Re: [RE-wrenches] Bootstrapping and AC Coupled Sunny Island

[Kirpal Khalsa via RE-wrenches]

William.
We have used FM100's, 80's and 60's to charge numerous brands of lithium
batteries with no troubles.
I don't think you will have any issues in this regard.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Wed, May 8, 2024 at 8:49 AM jay via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> HI William,
>
> Yes the FM-100 has no problem with keeping the volts pretty tight and i’ve
> not heard of any lithium related issues, and someone is bound to chime in
> if there are.
>
> jay
>
>
>
> On May 8, 2024, at 9:39 AM, William Miller 
> wrote:
>
> Jay:
>
> I am considering ditching the Sunny Boys and installing 2 Outback FM100s.
> It seems to me this might solve a few problems:
>
> 1. The cc should voltage clamp and prevent over voltage when the batteries
> go higher Z.
> 2. The CCs should start up at lower voltages as soon as the sun comes
> out.
> 3. One of the FM 100s could be configured to drive an AGS relay.
> 4. The operation would be voltage dependent, not SOC dependent.
>
> My concern is the shallow voltage/charge curve. Can I set this system fine
> enough to work reliably?
>
> Has anyone used Outback charge controllers with lithium batteries?  Any
> advice?
>
>
> William Miller
> Miller Solar.com
> 805-438-5600
> www.millersolar.com
>
>
> On Wed, May 8, 2024 at 8:30 AM jay  wrote:
>
>> Hi William,
>>
>> Since the SOC isn’t being reliable maybe due to not charging correctly?
>>
>> I would recommend going to volts for the relay driver.  Thats why I
>> suggested the tristar with RD-1.
>> Because really volts at full is the most accurate.
>> Not knowing how many PV inputs you could do a cascade.
>>
>>
>> jay
>>
>> On May 8, 2024, at 9:00 AM, William Miller 
>> wrote:
>>
>> Jay:
>>
>> Thank you for taking the time.
>>
>> We are doing just what you suggest as an interim solution.
>>
>> The shortcoming of this work-around is that the highest setting for this
>> relay function is 90% SOC. This may not be high enough to recalibrate the
>> BMS units. And again, relying on SOC to drive operational decisions becomes
>> problematic when one can’t rely on the accuracy of the SOC value.
>>
>>
>> William Miller
>> Miller Solar.com <http://solar.com/>
>> 805-438-5600
>> www.millersolar.com
>>
>>
>> On Wed, May 8, 2024 at 7:16 AM jay  wrote:
>>
>>> A possible fix.
>>>
>>> You could run a DC relay on the SB PV input that would be voltage
>>> triggered to prevent the battery volts from getting higher than you want.
>>>
>>> The SI has 2 aux relays I think?  Or could do a tristar with RD-1 relay
>>> that has 4 channels.
>>>
>>> Just a thought
>>>
>>> jay
>>>
>>> On May 7, 2024, at 11:11 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches <
>>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> Friends:
>>>
>>>
>>> I am still wrestling with problems integrating a Sunny Island / Sunny
>>> Boy AC coupled system to a set of 5 E-vault Max battery cabinets.
>>>
>>>
>>> As a refresher, with closed loop comms, the Frequency Shift Power
>>> Control system is not working, or not working quickly enough, and when
>>> nearing full charge, the voltage can spike up to 66 volts and the SI system
>>> shuts down.  Fortress has told me in a roundabout way that they agree this
>>> is a real problem and they are working on a solution.
>>>
>>>
>>> Another problem has reared its head:  If the E-Vaults do not get charged
>>> fully every 5 to 7 days, the BMS units SOC value becomes radically out of
>>> calibration.  The E-vault will report a higher SOC than is realistic.  The
>>> SI system starts the generator based on SOC and if the SOC is reported as
>>> high the generator don’t start.  Sooner rather than later the battery
>>> voltage gets too low and the system shuts down.
>>>
>>>
>>> I have been tweaking on the settings like days-since-full-charge to
>>> attempt to get this cycle to stop.  No definitive answer yet.
>>>
>>>
>>> Here is the reason I am writing:  Yesterday I could not get the Sunny
>>> Islands to start.  The battery voltage was 46 which should have been enough
>>> but for some reason they just would not start.  Because of this I could not
>>> charge the batteries from generator or from AC coupled solar.  I called SMA
>>&g

Re: [RE-wrenches] Another one bites the dust?

[Kirpal Khalsa via RE-wrenches]

Nicholas... I got a call from EG4 trying to get us to use their inverters
and batteries.  I told them that when they stop trying to sell products
directly to my customers and undercutting us I would consider using their
equipment.  They asked which inverter brands we were currently using.  I
replied, Outback and SolArk.  He told me..."we just bought Outback"
So just like in the past  the solar roller coaster keeps going!  The
only constant is change!
Leaves me with mixed feelings regarding Outback now!
Kirpal
Oregon Solarworks

On Wed, May 8, 2024, 8:17 AM Nicholas Ponzio via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> I've been trying to get support for an old Outback Power system (GVFX dual
> stack.) I finally got a call back today from someone at a call center who
> told me that Outback Power has been sold and I need to send an email to the
> new owners to request support. Supposedly, the new company has the same
> name and email as the old company, but the phones haven't been transferred
> over yet. My scam radar alarms are ringing off the hook, but what am I to
> do? Anyone else have any luck getting tech support from the new company
> (that has the same name as the old company)?
>
> Oy!
>
>
> --
> Nicholas Ponzio
> Building Energy
> 1570 South Brownell Road
> Williston, VT 05495
> http://www.BuildingEnergyVT.com <http://www.buildingenergyvt.com/>
> "Building Solutions for a Sustainable Future"
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Re: [RE-wrenches] OutBack inverter repair.

[Kirpal Khalsa via RE-wrenches]

Zonna Energy

On Wed, Apr 17, 2024, 7:58 AM David Palumbo via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Wrenches,
>
> Any up-to-date recommendations for repair of OutBack Inverters. Preferably
> eastern U.S. if possible.
>
> Thanks,
> Dave Palumbo
> Hyde Park, VT
> 802 371-8678 voice or text
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Plaques

[Kirpal Khalsa via RE-wrenches]

Lou. .
We got the Express engraver.  All in it was around 5 grand.
We were spending over $ 1500 per year ar our local trophy engraving store
plus coordinating and they would go on vacation right when we needed
placards.  For us it made sense to bring this process in house.

On Sun, Mar 31, 2024, 1:14 AM Lou Russo via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Aloha Wrenches,
>
> Kirpal, I was looking at the Vision product line. What model did you
> purchase?
>
> We work out in the boonies and driving 35 minutes to town to pick up a $75
> directory from the trophy shop is getting old.
>
> On Sat, Mar 30, 2024, 5:48 PM Kirpal Khalsa via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi Lou and all.
>> We dove all in and got a Vision Engraving machine. They offer several
>> models and the most basic version works just fine.  It was a big investment
>> but we can make our own placatds in the same day.
>> We have a dedicated cheap laptop and a vacuum attachment they sell which
>> keeps the work area clean.  There was a learning curve but we won after a
>> bit.
>> Its really nice to have and to have the flexibility makes that an aspect
>> of job management  much less complicated. My guess is that it will take 3-4
>> years to pay for itself.
>> We like having it and my only regret us that  we didnt get one sooner.
>>
>> On Sat, Mar 30, 2024, 11:57 AM Lou Russo via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Aloha Wrenches,
>>>
>>> Anyone out there making their own engraved plaques and labels?
>>> If so, is it worth it and what machine are you using?
>>> Thanks for your time and insight, it is always appreciated.
>>>
>>> Aloha,
>>>
>>> Lou Russo
>>> Owner
>>> l...@spreesolarsystems.com
>>> 808 345 6762
>>> Spree Solar Systems LLC
>>> CT-34322
>>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Plaques

[Kirpal Khalsa via RE-wrenches]

Hi Lou and all.
We dove all in and got a Vision Engraving machine. They offer several
models and the most basic version works just fine.  It was a big investment
but we can make our own placatds in the same day.
We have a dedicated cheap laptop and a vacuum attachment they sell which
keeps the work area clean.  There was a learning curve but we won after a
bit.
Its really nice to have and to have the flexibility makes that an aspect of
job management  much less complicated. My guess is that it will take 3-4
years to pay for itself.
We like having it and my only regret us that  we didnt get one sooner.

On Sat, Mar 30, 2024, 11:57 AM Lou Russo via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Aloha Wrenches,
>
> Anyone out there making their own engraved plaques and labels?
> If so, is it worth it and what machine are you using?
> Thanks for your time and insight, it is always appreciated.
>
> Aloha,
>
> Lou Russo
> Owner
> l...@spreesolarsystems.com
> 808 345 6762
> Spree Solar Systems LLC
> CT-34322
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] OpticsRE

[Kirpal Khalsa via RE-wrenches]

Add 'www' to the website address instead of just opticsre.com and it should
work...
Kirpal
Oregon Solarworks

On Mon, Dec 18, 2023, 3:17 PM Foxfire Energy via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Anyone know what’s going on with OpticsRE? Their sites been down since
> last Friday.  TIA
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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[RE-wrenches] Small 48V wind turbine recommendations

[Kirpal via RE-wrenches]

Greetings folks!
Anybody have a recommendation for a small decent quality wind turbine
manufacturer with decent quality equipment?  We had a small SWWP turbine
that has officially gone belly up and are looking to replace it.   We don't
do much these days in the wind scene and are a bit out of the loop.
500-1000 watt size would be wonderful.
Thanks for any input -opinions - advice!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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[RE-wrenches] SMA inverterters with SPS

[Kirpal via RE-wrenches]

Good morning folks!
Been interesting to see that both SMA and Fronius inverters ar no longer
available thru our normal distribution channels.  All their residential
models seem to be unavailable with our distributors not having any idea on
return to availability.  Anyone know why both of these string inverter
options seem to have evaporatedare they gone for good?
WE have a client looking to do a system with 3 - 5kW inverters with the
SPS.  The SPS being the feature they are after.  Anyone have insight into
this availability issue or know where to get some of those inverters? Mike
Mahon?
Would appreciate any insight.

