Title: Re: [RE-wrenches] Fw: Evergreen
Dana,
Thank you for this information. I would like to clarify what you wrote.
We have long accepted that trackers may be expected to increase daily
output by about 35-40% in the summer and 10-15% in the winter, due to
the differences in the sun's seasonal
only once seen worn out
brushes. I know that you can stretch the brush springs a bit to better
contact the armature, and that will likely get you by until parts are
again available.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Chris,
I don't believe that any of these parts are obsolete. You just make up
the box with standard SqD components. Just make sure to include a
couple of #6 wire-to-wire mechanical connectors (the correct descriptor
escapes me) as you can't double-lug a QO breaker.
Dan,
Long-winded response compendium below. This is my record of a on-list
and off-list Wrenches discussion of a similar boiler issue on one of
our jobs, about a year ago. The issue never got resolved with Magnum or
Buderus, but when the customer's hydronic contractor changed to a
different
Carl,
The AHJ is mistaken. It's the same logic that is used to defend the
point that the inverter breaker doesn't need a backfeed clip. The
inverter is considered a load, not a source, because it cannot produce
voltage or current when the grid is off per UL 1741, just as a
traditional load
Just a note of caution here: "Tech" screws are "Tek" screws, which are
essentially a sheet metal thread following a pilot drill point, on a
hardened shank. They are intended for mounting only into metal, not
wood; the drill point isn't designed to self-pilot into wood, and the
drill section is
Title: Re: [RE-wrenches] kwh meters
The 12-S approach in the Solar Pro article only works with 120V
inverter systems. I am facing a similar issue with our first XW system,
which was chosen for this application because it's the only GTWB
120/240V single inverter unit. We also currently have a
. App Engineer,
and said 9 amps per 100 amp-hours."
OK, so if I use the C/20 rate, I need to charge at 177 amps. Double
that if both strings are used. Right.
I need better advice, so it's time to request it here.
Thank you.
--
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCE
Sunny Boy/Sunny Island will accomplish this.
Yes you would. I don't believe there is a single inverter that meets
the utility's wishes.
Fellow Wrenches,
One of our first batteryless grid-tied installations needs an upgrade
and I need to ask this list for suggestions re how it might be done.
In late 2001 we installed two poles in the ground at a home. On one
pole we mounted ten BP SX120s on a dual-axis Wattsun tracker. Input
Mick,
I appreciate the suggestion, but that's part of why I overlooked the
problem that led to this request: The current BP115s and 125s are 12V
modules, similar to the Kyoceras. The old SX120s are 24V - likely 72
MSX60 cells in a larger frame - which I need to get the voltage up for
the Sunny
Eric,
The inverter output should connect to the grid, either at the meter or
main panel, as if the generator isn't there. The critical (backed up)
loads should be moved to a separate panel. Install feeders between the
two panels, with a transfer (either/or) switch somewhere in the line.
The
Recently I worked with Jeff Randall, rack design engineer at DPW,
on the design of a PT rack for 9 SW230s, a fairly large array, in a
bosque (desert river corridor near the Rio Grande) location. We
predicted a 6' underground water table and were limited to a 36" by 72"
augered hole, and Jeff
Wrenches,
Recently I wrote to NABCEP with two requests, for changes on
the website's public information:
1. In addition to a state-by-state list of certificants, have also
a single overall alphabetized list that is not delimited by state, to
allow a quick check if an installer who claims
Wrenches,
Has anyone located a source of wrap-around labels, to label + and -
leads on MC cables, both in the junction
boxes and exposed?
Thanks, Allan
--
Wrenches,
As I sometimes do here, I sent a Wrench question about the monitoring
function of the Apollo T80 controller to Apollo, with an offer to post
a response. Here ya go. Note that the first paragraph of the answer is
key; the rest is basic FAQ stuff for homeowners. In short: it works
Yes, they are 100% duty rated. Also, a little-known fact about the CBI
breakers used by Midnite and Outback, gleaned from conversations with
Robin Gudgel: because of this hydraulic/magnetic construction, all are
capable of controlling both AC and DC, even if not listed as both.
