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

Are they the Amohenol UTX connectors? SW had a recall on them, sounds like about the right timeframe. BREAKING: SolarWorld recalls PV modules with Amphenol connectorspv-magazine-usa.comBrianOn Nov 9, 2023, at 4:47 PM, Ray Walters via RE-wrenches wrote: 12 Ga wire is not going

Re: [RE-wrenches] Silfab

For real I was about to ask the same question for a friend that got a quote with Sulfab mods…any feedback greatly appreciated! Brian > On Aug 21, 2023, at 8:22 PM, Howie Michaelson via RE-wrenches > wrote: > >  > Hi All, > I have heard mixed comments about Silfab modules. If anyone has

Re: [RE-wrenches] Cell Cracks

I had the same experience as the older post you referenced with these mods on 2 MW system. Lots of burn marks and shattered glass, located at the edges of cells. And under thermal imaging there were clearly lots of issues, including ones that hadn’t (yet) manifested themselves to the naked eye.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Underground fault finder

in cable impedance; it is non-destructive, but also not as accurate in terms of the location (providing a cable length to the fault, rather than a "thump" at the actual fault location) and typically cannot see higher resistance (≈>200 MΩ) faults that the thumper can. Brian Mehalic NABCEP C

Re: [RE-wrenches] absolyte GP battery question/ sideways mounting.

They do make a "single cell module" version that is upright, in a steel case, with the terminals on top; its top is a different color and dimensions than the front of the rack-mounted ones in their literature. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-5

Re: [RE-wrenches] DC Disconnect for first responders

uirement (B) doesn't specify a voltage above which it applies, and the voltage specification in (A) doesn't apply to (B). Cheers, Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy International http:/

Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 230.46 spliced and tapped conductors

t yet available at the time the Code is adopted...); PDBs already exist, so no dice there, and it is likely that since they exist, an argument using 90.4(D) in regards to pressure connectors/splices will fall on deaf ears because, well, use PDBs."* Ugh. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certifie

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

on your own. Maybe in the meantime, a control system that shuts off the PV, and then the batteries, would be worth designing. Brian Mehalic On Wed, Feb 1, 2023 at 2:10 PM James Jefferson Jarvis via RE-wrenches < re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > > > On 2/1/2023 2:58 PM

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985     From: James Jarvis [mailto:j...@aprsworld.com] Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2023 7:03 PM To: Brian Mehalic Cc: RE

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

to test it at full load, I'd guess you know that the whole concept is a dumb idea.-James Jefferson JarvisAPRS World, LLC+1-507-454-2727http://www.aprsworld.com/On Sat, Jan 28, 2023 at 7:35 PM Brian Mehalic <br...@solarenergy.org> wrote:Every single house I’ve looked at in my town has a b

Re: [RE-wrenches] Remote battery disconnects

Every single house I’ve looked at in my town has a breaker panel with a main service disconnect on the outside of the house already. So in many cases we are well beyond worrying about someone “flicking your switch!”In fact, in addition to the emergency disconnect requirement for stationary standby

Re: [RE-wrenches] "Qualified solar electric property"?

I would hope that the UL certification documentation for the products should suffice. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional

Re: [RE-wrenches] Magnum Energy/Sensata issues

For what it is worth, I don't recall seeing a Magnum/Sensata booth at the show formerly known as SPI last week. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy International http

Re: [RE-wrenches] Plumbing/Mechanical Code for obstructions above plumbing vents

pipe, and there must be means to prevent birds/rodents from entering/blocking the pipe. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Profes

Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable Ties

I like Sunbundlers too, but you have to be careful - I’ve seen them pulled too tight to the point where the crimp is digging into conductor insulation, especially when the weight of the wire is on the crimp. Brian > On Mar 14, 2022, at 10:43 AM, August Goers wrote: > >  > I'm partial to