Thanks.
Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SolArk and Tigo compatibility

[Kirpal via RE-wrenches]

Chris,
Assuming there will be 48V batteries in the system - connect the
Tigo transmitter via a 48V to 12V power supply and come off of the battery
bussing.  If there are no batteries now, use the 120V-12V power supply
from the backed up loads panel - then when they get batteries that panel
will remain live even during power outage and allow panels to remain on
even with grid outage. You will need to install an additional rapid
shutdown switch in line with power to the transmitter if rapid shutdown is
required or desired..  If there are no batteries now, then solar can't stay
on anyway during power outages..
Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Wed, Nov 16, 2022 at 6:33 AM Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hi, We are doing our first system with these two devices. The inverter is
> SolArk 12P (mutimode) and the Tigo product for RS is the TS4F.  Tigo has me
> a little bit walking in circles.
>
> I told them that SolArk says not to use the 12VDC RS output terminals for
> connecting the transmitter.  I gave them the attached drawing which they
> ask for, which shows the transmitter connected to a 120VAC/12VDC breaker
> which they supply.  They told me to wire the 120VAC source to the main
> service panel so the array would shut down on loss of power. I told them
> that is exactly NOTwhat I wanted to happen as that would stop the battery
> charging when there is a loss of utility power. I said I wanted the 120VAC
> source to be the back up loads panel. After about a week of calls and
> emails, I got an email back saying to use the SolArk 12VDC terminals for
> RS.  I just emailed them a screen shot of the SolArk manual that says not
> to do that.
>
> At this point, I am asking anyone on the list to let me know how they
> wired the transmitter successfully. Thank you for any guidance, Chris Warfel
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>  Christopher Warfel
>  ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
> PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
> 401-466-8978
> <http://entech-engineering.com>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Shipping costs

[Kirpal via RE-wrenches]

One down side to arranging your own shipping is that you are also usually
shifting the responsibility for any damage upon yourself to deal with in
case you need to make a claim..  Whereas if your distributor ships it they
are responsible for the claim process.  Chunks of metal like many racking
systems might be less risky to ship as they are a bit harder to damage than
solar modules or other electronics.You might choose which shipments you
ship or choose to have shipped.   But yes, shipping prices have gone wonky
in some cases!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Mon, Oct 10, 2022 at 3:48 PM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Most of our hot shot deliveries have been running $2,400, Bay area -
> Central Idaho thru a broker for our thermal collectors.
>
>
>
>
>
> Dana Orzel -  E - d...@solarwork.com -  C - 208.721.7003
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches  *On
> Behalf Of *Maverick Brown via RE-wrenches
> *Sent:* Monday, October 10, 2022 3:14 PM
> *To:* will...@millersolar.com; RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
> *Cc:* Maverick Brown 
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Shipping costs
>
>
>
> William,
>
>
>
> $4200 sounds like “Expedited” Shipping and that usually means a Hot Shot
> driver with single pickup truck and trailer driving door to door for just
> your items.  LTL should never be $4200 unless we are in dire conditions.
>
>
>
> I hope your items arrive in excellent condition!!
>
>
>
> Maverick
>
>
>
>
>
> Maverick Brown
> Off-Grid Solar Commander since 2006
> *Maverick Solar Enterprises, Inc.*
>
> * • Solar Commander Remote Power*
>
>
> * • SunFlow Systems Cathodic Protection *maver...@mavericksolar.com
> 512-460-9825
>
>
>
> On Oct 10, 2022, at 2:06 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>
>
> Friends:
>
>
>
> I am sure all of you are aware of the skyrocketing costs for shipping.  I
> get it that fuel prices are up and I want truckers to all earn a fair
> wage.  However I can help but feel there might be some gouging.  For
> instance, a $900 order for rail was quoted at $4,200 for shipping from
> Oregon to the central coast of California.
>
>
>
> Fortunately the vendor allowed me to arrange my own shipping.  I used a
> website called Shiply and got a quote for just over $600 for the same
> order.  The company I engaged, Globaltranz has been great in communicating
> concisely and promptly with me and the vendor.
>
>
>
> I think the beauty of using a broker is you can connect with shippers that
> might be travelling the desired route already and can fit your order into
> an LTL rig already on the road.
>
>
>
> The order is not here yet but it is on the way and it appears the transit
> is on time.
>
>
>
> I hope this helps some of you in procuring the parts you need in a timely
> and cost efficient manner.
>
>
>
> William
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] HomeGrid batteries

[Kirpal via RE-wrenches]

Hi Yall!
Anyone used HomeGrid batteries? We are just getting ready to pair them with
some Outback and Sol Ark systems..  They have a compelling price, form and
feature set.
Hoping to hear of any issues before we jump in too deep with them..
100 thanks for any thoughts!
Cheers.
Kirpal
Oregon Solarworks
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Radian, Blue Planet and SMA 21 series AC coupled

[Kirpal via RE-wrenches]

William,
You can can set the sell voltage to 54.4 and that will help force a fuller
charge prior to selling. Has worked for me on a site that had the same
symptoms.
You will find that these batteries can be 100% at both 55.2 as well as
54.4due to the flat-ish voltage/soc curve.
Hope that helps.
Happy Friday!
Kirpal@oregonsolarworks

On Fri, Apr 22, 2022, 1:31 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Friends:
>
>
>
> We are setting up our first Blue Planet system.  It is AC coupled with an
> SMA SB7-21 back-feeding a Radian 8048.We followed all of the
> recommended settings when commissioning.
>
>
>
> The battery SOC is chronically stuck at 90% as displayed by the Blue
> Planet BMU.
>
> I think the problem is the grid sell setting is at 54 VDC.  Blue Planet
> likes 55.2.  I’m going to change that setting this afternoon but due to
> some mysterious Optics bug, I have to drive to the site to do so.
>
>
>
> If anyone has any experience with this kind of setup and can offer any
> advice, well I’d be mighty grateful.
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
> William Miller
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] alternatives to Outback GSLC xxxx box?

[Kirpal]

Kirk.  Good morning.  The 175A breaker assembly is included in the bare
GSLC box for the radians.  You have to order the 175A breakers separately;
they are not included.  The bare box includes a 500A 50MV shunt, the
breaker brackets to connect breakers to the inverter and that's it.  No AC
buss bars are included.  Negative and ground buss bars are included.
In a multi inverter system if 1000A 100mv shunt size is needed, note that
you can not mix 500A and 1000A shunts on a single flexnet DC.  It doesn't
work.  Shunts all have to be the same.  I found this out the hard way.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Tue, Mar 1, 2022 at 6:23 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:

> All,
>
> I am doing a multiple stacked Radian GS8048 system. And all I need in my
> design is two OB 175 a breakers in a box which integrates w/ each
> respective inverter. The manual bypass switch is useless, for all inverters
> need to be bypassed at once using a single external bypass. OB does not
> make a version of the GSLC which only has the inverter breakers. They do
> make an empty GSLC with nothing in it. But no mounting assembly for the
> breakers, and no add-on kit offering to do this either.
> I thought Midnite made something compatible, but don't see it on their web
> site. Any ideas? Thanks.
>
> --
>
> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>
> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>
> *Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!*
>
> *www.vermont.solar*
> <https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.vermontsolarnow.com=02%7C01%7C%7C9f0330d75a244870112408d685311841%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C636842843233477645=0NjyuKeQbEK6245SNnk8X4XnP9Q%2B%2BqtvcALkdDghvk4%3D=0>
>
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>
> 802.863.1202
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Rapid Shutdown for Off-grid systems

[Kirpal]

Hi William.
We have had good luck with the AP Smart Rapid shutdown system.  It is
similar to the Tigo in that it sends a "heartbeat" signal to the units up
behind each solar panel over the power wires. I haven't tried the Tigos yet
but would be open to it if the opportunity presented itself.  The thing we
like about the AP Smart shutdown units is they can be attached to the solar
panels before the panels are brought up to the roof.  Makes for a quick and
tidy installation.  We found the Fire Raptor units with their incredible
amount of extra wiring and cables to be a real pain in the ass to install.
It typically takes longer to install the Fire Raptor units and manage the
wiring than it does to install the solar panels themselves. The fire
raptors are more expensive and require a seperate control wire to be run
upto the roof.  We haven't had any failures on either the fire raptor or
the AP Smart units with probably a dozen installs of each style installed
to date.  Brad Bassett at AEE has some great easy to use wiring diagrams
for both systems with Outback or Sol Ark.  All the above systems have some
requirement for either 12V or 24V power to power the signal generator.  We
typically use some version of din rail mounted 48-24v or12V power supply
and power it from the batteries so that if the inverter were to fail or the
grid the solar can still stay on..  At this stage we have settled on any of
the rapid shutdown systems except Fire Raptor.  - if you do use the Fire
Raptor - calculate a  bunch of extra time into the install for wire
management.
Hope that gives you some food for thought.
Cheers,

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402



>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Blue Planet 8kWh instllation

[Kirpal]

