe that Zilla and Quick Mount makes flashed options for conduit entry through the roof. You will still have to use a SLB but they are much lower profile than the Oaty flashings used in the past and should fit under thin framed modules. Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com On Mar 25, 2013, at 1:28 PM, Troy Harvey wrote: We typically bring the electrical up through the roof under the array for best aesthetics. We have been using SLBs and plumbing style flashing for years with good results. However, in recent times the panel frames have been leaning towards thinner frames. The result is that the plumbing flashing is being turned inside out because it has less room, so we have been potting it with sealant - which is not ideal. I've been looking at the soladeck, but they are too large and expensive for a junction box (not combiner) use. Any other smaller, less expensive alternatives others have come across? thanks, Troy Harvey - Principal Engineer Heliocentric 801-453-9434 tahar...@heliocentric.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Enphase Wire Management
Just wondering what people like to use for supporting the trunk cable for the enphase 215 inverters. WIth zipties going brittle after a couple of years aluminum or steel options are what I am more interested in. I have seen some installs with steel zipties but the sharp edge on them makes me wonder if there is a chance of them cutting into the cable. I have used 3/8 one hole conduit straps on each side of the trunk cable connector and although this seems quite stout it gets expensive on larger systems. Any ideas about products out there for supporting the trunk cable for the life of the system? Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Wire Management
Thanks to all for the great suggestions. I see that there is quite a selection of products for my application. Have a great weekend all. Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com On Apr 12, 2013, at 1:02 PM, All Solar wrote: Iron ridge has some wire clips that will also fit Unirac rails Sent from Jeremy's IPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand! On Apr 11, 2013, at 6:52 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn reoso...@gmail.com wrote: Just wondering what people like to use for supporting the trunk cable for the enphase 215 inverters. WIth zipties going brittle after a couple of years aluminum or steel options are what I am more interested in. I have seen some installs with steel zipties but the sharp edge on them makes me wonder if there is a chance of them cutting into the cable. I have used 3/8 one hole conduit straps on each side of the trunk cable connector and although this seems quite stout it gets expensive on larger systems. Any ideas about products out there for supporting the trunk cable for the life of the system? Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Wire Gutters
I often see DC and AC wires contained in the same wire gutters and am wondering what people are doing to comply with the NEC. Doesn't there have to be a physical barrier between AC and DC wires. I like how gutters under multiple inverters and disconnects really clean up the installation but am un sure of how to comply with the NEC in this configuration. Ant tips or suggestions? Thanks. Aaron Mandelkorn NABCEP Certified PV Installer Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida, CO. 81201 (970)596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] roof sheathing attachment
DPW Easy Feet are a great product for metal roofs going into roof decking. Aaron Mandelkorn Owner / Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida CO. 81201 719-221-5249 970-596-3744 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com On Nov 19, 2013, at 6:14 AM, Mac Lewis maclew...@gmail.com wrote: Hello wrenches, I have an application that I am considering finding a mounting system that attaches to the roof deck only. Does anyone have experience with this type of mounting solution? Does anyone have a favorite product for roof sheathing attachment to a metal roof? Thanks -- Mac Lewis Yo solo sé que no sé nada. -Sócrates ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Rapid shutdown for pole mounts
The rapid shutdown language is so confusing. When looking at the rapid shutdown language, does PV systems on a building refer to only situations where the array is on a building; or does it include DC conductors as well. For example, if the DC conductors from a pole mounted array run up the side of a building before punching in to the inverter, does this require rapid shutdown? Is this PV system considered on a building? Aaron Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters 719-221-5249 970-596-3744 www.reosolar.com reoso...@gmail.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid shutdown for pole mounts
Dan. Great thoughts on the subject. I agree with the power shed idea but this isn't feasible most of the time for me. I have been thinking about AC coupling for off grid systems and the idea doesn't excite me. Thanks for your input. Aaron Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters 719-221-5249 970-596-3744 www.reosolar.com reoso...@gmail.com On Apr 19, 2014, at 11:22 AM, Dan Fink danbo...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Aaron, boB, Wrenches; I think Aaron brings up a good point, and it's certainly confusing to me. The boldface type heading of 690.12 is Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings The body of the 690.12 text begins with PV system *circuits* installed on or in buildings shall. 