Regarding the first part: yep, it let me keep the customer's system
working on a job in the middle of nowhere using what I had on the truck
(famous cop-out words, I know).
Regarding the 100% rating, Robin, isn't that provided by the
manufacturer, determined through the listing process? If CBI
82345R and H82345 are rated only 250VDC in a fine-print note in their
catalog.
I don't think that what I'm asking for exists, but wiser Wrenches may
prevail. Can anyone suggest another brand and product model that meets
these
requirements?
Thank you,
Allan
--
Allan Sindelar
Allan
August,
Precisely. And it's a dumb idea, I know. But it's part of a
utility-scale RFP, and it specifically calls out switching the DC
input. This is too early a stage in the process to figure out better
approaches; first we have to qualify for the job.
Surprisingly, Boltswitch makes one, and
Wrenches,
There was a thread last year about Service Magic's lead generation
"service". At that time, the strongest message I heard was not to let
them in, because their leads are seldom good and you can't get rid of
them. I don't think that I recall a single positive review of them on
this
Wrenches,
A distributor told me today that Kyocera is currently out of KD135s,
backordered until next month. With relatively few good 12V modules
available these days, anyone know of a good distributor with KC125,
KC130, or KD135s in current stock?
Thank you,
Allan
--
We were burned pretty well by the period of bad Lorentzes and vowed
never again. Given the long time and close relationship between Windy
and myself, that wasn't decided lightly. Given Chris' and Jeff's posts,
I'm willing to cautiously reconsider.
Dave, you need to find out the vintage of the
Wrenches,
We have an off-grid customer with a system that has been growing since
1996; we have cared for it intermittently since 2000.
The customer has two tracked arrays currently. One has ten Astropower
AP120s for 1200 nominal watts, but that's not the topic today; it'll
come up in 5 years
Todd,
According to their website (I haven't tried them) the ENVI monitors
suggested by Jeff Yago are 120/240 in single phase, and multiple
sending units can send data to one display. Their website shows a basic
PV GT setup. So I think a single system could do it. You are thinking
more in terms
Jeff,
What are the brands and specs of the relays you use? I have always
avoided relays on array-direct operation, figuring the widely varying
array voltage would wreak havoc with dc coil relays. How do you select
a relay, given typical arrays that you use?
Allan
Title: David Katz
David,
I'm not, but maybe Kent is. I had asked Jeff Oldham what brands and
specs of relays he uses.
Allan
.
Allan
--
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
www.positiveenergysolar.com
___
List
Mick,
Years ago Ezra Auerbach told me about Solarex having made bunches of
bad modules in the early 90s. The modules had correct Voc and Isc but
essentially a flat I/V curve. He said he stopped using any Solarex back
then because they didn't recall a product with a known and acknowledged
Joel,
Your link has nothing to do with the kWh performance warranties being
discussed, so I'm confused. The warranty referenced simply says that
"The insurers will indemnify for any reduction in power loss from
CNPV's warranted, 90% guaranteed energy output in the first 10 years
and 80% in the
Each of us has developed our own solutions. I like to keep batteries in
a tempered space, to maintain reasonable winter temperatures. Tempered
doesn't mean thermostatic heat, but an insulated space with a trombe
wall that holds 50F or more in winter is sweet. I often put batteries
indoors in
Bob,
What you are describing is not as uncommon as you may think - it's
kinda how things were often done by off-grid homeowners: adding modules
as needs grew over the years. I have told many homeowners in years past
that yes, you can add additional PV modules at any time - these were
what were
Ray's right - start over.
We get custom plaques made up for each job through our local electrical
distributor, Summit Electric in Santa Fe. Phenolic, red with white
engraved letters, exterior 3M peel-n-stick, delivered in two days. If
you can't find the same where you are, try 505 438-8400, ask for Edward.
