to find threaded lengths, so I used very high pressure Poly. When
it's rated for 300psi it has a very thick wall and is hard to get onto
fittings, but is light weight and moderately flexible.
Brad
On Sun, May 26, 2024 at 11:17 AM Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
wrote:
Hi Brad;
I've seen
Hi Brad;
I've seen a lot of leaks with barb fittings on poly pipe. I just replace
most of the poly plumbing at my place, because I just couldn't get it to
stop leaking. Black poly pipe is the lowest cost per foot, but not quite
bomb proof. Barb fittings are really more suited for irrigation
Rewiring the array is not that hard. Why is he against that? With old
Jbox type modules, it usually is safer too, as those often were
paralleled at the modules, and often over loaded the connectors. It
would also increase his total power output by reducing line losses. I
think a careful
That sounds like a generator problem. I've seen many gen sets put out a
horrible waveform under load, when battery charging. The waveform, (if
you have an O-scope) usually has a spike on the front of the wave, and
then the wave flattens significantly after. The peak should be 169 v on
a 120
Hi Michael;
I don't think its 12v, I have old Trace 48 v systems still humming along
24 years later, too. Some of it, is the customers. The old school off
grid folks knew how to conserve energy, watch the sun, and were not
going to call unless they couldn't fix it themselves.
Also, the
Isn't that too much array power for an MX60? Just based on the numbers
you gave, it looks like over 3kw, which is 63 amps at 48vdc. He didn't
mention the actual PV module ratings, but I suspect its just way too
much array power. It might work for awhile, but its going to start
cooking
I once got a trophy company to engrave some plaques and it was stupid
expensive. ($50/ plaque) Then I started using PV Labels.com, and their
pricing is quite reasonable (under $10/ plaque). Turn around time has
always been quick too. I'd have to be printing a lot of plaques for
doing it in
So to be clear, the inspector is wrong: it is NOT an NEC requirement.
It is only a California requirement. NEC 2023 only requires a 100 A
main load center and disconnect per 225.39(C). Further, 710.15(A) allows
the inverter and feeder to the Load center to be even less in off grid
I've gotten into discussions like this before with EEs. They are not
experts at what we do, and can get confused, and go down strange rabbit
holes like the rest of us. I agree with you that not switching the
Neutrals is the way to go. Its how we've always done it in most
scenarios. It only
Something else to consider for us small operators: LLC and
incorporation offer some protection as well. If your company is sued,
and then declares bankruptcy, there's not going to be much for the other
party's attorneys to go after. I've heard it described by my attorney,
that most
he module and rail?
Kent Osterberg
On 3/8/2024 4:23 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches wrote:
Here's another mount at the edge of failure, from the same system.
Hardware is tight. Like many, I had lots of love for good ol'
fashion bottom mounting vs top mount, until this happened about 5
years ago
Here's another mount at the edge of failure, from the same system.
Hardware is tight. Like many, I had lots of love for good ol' fashion
bottom mounting vs top mount, until this happened about 5 years ago.
This is how we learn.
On 3/8/2024 5:15 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches wrote:
I've
I've had several modules pull off of bottom mount racking in high winds,
but never top mount racking. Newer modules have much thinner frames,
but are much more surface area than the old days.
So to answer Kent's question:
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
On 3/8/2024 3:50 PM, Kent via RE-wrenches
Hi William;
I agree with your original premise that checking levels is difficult by
eye. Also, I would add that many of my clients chronically over fill
the cells, leading to acid loss and severe corrosion of the connectors,
battery box, and floor.
Your float is an interesting idea, but
Who carries the Superwind turbines? We've been looking for a
replacement for the old Bergey XL1 to offer clients.
Thanks,
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
On 2/21/2024 7:20 PM, John Blittersdorf via RE-wrenches wrote:
As far as wind is concerned, I recommend SuperWind, made in Germany.
It is well
that are
out there.