690.2 defines Photovoltaic source circuit as Circuits between modules and from modules to the common connection point(s) of the DC system and Photovoltaic output circuit as Circuit conductors between the PV source circuit(s) and the inverter or DC utilization equipment. PV system from the heading of 690.12 is not defined in 690.2, other than that the definition of Photovoltaic system voltage specifically includes both PV output and source circuits. To me the confusing part of 690.12 is PV Systems on Buildings is that system is not defined, and tends to imply rooftop arrays. But PV system circuits installed on or in buildings shall. is pretty clear. I interpret it to mean anything DC and PV stuck to the side of building like conduit, etc, or running insidewhich means it applies to ground-mount arrays too if they terminate outside or inside the building. What I'm seeing as the easy work-around for us off-grid folk is the old power shed idea containing battery bank, balance of system, inverter etcjust build it within 10 feet of the PV array and you're fine. Any thoughts? Dan Fink, Executive Director; Otherpower Buckville Energy Consulting Buckville Publications LLC NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers 970.672.4342 On Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 3:30 PM, b...@midnitesolar.com b...@midnitesolar.com wrote: Bill Brooks should probably respond to this also, but reading the NEC, it looks like if the wires do not go inside the building to run more than 5 feet (as the crow flies), the the rapid disconnect does not apply.OR, less than 10 feet from the array IF the PV is mounted on that building. boB On 4/18/2014 1:34 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn wrote: The rapid shutdown language is so confusing. When looking at the rapid shutdown language, does PV systems on a building refer to only situations where the array is on a building; or does it include DC conductors as well. For example, if the DC conductors from a pole mounted array run up the side of a building before punching in to the inverter, does this require rapid shutdown? Is this PV system considered on a building? Aaron Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters 719-221-5249 970-596-3744 www.reosolar.com reoso...@gmail.com ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Equipment Enclosures
Does anyone have any recommendations for outdoor equipment enclosures that are reasonably affordable? I need to house a classic charge controller, Midnite Din rail with breakers, relay driver, shunt and a few relays. This enclosure will be mounted to a pole. Any leads on some brands or sources would be very helpful. I am looking at 24” x 24” sizes in plastic, fiberglass or steel. Thanks all. Aaron Mandelkorn Owner / Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters Box 65 Salida CO. 81201 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com www.reosolar.com ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Interconnection with Generator
I always connect to the utility side of the transfer switch. Since the transfer switch is a listed electrical enclosure it is the best option I have used. Aaron Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters 719-221-5249 970-596-3744 www.reosolar.com reoso...@gmail.com On Oct 28, 2014, at 8:48 AM, Corey Shalanski cshalan...@joule-energy.com wrote: Wrenches, We frequently encounter residences with backup generators. The question that arises: how should the PV system be interconnected? I have searched the archives and found some good information about this subject, but nothing definitive. I have fallen into the habit of broadly proclaiming that the PV system *must* be interconnected on the utility side of the transfer switch - in order to prevent backfeeding into the generator and thereby eliminate unintentional equipment damage. Is this concern justified? If so, should this be an absolute rule or would it depend on the generator make/model? Thanks for any insights. -- Corey Shalanski Joule Energy New Orleans, LA ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] What is this racking system?
Certainly Sunmoto flashings. Rails look like it too but I have only used their flashings. I like them. Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com > On Nov 10, 2015, at 8:33 AM, Benn Kilburn <b...@skyfireenergy.com> wrote: > > Looks like Sunmodo. > Only used it once... not a fan. > > Benn Kilburn > CSA Certified Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electrician, SkyFire Energy Inc > 6706 – 82 Ave NW | Edmonton, AB | T6B 0E7 > P: 780-474-8992 | F: 888-405-5843 | www.skyfireenergy.com > <http://www.skyfireenergy.com/> <mailto:b...@skyfireenergy.com> > <https://www.facebook.com/SkyFireEnergy> <https://twitter.com/SkyFireEnergy> > > <https://www.linkedin.com/company/283735?trk=tyah=tarId%3A1408655033432%2Ctas%3Askyfire%2Cidx%3A2-2-5> > <https://plus.google.com/+SkyFireEnergy/> > > > On Tue, Nov 10, 2015 at 7:23 AM, Drake <drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org > <mailto:drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org>> wrote: > You might have to click on the hyper linked titles of the photos to get > viewable versions of the photos. > > Thanks, > > > Drake > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > <mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org> > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > <http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html> > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm <http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm> > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org/> > > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Fried Classic150?
Hi all. I returned to a off grid site today after having no winter access. It appears as though the classic 150 charge controller has failed. The batteries are completely discharged. The classics screen will flash occasionally as well as a yellow light on this left front of the controller but wont turn on. Does the classic have a minimum voltage requirement needed to turn on? Has anyone else experienced this? I can't figure out what happened to cause this issue. Thanks Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Fried Classic150?