Hi William.
Of the 30+ Blue Planet jobs we have done - The 2.0 and HI versions the
positive cable has always only just reached the top corner.   When we
populate only half of the cabinet we don't cut the buss bar as this will
cause more work trying to get a longer replacement buss bar from Blue
Planet at a later date if the customer decides to add more battery
modules.  We carefully tape over the exposed buss bar sections we aren't
using.  We have attached the positive lead to the floating end of the buss
bar.  It isn't flimsy metal and with the door of the cabinet closed nearly
all the time it is pretty protected - the most risk of shorting to the
cabinet or bending the buss bar accidentally is during installation- at
which time we are very careful.  That said you could certainly switch the
positive cable and add a longer one if you didn't want to connect to the
floating end of the buss bar  We have had numerous customers fully
populate the enclosure at a later date and were happy we didn't cut the
buss barsmade for simple quick expansion.
I can second the fact that Jody Power is a great contact and resource at
Blue Planet.  Feel free to direct message me if you want his contact info...
Best of luck,


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402 (o)


On Mon, Jan 31, 2022 at 1:18 PM William Miller 
wrote:

> Friends:
>
>
>
> I am installing my first Blue Planet system today.  I ordered an 8kWh unit
> so that means only 4 of the 8 battery positions are filled.  I can’t find
> anything on the Blue Planet site or in the literature on how to implement
> only 4 battery modules.  I have called every Blue Planet number I can and
> the advice I have been given is to load only the bottom positions.  The
> problem with that advice is if I do that the internal positive lead will
> not reach the top battery and the battery bus bars look like they will be
> unsupported on the top and prone to bending and maybe shorting.
>
>
>
> This should be an easy manufacturer tech support answer, but I can’t seem
> to get though or get an answer that makes sense.  Have any of you installed
> an 8kWh package and maybe have some guidance?
>
>
>
> Thank in advance.
>
>
>
> William Miller
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] outback grid tie help

[Kirpal]

Hi Jay.  We had a similar situation arise once after we updated the
firmware of a 4048 radian.  The inverter was a circa 2015 unit.  After
updating it would only sell about 1/4 of the normal array output to the
grid.
We talked to Chris at tech support and he had us go into the installer menu
and look up the max sell current and somehow the inverter firmware update
had changed a setting deep in the installer menu to limit sell amps.  It
was a menu which we had never been in.  Adjusting to the normal 16a of sell
current up from the 4A immediately corrected the issue.
Your problem sounds exactly like the one we experienced.
Did you update firmware recently?
I believe you have to be on site to access the installer menu
Chris is typically on the job at 6am pacific time and easy to get ahold of
earlyI recommend trying to get ahold of him to walk you thru the
steps.
Best of luck.
Kirpal
Oregon Solarworks


On Sun, Jul 18, 2021, 12:26 PM jay  wrote:

> HI All,
>
> I”m trying to diagnose the following system I didn’t install.
>
> 4 year old system grid tie battery back up.
>
> Radian 4048
> flexmax 80
> 3500 watts PV
> fndc
> it is on opticsRE
>
> The symptoms are that its not selling much at all.  Mostly when it is
> about 1kw max PV production and .8kw selling.  I have disconnected the FNDC
> and after that it did seem to work better.
>
> Usually it will sell a bit, then buy a bit then sell and so on.  Grid
> voltage is very constant at around 246vac.
>
> I’ve been through the settings a few times with tech support, made
> adjustments and for a while it was selling pretty normally, but again today
> 0 production, CC is at float.
>
> I have not been to the site, I was just trying to do this all by optics.
> But I’m going to have to go.   I think there are 3 possible issues.
>
> 1. the customer has always thought the production is low.  And from what
> I’ve seen that is true.  This is in a very sunny place, no shade so with
> 3.5kw, 1kw is very low which I think they may have  a few strings of the
> array are not connected. However why that bothers me is that the VOC/VMP
> voltages are too close in looking at the CC.  Which leads me to think its
> been told to back off to the 1.0kw, by some setting, see #2. And its always
> around .8 selling and around 1kw output from the array.
>
> 2.  There is a programing issue.
>
> 3. There is a hardware issue.
>
>
> If someone wants to look at the site, I have the info and they can log
> in.
> Or if they want to provide settings for me to triple check, that would be
> great
> and
> if they have any ideas as to why its acting like it is, very much
> appreciated
> So far even though tech support has viewed in on Optics and have had some
> recommendations as to settings, its not fixed the issue.
>
> thanks in advance,
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid overvoltage and undervoltage issues on SMA install

[Kirpal]

Hey James,
Line 1 and Line 2 switched in the inverter combiner panel from any of the
inverters? ( line 1 connected to line 2 of inverter 2 or 3 or vice versa)?
Good luck!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Thu, May 20, 2021 at 9:52 AM James Reismiller 
wrote:

> Hi Folks,
>
> I’m wondering if anybody has ideas on what could be causing grid
> over/undervoltage errors on an install we did about a year ago that now has
> these issues. The site is a 24 kW DC ground mount array with (3) SMA
> SB7.0-1SP-US-40 inverters. I’ve checked and done the following:
>
>1. Measured voltage min/max at inverter terminals and AC combiner. Min
>– 228VAC (with no inverter output) Max - 269 VAC (when inverter trying to
>connect)!
>2. Had utility check service and transformer with load meter (with no
>PV running). No issues found and utility engineer stated he thinks it’s on
>our side.
>3. Checked all AC connections including neutral (seemed like neutral
>issue) from inverters back to supply-side tap (fused disco).
>4. Changed SMA upper voltage window in grid guard settings to 272V max
>and 264V reconnection. This helped for a while but now is faulting again.
>
>
>
> Have any of you ran into this issue and how did you solve it? Or what’s
> the next thing to check?
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
>
>
> Be Well,
>
> James Reismiller
>
> He/Him/His
>
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®
>
> Abundant Solar
>
> 541-231-8072  xt. 3
>
> CCB#175919
>
> www.abundantsolar.com
> <http://www.abundantsolar.com/abundantsolar/Home.html>
>
>
>
> "Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion
> to fission. And it just so happens that there's an enormous fusion reactor
> safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could
> ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless!"
>
>
>
> ~William McDonough
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback_Inverter firmware mismatch

[Kirpal]

Hello fellow wrenches!
We have had this issue with a couple of systems and it drove us crazy.
This was for two  systems that had been programmed to run in mini grid
mode. After replacing all communication wires with shielded cable,
replacing the mate, replacing hub, replacing guts from both inverters we
still had the problem.  What finally solved it was changing it to HBX
mode.  Havn't had the issue since.
What mode are the inverters/mate programmed to operate in.
Also, of course making sure all firmwares are most current on all updatable
devices.
Keep us posted if you find the culprit.
Hope that helps!
Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Mon, Mar 29, 2021 at 8:31 AM 
wrote:

> It seems that battery based inverters are not nearly as reliable as they
> once were. I understand that the Samlex inverters are pretty bulletproof.
> They are coming out with a 120/240V split phase to work with a 48V battery
> bank. I don't know that these are grid interactive, or if they can be
> stacked.
>
> We need a manufacturer to produce something equivalent to the FX series
> inverters, or the earlier Radians.
>
> What is the best choice for a grid interactive, battery based inverter? I
> tend to lean toward Schneider.
>
> Drake
>
>
> Drake Chamberlin
>
> Athens Electric LLC
>
> Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810
>
> CO Master Electrician’s License 4526
>
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> ---
>
>
>
> On 2021-03-28 12:04, Roland - RES wrote:
>
> Aloha Wayne,
>
> We too have been plagued by this issue, that has been extremely
> frustrating for us and our clients.
>
> The newest 1.4.6 firmware is supposed to fix this issue. We have updated
> our systems with this and so far so good. However because of the sometimes
> long delays between the faults we can't be certain.
>
> Prior to this most common fix was replacing the mate.
>
> Also on FP2 we had a couple factory units have the hub jumpers set for the
> wrong stacking. I believe they were set for parallel operations versus
> series. Strange it would work fine with the jumpers either way for a long
> time. But it's worth a check.
>
> Sent from a IPhone, with touch screen keys on the fly. Please excuse
> shortcuts and typos.
>
>
>
> Roland Shackelford
> NABCEP CERTIFIED PV INSTALLER
> President
> Renewable Energy Services (RES), Inc.
> Mobile:  *808-938-9239 <http://808-938-9239/>*
> www.renewablenergy.com
>
> On Mar 27, 2021, at 3:11 PM, Wayne Irwin 
> wrote:
>
> Wrenches and Lones,
>
> We have had chronic inverter firmware mismatch issues with FLEXpower TWO
> FXR series on many systems.
> We've updated the firmware and replaced mates, yet the system failures
> continue.
>
> The systems will work flawlessly for months and then randomly show error
> and the firmware mismatch. Occasionally the system will discover (on its
> own) that the firmware is the same and turn back on. But usually, the
> "solution" is to unplug the mate and plug it back in and like
> magic...everything works again anywhere from 3 months to a year.
>
> This is disappointing and frustrating to the system owners as well as
> costly and time consuming for us.
>
> *Any guidance in resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated.*
>
> All these systems have been assembled by Outback.
> None of them have OpticsRE.
>
>
>
>
> Wayne Irwin
> President
> License #CVC56695
> State Licensed Solar Contractor
> Pure Energy Solar International Inc.
> wa...@pureenergysolar.com
> PureEnergySolar.com <http://pureenergysolar.com/>
> SolarChargingStation.com <http://solarchargingstation.com/>
> 352 377-6527 Office
> 352 336-3299 Fax
> 352 316-1637 Cell
>
> 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.
>
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[RE-wrenches] grid sell back time settings on Outback systems

[Kirpal]