On Sat, Feb 17, 2024, 12:33 PM jay via RE-wrenches
wrote:
A number of people have mentioned strict code compliance.
How are lead batteries dealing with this?
thanks
jay
On Feb 17, 2024, at 12:27 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenche
Chris;
I was definitely moving to the LFP camp for off grid for all the same
reasons you mentioned, but I've just had too much trouble, so I'm
heading back to lead acid for now. I missed the acid burned jeans, its
a "look".
Seriously, you mentioned customers coming back to a lead acid
I second using the 48v to 12 v DC DC converter. I've had success with
that, and avoided the issues Jeremy mentioned.
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
On 2/17/2024 9:35 AM, Bradley Bassett via RE-wrenches wrote:
I powered a MidNite LSOB transmitter from a Classic AUX, though the
receivers didn't work
What's funny, is the good old SWs from the Trace days had the same
problem. Never could get them to equalize. Maybe that software
carried over.
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
On 2/12/2024 4:42 PM, jay via RE-wrenches wrote:
Hi Kevin
Thanks, I heard that exact thing from someone else.
Do you
with lithium.
Specifically so I don’t have an issue with finger pointing between
OEMS.
But that sure sucks.
Jay
On Feb 7, 2024, at 10:17 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
wrote:
We just had a complete failure of a set of four Simpliphi 3.8 KWh
batteries, 48 v
e an issue with finger pointing between
OEMS.
But that sure sucks.
Jay
On Feb 7, 2024, at 10:17 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
wrote:
We just had a complete failure of a set of four Simpliphi 3.8 KWh
batteries, 48 v. It has completely changed my thoughts on Li+
We just had a complete failure of a set of four Simpliphi 3.8 KWh
batteries, 48 v. It has completely changed my thoughts on Li+ for off
grid. This set lasted 5 years, which is about equal to bottom of the
barrel Golf Cart batteries. The RMA/ Warranty process has not been
smooth. It took
ecalls-amphenol-connectors-sold-with-pv-modules/>
Brian
On Nov 9, 2023, at 4:47 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
wrote:
12 Ga wire is not going to catch on fire, but the MC connectors
might. I just went back on a 7 yr old Solarworld install, and had a
bad series MC connector (module to modu
12 Ga wire is not going to catch on fire, but the MC connectors might.
I just went back on a 7 yr old Solarworld install, and had a bad series
MC connector (module to module). It got quite crispy, deforming and
bubbling the plastic on both sides of the connection. It was still
passing
What is the array size vs the battery size? Sounds like a big array on
a small battery for the voltage to go that high that fast.
Ray
Remote Solar
On 10/21/2023 5:46 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches wrote:
Friends:
I’m kinda stuck on a project setting up a SI/SB AC coupled system off
I've watched VAWT pop up like its a new idea every few years for almost
the past 50 years. VAWT is just basically a bad idea, as it's trying to
make usable power too close to the ground. I've never seen any that
lasted very long, or matched their power claims.
It can however be Kinetic art,
, 2023, at 5:08 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
wrote:
The aux off is only if the generator doesn't start. You need to set
the gen start voltage higher. Aux off is last ditch shut down, set
for 44v for lead acid, or 47 to 49v, depending on the battery and
inverter. Hopefully DC coupled PV
The aux off is only if the generator doesn't start. You need to set the
gen start voltage higher. Aux off is last ditch shut down, set for 44v
for lead acid, or 47 to 49v, depending on the battery and inverter.
Hopefully DC coupled PV will raise the voltage enough to turn the
inverters back
These days modules are so cheap, and so much more efficient, that I just
reuse the racks, even if the existing modules are good. Racking, wiring,
excavation all exceed the cost of the mods, so its what ever gets the
customer the power they need for the lowest cost.
OTOH, if the system is
Hi Mac;
I've used the aux control on charge controllers to turn on/off the FX
inverters, just as you planned. Works fine, and solves the LBCO
programming issue.
Now, if someone from the manufacturing side could PLEASE explain why
they limited the LBCO on all these inverter models.