Thanks all for the replies. Battery voltage was 13v on this 48 volt system. How they drained so low I just don't know. Low batter cut off was set and there were no DC loads. Not to sure what to make if this. Will be contacting midnite tomorrow. Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com On May 30, 2016 8:43 PM, "Dan Fink" <danbo...@gmail.com> wrote: > MPPT does need a minimum battery voltage to wake up and start charging, at > least 9 volts -- I once arrived at a remote site on a sunny day, the PV > input breaker had tripped, batteries were under 9v, no charging despite the > sunny weather until I woke the MPPT up with jumper cables from my truck > battery. > > Dan Fink > Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute > IREC Certified Instructor™ for: > ~ PV Installation Professional > ~ Small Wind Installer > Executive Director, Buckville Energy > NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™ > 970.672.4342 > > > > On Mon, May 30, 2016 at 5:59 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn <reoso...@gmail.com> > wrote: > >> Hi all. I returned to a off grid site today after having no winter >> access. It appears as though the classic 150 charge controller has failed. >> The batteries are completely discharged. The classics screen will flash >> occasionally as well as a yellow light on this left front of the controller >> but wont turn on. Does the classic have a minimum voltage requirement >> needed to turn on? Has anyone else experienced this? I can't figure out >> what happened to cause this issue. >> >> Thanks >> >> Aaron Mandelkorn >> Owner/Solar Specialist >> Renewable Energy Outfitters >> www.reosolar.com >> www.offgriddepot.biz >> 970-596-3744 >> 719-221-5249 >> reoso...@gmail.com >> >> >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List-Archive: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> >> > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Fried Classic150?
The more I think about this the stranger it seems. All system breakers were left on before leaving for the winter. Inverter was also on to power two small AC fans. How can a 48 volt battery bank get so discharged to the point of almost complete depletion (13.7 volts). The inverter low battery cutout was programmed to 48.1v and there are no DC loads. Isn't the point of lbco to protect against this exact situation? What could have brought this bank down so low? I am wondering if my client may have reset the lbco and other settings by throwing the inverter breaker by accident. Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com On May 30, 2016 8:43 PM, "Dan Fink" <danbo...@gmail.com> wrote: > MPPT does need a minimum battery voltage to wake up and start charging, at > least 9 volts -- I once arrived at a remote site on a sunny day, the PV > input breaker had tripped, batteries were under 9v, no charging despite the > sunny weather until I woke the MPPT up with jumper cables from my truck > battery. > > Dan Fink > Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute > IREC Certified Instructor™ for: > ~ PV Installation Professional > ~ Small Wind Installer > Executive Director, Buckville Energy > NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™ > 970.672.4342 > > > > On Mon, May 30, 2016 at 5:59 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn <reoso...@gmail.com> > wrote: > >> Hi all. I returned to a off grid site today after having no winter >> access. It appears as though the classic 150 charge controller has failed. >> The batteries are completely discharged. The classics screen will flash >> occasionally as well as a yellow light on this left front of the controller >> but wont turn on. Does the classic have a minimum voltage requirement >> needed to turn on? Has anyone else experienced this? I can't figure out >> what happened to cause this issue. >> >> Thanks >> >> Aaron Mandelkorn >> Owner/Solar Specialist >> Renewable Energy Outfitters >> www.reosolar.com >> www.offgriddepot.biz >> 970-596-3744 >> 719-221-5249 >> reoso...@gmail.com >> >> >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List-Archive: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> >> > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Fried Classic150?
Thanks Bob. We are using agm batteries and everything should have been turned off including the battery box breakers before the customer left. We could deal with a few months of self discharge. The array was snow covered at max tilt due to it being on a hillside and not tall enough. Controller cycling and inverter brought the system down. This customer also refused to have his generator hooked up to a auto start module for fear it would be completely snow covered. Go figure. Pulling the batteries to see if they are salvageable. Never working with diy homeowners again. Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com On May 31, 2016 2:12 PM, "b...@midnitesolar.com" <b...@midnitesolar.com> wrote: Aaron, lead acid batteries will "self discharge". Letting them sit for more than a couple of weeks may not be that good for them as they can sulfate without a good absorb charge cycle every once in a while at least for a couple of hours. The inverter and charge controller will always draw some power from the batteries just being connected. This is due mainly to the internal auxiliary supplies and microprocessors. If the main battery breakers were turned off when the customer left for the winter, the batteries will still discharge themselves and start to sulfate but the voltage dropping would not happen quite as fast. You might want to add a small backup generator and tilt the PV array more vertical to help shed the snow during the winter months if nobody is around to take care of the system. boB On 5/31/2016 10:43 AM, Aaron Mandelkorn wrote: Thank you everyone for your input. I am quite sure this controller was just doing what it was supposed to do. The inverter disconnected from low voltage and the solar modules were covered with snow for months. The classic was trying to reconnect all this time and I believe acted as a load on the batteries. Essentially the classic brought the system down but poor design and actions by the customer are what led to this disaster. I will be pulling the batteries and changing/ load testing at the shop. Hopefully we didn't destroy this battery bank. Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com Hi Aaron, A customer of mine had a very similar situation happen couple years ago, except with the added fun of frozen batteries, split open and a resulting mess. (system was installed by others without a proper battery box / spill containment). This fault was traced back to a failed MX60 controller that was not only preventing solar input, but had a small parasitic load on the system that was enough to discharge the batteries. Replaced controller, new batteries (with spill containment!) and the system has been fine since. Kevin *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Aaron Mandelkorn *Sent:* May-30-16 9:35 PM *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Fried Classic150? The more I think about this the stranger it seems. All system breakers were left on before leaving for the winter. Inverter was also on to power two small AC fans. How can a 48 volt battery bank get so discharged to the point of almost complete depletion (13.7 volts). The inverter low battery cutout was programmed to 48.1v and there are no DC loads. Isn't the point of lbco to protect against this exact situation? What could have brought this bank down so low? I am wondering if my client may have reset the lbco and other settings by throwing the inverter breaker by accident. Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com On May 30, 2016 8:43 PM, "Dan Fink" <danbo...@gmail.com> wrote: MPPT does need a minimum battery voltage to wake up and start charging, at least 9 volts -- I once arrived at a remote site on a sunny day, the PV input breaker had tripped, batteries were under 9v, no charging despite the sunny weather until I woke the MPPT up with jumper cables from my truck battery. Dan Fink Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute IREC Certified Instructor™ for: ~ PV Installation Professional ~ Small Wind Installer Executive Director, Buckville Energy NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™ 970.672.4342 On Mon, May 30, 2016 at 5:59 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn <reoso...@gmail.com> wrote: Hi all. I returned to a off grid site today after having no winter access. It appears as though the classic 150 charge controller has failed. The batteries are completely discharged. The classics screen will flash occasionally as well as a yellow light on this left front of the controller but wont turn on. Does
Re: [RE-wrenches] Fried Classic150?
Thank you everyone for your input. I am quite sure this controller was just doing what it was supposed to do. The inverter disconnected from low voltage and the solar modules were covered with snow for months. The classic was trying to reconnect all this time and I believe acted as a load on the batteries. Essentially the classic brought the system down but poor design and actions by the customer are what led to this disaster. I will be pulling the batteries and changing/ load testing at the shop. Hopefully we didn't destroy this battery bank. Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com Hi Aaron, A customer of mine had a very similar situation happen couple years ago, except with the added fun of frozen batteries, split open and a resulting mess. (system was installed by others without a proper battery box / spill containment). This fault was traced back to a failed MX60 controller that was not only preventing solar input, but had a small parasitic load on the system that was enough to discharge the batteries. Replaced controller, new batteries (with spill containment!) and the system has been fine since. Kevin *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Aaron Mandelkorn *Sent:* May-30-16 9:35 PM *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Fried Classic150? The more I think about this the stranger it seems. All system breakers were left on before leaving for the winter. Inverter was also on to power two small AC fans. How can a 48 volt battery bank get so discharged to the point of almost complete depletion (13.7 volts). The inverter low battery cutout was programmed to 48.1v and there are no DC loads. Isn't the point of lbco to protect against this exact situation? What could have brought this bank down so low? I am wondering if my client may have reset the lbco and other settings by throwing the inverter breaker by accident. Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com On May 30, 2016 8:43 PM, "Dan Fink" <danbo...@gmail.com> wrote: MPPT does need a minimum battery voltage to wake up and start charging, at least 9 volts -- I once arrived at a remote site on a sunny day, the PV input breaker had tripped, batteries were under 9v, no charging despite the sunny weather until I woke the MPPT up with jumper cables from my truck battery. Dan Fink Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute IREC Certified Instructor™ for: ~ PV Installation Professional ~ Small Wind Installer Executive Director, Buckville Energy NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™ 970.672.4342 On Mon, May 30, 2016 at 5:59 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn <reoso...@gmail.com> wrote: Hi all. I returned to a off grid site today after having no winter access. It appears as though the classic 150 charge controller has failed. The batteries are completely discharged. The classics screen will flash occasionally as well as a yellow light on this left front of the controller but wont turn on. Does the classic have a minimum voltage requirement needed to turn on? Has anyone else experienced this? I can't figure out what happened to cause this issue. Thanks Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or
[RE-wrenches] Drawing Programs
