Re: [RE-wrenches] Transformerless inverter conversion

Here is a link to download the SolarPro May/June 2016 issue reference below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eiBt5n-ABfNn2ng8IwVl2yMvVHpQlZ_U/view?usp=sharing -August On Tue, Apr 23, 2024 at 4:34 PM August Goers wrote: > Hi William and All - > > The SolarPro Magazine article on page 35

Re: [RE-wrenches] Converting from transformer to transformerless

Hi William, I'll rattle off a few notes based on some of my experiences: If I were to replace an old Sunny Boy transformer inverter with a modern transformerless inverter, what are the implications? *[August Goers] I'll forward you and the group an old SolarPro Magazine article called "Updates

Re: [RE-wrenches] Non-battery string inverter options?

The last I checked, Fronius's inverters were not compatible with current CA smart grid requirements, so won't be approved to connect to the grid, so be careful there. Maybe they have new models now? Tesla's 7.6 kW PV inverter is good, affordable, and can be installed without MLPE. It also has 4

Re: [RE-wrenches] Recommendation on DC Breaker

I've used Midnite DC combiners in the past with good results. Since you are over 150 VDC, I believe you'd need to select the 1000 VDC fuse holder(s) for your application: https://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=78_ID=9=4=p August On Thu, Jan 18, 2024 at 7:43 AM Jason

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA String inverters

ar/>https://offgridsolar1.com/ > <https://offgridsolar1.com/> <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/> > e-mail offgridso...@sti.net > text 209 813 0060* > > > On 2024-01-10 3:25 pm, August Goers via RE-wrenches wrote: > > We're starting to install the Tesla S

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA String inverters

We're starting to install the Tesla Solar Inverter with good results: https://www.tesla.com/support/energy/solar-inverter/tesla-solar-inverter It is going to be a tough product for others to compete with - the price point is low and features are high. 4 x MPPTs with low tracking voltage (60

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA TL-22 insulation resistance error

You might want to make sure that the SMA inverter has the latest firmware. It's been a long time since we've routinely installed these, but at one point arc faults were being falsely tripped and firmware updates from SMA helped with the issue.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase Gateway causing lamp to flicker

I don't have experience with Enphase's battery system nor have I seen this issue with the touch lights. However, I wonder if there might be something up with neutrals or grounds on the site? Disconnected neutrals, neutrals bonded to ground in more than one location, lack of a good ground grounding

Re: [RE-wrenches] Metal Truss Roofs

Hi James, I haven't had an application exactly as you describe with a tile roof / plywood deck over metal trusses. However, we have installed systems with metal roof support structures many times. Metal self-drilling screws have impressive pullouts, so you might be able to use them with any sort

Re: [RE-wrenches] Cleaning PV mods

I now live in a more rural part of California and the dust buildup and bird droppings on my modules cuts energy production down by about 5% during the dry months. I imagine that professional cleaning services would still cost more than the recouped energy production, especially since the dirt

Re: [RE-wrenches] sealing a carport array

Hi Kirk, This probably isn't the answer you want, but we insist that a conventional roof is installed (could be metal, bitumen, etc) and then install the array on top if the client needs it to be watertight. It just seems like everything else such as rubber gaskets or tape will be temporary or

Re: [RE-wrenches] Service rated tap devices

Hi Mac - Here's a list of NEC 230.46 compliant multitap connectors from NSI, maker of Polaris brand: https://www.nsiindustries.com/line-side-skus/ Note that only the two-port variants are currently on their list, which is sort of a pain. We've been using the IT-350 which has dual-side wire

Re: [RE-wrenches] AFCI tripping on SB 4000US-12

Hi William - Is this a TL-21 inverter line from maybe 8 or 10 years ago? If I recall correctly, that was around the time period that SMA was first shipping with AFCI detection - we

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2018 Residential Code Fire Setbacks

It looks like Virginia is indeed on the amended 2018 version of the IRC. I've found that UpCodes is pretty cool (normally I just use the California codes since that's where we work): https://up.codes/codes/virginia I think that article that Rick pointed to was talking about the 3' pathways

[RE-wrenches] active vs apparent power readings with solar

Hi Wrenches, We have a residential site with grid tied solar where there is an electrician involved who has gotten into taking site readings and thinks there is a power factor problem. My gut on it is that there is some sort of measurement reading error, and that the power factor should be around