It could be the LED bulbs. I've had different brands flicker like crazy
on grid and off. Seems to relate to other loads that are on, especially
stuff like washing machines with VFD drives, and well pumps. Add
dimmers and it can get even worse.
IMHO, they really need to improve the quality
ions from Covid.
*From:*RE-wrenches
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf
Of *Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
*Sent:* Wednesday, May 31, 2023 1:51 PM
*To:* re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
*Cc:* Ray Walters
*Subject:* Re: [RE
What were the issues? I've not seen a Magnum have power quality
troubles, but they are not the "grid" either. My experience is that
they are similar or a bit better than Outback, but certainly have
measurable THD in the 4 to 5% range. Its almost always finicky loads,
and the inverter has
If you have a built in monitoring system for the PV (inverter's onboard
metering?) that should tell you PV production, and then subtract that
from the monthly utility readings to get the household loads. I don't
see the need for a separate inline meter, but I guess it depends how
Just with all other solar equipment, you definitely don't want to go
CCC. I'd recommend you take a look at the Grundfos SQ flex line. 2nd,
you need to look at the pump charts to see what the actual flow rate
will be at the head you're considering. The pump you are looking at
doesn't even
If the temperature is right, my IR camera can see the rafters. Best to
check early on a cold morning with the heat on in the building.
Otherwise I'm of the William "Hammer" system persuasion. Never found
anything better.
On 4/17/2023 1:31 PM, Garrison via RE-wrenches wrote:
Hi Kris,
I
tp://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ e-mail offgridso...@sti.net text
209 813 0060*
On 2023-04-04 4:21 pm, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches wrote:
So the 24 batteries are actually 72 individual cells that are trying
to charge equally, with essentially no BMS. Its not just max strings,
but max # of cells,
So the 24 batteries are actually 72 individual cells that are trying to
charge equally, with essentially no BMS. Its not just max strings, but
max # of cells, and that's double my maximum.
You mentioned they use it pretty hard, so that's the other big part of
how long L16s will last. If the
My 2 cents: L16s are not a good choice in the first place. Compare the
cycle life vs cost.
2nd that sounds like way too many batteries/ strings and definitely a
candidate for larger format 2 v cells or Li+.
I second William's idea of creating 2 strings of the best cells, and
start shopping
Group
NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
On Thu, Mar 30, 2023 at 9:45 PM Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
wrote:
Hi Jason;
I was like you: thinking good ol' bottom mounting with SS hardware
was the best. All of us old wrenches
Hi Jason;
I was like you: thinking good ol' bottom mounting with SS hardware was
the best. All of us old wrenches were wrong.
The top down mounting system is much stronger. I've only had a handful
of failures over 25 years, and all were bottom mounted. The module
completely ripped off the
As I recall from pushing the "wayback" button, Backwoods and Real Goods
used to sell something like that in the 90s. I would only see a
pyschological benefit, based on the system size. I recall that the
charge rate was less than 50 watts, so its really not going to be worth
wiring into the
ers do not test and recommend
these kinds of systems. The best answer I have been able to come up
with is they fear people prepared like this would have a tendency to
"stay and defend" their homes rather than evacuating.
Todd
On Monday, March 13, 2023 6:37pm, "Ray Walters vi
Michael;
Can you share more about your sprinkler system and the power supply for
it? Over the years, at least two of my customers have lost their homes
(and PV arrays) in wild fires.
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
On 3/13/2023 2:34 PM, Michael Morningstar via RE-wrenches wrote:
WebRelay. I use
I'm not an EMP expert by any means, but I've dealt with quite a few
lightning damaged systems. Having a good connection to a low impedance
grounding system (steel cased well, Ufer ground) is crucial. I also
have had fantastic luck with Midnite's MNSPD line. Delta, not so much.