Whoever you are, state your name in your message. An anonymous
challenge like this is diminished by your failure to include your name.
Jason,
We attempted this about 2-3 years ago for a project on one of Ted
Turner's ranches. This was to be a top-of-the-line eco-lodge at 10,000'
below a ridge in the northern Rockies in New Mexico, with two 7kW
Provens and a 3-phase Sunny Boy/Sunny Island system. Due to the lack of
real load
Bob,
If I step back and look at your question, another bigger question comes
up: if you are designing a system with two inverters in order to double
charging current, you must have a pretty good sized battery bank. In
general, I would suggest that you look at a 48V system, rather than
24V,
Marco,
Seems to me he's right. It carries the net current difference between
L1 and L2 from the transformer to the loads.
But not having any EE training, I'm willing to learn better.
Allan
Wow, Michael, look at the monster you have created, Dr.
Frankensolarbozo!
Yes, that's the thread. And I was about to post that Windy left today
for Costa Rica...just a trip, not a move.
William, there are certain perfectly appropriate applications - such as
a pressure switch controlling a DC
Kirpal,
I did this about 5 years ago, on an array-direct irrigation pump with
the ability for the client to run a generator when needed. Yes, it's
all automatic, and no additional relay is needed. When the IO101 senses
AC it automatically closes a contactor - AC coil, NO is the AC, NC is
the
Mark,
Your message gave me pause, as I just last week specified this setup,
so I checked into it with our Grundfos rep. He said he had never heard
anything recommending against the flex in a pressure system. He said
the SQF doesn't know the difference between 40 psi and 100' of head. At
the
Kirpal,
For the occasional odd high-current DC contactor, I like MDI. They made
the mercury displacement contactors used years ago in the Ananda/APT
Powercenters. Check out http://www.mdius.com/relays.php#High_Voltage to
see if they have anything you can use.
Allan
Bill,
Simplest suggestion is to email Marv with your specific situation. I
did recently for a customer wanting to turn an off-grid array of
mismatched modules into GT; he told me my suggested approach would work
fine. This included pairs of 12V Astropower AP120s.
on this list about warranties.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
www.positiveenergysolar.com
On 6/8/2010 9:13 AM, Carl Hansen
BP replaced all 12 of my underperforming Solarex MSX64s under warranty
around 2002.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
in your situation.
Allan
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
www.positiveenergysolar.com
Hello offgrid Wrenches,
I just
hundred bucks by adding FX3048s, with a lower charge
rate - I think they're compatible with the higher-output VFXes.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico
and is used
intermittently. I expect that we will do more single-pump systems in
coming years, but we have generally had good experience with dual-pump
systems.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc
Yep, sure sounds like you have a bad cell. It may be covered under
warranty. You can jumper around it, to temporarily take it out of the
system while you secure a replacement. Reset the charge settings to
23/24 of what they'd be otherwise.
Allan Sindelar
Allan
We have an off-grid customer whose PV arrays seem to be under
performing and we're not sure why. The customer has 16 Unisolar US64
modules, which have a peak output of 3.88 amps, but which were only
putting out from 2 to 2.4 amps each. He has a C40 charge controller,
so they were operating off
August,
Opinion: if a customer can afford GTWB, which is more expensive by its
nature, the customer can afford an $850 enclosure
and inspectors like them.
I have had only success with Concorde SunXtender.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic
ll rewired to 60V nom. Never tried the mismatched voltage
strings; just figured not worth trying on the customer's nickel.
Sounds to me like the ex-husband and the ex-wife may have been pretty
well suited to each other...
Allan
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Ph
of rubber helical rotor stators changed
compounds at one point, causing all sorts of problems, and Lorentz
didn't step up, admit the problem and fix it until too late.
Allan Sindelar
Allan
Howie,
I understood it to mean
Open Circuit Voltage, or resting voltage, as this formula tends to
fit that.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified
.
Darryl is right about the amount of words necessary.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive
operation isn't something to lose sleep over.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc
Mike,
Why do you make this exception, please?