Re: [RE-wrenches] LG Chem batteries

Only some general specifics that they’ve announced: “LG plans to focus on storage systems and energy management in the future, as well as other yet-to-be-announced advancements.” And that they’ll “continue to service owners of LG modules for a period of time.” Brian > On Feb 23, 2022, at

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown for Off-grid systems

es the SqD > HU361, which can be wired in various ways to meet the 600V requirement. It > can be wired one pole for up to 18A Isc for PV, or up to 30A if two poles in > series, or one pos and one neg pole in the circuit. The Schneider RS Disco > does break both poles, one of th

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown for Off-grid systems

gt; series, or one pos and one neg pole in the circuit. The Schneider RS Disco > does break both poles, one of the few devices that make it clear. I'm curious > what others are doing. > > Brad > >> On Tue, Feb 1, 2022 at 11:23 AM Brian Mehalic wrote: >> Sorry, forgo

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown for Off-grid systems

Sorry, forgot to state my previous comment was in regards to a ground-mount. Brian > On Feb 1, 2022, at 12:19 PM, William Miller wrote: > >  > Ray: > > Thanks for that input. I was hoping I was wrong. I looked for that > discussion in the archives but could not find it. > > William >

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown for Off-grid systems

A switch, outside of the building, opening the PV circuit to the power electronics, and functioning as the pv system disco and the rapid shutdown initiation device, should be all that is required. Brian > On Feb 1, 2022, at 11:43 AM, Christopher Warfel > wrote: > >  > That was my

Re: [RE-wrenches] Exploding RSD Unit

thout a Public Input to address, the code-making panel cannot "touch" a section of the code. And of course there are plenty of PIs from individuals and other organizations that are addressed by the panel. Cheers, Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R0315

Re: [RE-wrenches] Exploding RSD Unit

Movement? Maybe, but as far as I can tell it’s just a forum to complain as I see no activity that could actually impact the NEC® via the clearly defined and delineated process. Also there are a few flat-out false claims on the site, along with a call to action to fix module level shutdown

Re: [RE-wrenches] [EXT] Buchanan Crimps in Outdoor Boxes

If the inside of a 3R enclosure isn't considered dry enough for a buchanan crimp/cap, then there's millions of 3R panels with breakers and busbars in them that would have the same problem. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP

Re: [RE-wrenches] Is Solark UL 9540 Certified?

Simpliphi has at least two combinations of specific batteries + SolArk that it says are 9540 listed as a combination. See spec sheets/fully integrated systems on their site You may have to dig further to find the actual certificates or whatever the AHJ is asking for. Or maybe these aren’t the

Re: [RE-wrenches] 1000vdc surge/lightning arrestors

Dehn. Good info on their site. https://www.dehn-usa.com/en-us/dehn-spd-configurator Brian > On Jun 24, 2021, at 5:41 PM, Kirk Herander, VSE wrote: > >  > Hello, > Can anyone recommend a 1000 v arrestor for a 850 v array? Had a storm event > this week which requires research. Thanks. > >

Re: [RE-wrenches] 1000vdc surge/lightning arrestors

Dehn has options as well as lots of good resources. https://www.dehn-usa.com/en-us/dehn-spd-configurator Brian > On Jun 24, 2021, at 5:41 PM, Kirk Herander, VSE wrote: > >  > Hello, > Can anyone recommend a 1000 v arrestor for a 850 v array? Had a storm event > this week which requires

Re: [RE-wrenches] Chilicon Microinverters AC Coupled with Generators

How much opportunity is there really for fuel savings in a residential, back-up power application anyway? Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI

Re: [RE-wrenches] DC transfer switch

I believe the 30-200 A versions of Eaton/C-H’s line of heavy duty DPDT safety switches are 600 VDC. Brian > On May 9, 2021, at 7:06 AM, Kirk Herander, VSE wrote: > >  > Yep, I've used them before as high voltage array discos. But no double-throw > models exist unfortunately. The IMO

Re: [RE-wrenches] Breakers weakening?