On 3/9/2023
Hi all;
I'm putting together a small backup system that will use an electric
motorcycle battery (60 V, 35 AH, Li+) Normal charge voltage is at 67.2v,
so that excludes most inverters I know of. I've found a few from China
that claim 60v and 72v nominal input, but output is listed at 230vac,
for anything
greater than 60 amps for 2 poles, other than large DPDT switches which
get pricey and hard to source especially for 200 amps?
Howie
On Thu, Mar 2, 2023, 6:23 PM Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
wrote:
I probably still have one of the old QO boxes on the shelf, but I
never liked
I probably still have one of the old QO boxes on the shelf, but I never
liked them. Single pole, very tight, and you had to double lug or use a
weird split bolt arrangement with exposed copper out past the breaker.
I started using these 60A T switches from Northern:
at 6:43 PM Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches
wrote:
Pet heater have worked for me, I air gap a sealed heater box under
the battery, thermostat inside the top of the battery. It's slow
and low power but does the trick
Fun times
On Wed, Feb 8, 2023, 3:05 PM Ray Walters via R
Hi All;
I have a fresh Fortress Evault installation with a Solark inverter. The
batteries are indoors in the center of the house, but the customer is
not there full time, so the battery is unfortunately going below
freezing. What are the best options for setting up a heating system for
the
Undoing the N-G bond at the E panel may not do it either. Are you sure
neutral isn't also bonded in the main distribution panel? It usually is
bonded at the generator, so you definitely have to unbond there. I'd
say 60 to 70% of off grid systems are not bonded correctly that I've
seen.
To add to Jeff's suggestion of targeting 95%, many Li+ batteries have a
spike in voltage as they reach 100%. We just don't have to worry
anymore about sulfate damage from under charging.
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
On 11/19/2022 7:14 AM, Jeff Clearwater via RE-wrenches wrote:
Hi Kris
What
...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
*On Behalf Of *Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
*Sent:* Thursday, November 17, 2022 1:43 AM
*To:* re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
*Cc:* Ray Walters
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark/Fortress charging issue
Talk to Thomas Honey. He is the Fortress rep, nice guy
Talk to Thomas Honey. He is the Fortress rep, nice guy, and
knowledgeable wrench. He has stepped in on my issue.
Ray
On 11/16/2022 10:58 PM, Howie Michaelson via RE-wrenches wrote:
Good Evening,
I have a frustrating charging issue involving 2 Fortress eVault Maxs
connected to a Sol-Ark
On Wed, Nov 16, 2022 at 2:02 PM Ray Walters via RE-wrenches
wrote:
Greetings Fellow Wrenches;
Based on glowing reports from the RE list, I finally used
Fortress for a
battery replacement for a long time customer. Overall, it
seems to be a
better
Greetings Fellow Wrenches;
Based on glowing reports from the RE list, I finally used Fortress for a
battery replacement for a long time customer. Overall, it seems to be a
better solution than others I've seen. However, we are having issues.
First the two batteries are supposed to be linked
One thing I can say: trouble shooting problems over the phone has its
limitations. I had a customer issue with a system we hadn't installed
that was quite vexing. Turned out to be a loose main DC connection to
the inverter. Bizarre behavior as the connection heated up and the
resistance
I agree with James here. I will relate a "funny" story about a neighbor
mounting a large Elk antler rack on his wall with lags. Worked fine,
till one night they heard a big crash, and the antlers had pulled the
wall stud right out of the wall into the living room. The 2x 4 came
right out of
Default efficiency on the TriMet was 94%, needs to be quite a bit higher
for Li+. I'd try 98%.
2nd point: Customers have always obsessed about meter readings: they
need to take a chill pill, and accept its not going to be better than
+/- 10% accuracy. Or get a Fortress battery with built
Not to sound like a commercial, but I've had good results with "Tub
O'Towels" heavy duty wipes. Its got a lemon base that seems easy on
most surfaces, but it will take paint off with a few seconds of elbow
grease. Hoe Depot has them sometimes, or Northern Tool carries them
too. You'll use
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