Hi Folks
We have a scenario where we would like to control when our system sells
power back to the grid.  Basically, we only want to sell back while the sun
is shining. We would like to stop selling based on programmed clock
settings.  I know in HBX mode we can control when we buy from the grid,
wondering if anyone knows how to control if and when we sell to the grid,
separate from voltage set points.  In this situation we basically don't
want to sell hydro power back at night.
We can create our own relay controls to prevent if we need to, but hoping
someone has a Mate controller based programming solution.  I can't seem to
find it and at first glance Outback tech support didn't have an answer...It
was a new tech support guy I spoke with and he was going to do some
research and get back to me.
100 Thanks!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] MLSD module level shutdown

[Kirpal]

Good day!
With regards to Outback and MLSD we have used without a problem the Fire
Raptor system.  We have done 3 installations so far.  It is very
time consuming to say the least with wire management being the key
culprit.  We also use SolarEdge frequently and have found the Fire Raptor
system to be significantly more time consuming (2-3x).  The installation is
straightforward and pretty easy to integrate with Outback Inverters and FM
100's. The Fire Raptor instal manual is close to useless.  Brad at AEE
provided us with a variety of really good and easy to follow wiring
diagrams which give flexibility depending on install preferences and
equipment used. We have had no troubles since installation at any of the
sites. I am happy to share the diarams - pm me if interested.
My thoughts regarding their offering is that they are significantly over
priced for what they provide.  The wiring provided is clumsy at best.
Plenty of room for refinement and improvement in their offerings - but it
does provide us with a way to meet code requirements and keep our
inspectors happy for our roof mounted solar connected to our Outback based
balance of system.
The MLSD requirements for off grid systems sure have done a good job of
making safety expensive!  It helps drive the arguement for gound/pole mount
systems  - which i prefer anyway!
 I welcome info about any other system that may be available.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Supply side denial

[Kirpal]

Hi Kris.
Here in Southern Oregon our utility if Pacific Power.  They also will not
allow us to do any kind of connection of tap inside the meter box even with
code approved connection methods.  They consider the meter can "their
property"  We are allowed supply side connections via any other AHJ
approved method upstream of the main breaker in the customer owned panel.
We can connect using step lugs on input of breakers, supply side tap on the
wire between the main breaker and the meter- all as long as it is not in
"their" meter can. That is the distinguishing factorwhere the
connection is made.  Most utilities lock out the meter can so as to keep
people out of "their jurisdiction" so as to limit the possibility of
stealing power by bypassing the meter.
I am not sure if this is the distinction they are making.- not whether you
are allowed to make a supply side tap or connection but where you make that
connection.
Hope that helps.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Tue, Oct 27, 2020 at 3:27 PM Kristopher Schmid 
wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I have a utility that is hinting that they are going to deny my
> interconnection application with a supply side connection and require a
> load side.  Has anyone seen this before?
>
> (Proposed interconnection would be with Milbank step lugs in a 200 A
> socket and a 60 A fused disconnect within 10 feet.)
>
> If they refuse it, i am thinking that registering a complaint with the
> Wisconsin PSC may be appropriate.
>
> Kris
>
>
> Shine On!
>
> Kris Schmid
> Legacy Solar, LLC
> 137 West 1st Avenue
> Luck, WI 54853
> www.legacysolar.com
> 715-653-4295
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician
> BSEE
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[RE-wrenches] 200A Automatic Transfer switch

[Kirpal]

Hi Wrenches.
Can anyone recommend a good 200A Nema3 auto transfer switch that does not
need to have any generator feedback (ie. Generac version which requires
signal from generator) to transfer.  Basically looking for a dumb version
which transfers based on loss of grid voltage, and then reconnects based on
re supply of grid voltage.
The Gerearc version which was installed today relies on feedback from the
generator which senses loss of grid voltage to authorize the transfer
switch to toggle to back up mode. When the grid comes back the transfer
switch switches back to normal mode without feedback from the generator
voltage sense wires but not the other way around.

Thank you!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Rectifier

[Kirpal]

Hey Mac.If you were to install an Outback Radian with a max of 50A pass
thru capability on a single inverter you could use your existing 4/0AWG
wire size  and only have a 2.4% voltage drop.  You could run a PV system
and inverter and only tap into the grid connection when PV alone wasn't
sufficient.  The voltage drop would be well with in tolerance and only
pertinent when using the AC power source.  Essentially an off grid system
with the grid available as a supplemental charging source instead of a
noisy smelly generator, which of course you could add if needed as well for
times when grid fails.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Fri, Apr 17, 2020 at 6:15 AM Mac Lewis  wrote:

> Hi wrenches,
>
> I've got a architect client with a sub-optimal power situation on one of
> the projects he is working on.  I'm running through a couple of scenarios
> that may work.  Its a ADU (accessory dwelling unit) that is about 1100'
> from power.  The farmer had taken it upon himself to bury some 4/0 a few
> years ago to run power out there.  Voltage drop is the big issue and its
> not going to pass the AHJ inspection.  We could just ditch the grid and go
> off-grid, but it seems like a shame to not tap into the grid resource.
> Instead of dealing with the voltage drop, I was thinking it may make sense
> to rectify that low AC voltage input and parallel a smallish battery bank
> (size is yet to be determined), then use an off-grid inverter to serve the
> loads at good voltage.
>
> I am looking for feedback on this concept.  What do you think?
>
> Also, are there any recommendations for good quality rectifiers with wide
> input voltage window?
>
> Thanks in advance for your help
>
> --
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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Re: [RE-wrenches] VFX produces no output with no error

[Kirpal]

HughTypically the temp Sense warning is not related to an external temp
sensor, rather an internal temperature sensor.  The Outback inverters
typically will run normally even with this temp sensor not working.  I
believe it is related to temperature of one of the boards and relates to
turning the cooling fan on if present - normally it is not related to a
battery temp sensor which is what I got the impression you understood it to
be. However, typically this will show up as a red blinking error light
which signifies a warning instead of a solid red error light during which
the inverter may stop working.


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Mon, Mar 9, 2020 at 10:00 AM Kent Osterberg  wrote:

> Hugh,
>
> I've seen these symptoms before. The problem was a failed output relay on
> the ac board.
>
> Kent Osterberg
> Blue Mountain Solar
>
>
> On 3/9/2020 9:25 AM, Hugh Piggott wrote:
>
> Hi Wrenches,
>
> I wonder if anyone can tell me what is happening here?
>
> I have an Outback VFX that I used for my own home from 2006-2018.  It’s a
> 50Hz 240V unit, but similar otherwise to any other 48V VFX.  It was working
> well when disconnected.  I needed to replace the inverter system for other
> reasons.
>
> I installed this for a neighbour recently on his 48V system, and it
> apparently worked when I left the building.
>
> Now it’s not working.  When “off” it shows a warning for temperatures
> sensor - fair enough I did not install one.  Maybe when it gets connected
> to a generator it will be found a sensor.  This is the only error or fault
> with a yes.
>
> When “on” it makes a reassuring buzz and both lights come up green and
> there is no error or warning in the Mate.  Just one problem - no output.
>
> Another weird thing.  I go to the status menu and check meters
>  STATUS/FX/METER output voltage and it says “4V”.  So it *knows* that it
> is not working but it appears to have no qualms or misgivings about this
> state of affairs.  NO error, no warning, two green lights.
>
> I tried rebooting with the battery fuse.  I tried resetting to factory
> defaults.  No joy.
>
> I suppose I will take it to pieces and try to figure out a hardware
> failure but I wonder if anyone has seen this and can give me a clue?
>
> cheers
> Hugh
>
>
> Hugh Piggott
> Scoraig Wind Electric
> Dundonnell
> Ross shire
> IV23 2RE,  UK
> +44 77 1315 7600
> h...@scoraigwind.co.uk
> www.scoraigwind.co.uk
>
>
>
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] Enphase Envoy - original version

[Kirpal]

Hi Wrenches.  We have a customer whose Envoy stopped working.  We are
looking for a used or new original envoy.  Please contact me off list if
you have one that you would like to part ways with.
Thanks!
Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Recycling of LI vs Pb

[Kirpal]

Hi JayThere are numerous articles.  Here are a fewI havn't
researched  much more than these articles...But it looks like
interesting...Not really sure if they are up to full speed yet

https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1122631_tesla-launches-battery-recycling-at-nevada-gigafactory
https://electrek.co/2019/04/16/tesla-battery-recycling-system/
https://cleantechnica.com/2018/06/07/yes-tesla-recycles-all-of-its-spent-batteries-wants-to-do-more-in-the-future/

This one I found the most interesting:
https://medium.com/tradr/teslas-approach-to-recycling-is-the-way-of-the-future-for-sustainable-production-5af99b62aa0e
Cheers

Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Fri, Sep 27, 2019 at 1:27 PM Jay  wrote:

> Hi Kirpal,
>
> Do you know of any information about this recycling at Tesla?
> Links, etc
>
> Thx
> Jay
>
> On Sep 27, 2019, at 7:49 AM, Kirpal  wrote:
>
> 
> Hi Mark.  Great question!  This is an important consideration.  Tesla has
> a recycling facility at their Nevada plant for their batteries.  Curious
> how other LFP manufacturers recommend end of life handling.
> Speaking of waste,  As you all are installing systems of all varieties,
> what are you finding with regard to non sustainable packaging in all your
> "clean" energy materials.  I am troubled that after many of our installs we
> have a pile of plastic and styrofoam as big as the the balance of system
> installation.  Sometimes bigger.  It drives me crazy to have this blight on
> our installation.  I am often embarrassed when the customer points out this
> dichotomy of the installation.  Which manufacturers are you happiest with
> in regards to environmentally friendly packaging materials for inverters,
> other balance of system, and batteries  (probably LFePho4)?  Collectively
> we should have the ability to pressure them to use more sustainable
> packaging.
> I have seen some improvements and some half way implemented changes, but a
> lot more can be done to improve this aspect of our industry.  All of us can
> helpTogether we have a big voice.
>
> Sunny Regards,
> Kirpal Khalsa
> Oregon LRT#25
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> Oregon Solarworks LLC
> www.oregonsolarworks.com
> 541-299-0402
>
>
> On Fri, Sep 27, 2019 at 7:34 AM Mark Frye  wrote:
>
>> Folks,
>>
>> Has anyone done a good review of the current state of affairs re:
>> recycling Li batteries?
>>
>> I am a bit in the past with a starry-eyed view of Pb with HUP, in
>> particular, believing that Pb batteries have almost a closed cycle
>> product life, ie, we already have infrastructure to recycle something
>> like 95% of the material in Pb batteries.
>>
>> Taking a step back, has our industry become just as jaded by our shiny
>> new technology as every other sector of our economy, focusing on
>> impressive new short term outcomes that are not really embedded within
>> the frame work of a sustainable future?
>>
>> This is why I ask about the recyclablility / sustainability of Li
>> batteries? Some what agnostic here but wondering what the thinking
>> around this is?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Mark Frye
>>
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Recycling of LI vs Pb