Hi all, Just wondering what drawing programs you all use (for windows). I have been a happy user of MacDraft for years but have recently switched back over to windows. AutoCAD is way more complex for what I need. All I draw are simple 3 lines for permitting, site plans, and roof layouts. No need for complicated tools, just the ability to draw in scale. Any thoughts? Aaron Mandelkorn Owner/Solar Specialist Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 719-221-5249 reoso...@gmail.com ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] DPW rack info
DPW has it on its website. It is called "tpm configurator". Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgriddepot.biz 970-596-3744 On Jul 11, 2017 5:11 PM, "jay" <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote: > HI All, > > > DPW used to have pole depth/concrete base size “ recommendations” but I > can longer find them. > > > Does anyone have any advice on this? > > thanks > > jay > > peltz power > > > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches. > org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Adding generators to PV systems
We do these all the time. Relocation of the pv input from the load center to the utility side of the generator transfer switch has always been our solution. Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 On Jan 12, 2018 4:00 PM, "Jerry Shafer" <jerrysgarag...@gmail.com> wrote: > Wayne > We will not connect a grid tie inverter down stream of a gen-set, you > don't want the inverter attempting to connect, when it comes right down to > it, Why would you want to it would be a very small micro grid that if and > when the demand is less then the inverter output would be then the gen-set > would produce no power, volts yes amps no, then the volts climb the > inverter discos and bam the genny has to make it all up. We have 8 k to 250 > k gennys and PV systems attached all are upstream or in switches to turn > them off. > Jerry > > On Thu, Jan 11, 2018 at 3:54 PM, Wayne Irwin <pureenergyso...@hotmail.com> > wrote: > >> Hello All, >> >> >> We have several customers adding generators to their homes on which we >> have previously installed PV systems. >> >> Historically most generators didn't produce a clean enough 60Hz sinewave >> to get the inverters to feed back. >> >> However, with the generator technology improving and the introduction of >> inverter generators, I'm concerned that if the inverters feed back to the >> generator it will smoke the stator. >> >> >> I'm wondering if any of you have any experience/issues? If so, what >> solutions or recommendations do you have? >> >> >> Thanks, >> >> >> >> Wayne Irwin, >> President >> License #CVC56695 >> State Licensed Solar Contractor >> Pure Energy Solar International Inc. >> wa...@pureenergysolar.com <pureenergyso...@hotmail.com> >> <http://pureenergysolar.net/>http://PureEnergySolar.com >> http://SolarChargingStation.net <https://solarchargingstation.net> >> 352 377-6527 <(352)%20377-6527> Office >> 352 336-3299 <(352)%20336-3299> Fax >> >> >> The Sun Is Always Shining! >> >> The content of this message is Pure Energy Solar Confidential. If you are >> not the intended recipient and have received this message in error, any use >> or distribution is prohibited. Please notify me immediately by reply e-mail >> and delete this message from your computer system. Thank you. >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re >> -wrenc...@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> >> > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches. > org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Large off grid
What do you say to the person who wants "200 amp" electrical service from their off grid system. I generally use Schneider xw+ inverters. Is it even possible to put 4 or 6 of them together? How many radians can be put together? I'm curious to know how others would proceed or is this to unreasonable to spend my time on. Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Mounting on rock
Thanks all. The flange plate was what I was thinking. It may be to difficult to level a ballast mounting roof system. Engineering may be a little difficult I assume? Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 On Thu, Apr 12, 2018, 7:46 AM Mac Lewis <maclew...@gmail.com> wrote: > Hi Aaron, > > Granite is a great substrate to mount to (once it's done). You could weld > a large flange plate onto the bottom of your pole, and bolt it to the > granite using anchor bolts. Rock climbers (including myself) drill into > granite all of the time. Bosch, among others, has a great drill and bit > setup that works well. Glue in epoxies are a great way to keep moisture out > of the hole for many years. > > Ballast racks are available too but it seems like a shame not to attach to > the granite in some way. > > Good luck > > On Thu, Apr 12, 2018, 7:28 AM Aaron Mandelkorn <reoso...@gmail.com> wrote: > >> Hi all, >> >> I have a customer that requires a mounting option I have yet to >> encounter. His site sits on top of of a massive hill of granite. It is >> relatively flat. Are there any mounting options that could work here? We >> are only talking about (12) to (16) modules for an off grid array. Is >> there anything that can bolt to rock? I typically use dpw or Mt solar pole >> mounts but can't imagine how these options could work. Any thoughts? >> >> Aaron Mandelkorn >> President / Founder >> Renewable Energy Outfitters >> www.reosolar.com >> Off Grid Depot >> www.offgridnow.com >> 970-596-3744 >> >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List-Archive: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Mounting on rock
Hi all, I have a customer that requires a mounting option I have yet to encounter. His site sits on top of of a massive hill of granite. It is relatively flat. Are there any mounting options that could work here? We are only talking about (12) to (16) modules for an off grid array. Is there anything that can bolt to rock? I typically use dpw or Mt solar pole mounts but can't imagine how these options could work. Any thoughts? Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Mounting on rock