Re: [RE-wrenches] Attaching Array To or Through Ply

We've found that in the Bay Area that deck-mount solutions typically pencil out structurally (via a structural professional engineer) as long as the deck is 1/2" plywood or thicker, assuming we have all the info on how the roof is constructed. The big assumption is that we can get all that roof

Re: [RE-wrenches] PID and iLumen

Hi Marco - You might want to check with SunPower again, my understanding is that they are planning on releasing a PID solution (it might be the iLumen PIDbox). I don't know about timing or other details at this point. Best, August Luminalt On Fri, Mar 10, 2023 at 5:23 PM Marco Mangelsdorf via

Re: [RE-wrenches] California NEM3 specific question

The NEM2 / NBT transition is only mandated for the three investor-owned utilities in California. Other privately or municipally owned utilities play by their own rules - I believe there are several such as Palo Alto, SMUD, Alameda Municipal Power, LADWP, etc that aren't necessarily changing their

Re: [RE-wrenches] California NEM3 specific question

I'm not aware of any other option than completely removing and decommissioning the old PV system and installing a new system to lock in NEM2 for a new 20 year term. We are experiencing unprecedented demand for PV right now as people sign up to lock in under NEM2. There are a lot of nuances to

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

It’s been fun watching this (at times) rather lively discussion. It’s been making me think about the differences between NEC 480 Storage Batteries vs 706 Energy Storage Systems. If I can boil it down, it seems like the offgridders are frequently working with systems that are custom assembled

[RE-wrenches] NEC 230.46 spliced and tapped conductors

Hi Wrenches - Occasionally we will do supply side connection for our PV systems. As of 1/1/2023 in CA, we follow the 2020 NEC 705.11 Supply-Side Source Connections section. Recently, an inspector asked us to comply with the following: 230.46 Spliced and Tapped Conductors Service-entrance

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunpower Performance Warranty Claim

Hi Danny - We’ve been a SunPower dealer for close to 15 years and for the most part their modules have been solid. Thank goodness. However, we have a site installed in 2010 that is exhibiting “fern crack cell” and encapsulate browning. This is the first I’ve seen of this, so it is something I’m

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA without WiFi

Many WiFi range extenders on the market also include an ethernet port. This will allow you to hardwire your Sunnyboy to the extender via ethernet. First, you setup the extender to join the existing WiFi network. Then you just plug in your ethernet cable and should be good to go. Here is an

Re: [RE-wrenches] Onboard PV Charging Kit for Electric Vehicle

I've been happy with Victron charge controller / inverter equipment, they seem to be very popular in the RV space. Here is a potential 3000 VA inverter model that might work, other sizes and configurations are available as well:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Enphase

We're still installing Tesla Powerwalls in the SF Bay with good results. I perform price and feature comparisons from time to time and find that most other manufacturers are still playing catchup with the Powerwall. We're also experimenting with the Powerwall+ system which is significantly cheaper

Re: [RE-wrenches] 26% to 30% ITC for 2022?

>From everything I’ve read, “stand alone energy storage” is intended to mean a battery system that is not paired with PV. Both on grid and off grid systems can qualify for the tax credit. I’m not a tax advisor, but this is my understanding. There will be a period of time in the coming months where

Re: [RE-wrenches] 26% to 30% ITC for 2022?

olar? > > Jason Szumlanski > Florida Solar Design Group > > On Mon, Aug 15, 2022, 4:32 PM August Goers via RE-wrenches < > re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > >> This SEIA link has a PDF fact sheet you can download with info: >> >> >> https://ww

Re: [RE-wrenches] 26% to 30% ITC for 2022?

This SEIA link has a PDF fact sheet you can download with info: https://www.seia.org/research-resources/inflation-reduction-act-solar-energy-and-energy-storage-provisions-summary August Luminalt On Fri, Aug 12, 2022 at 4:51 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>

[RE-wrenches] Fronius in the game?

Hi Wrenches, I recently had a friend install a Fronius Primo inverter in California. When he submitted for interconnection, PG said it didn't meet the current smart inverter requirements. Here is the response from Fronius tech support: "The Fronius Primo and Symo line are not compliant with Rule

Re: [RE-wrenches] Equipment for 400 Amp Service Supply Side & 2 200s

Hi Jeff - There is no particular supply side connection location on this panel - I think if you needed that it is best to go with the Siemens part that Vincent sent over. However, you could use the sum of all breakers rule on the internal bus and install up to 200 A of solar breakers in the