[Kirpal]

Hi Mark.  Great question!  This is an important consideration.  Tesla has a
recycling facility at their Nevada plant for their batteries.  Curious how
other LFP manufacturers recommend end of life handling.
Speaking of waste,  As you all are installing systems of all varieties,
what are you finding with regard to non sustainable packaging in all your
"clean" energy materials.  I am troubled that after many of our installs we
have a pile of plastic and styrofoam as big as the the balance of system
installation.  Sometimes bigger.  It drives me crazy to have this blight on
our installation.  I am often embarrassed when the customer points out this
dichotomy of the installation.  Which manufacturers are you happiest with
in regards to environmentally friendly packaging materials for inverters,
other balance of system, and batteries  (probably LFePho4)?  Collectively
we should have the ability to pressure them to use more sustainable
packaging.
I have seen some improvements and some half way implemented changes, but a
lot more can be done to improve this aspect of our industry.  All of us can
helpTogether we have a big voice.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402


On Fri, Sep 27, 2019 at 7:34 AM Mark Frye  wrote:

> Folks,
>
> Has anyone done a good review of the current state of affairs re:
> recycling Li batteries?
>
> I am a bit in the past with a starry-eyed view of Pb with HUP, in
> particular, believing that Pb batteries have almost a closed cycle
> product life, ie, we already have infrastructure to recycle something
> like 95% of the material in Pb batteries.
>
> Taking a step back, has our industry become just as jaded by our shiny
> new technology as every other sector of our economy, focusing on
> impressive new short term outcomes that are not really embedded within
> the frame work of a sustainable future?
>
> This is why I ask about the recyclablility / sustainability of Li
> batteries? Some what agnostic here but wondering what the thinking
> around this is?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mark Frye
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] SolarEdge

[Kirpal]

Hi FolksDoes anyone know how to reach SolarEdge support.  We have
numerous sites with issues and have been on phone hold for well over 3
hours.  Multiple days in a row. No one answers.  We tired their online chat
tool and we are #49 on the wait list to be addressed.   This is pretty
ridiculous.  I am wondering if they are going out of business?  No way to
get support?  Any inside contacts would be appreciated.
Historically we have enjoyed using their products and even customer
support.  They used to offer a call back feature that kept your place in
line...But they stopped offering that feature.   I know this is echoing
others experiences recently.   Also the present policy of waiting 10
days to send replacements doesn't sit well with our customers.
What other inverter/optimizer combos are folks using that are proving
reliable and consistent with good installer support.  I have noted many
complaints regarding Tigo and SMA paired together. recently on the wrenches
listWhat are folks using with Fronius.  Lately their tech support was a
pleasure to work with and we didn't even have to ask for reimbursement when
replacing an inverterTheir policy is to send payment when they receive
defective inverter back.   I was impressed. Quick easy knowledgeable techs
as well.
Other suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Cutting rail

[Kirpal]

Just like the other gents mentioned...but I would add...get the saw blade
with 10 teeth per inchwill not clog up with the soft aluminum.   You
will love the saw for cutting conduit too.  All done relatively quietly
without all the jarring.
Kirpal

On Wed, Jun 12, 2019, 9:32 PM frenergy  wrote:

> Any suggestions for cutting rail with a Sawzall?  Many times at the end
> of a run of PVs there could be 5-6" of rail (in this case DPW P8).  I
> like to use a circular saw but sometimes I don't have enough clearance
> once the rail and panels are installed.  The sawzall works but I'm
> looking for a blade that doesn't load up with aluminum too fast and cuts
> without too much vibration.  Other ideas?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill
>
> Feather River Solar Electric
> Bill Battagin, Owner
> 4291 Nelson St.
> Taylorsville, CA 95983
> 530.284.7849
> CA Lic 874049
> www.frenergy.net
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Quick Cable supplier

[Kirpal]

Try- PV Cables Inc. They are quick to ship and typically have these in
stock.
Cheers
Kirpal
Oregon Solarworks

On Thu, May 30, 2019, 2:48 PM Tump  wrote:

> Any suggestions for a *professional* sales rep for Quick Cable would be
> appreciated.
> Am in need of Magna Lugs that are listed for my QC crimper, available in a
> timely fashion.
> Please contact me off list. thanks Tump
>
> *t...@swnl.net*   *www.SWNL.net*
> Solarwinds Northernlights
> *   Serving Mid Coast Maine & Northern California*
> * 207-832-7574   Cl.
> 610-517-8401  *
>   *Blair "TUMP" May*
>
>
> *     MAINE'S CHARTER  *   *
> NABCEP"Certified PV Installer"*
>
>
> *   MAINE'S CHARTER   **
> Trace Xantrex "Certified" Dealer / Installer"*
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Bi-Directional / Netmetering question

[Kirpal]

Jason...not sure about the Enphase consumption monitoring, if it is done
with CT's confirm that your CT's are facing the right direction.  Some CT's
are directional and perhaps your consumption monitoring could be backwards
instead of the utility meter wiring backwards.Seems like the utility
would have noticed incorrect wiring in their can.
We use the E Gauge CT clamps for some monitoring and they are directional.
I am not familiar with the Enphase versions.


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Wed, Aug 15, 2018 at 4:01 PM, Jason Szumlanski <
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> Is it possible for a utility meter to be programmed/wired backward? I have
> a client on an Enphase system with production and consumption monitoring,
> and the Enphase monitoring is showing solar production exceeded consumption
> by 400 kWh for a billing period. However, the meter is reading almost
> exactly the opposite. It seems too coincidental.
>
> I'm going to go out to the site tomorrow to shut down all of the loads and
> see what happens when solar is only backfeeding the meter, but I'm curious
> how the meters are "programmed" or set up to work.
>
> Note that the meter was zeroed to start and the initial billing period
> readings show DEL exceeded REC by 400 kWh, which matches what was billed
> (net usage of positive 400 kWh).
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Ac Coupling

[Kirpal]

 Larry.Outback Radian would work fine but you would need 2 of the 8kW
inverters for your ~11kW GT inverter.  Outback  recommends a maximum 75%
loading ratio when AC coupling.  We have used a simple solid state relay
controlled by the Aux Out of the Radian to turn off one leg of the
SolarEdge or any other GT inverter essentially shutting off the GT inverter
when a desired battery voltage is reached.
As an aside, in earlier days when lead acid batteries where the main
battery technology I didn't like this set up because it didn't allow
multistage charging of the batteries leading to batteries only reaching
approximately 80% SOC (bad for batteries) because there was no ability to
taper charge (aside from frequency shift compatible inverters). But
nowadays with Lithium batteries, which don't require multistage charging
becoming more common this method of AC coupling is pretty attractive
because the batteries don't care if they only reach a partial state of
chargeEven though you can charge them more than 80% before kicking off
the GT inverter.  We have used this method successfully in addition to
having DC coupling present in the same system as well.
Let me know if you need a diagram.


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Thu, Jul 19, 2018 at 7:07 AM, Larry Brown 
wrote:

> Does anyone have a recommendation on a battery based inverter to AC Couple
> with a Solar Edge 11400A-US Inverter that is already installed?
> I have been working a lot with the Schneider Conergy XW+ Inverters for off
> grid but have no experience AC Coupling them with a Solar Edge Inverter
> Any recommendations?
>
> Thanks
> Larry
>
> Larry Brown
> Sun Mountain
> 845-657-8096
> sunmount...@netstep.net
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Li+ Systems Puerto Rico

[Kirpal]

Larryyes those are big claims (8000 cyclces at 100% DOD!)  No I don't
have the data showing that, nor have I seen it.  But the marketing has to
be accurate right?!  We have installed a few systems with a few more on the
books including one at our office. Will be interesting to see if the real
world matches the lab testsI don't have a copy of their warranty but it
is for 15 years and does allow for some degradation of capacity,  70%
remaining after 15 years.  Pretty robust for a battery warranty!  From what
I have seen they are a strong off grid option.  Could be one of the last
battery banks some of our customers ever buy.  The visibility into cycle
count and remaining capacity is refreshing after using various amp hour
meters which tend to wander in accuracy over time.  I am looking forward to
the migration away from Lead Acid in the years ahead!