Thanks everyone. Sounds like most have had the opportunity to do this. I can't believe that in the Colorado mountains this is the first time I am running into this situation in 12 years of business. I'm excited to see how it works. A concrete pad for the anchor plate will work out perfectly. I appreciate all the advice and so promptly. This list is such a great resource! Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 On Thu, Apr 12, 2018, 11:16 AM James Jefferson Jarvis <j...@aprsworld.com> wrote: > On 04/12/2018 08:53 AM, Aaron Mandelkorn wrote: > > Thanks all. The flange plate was what I was thinking. It may be to > > difficult to level a ballast mounting roof system. Engineering may be > > a little difficult I assume? > No, engineering is easy. If it is unbroken it should be at least as > strong as concrete. The epoxy in anchors will work. If the rock is not > perfectly level you can do a thin concrete pad on top of the rock to > make a flat spot to bolt to. Drill the anchors through the concrete > leveling pad and into the rock. > > I love anchoring to rock. It's free and not going anywhere! > > -James Jarvis > APRS World, LLC > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] TJI rafters
I have also used the sunmoto mounts with the multiple holes. They are called the AL shoe I believe. It makes a great alternative to the DPW ez foot which are very expensive and take forever to receive. We but butal mastic tape on the back. Just like the ez foot. Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 On Mar 3, 2018 5:54 PM, "August Goers" <aug...@luminalt.com> wrote: > Hi All - We tie into TJIs commonly, if you Google "TJI solar" you'll find > manufacturer docs on how to properly lag in. > > August > > On Mar 2, 2018 1:24 PM, "Jerry Caldwell" <solarcow...@yahoo.com> wrote: > >> Dear Wrenches, >> >> I have a customer with a low slope roof supported by TJI beams. Does >> anyone have experience permitting and installing on TJIs? I'm curious if >> jurisdictions are requiring Structural Engineer stamps. >> >> Since the top chord of the beams is only 1 3/8" thick should we be using >> shorter lag bolts for these installations? It also seems that it would be >> undesirable to penetrate into the web of the beam. >> >> Any advice would be appreciated here. >> >> Thank you, >> >> Jerry Caldwell >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re >> -wrenc...@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> >> > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches. > org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Conext SW Mystery
This is a strange one. I have a Schneider SW 4024 installed in a remote area of Colorado. Cold and high altitude. Since the fall every time my customer has gone out to her cabin she noticed that the inverter is off. She proceeded to turn the unit back on by pressing the button on the SW. There are no error messages, no tripped breakers. She has no issues with the system when she is there and leaves the system on. Next weekend rolls around and she comes back out to find the inverter off again. Schneider tech support seems to feel that the inverter is turning off on its own due to low battery voltage. But there is nothing in the log that shown this. And there is a Ecogen 15KW installed to protect from ever seeing the low battery cut off. Has anyone experienced this? My customer always comes ont on a friday and seems to believe the day of the week has something to do with this or this be cold induced? It is rather pressing since winter is in full swing and a turned off inverter can mean frozen pipes. Any help out there? Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS E-MAIL MAY BE PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, AND PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE. IF YOU ARE NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, ANY DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION, OR COPYING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Conext SW Mystery
This sw came on a prewired Epanel. The only monitering is through the scp or the classic charge controller via whizbang Jr shunt. I am thinking about adding the combox but not sure how helpful it will be since there is no internet or cell service at this site. Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 On Wed, Nov 20, 2019, 5:52 AM Jay wrote: > Do you have the Schneider battery monitor or another brand? > > It will record lowest voltage since last reset. > Would help in diagnosing the problem. > > Jay > > On Nov 19, 2019, at 6:06 AM, Aaron Mandelkorn wrote: > > > Thanks all for the info. I did check the auto gen start settings and and > they are set pretty high and at the 15 min, 30 min, and two hr triggers all > above the LCBO setting of 23v. I have hard time believing that the system > is crashing at night due to low battery and doing so so quickly that the > gen isn't coming on. Could this be an issue of temporary voltage drop > triggering the LCBO due to a large load coming on at night? Why would these > events not be in the log and why isn't the generator coming on? A seems to > work during the day and when I come out there to test. > > Aaron Mandelkorn > President / Founder > Renewable Energy Outfitters > www.reosolar.com > Off Grid Depot > www.offgridnow.com > 970-596-3744 > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Conext SW Mystery
Thanks all for the info. I did check the auto gen start settings and and they are set pretty high and at the 15 min, 30 min, and two hr triggers all above the LCBO setting of 23v. I have hard time believing that the system is crashing at night due to low battery and doing so so quickly that the gen isn't coming on. Could this be an issue of temporary voltage drop triggering the LCBO due to a large load coming on at night? Why would these events not be in the log and why isn't the generator coming on? A seems to work during the day and when I come out there to test. Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Conext SW Mystery