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
this well.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
John Wiles stuff.
Allan
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc
, on other
projects, so I trusted him to terminate correctly in the E-Panel.
Turns out it was his fresh eyes that caught what we had overlooked
because we hadn't expected it.
Allan
--
Allan Sindelar
Allan
.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
The red is USE-2, RHH and RHW-2, rubber jacket. BiccGeneral (sp?)
Durasheath.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J
.
--
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
water consumption, not more.
Allan
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New
-grid application.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle
Morningstar makes a 48V Prostar.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy
SunXtender, now available
up through 2V 1200 A/hr cells.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
.
--
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
Does anyone know if NABCEP is a requirement for any project that
uses ARRA funding?
Thank you,
Allan
--
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic
to grid. I can see two downsides: 1) the continuous tiny load
of the contactor coil, and 2) you would have to run signal cable
from the grid point on the ATS (or ahead of it) to the contactor at
the inverter.'s point of connection to AC.
Allan Sindelar
? Where's XW support? Has
Schneider dropped even documentation support, along with extreme
price hikes on service parts?
Thank you,
Allan
--
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
and Backup for anything except XW and TR
series.
No thanks to Schneider.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc
Pratt and a few others...and Matt Lafferty. And few can write
as entertainingly as Matt, although sometimes I wish his posts were
vastly shorter...I welcome Matt's posts.
My $0.020001
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
how it works.
Any good ideas, please?
--
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
S
Energy's lead installer and key technician from
1998-2004. He then worked at Conergy until that wasn't fun any more,
and now he's up in Washington at Outback. So he's a Wrench, a poster
to this list, and genuinely knows his stuff.
Allan
Allan Sindelar
to
allow full 24V until a replacement arrived. James Surrette made it
right for us, but it was embarrassing for us.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Mick,
I don't believe Apollo make a T-100, only a T80 and T-80HV.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc
We have used these for years. They work better than wire ties, but
the rubber liner deteriorates over time, so install them as if there
is no rubber protection on the loom clamp.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
on the sides, are
not compliant, as Robin has acknowledged, but it has never been a
problem for us as the breakers are still easy to access.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
this issue, as it's a different layout. If
necessary, one solution would be to mount the E-Panel several inches
out from the wall surface.
Allan
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
compliant to mount an E-Panel above a 15" deep
battery enclosure, given the breaker location?
No harm intended.
Thanks, Allan
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
Jay, the original issue wasn't about the breakers being on the side;
it was about putting a battery cabinet underneath the disconnect
enclosure. If the cabinet sticks out too far, it violates working
clearance in the code.
Allan Sindelar
Wrenches, what's the actual Code reference location for the
requirement that service equipment be within 6" of the same plane? I
couldn't find where I expected it in Art. 110.
Thanks, Allan
--
Allan Sindelar
has used this product? Whose product do you like? Needs to be
well made and readily available to ship.
Thanks for any advice; I need to get this ordered and in place
before the insulation is sprayed into the roof.
Allan
--
Allan Sindelar
For us, primarily BP.
Allan
On 11/1/2010 7:44 PM, Drake wrote:
At 02:58 PM 11/1/2010, you wrote:
I am finding that many modules are failing at 4+ years old.
What brands of module are you having that problem with?
___
List sponsored by Home
this helps!
Allan
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico
customer and it's your own home.
Allan
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
San
somewhere in the range of zero...
Does this help with your explanation to your customer, Bob?
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J
Wrenches:
This has been addressed before in a slightly different context, so a
short answer is enough. Can a Sunpower module be used successfully
in a negative-grounded low-voltage system?
The situation: Mark in our Taos office sent me the following: "We have an
Bob,
This came up once years ago. I recall that there is no minimum
height in the Code for your application.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified
!
Allan
--
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Warren,
Could you make the pix viewable without registering or logging in
first?
Thanks, Allan
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic
/pentametric.
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
www.positiveenergysolar.com
Allan Sindelar
Allan@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424
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