Yikes. Didn’t realize that about the ConnectDER. Repeated tripping due to a fault can certainly damage internal parts and contacts, leading to resistance and operation and lower than the rated current. Brian > On May 9, 2021, at 7:06 AM, Kirk Herander, VSE wrote: > >  > The breaker is

Re: [RE-wrenches] IAEI Online Articles

Thanks Corey, it'd had been a while since I checked, glad to see it back online. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional Services

Re: [RE-wrenches] Code Question

300.18 Brian > On Mar 4, 2021, at 1:11 PM, Drake > wrote: > >  Hello Wrenches, > > I believe it is a code requirement to install conduits in their entirety > before pulling wire through, and that this applies to all types of rigid > conduit. > > Is this correct? Does anyone know where

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bad Diodes in QCells?

Has anyone diagnosed truly failed diodes? Or pinpointed other failures in the junction box or cell groups that could open circuit them? I’d really like to see some thermal images! Brian > On Nov 9, 2020, at 5:58 PM, Steven Lawrence wrote: > >  > Hi Adam, > > I have a 3.3MW site using

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bi-facial Open Circuit voltage testing

4374 (calibrated recently) > > Testing a single module, while ideal, is not practical unless we run into > issues. I should have the ~480 strings worth of measured data back later > today. > > >> On Nov 3, 2020, at 2:52 PM, Brian Mehalic wrote: >> >>

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bi-facial Open Circuit voltage testing

nteresting to have a test on a single mod (well some number of single mods). What meter are you using, and has it been calibrated recently? Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy Internat

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bi-facial Open Circuit voltage testing

; I have an old Sanyo Bi Array and it pretty much has never gone outside the >> cold weather Voc that is logged by the controller. The 600v mppt just >> cranks out the power when the snow is off the array. It does pretty well >> also when the snow is on it. >> >> Just curious wh

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bi-facial Open Circuit voltage testing

I second Jay's request for some numbers, I'm curious about this not having participated directly in any bifacial projects yet. The difference in Voc and Vmp ratios is interesting. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member

Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 2020 - 705.12(B)(6)

at the load side of the power source connection point shall be rated not greater than the ampacity of the feeder. As with the feed-thru conductors, the idea is make them big enough or re-establish overcurrent protection, and protect busbars accordingly. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV

Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 2020 - 705.12(B)(6)

stablish overcurrent protection for that portion of the feeder subject to multiple power sources. In your drawing the 200 A feeder conductors, as well as the busbar below the PV system breaker, could be subject to > 200 A in the event of a fault somewhere along those conductors. Brian Mehalic NA

Re: [RE-wrenches] Supply side denial

There's very "territorial" language in the 2020 NEC 705.11(D): "For meter socket enclosures or other equipment under the exclusive control of the electric utility, only connections approved by the electric utility shall be permitted." Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified S

Re: [RE-wrenches] GFDI requirements

dc ground-fault protection meeting the requirements of 690.41(B)(1) and (B)(2) to reduce fire hazards. Solidly grounded PV source circuits with not more than two modules in parallel and not on or in buildings shall be permitted without ground-fault protection." Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified S

Re: [RE-wrenches] Positive grounded arrays

Fronius Galvo can be positively grounded. But the instructions literally say to take the factory-installed fuse (neg to ground) and install it between positive and ground “outside the inverter.” Brian > On Oct 14, 2020, at 4:10 PM, Ray wrote: > >  > The Midnite Solar Classic Controller used

Re: [RE-wrenches] Source PV/H2O

I believe that the last time I looked into it it had to have internet connectivity, which wasn’t going to happen. Brian > On Sep 29, 2020, at 5:00 PM, August Goers wrote: > >  > Hi Chad - > > I have no experience installing this product, but bumped into it a few years > ago when someone

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown on Parking Garage

uot; based on the language in them. (For example, a 2023 proposal is to exempt buildings that don't have habitable rooms, which is defined in the 2020 NEC®; other building types as defined in the IBC may provide the basis for exempting a current carport application, but YMMV). Brian Mehalic NABCEP