No cell reception or internet at this site. I am starting to think about cold and or altitude as a factor. Or maybe a large load that brings this small battery bank low enough to crash the system. I have no idea at this point. The LBCO and gen settings are all set up to endure LBCO does not happen. There are also NO error codes or events that are logged. Thanks all that have attempted to help. Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS E-MAIL MAY BE PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, AND PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE. IF YOU ARE NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, ANY DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION, OR COPYING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. On Tue, Nov 19, 2019 at 9:22 AM Vince McClellan wrote: > This is a long shot but something to check, and, I’m guessing you already > have this handled. Have you taped together your main system cables from the > battery? That will keep battery cable inductance from bottoming out the > voltage that the inverter sees. > > https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/document.do?docId=1018 > > Vince McClellan > Energy Design > Sent from my iPad > > On Nov 18, 2019, at 8:52 PM, Ray wrote: > > > > Totally sounds like Low voltage disconnect to me. Many, Many times the > generator does not start when it should or connect to the inverter. I've > had 2 systems recently, that both shut down, 1 had the LVD set really high, > higher than the gen start, so that definitely didn't work. The next one > would start the generator when required, but the generator voltage > regulation was incorrect, so the inverter would never connect to it. > Thinking the Ecogen is going to save the day is going to be recipe for > disaster; over the years I've come to despise the Ecogen. I'm seeing 50% > failures, and some of the failures are catastrophic, complete engine > failures. I don't have a suggested replacement, other than go big enough > (+20 kW) to get into the 1800 rpm water cooled equipment, or just get a > decent portable. At least with a portable, you can haul it in for service. > > Ray Walters > Remote Solar > 303 505-8760 > > On 11/18/19 8:00 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn wrote: > > This is a strange one. I have a Schneider SW 4024 installed in a remote > area of Colorado. Cold and high altitude. Since the fall every time my > customer has gone out to her cabin she noticed that the inverter is off. > She proceeded to turn the unit back on by pressing the button on the SW. > There are no error messages, no tripped breakers. She has no issues with > the system when she is there and leaves the system on. Next weekend rolls > around and she comes back out to find the inverter off again. Schneider > tech support seems to feel that the inverter is turning off on its own due > to low battery voltage. But there is nothing in the log that shown this. > And there is a Ecogen 15KW installed to protect from ever seeing the low > battery cut off. > > Has anyone experienced this? My customer always comes ont on a friday and > seems to believe the day of the week has something to do with this or this > be cold induced? It is rather pressing since winter is in full swing and a > turned off inverter can mean frozen pipes. > > Any help out there? > > Aaron Mandelkorn > President / Founder > Renewable Energy Outfitters > www.reosolar.com > Off Grid Depot > www.offgridnow.com > 970-596-3744 > > > > > THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS E-MAIL MAY BE PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, > AND PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE. IF YOU ARE NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, ANY > DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION, OR COPYING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & > settings:http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette:www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios:www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > &
Re: [RE-wrenches] 24v to 48v upgrade help
I am pushing for 48v. The main concern with doing so are how to best continue to provide 24v power to the 23v circuits. Now I am thinking rather than using a dc stepdown converter, I could potentially use 24v batteries in series/parallel and power the loads directly off of the battery. Not sure how this would throw off the electrical balance of the battery. Thanks all. I appreciate help and direction with this. Looks like there are a few options for me to consider. Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 On Thu, Jan 27, 2022, 11:49 AM frenergy wrote: > Aaron, > > Ain't nothing wrong with going to 48 volt. It sort of sounded > like you wanted to stick with 24 volt but if they want to replace PVs too > (which it sounded like in your original post), go 48. > > Bill > > Feather River Solar Electric > Bill Battagin, Owner > 4291 Nelson St. > Taylorsville, CA 95983 > 530.284.7849 > CA Lic 874049 > > On 1/27/2022 9:09 AM, Aaron Mandelkorn wrote: > > All, I will do a load analysis for the 24v loads. I am looking to get > around 800ah of LI storage at 24v. I typically use the larger 48v > batteries from fortress. The space constraints will not allow for a wall > full of small 50ah 24v units. I am not finding much selection of 24v 200ah+ > options. Is sounds like most of the advice I am getting is towards not > upgrading to 48v. > > Aaron Mandelkorn > President / Founder > Renewable Energy Outfitters > www.reosolar.com > Off Grid Depot > www.offgridnow.com > 970-596-3744 > > On Wed, Jan 26, 2022, 7:59 PM frenergy wrote: > >> Aaron, >> >> It would be helpful to know how many amps are required to >> power the 24 volt loads and should we assume the batteries are toast or >> nearly so? The brand of inverter? >> >> As Jeff said there are 24V L-ion choices. >> >> Bill >> >> Feather River Solar Electric >> Bill Battagin, Owner >> 4291 Nelson St. >> Taylorsville, CA 95983 >> 530.284.7849 >> CA Lic 874049 >> >> On 1/26/2022 4:16 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn wrote: >> >> Wrenches, >> >> I have a customer with a very old 24v off grid pv system. He wants to >> upgrade his array, inverter and battery bank. There are no options for >> inverter/chargers over 4000 watts in 24v dc. The same goes for lithium >> iron batteries. Everything (of higher wattage and battery capacity) seems >> to be in 48v only now. If going to 48 volts how do I acomodate the few but >> important 24v DC loads in the home. Is a 48v to 24v step down converter >> the best option? What do you think? Any help would be appreciated. Thank >> you. >> >> Aaron Mandelkorn >> President / Founder >> Renewable Energy Outfitters >> www.reosolar.com >> Off Grid Depot >> www.offgridnow.com >> 970-596-3744 >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & >> settings:http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the >> other:https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List rules & etiquette:http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios:http://www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> >> >> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=emailclient_term=icon> >> Virus-free. >> www.avast.com >> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=emailclient_term=link> >> <#m_8144765557031421817_m_-2020937635624825215_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the >> other: >> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/p
Re: [RE-wrenches] 24v to 48v upgrade help
All, I will do a load analysis for the 24v loads. I am looking to get around 800ah of LI storage at 24v. I typically use the larger 48v batteries from fortress. The space constraints will not allow for a wall full of small 50ah 24v units. I am not finding much selection of 24v 200ah+ options. Is sounds like most of the advice I am getting is towards not upgrading to 48v. Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 On Wed, Jan 26, 2022, 7:59 PM frenergy wrote: > Aaron, > > It would be helpful to know how many amps are required to > power the 24 volt loads and should we assume the batteries are toast or > nearly so? The brand of inverter? > > As Jeff said there are 24V L-ion choices. > > Bill > > Feather River Solar Electric > Bill Battagin, Owner > 4291 Nelson St. > Taylorsville, CA 95983 > 530.284.7849 > CA Lic 874049 > > On 1/26/2022 4:16 PM, Aaron Mandelkorn wrote: > > Wrenches, > > I have a customer with a very old 24v off grid pv system. He wants to > upgrade his array, inverter and battery bank. There are no options for > inverter/chargers over 4000 watts in 24v dc. The same goes for lithium > iron batteries. Everything (of higher wattage and battery capacity) seems > to be in 48v only now. If going to 48 volts how do I acomodate the few but > important 24v DC loads in the home. Is a 48v to 24v step down converter > the best option? What do you think? Any help would be appreciated. Thank > you. > > Aaron Mandelkorn > President / Founder > Renewable Energy Outfitters > www.reosolar.com > Off Grid Depot > www.offgridnow.com > 970-596-3744 > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & > settings:http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other:https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette:http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios:http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > > <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=emailclient_term=icon> > Virus-free. > www.avast.com > <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=emailclient_term=link> > <#m_-2020937635624825215_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other: https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] 24v to 48v upgrade help
Wrenches, I have a customer with a very old 24v off grid pv system. He wants to upgrade his array, inverter and battery bank. There are no options for inverter/chargers over 4000 watts in 24v dc. The same goes for lithium iron batteries. Everything (of higher wattage and battery capacity) seems to be in 48v only now. If going to 48 volts how do I acomodate the few but important 24v DC loads in the home. Is a 48v to 24v step down converter the best option? What do you think? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other: https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Brand X equipment?
I have had great success with the life power eg4 batteries but have no experience with the inverter signature solar offers. It is quite a bit less expensive. Not sure if it ul listed. I have been using nothing but sol ark inverters for the last 4 years. They have always treated me well. Aaron Mandelkorn President / Founder Renewable Energy Outfitters www.reosolar.com Off Grid Depot www.offgridnow.com 970-596-3744 On Mon, Jan 23, 2023, 10:40 AM Bruce Erickson via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > Hello All, > > I have a long time off-grid customer who is ready to upgrade his FX/L-16 > system, and I was suggesting Sol-Ark with Ampliphi closed loop. After > getting my rough estimate, and being the due-diligence guy that he is, he > asked around a bit. Someone who has “some” off-grid experience recommended > equipment called EG4. It looks to have most of the features of a Sol-Ark > plus offers server-rack Lithium batteries, all for about half the price. > Looks like a cheap knock-off to me, and I said so, but promised to ask > around. Anyone had any experience or know anything about these? > > Thanks, > Bruce > > Bruce Erickson > Mendocino Solar Service > 707-937-1701 > PO Box 1252 > Mendocino, CA 95460 > > > "Serving the Solar System" > > https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-battery-48v-100ah/ > > > https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-6-5k-off-grid-inverter-6500ex-48/ > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other: https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