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Mon, Feb 19, 2018 at 4:08 PM, Starlight Solar Power Systems <
la...@starlightsolar.com> wrote:

> Hi Kirpal,
>
> “...8000 cycles (20+ years of daily cycling!!) to 100 depth of discharge…”
> I saw that on their website but there is no substantiating data from real
> cycle life tests. When Sony introduced this battery, they claimed 2000
> cycles at 80% DoD. For such an extraordinary claim, there must be a catch.
> Do you have any information about testing or a copy of their warranty?
>
>
> Larry Crutcher
> Starlight Solar Power Systems
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Feb 19, 2018, at 4:10 PM, Kirpal <solarwo...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Blue Planet - Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are a good option for off
> grid and work very well with the Outback Radian inverters.  They are rated
> at 8000 cycles (20+ years of daily cycling!!) to 100 depth of discharge and
> can be monitored remotely.  The batteries , like in the Sonnen system are
> made by Sony.
> The company was just down in PR doing some installs and had some very good
> feedback from local installers.
> One more option for the tool bag.
> Also, Outback just released a white paper on AC coupling using a solid
> state relay into the Radian.   So they are now providing some guidance on
> this as of just recently.  I still prefer DC coupling with grid tied mode
> when the grid does come back around.
>
>
>
> Sunny Regards,
> Kirpal Khalsa
> Oregon LRT#25
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> Oregon Solarworks LLC
> www.oregonsolarworks.com
> 541-299-0402 <(541)%20299-0402>
>
> On Mon, Feb 19, 2018 at 11:14 AM, Ray <r...@solarray.com> wrote:
>
>> Greetings Wrenches;
>>
>> We are designing several systems for Puerto Rico, and while these will
>> eventually could be grid tied once the grid returns, they will need to
>> operate reliably in off grid mode possibly for a year or more.  What is
>> everyone's experiences with the Storedge and LG setup?  I've worked with
>> the regular Solaredge GT system and was quite impressed, but I've heard the
>> Storedge is not a good off grid option.  What are the issues, and has
>> anyone used the Storedge in longer term outages?
>>
>> Right now we are designing some smaller systems that will use Magnum
>> inverters with 24v and 48 v Li+ batteries from other manufacturers, like
>> Simpliphi and LiFe Blue. ( No GT, Backup only)  These are lower cost and
>> allow us to use more traditional off grid designs, but also have limited
>> charge and discharge current.  In order to make Li+ cost effective, we have
>> had to reduce the storage size in half compared to lead acid.  We feel this
>> is justifiable considering Li+'s ability to be discharged to 100%, its
>> voltage stability, and its higher efficiency.
>>
>> All feed back is welcome, as we venture into less well charted
>> territory.  We just don't want to set up systems that are going to not be
>> functional in 5 to 8 years because of inferior AGM lead acid batteries.  We
>> use HUP batteries for most larger off grid systems, but these are not
>> feasible because of their size and maintenance requirements.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Ray Walters
>>
>> Remote Solar
>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Li+ Systems Puerto Rico

[Kirpal]

 Blue Planet - Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are a good option for off
grid and work very well with the Outback Radian inverters.  They are rated
at 8000 cycles (20+ years of daily cycling!!) to 100 depth of discharge and
can be monitored remotely.  The batteries , like in the Sonnen system are
made by Sony.
The company was just down in PR doing some installs and had some very good
feedback from local installers.
One more option for the tool bag.
Also, Outback just released a white paper on AC coupling using a solid
state relay into the Radian.   So they are now providing some guidance on
this as of just recently.  I still prefer DC coupling with grid tied mode
when the grid does come back around.



Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Mon, Feb 19, 2018 at 11:14 AM, Ray <r...@solarray.com> wrote:

> Greetings Wrenches;
>
> We are designing several systems for Puerto Rico, and while these will
> eventually could be grid tied once the grid returns, they will need to
> operate reliably in off grid mode possibly for a year or more.  What is
> everyone's experiences with the Storedge and LG setup?  I've worked with
> the regular Solaredge GT system and was quite impressed, but I've heard the
> Storedge is not a good off grid option.  What are the issues, and has
> anyone used the Storedge in longer term outages?
>
> Right now we are designing some smaller systems that will use Magnum
> inverters with 24v and 48 v Li+ batteries from other manufacturers, like
> Simpliphi and LiFe Blue. ( No GT, Backup only)  These are lower cost and
> allow us to use more traditional off grid designs, but also have limited
> charge and discharge current.  In order to make Li+ cost effective, we have
> had to reduce the storage size in half compared to lead acid.  We feel this
> is justifiable considering Li+'s ability to be discharged to 100%, its
> voltage stability, and its higher efficiency.
>
> All feed back is welcome, as we venture into less well charted territory.
> We just don't want to set up systems that are going to not be functional in
> 5 to 8 years because of inferior AGM lead acid batteries.  We use HUP
> batteries for most larger off grid systems, but these are not feasible
> because of their size and maintenance requirements.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ray Walters
>
> Remote Solar
>
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[RE-wrenches] Outback AC Coupling

[Kirpal]

Hi Folks.Outback no longer supports AC coupling on their Radian
systems.  My understanding is that it is because of the unreliability of
the ROCB (remote operated circuit breaker) they were using.  I have heard
that they are imminently going to release a white paper about AC coupling
using a solid state relay instead.  I was wondering if any of you have done
this?  Do you have any advice about the settings for the Auxiliary output
settings that control the relay?  Looking for programming advice on the
mate 3.  I talked to Outback today and they said until the white paper is
released they won't be giving instructions or advice on this capability.
They did tell me not to use the AC couple mode already programmed into the
mate 3 auxiliary output control.
Thanks in advance for any advice! On or off list!!
Cheers.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] blue planet batteries

[Kirpal]

JayWe have done a couple of Blue Planet battery banks and are very
pleased with the results as are our cutomers. We have a couple more on the
books for the next couple months.  They don't communicate with the inverter
but they are fully monitor -able via the web and smart phone app or web
browser.  They are easy to install, an easy company to deal with and we
plan to keep using them.  Both of the jobs we have installed them on are
Outback based inverters (one Radian and one FX)
If they live up to their ratings it will be the last battery bank some of
our customers will ever install.


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Thu, Jan 4, 2018 at 1:12 PM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar <
offgridso...@sti.net> wrote:

> I almost became a dealer They wanted me to deal with sales tax and I
> like being able to decide that with AEE and Soligent.
> They do not communicate directly with the inverter/charger/Mppt. They
> appear robust enough to not need to. They work with anyone's existing
> system.
> They do have an App that gets you the SOC data. I did not see anything for
> SOL though. I could have missed that.
> They are not reasonably priced at this time in my opinion. I do like the
> 30LB blocks to build a 200+ LB enclosure. No heavy lifting.
> There is the, will they be there down the road? I like the SOC getting out
> to my Outback and Schneider systems to the web portals and this won't do
> it, yet.
>
> Staying too dry here for January! You Jay?
>
> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
> "we go where powerlines don't"
> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
> e-mail  offgridso...@sti.net
> text 209 813 0060
>
>
> > While we are talking about batteries,
> >
> > Does anyone have any experience with the Blueplanet lithium for off grid?
> >
> > Do they communicate with the inverter system is a big question?
> >
> > thx
> > jay
> >
> > peltz power
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[RE-wrenches] Concrete Tile Roof Solar Installation - Oregon - Engineering requirements

[Kirpal]

Hi Folks!  We don't get many jobs installing solar on concrete tile
roofsthere aren't many around here.  In Oregon we are allowed to do an
engineer-less installation on metal and comp roofs when the array is flush
mounted to the roof.  Concrete tile roofs don't fit into this scenario.  My
engineer quoted me $650 for a report authorizing the installation.  Seems
like this is way too expensive for a modest 5kW system.  What are others
doing for concrete tile roof installs.  Engineering required?  We usually
use SnapNRack as our racking system.  (will probably use QuickMount Tile
Replacement Flashings for this project)  Other Oregon installers - any
advice on this hurdle?  Not worried about the technical installation just
the cost and formality of getting an engineers stamp for permits.
Thanks in advance!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SunBandit Solar PV Hot Water

[Kirpal]

Hi JayThat is exactly how the system works.  Output from the micros is
variable up to 240VacAt low power the voltage is down below a hundred
Vac.
I just installed a full power version at my house and am still assessing
the efficiency.   If they work as good as their marketing literature
states  then for a solar electrician like myself it will give me another
tool to offer our customers.  We don't do solar thermal because it is a
different license and a different set if tools and parts and pieces to
carry in the work truck.  But solar heated hot water sure is great and this
particular system type (PV) especially for all the reasons Dana mentioned.
I will report back once I have had the time to asses it's effectiveness
with my system.
I am hopeful!  Thought I would test it out on myself first.
Cheers.
Kirpal Khalsa