Re: [RE-wrenches] Label Durability

Very nice. One thing I’d mention is that sufficient durability doesn’t mean it has to last for the lifetime of the system. It’s an item on O inspection checklists - “all labels/placards/directories are intact and legible” (with the presumption it’ll last until the next O inspection. Of

Re: [RE-wrenches] White wire for DC- after ground fault breaker

Change in 2017 to “functional grounded” was to clarify this - it’s not solid when it is thru a fuse or breaker than can be interrupted either in the event of a ground-fault or if the breaker is intentionally opened. 2017 makes it clear that there are very few solidly grounded systems (2 or less

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown Compliance

nd the AHJ to verify this. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional Services http://www.seisolarpros.com On Thu, May 7, 2020 at 6:43 AM C

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown Compliance

Deadline for 2023 NEC® public input is in September. Brian > On Apr 30, 2020, at 7:12 AM, Ray wrote: > >  > Hi Jerry; > > This isn't about us not being willing to learn the tech. All of us are > constantly learning about new code changes, new inverters, and solar modules > that change

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback EQ not holding voltage

Sorry you had already answered the first two questions :) What about the others? Brian > On Apr 28, 2020, at 6:50 AM, Dave Tedeyan wrote: > >  > Hi All, > > I've got an outback system (Radian 8048A, 2 FM80, 16 Trojan L16RE-B) where > when the customer equalizes, the batteries hover right

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback EQ not holding voltage

What’s the capacity of the battery bank? And the size of the charging sources? What’s your EQ voltage? Have you tried a lower EQ voltage setting to see if it does the same thing? Brian > On Apr 28, 2020, at 6:50 AM, Dave Tedeyan wrote: > >  > Hi All, > > I've got an outback system (Radian

Re: [RE-wrenches] Convex modules

I’ve seen a system with a similar issue, visible with the naked eye looking across the fielded mods on a fairly large ground mount (and approx. 5-7 mm of “sag” across the short dimension of the mod). I cannot yet say that this is the cause, but we are seeing numerous module failures with arcing

Re: [RE-wrenches] Parts List For AC Couple Disconnect

th my parts list, I have a delay time that would hold the GT inverters > off-line for some period of time (I would probably set to 1 hour) before > coming back on line after tipping off. > > > Mark > >> On 11/3/2019 9:53 AM, Brian Mehalic wrote: >> With frequen

Re: [RE-wrenches] Parts List For AC Couple Disconnect

a delay time that would hold the GT inverters > off-line for some period of time (I would probably set to 1 hour) before > coming back on line after tipping off. > > > Mark > >> On 11/3/2019 9:53 AM, Brian Mehalic wrote: >> With frequency-on/off, frequency power con

Re: [RE-wrenches] Parts List For AC Couple Disconnect

With frequency-on/off, frequency power control, or other “inverter integrated” control based on battery voltage/state of charge there is also control in regards to when the ac coupled inverters come back on. And yes, this is definitely needed to prevent overcharge (or get three-stage charging

Re: [RE-wrenches] connector mismatch

You say you've seen many of these tests in the past; do you specifically mean the intermatability test? Thanks for the info! (And you also really helped me out identifying some connectors on a problem-job a couple months back...thanks again!). Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation

Re: [RE-wrenches] connector mismatch

s connectors are interchangeable, this being said l have > had arc issues as a result. FYI there are knock-offs out there to. > Jerry > >> On Wed, Sep 4, 2019, 1:42 PM Brian Mehalic wrote: >> Are you saying each module has, for example, a positive factory H4 lead and >>

Re: [RE-wrenches] connector mismatch

Are you saying each module has, for example, a positive factory H4 lead and a negative factory MC4 lead? I definitely know of H4 problems, both mated with H4s and mismatched. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520

Re: [RE-wrenches] 30 amp disconnect/40 amp breaker

I agree Blake - you have to check the specs and consult the mfg. The same is true with combiners, some are rated for continuous duty/full load, and some are not. Lots of large systems out there with 200A combiners connected to 250A OCPDs (and 250A conductors, but that’s another story...).

Re: [RE-wrenches] IEC 62446-2018

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_web Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional Services http://www.seisolarpros.com On Tue, Jul

Re: [RE-wrenches] Low OC Voltage

You’re losing about a third of your voltage so one cell bank is out of the circuit. Either a shorted closed diode (more likely IMHO) or fully open connections somewhere in a cell bank (probably visible if between cells, if in the jbox, well it depends on the jbox). If you short circuit the

Re: [RE-wrenches] trace sw remote display cable

cables multiple times, while never mentioning that they can be used interchangeably. BTW, I'm really just passing this info on from Ed E! Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy International

Re: [RE-wrenches] Micro inverter OCP

Is this in regards to 2014 NEC 705.12(D)(6)? This requirement was deleted in 2017. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical Code® CMP-4 Member (520) 204-6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional Services

Re: [RE-wrenches] HV Module Testing

eally looking for an outlier, assuming it isn't a hard fault that could've been found with a DMM or a visual inspection. Always a good idea to check with the module manufacturer to see if they have documentation on their recommended procedure. Cheers, Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation

Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC for Batteries < 60v ??

es and ESS are very common) was inserted in order to exempt other devices that store energy (such as UPS, or battery backup in fire alarms/exit signage/etc.) from the 706 requirements. Cheers, Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 National Electrical C

Re: [RE-wrenches] DKD Lithium Batteries

Battle Born seems somewhat similar (internal BMS) - who knows how many different labels get slapped on batteries coming out of the same factory. Their manual does say you can do series connections up to 48 Vdc. Brian > On Mar 4, 2019, at 8:50 AM, Roberto Kruse wrote: > > Hi Kienan. > > I

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV210 Curve Tracer Issues

Seaward changed/updated their algorithm/programming-not sure when but it hasn’t been too long ago. May be worth contacting them again to see if your unit could benefit from the upgrade (I think you have to send it in). Brian > On Sep 24, 2018, at 12:18 PM, Dave Tedeyan wrote: > > Does

Re: [RE-wrenches] Step-up/Step-down Transformer question

Currently up in the air as to whether 2020 will allow that on 1- and 2- family houses. If so then yes...currently don’t know of any. Brian > On Sep 18, 2018, at 2:45 PM, Jay wrote: > > Does anyone make a 1000vdc single phase inverter? > Would reduce wire costs dramatically > > Jay > Peltz

Re: [RE-wrenches] Pro Harvest Inverters (Formerly HI-Q)

My experience has been much like Blake's, with the difference being they were all in the Northeast, both roof and ground mounts, all 480 V. That was a couple of years back, and I know some smart folks have been working on this product in the meantime. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV

Re: [RE-wrenches] Racking ID ?

That looks like DPW / Preformed Line Products Power Rail. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 520.204.6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional Services http://www.seisolarpros.com On Thu, Apr 19, 2018 at 12:52 PM

Re: [RE-wrenches] Conduit Across "Walkway"

Mark- The 2018 IFC and IRC both state "Pathways shall be located in areas with minimal obstructions, such as vent pipes, conduit or mechanical equipment." It must be permanently marked "WARNING PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE" in accordance with 690.31(G)(3) as well. Brian Meha

Re: [RE-wrenches] Location of DC disconnect vis-a-vis rapid shutdown exemption

ke it more safe to enter a building. Cheers, Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 520.204.6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional Services http://www.seisolarpros.com On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 12:04 AM, Mar

Re: [RE-wrenches] Clearance clarification please

Yes! And the IFC and IRC both allow local fire officials to basically require, or allow, whatever they want (Exception 2 to IFC 1204.2 and IRC R324.6). Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 520.204.6639 Solar Energy International http

Re: [RE-wrenches] Clearance clarification please

doesn't always do it exactly the way you do :) Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 520.204.6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional Services http://www.seisolarpros.com On Wed, Apr 4, 2018 at 9:15 AM, Dave Angelini Offgrid