On Nov 11, 2017 7:00 PM, "jay" <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Does anyone know how they actually operate?
>
> I”m thinking they are using a variable AC voltage output from the micros
> to operate at MPP  matching the resistance of the heating element?
> IE more PV watts, higher AC voltage, more load.  Lower PV watts, lower AC
> voltage, less load?
>
> Thanks,
>
> jay
>
> Peltz Power
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Nov 11, 2017, at 9:32 AM, Dana <d...@solarwork.com> wrote:
> >
> > I installed one SunBandit solar hot water system about 1.5 years ago and
> the client is still thrilled with the performance. It is a well-constructed
> system. My only consideration is it arrives in one very heavy crate that is
> a monster to handle & uncrate. The tank is a beast, very heavy to move
> around, but well-constructed.
> > I would give this design & system, both 5 stars & 2 thumbs up.
> >
> > After many years of solar thermal glycol installations there are many up
> sides to this product.
> > No plumbing - no glycol.
> > No excess heat issues to address during late summer.
> > Once the tank is hot the PV just idles.
> > No power out issues - steam buildup.
> > No pumps to maintain - replace.
> > Everything is very heavy duty constructed almost to the point of too
> heavy duty.
> >
> > I was sufficiently impressed with the system to consider one on my
> current home project but between solar thermal direct injection to the
> slabs and 6.4 KW of excess PV in the summer, I am doing a hybrid system.
> Once the battery bank is full, shunting the excess PV to a 240-volt
> electrode as needed and & in the winter using excess PV production as
> available & solar thermal once the slabs are sufficiently warmed. I am
> using the SOLARLOGIC controller to address the control of the solar thermal
> decisions.
> > http://www.solarlogicllc.com/products/slic-solarlogic-
> integrated-controller/
> >
> > 
> 
> > Dana Orzel   Great Solar Works, Inc.
> > 208.721.7003   d...@solarwork.com
> > Idaho Contractor - # 028765  Idaho PV # 028374
> > NABCEP # 051112-136   www.solarwork.biz
> > "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
> >  Please consider the environment before printing this email.
> >
> >
> > -Original Message-
> > From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On
> Behalf Of Kirpal
> > Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2017 9:56 AM
> > To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
> > Subject: [RE-wrenches] SunBandit Solar PV Hot Water
> >
> > Hi Folks!!  Wanted to collect any feed back from anyone who has used the
> SunBandit Solar hot water systems.  Working well?  Not working well?  I
> just installed a system on my home and of course the winter sun is scarce
> so it may be a while before I get to fully asses its capabilities.  I am
> thinking of offering them to our customers but wanted to see if anyone had
> a track record on them before I dive deep.
> > Thanks!
> >
> >
> > Sunny Regards,
> > Kirpal Khalsa
> > Oregon LRT#25
> > NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional Oregon Solarworks LLC
> www.oregonsolarworks.com
> > 541-299-0402
> >
> >
>
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[RE-wrenches] SunBandit Solar PV Hot Water

[Kirpal]

Hi Folks!!  Wanted to collect any feed back from anyone who has used the
SunBandit Solar hot water systems.  Working well?  Not working well?  I
just installed a system on my home and of course the winter sun is scarce
so it may be a while before I get to fully asses its capabilities.  I am
thinking of offering them to our customers but wanted to see if anyone had
a track record on them before I dive deep.
Thanks!


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Using same PV array for water pump, battery charging

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hi Larry. We did this recently.  We settled on a Square D 60A 600VDC
disconnect feeding a Midnite Solar Transfer switch with 60A, 300VDC
breakers.  We put an engraved placard on the transfer switch instructing
the customer to turn off the disconnect first then to operate the transfer
switch and when the transfer either way is completed to turn on the
disconnect again. .  It could have worked without the disconnect but we
felt that it was probably an abundance of caution to operate the transfer
switch with PV disconnected.
Our application was switching from a Grundfos pump in the summer to a
Fronius inverter in fall and the reverse in spring. .  This was a seasonal
transfer instead of daily transfer.  Certainly not automated. But
relatively fool proof and safe.
Good luck.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Thu, Feb 16, 2017 at 4:24 PM, Roy Rakobitsch <winds...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Arcing would only happen when disconnecting pump during sunny periods, why
> not disconnect at dusk? Connecting pump will not arc due to soft start. Not
> sure about that particular charge controller,  but some controllers can use
> Aux relay logic to do this upon full SOC. The Midnite Classic comes to
> mind. Swithcing can be done with contactor.
> Just a thought.
>
>
> Roy Rakobitsch
> NABCEP Certified Small Wind Installer®
> Certified Advanced Tower Climbing, Safety & Rescue
> Wind/PV Design Engineer
> Windsine LLC
> 631-514-4166 <(631)%20514-4166>
> www.windsine.org
>
> On Feb 16, 2017 4:24 PM, "Starlight Solar Power Systems" <
> la...@starlightsolar.com> wrote:
>
>> Hello Wrenches,
>>
>> A customer has 3250 Watt PV array @ 139Voc. The PV controller is Magnum
>> PT100. He wants to install a Grundfos SQFlex pump and be able to switch the
>> DC from the PV controller to run the pump directly. He would like to switch
>> midday after the battery (48V) is at a high SoC.
>>
>> I’m looking for a switching arrangement to do this without arcing since
>> it will be used a few times each week. Any have a recommendation?
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>> Larry Crutcher
>> Starlight Solar Power Systems
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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[RE-wrenches] sma -40 monitoring and tech support

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Friends!
We have been installing  the SMA-40 inverters lately. We like the physical
layout of the inverters.  They have built in wifi capabilities. On paper
this sounds good.  In practice this part of the inverters have been working
like crap.  We have multiple sites that are experiencing on going
connectivity issues even with excellent wifi signals.
We have upgraded to the latest firmware 3 times in the last 3 weeks for
inverters manufactured in late October.  Clearly they see they have issues,
due to the frequency of firmware updates.  Even the latest firmware is
proving useless.  Anyone else having trouble with these inverters?  We feel
like we are their experimentation lab and doing their R on our dime.
Their tech support is minimum an hour wait on hold.  We have spent more
time trying to resolve the communications issues than the actual
installation of the whole solar system took, not just the inverters.  In
fact I am typing this email as I am on hold.
Any one else having issues with this part of the inverters?  Advice on how
to deal with SMA or resolve the issues with out resorting to their useless
tech support?
Thanks!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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[RE-wrenches] Rolls Surrette Re-combiner caps.

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Top o' the morning!
Has anyone used the Rolls Surrette recombiner caps for their series 4000
batteries? They come standard on the series 5000 batteries  Any ideas where
to source them? None of our battery suppliers we get Rolls batteries from
seem to have them.
We have used water miser caps in the past, they seem to have only moderate
resultssome customers seem to think they help with minimizing
electrolyte loss and some thinking they dont help at all.Any thoughts?



Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sub Panel Mounted on Roof Slope

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Dana.we have used the Eaton Cutler Hammer custom enclosures from their
Lincoln Flex Center They will make you any NEMA rated enclosure you
like.with a variety of box materials.  We have used them to make us
some 4X AC load centersExpensive and takes a few weeks but works well.
We order them from our local Platt Electric supply house.  Any of the
Cutler Hammer distributors should be able to order them for you.
You can do a search on Google and you will find all the info you need.
Good luck!

Kirpal
Oregon Solarworks

On Sep 29, 2016 1:38 PM, "Jason Fisher (STC)" <stc.ja...@gmail.com> wrote:

I saw some interesting new AC combiners from SolarBOS at SPI. Might want to
check with them depending on exactly what you are using this equipment for.

Jason Fisher

On Thu, Sep 29, 2016 at 4:28 PM, Ryan Mayfield <r...@renewableassociates.com
> wrote:

> Bentek has a product listed on their site that may fit the bill, although
> there isn’t much in the way of documentation:
> http://www.bentek.com/solar-products/disconnect-systems/ac-powerbuss/
>
>
>
> Ryan
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Chris Mason
> *Sent:* Thursday, September 29, 2016 1:12 PM
> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Sub Panel Mounted on Roof Slope
>
>
>
> Specify NEMA12.
>
>
>
> On Sep 27, 2016 19:30, "Dana Brandt" <d...@ecotechenergy.com> wrote:
>
> Hi Wrenches,
>
>
>
> Does anyone know of a 480VAC panelboard that can be mounted flush to a 10
> degree pitched roof as opposed to vertically?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Dana
>
> Dana Brandt
> Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC
> www.ecotechenergy.com
> d...@ecotechenergy.com
> 360.318.7646
>
>
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-- 
Jason Fisher
434-409-8173
stc.ja...@gmail.com


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Re: [RE-wrenches] S-5! mini vs 2 screw

[Kirpal Khalsa]

We use the Ace 2 Clamps...We like them a lot.mu h easier than the
S5'sThey are solid.We have typically shied away from the S5 mini's
because of their rock-able nature.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Thu, Jul 28, 2016 at 8:01 AM, jay <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote:

> There is also the Ace clamp.
>
> I haven’t used it or heard any reports about it.
> Looks better in many regards than the S-5.
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
>
> On Jul 28, 2016, at 6:06 AM, Will White <w...@solarenergy.org> wrote:
>
> The big problem I've had with the minis is when you attach them with rail
> and then walk on the rail it can pivot on the single set screw.   Often you
> have to go back and straighten out the rails before mounting the modules.
> I'd assume the resistance to uplift would be less too but that may not be a
> problem.
>
> Thanks,
> Will
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 27, 2016 at 4:28 PM,  <br...@willpowerelect.com> wrote:
>
>> Hello Wrenches!
>> We're designing a larger standing seam roof array. Other than the little
>> bit of wobble from the single set screw on the mini, does anyone have a
>> strong engineering opinion on the 2 screw vs single? We've always had good
>> luck with the minis and the price is about 1/3 less.
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> Bruce Fiero-RMI
>>
>> *Willpower Electric, LLC*
>> *4115 S Pacific Hwy*
>> *Medford, OR 97501*
>>
>> *Phone: *541-535-3965
>> *Fax:* 541-512-0061
>> *Email:* br...@willpowerelect.com
>> <br...@willpowerelect.com>*Web:* Willpower Electric, LLC
>>
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>
>
> --
> *Will White*
> Curriculum Developer
>
> e: w...@solarenergy.org
> w: www.solarenergy.org
> p: 802-272-309
>
> PV Installation Professional
> # 093006-34
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Re: [RE-wrenches] multiple radian installation

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Jay, we typically use an external on/off/on transfer switch.you are on
a good path. With a 3 Radian system it will be a large bypass
switchExpensive!
Good luck.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Wed, May 11, 2016 at 12:15 PM, jay <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote:

> HI All,
>
> I’m curious how folks are doing the AC bypass and AC side on a 3 radian
> 240v setup?
>
> I”m leaning on doing an external transfer switch, but curious what others
> have done.
>
> thanks
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
>
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] supply side connection - Tap connector recommendations