Re: [RE-wrenches] Clearance clarification please

There are access/pathway requirements for both residential and commercial roofs (of course they are different, and the residential requirements only apply to 2:12 pitches or greater) in the IFC and IRC, and they’ve been in there since 2012. The 2018 edition of the IRC is more favorable in terms

Re: [RE-wrenches] Clearance clarification please

Access pathways and clearances are in the International Fire Code and International Residential Code (and maybe other I-Codes as well). Brian > On Apr 3, 2018, at 1:03 PM, > wrote: > > Hey folks: > > What section of the Code relates to the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sanyo HIT module diode issues

Did you test the voltage of the individual cell banks in the module with the diodes out? Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 520.204.6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional Services http://www.seisolarpros.com

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sanyo HIT module diode issues

would be the failure mode that would indicate an always-closed diode providing a permanent bypass path and thus a drop of 25% of voltage per bad diode (or set of paralleled diodes). (These have 4 diodes right?). Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59

Re: [RE-wrenches] Low array voltage stumper on legacy system

(and check the accessible diodes). Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 520.204.6639 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional Services http://www.seisolarpros.com On Thu, Aug 25, 2016 at 8:24 AM, Steve Bell <sb...@mornin

Re: [RE-wrenches] Add-On to DGT, string inverter, w/Different Modules on 2nd string

there has been some voltage degradation of the older mods). Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org SEI Professional Services http://www.seisolarpros.com On Tue, Jun 21, 2016 at 1:47 PM, Ash Bowersock

Re: [RE-wrenches] 1000V Surge Arrestors

Dehn and Citel make them. Brian > On Jun 17, 2016, at 11:11 AM, John Stimac > wrote: > > Can anyone recommend a 1000VDC surge arrestor? Cooper Bussmann has them for > >$1000. Delta has them for $39. Thanks! > -- > John Stimac | Corvallis, OR > Renewable

Re: [RE-wrenches] Plastic washers

But can you get proper torque with a compressible plastic washer in there? Probably Waytek has them. Brian > On Jan 27, 2016, at 6:37 AM, Jay wrote: > > Hi all > > I've got a client who insists on "plastic " ( synthetic) washers between SS > washers and the aluminum

Re: [RE-wrenches] Pg meter reading

May just be an accounting trick on the backend? Software lops off all exported energy when export power is above 8kW? Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 PV Curriculum Developer and Instructor Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rooftop DC disconnects

I disagree about tarps. We've tested fully covered arrays (and small ones at that) and still had what would be considered lethal levels of current and voltage, even when using heavy, reflective tarps. And it can be very difficult to ensure they stay in place, plus it's impractical for larger

Re: [RE-wrenches] Kyocera 120's

Kyocera still makes a similar 36 cell module: http://www.kyocerasolar.com/assets/001/5656.pdf Brian > On Sep 2, 2015, at 8:22 PM, frenergy wrote: > > Help needed in finding 4, Kyocera (or close) 120's (130's?). I have a > customer looking to add a string of 4 to his

[RE-wrenches] Cable tray

% of the rated ampacity, but as stated in Table 301.15(B)(17) (conductors in free air, so that helps). Any guidance would be much appreciated, and thanks for your time, Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 PV Curriculum Developer and Instructor Solar Energy

Re: [RE-wrenches] Using the North Facing Roof

filling in all those gaps between rows could make servicing the array a bit problematic! Cheers, Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 PV Curriculum Developer and Instructor Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org On Tue, Jul 28, 2015 at 10:24

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA Sunny Island Sizing

Last year SMA didn't have a booth at Intersolar, just the company can illegally parked outside. Not sure about this year but I do know Greg Smith just left. Brian On Jul 8, 2015, at 8:13 PM, Jay jay.pe...@gmail.com wrote: Out of curiosity what is the design question? And I'd heard

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA Sunny Island Sizing

-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Brian Mehalic Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 6:06 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA Sunny Island Sizing Last year SMA didn't have a booth at Intersolar, just the company can illegally parked outside. Not sure about this year but I do know Greg Smith

Re: [RE-wrenches] Module defect? Cell interconnections

arcing at some point during their life. I have to imagine this is outside of the mfg's spec/tolerances, though I question how they got through quality control, and I wouldn't want to put them on my roof for the next several decades. Drunk/tired robots I suppose... Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified

Re: [RE-wrenches] PVWatts

An incognito window in Chrome worked for me; had no problems in Firefox, which I had never used for PVWatts before; no matter what I did in Safari I could not get it to work. I'm assuming it totally rocks in IE?!? :) Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59

Re: [RE-wrenches] Integrating with Lightning Protection

DEHN has some great resources for various types of PV systems, and a chapter on it in their free lightning protection guide. Haven't looked in a while but seemed like great info. Brian On Jun 4, 2015, at 1:03 PM, Garrison Riegel garri...@solarserviceinc.com wrote: Wrenches, Does

Re: [RE-wrenches] PVWatts

Same deal, multiple computers and browsers, no luck, and no reply to an email about it either. Brian On Jun 3, 2015, at 11:02 PM, Gary Willett g...@icarussolarservices.com wrote: You're not alone. I tried several times today and it's not working for me either. I sent a Tweet on

Re: [RE-wrenches] TL Code Reference

power sources. Also note 240.15, which also requires overcurrent protection in series with all ungrounded conductors. Cheers, Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 PV Curriculum Developer and Instructor Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org

Re: [RE-wrenches] TL Code Reference

protection are required on both ungrounded circuit conductors. Now whether or not that'll always be the case in the future is a different story. Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 PV Curriculum Developer and Instructor Solar Energy International http

Re: [RE-wrenches] TL inverter with long DC Feeder

-268/dc-disconnect-3949.html I haven't installed them yet, but have worked on some designs using the AC versions as inverter equipment disconnects. Cheers, Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 PV Curriculum Developer and Instructor Solar Energy

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid shutdown questions

. Thanks in advance for your thoughts Brian Mehalic NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ R031508-59 PV Curriculum Developer and Instructor Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org On Wed, Aug 27, 2014 at 10:01 AM, Mac Lewis maclew...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Will, Yes I'm

Re: [RE-wrenches] Ct Utility test requirement?

Are they single or three phase inverters? Connected on the load or supply side? Brian On Aug 4, 2014, at 7:09 PM, Chris Mason cometenergysyst...@gmail.com wrote: If you are using a load center to aggregate the inverter outputs, swap the 3 pole breaker for three single poles. Hopefully

Re: [RE-wrenches] AFCI disturbances. wire nuts

I agree, the pre insulated splices are okay for if you need an extension in a box, that stays dry, and the wire isn't pushed up against something. Otherwise apply separate heat shrink after the splice. Just don't forget to slip it on the wire before splicing! I kind of like the idea of a

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Wire without the outer jacket--no worries?

From UL: Both PV wire and USE-2 wire use thermoset insulation and jacket typically made of XLPE or EPCV. Nevertheless, other thermoset materials such as CP over EP, CP over EPCV, SBR/IIR/NR and EP are also available. PV wire may also be constructed similar to Type UF but using an additional 15

Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid shutdown for pole mounts

The definition for PV system moved to Article 100 in 2014. I think it's pretty clear that the PV system includes the inverter, if present, and the inverter output circuits. Brian On Apr 19, 2014, at 1:22 PM, Dan Fink danbo...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Aaron, boB, Wrenches; I think Aaron

Re: [RE-wrenches] 600 v pv lead separation

I don't know, but maybe it's a provision for using lower voltage rated wire for the batteries? Brian On Apr 7, 2014, at 2:17 PM, William Miller will...@millersolar.com wrote: Colleagues: I am installing a set of Tristar 600 volt input charge controllers. There are separate compartments

  1   2   >