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hi ShastaThank you for the reminder.  Safety first as they say!! Jason
hit the nail on the headCoordinating with the local utility and
inspector is what caused us to go the route of the insulation piercing taps
in the first placeWe also considered the ConnectDer meter collar.I
am sure we will use it in the futureThe local utility has not already
approved their use and in the middle of a project we didn't want to break
new ground.
Luckily for us our experienced electrician will be making the hot taps, I
will use the opportunity to remind them about safety
Cheers!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Wed, May 11, 2016 at 7:12 AM, Shasta Daiku <mjmornings...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Yes, “I get” that there is inconvenience in coordinating  with the utility
> and inspectors, permitting, and power disruption. In my world that’s just a
> given part of the process. Of course there are circumstances where
> disconnecting a utility supply is nearly unavoidable, for instance, certain
> industrial processes that run 24/7. I am aware that the practice of
> installing line side taps on energized unfused conductors is common in the
> solar industry and always thought it pretty cavalier. I have to wonder just
> how many “installers” have had real training for live work and utilize
> proper personnel safety protection. Part of the classwork for this type of
> training is watching/viewing the results of things gone wrong, even when
> the best practices are applied. An indelible impression
> will certainly be imprinted, and an attitude of "avoiding the avoidable”
> second nature.
>
> Michael
>
> On May 11, 2016, at 5:24 AM, Jason Szumlanski <
> ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
> In some jurisdictions and for some utilities, pulling the meter is a MAJOR
> ordeal. Some jurisdictions require a "service change" permit on top of the
> solar permit just to have the meter pulled. It also requires getting an
> inspector out there at the perfect time to have it inspected so the the
> utility will re-install the meter. The homeowner is often without power for
> several hours, which is usually somewhere between inconvenient and
> unacceptable. Insulation piercing taps are extremely common around here for
> these reasons. With proper safety precautions and experience, I don't see
> any issue specifying and using them.
>
>
> Jason Szumlanski
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, May 11, 2016 at 12:26 AM, Shasta Daiku <mjmornings...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Kirpal, I’m curious what the reason is for making the tap on an energized
>> line. Why not have the meter pulled? While insulation piercing taps are
>> designed for “hot work”, there use for that should be limited to tapping
>> conductors that have OCP, and aren’t under load, with generous working
>> space, like in a piece of switch gear. Even in that situation, making taps
>> on energized conductors should only be done when it’s an absolute
>> necessity. I’ve got a large body of “hot work” under my belt, both line and
>> load side and will say that face shields and hot gloves saved my butt on
>> several occasions and I’ve got a nice scar on my neck from a molten piece
>> of lug from a main breaker that broke apart while I was tightening up it’s
>> mounting screw. Stuff happens. It’s always best to play it safe.
>>
>> Michael Morningstar
>>
>>
>> On May 10, 2016, at 11:04 AM, Chris Mason <cometenergysyst...@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> This is what we use - we keep a selection in the van for difficult jobs.
>>
>> Insulation Piercing Connector 2/0-10 AWG
>> Part #IPCS2001
>> Insulation Piercing Connector 2/0-10 AWG 2/0-4 Main, 10-14 AWG Tap, Dual
>> Rated AL9CU, Torque Limiting Nut
>>
>> On Tue, May 10, 2016 at 1:27 PM, Kirpal Khalsa <solarwo...@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Folks,
>>> We have a job requiring a supply side connection.  Wondering if anyone
>>> could share some makes and models for connectors connecting to the wires
>>> between a main meter and the main breakers in the electrical panel.
>>> Ideally it would be able to be done hot.
>>> I am also looking into the ConnectDer meter collar but will have to
>>> coordinate with the utility for that and am looking to keep things simple.
>>> Thank you
>>>
>>>
>>> Sunny Regards,
>>> Kirpal Khalsa
>>> Oregon LRT#25
>>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
>>> Oregon Solarworks LLC
>>> www.oregonsolarworks.com
>>> 5

Re: [RE-wrenches] supply side connection - Tap connector recommendations

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Matt...Thank you!!! That is what I was after.They are ordered and on
their way.
Cheers!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Tue, May 10, 2016 at 10:45 AM, Matt Partymiller <
m...@solar-energy-solutions.com> wrote:

> Ilsco has some great options.  See:
>
>
> https://www.platt.com/CutSheets/Ilsco/Ilsco-InsulationPiercingConnectors-CatalogPage.pdf
>
> Matt
>
> Matthew Partymiller
> Solar Energy Solutions LLC
> (877) 312-7456
> m...@solar-energy-solutions.com
>
> On Tue, May 10, 2016 1:27 pm, Kirpal Khalsa wrote:
> > Hi Folks,
> > We have a job requiring a supply side connection.  Wondering if anyone
> > could share some makes and models for connectors connecting to the wires
> > between a main meter and the main breakers in the electrical panel.
> > Ideally it would be able to be done hot.
> > I am also looking into the ConnectDer meter collar but will have to
> > coordinate with the utility for that and am looking to keep things
> simple.
> >  Thank you
> >
> >
> >
> > Sunny Regards,
> > Kirpal Khalsa
> > Oregon LRT#25
> > NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> > Oregon Solarworks LLC
> > www.oregonsolarworks.com 541-299-0402
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[RE-wrenches] supply side connection - Tap connector recommendations

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hi Folks,
We have a job requiring a supply side connection.  Wondering if anyone
could share some makes and models for connectors connecting to the wires
between a main meter and the main breakers in the electrical panel.
Ideally it would be able to be done hot.
I am also looking into the ConnectDer meter collar but will have to
coordinate with the utility for that and am looking to keep things simple.
Thank you


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Goofy roofing

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Panels in landscape mode with rails running peak to gutter?
On Apr 29, 2016 6:54 AM, "frenergy"  wrote:

> Recently, a customer had a metal roof (not standing seam) installed by a
> "handyman".  Pretty clean installation however for some reason he ran 1X6
> stringers across the roof  on the 1/2" plywood deck spaced about every 4
> feet (as you go from ridge to eaves).  Of course the roofing screws are at
> the stringers.  I'm sure he had a *great* reason for doing so.  So now I
> have been asked to install an array on this roof.  You can feel how "soft"
> the roof is as you walk on it of course because you are walking on
> air-below-metal for most of the roof.  Stringer locations don't jive with
> possible feet/post locations for rail.  I'm usually pretty good at problem
> solving but I'm accepting ideas.
>
> Bill
>
> Feather River Solar Electric
> Bill Battagin, Owner
> 4291 Nelson St.
> Taylorsville, CA 95983530.284.7849
> CA Lic 874049www.frenergy.net
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] 60 Amp PV breaker tripping

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Did you check for loose connections?
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon Solarworks
On Apr 19, 2016 12:15 PM, "Kristopher Schmid" <sol...@legacysolar.com>
wrote:

> No recent changes, Jay.  System has been installed since 2009.
> 16 Kyocera KD180
> Wattsun tracker
> Xantrex XW4548
> Xantrex XW MPPT60-150
> 24 L16s (very tired but surviving)
>
> Could the old batteries cause the CC to pull too much PV current?  Even at
> 1.25 times the Isc of my strings, i should only be pulling 41.75A maximum.
>
> On Tue, Apr 19, 2016 at 12:03 PM, Jay <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Is this a new or old problem
>> And any changes ( equipment etc)just before the problem started?
>>
>> Jay
>> Peltz power
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Apr 19, 2016, at 9:04 AM, Kristopher Schmid <sol...@legacysolar.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I recall a thread not so long ago where someone was having an issue with
>> a system tripping the 60 A PV input breaker.  I am unable to find it by
>> searching the archives.  I have a system with the same issue.  I tried
>> replacing the breaker but it did not solve the issue.
>>
>> Can someone connect me to that post thread and/or remind me of the
>> solution to that problem (if one was found).
>>
>> Thanks much,
>> Kris
>>
>> --
>> Shine On!
>>
>> Kris Schmid
>> Legacy Solar, LLC
>> 864 Clam Falls Trail
>> Frederic, WI 54837
>> www.legacysolar.com
>> 715-653-4295
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installer
>> Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician
>> BSEE
>>
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>
>
> --
> Shine On!
>
> Kris Schmid
> Legacy Solar, LLC
> 864 Clam Falls Trail
> Frederic, WI 54837
> www.legacysolar.com
> 715-653-4295
> NABCEP Certified PV Installer
> Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician
> BSEE
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[RE-wrenches] 1000V rated 6AWG wire

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hello Friends!
I am looking for 1000v rated #6awg wire suitable for running in conduit
from roof top combiner down to the inverterwhat are others using for
this application? Ideally I would love to find some THHN or THWN-2 but with
1000v ratingany suggestions, sources?
Application is from a SolarEdge commercial optimizers based array which
puts out 850VDC
Thank you!
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Re: [RE-wrenches] SIPS panel roofs

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Can you get them to switch to a standing seam metal roof?  Then use seam
clamps...problem solved!  And it's a better roof as well
Good luck.
On Dec 16, 2015 5:01 PM,  wrote:

> Hi Dana,
>We have done them, but our method only works when the interior is
> unfinished, for (I guess it depends on the customer) aesthetic reasons.
> I had aluminum "plates", 8"x8" and 1/8" thick made up by a local
> fabricator. We also fabricated flashing for the topside using 12"
> aluminum. We used threaded bolts running through the SIP (9 5/8") to
> another 8"x8" metal plate  on the underside. Unfortunately, this will
> not be a finished look. The underside of the roof we installed on was
> the underside of the SIP (sheathing). 8 years later, this roof remains
> leak free and full of modules..There are obviously more details to
> the install, but I don;t think this method will work for you.
>
> Daryl
>
>
>
> > SIP ROOF INSTALLATION
> >
> >
> >
> > I was asked to install on a SIP panel roof today. 5/8" OSB over 6" of
> foam
> > on a 9:12 roof pitch at 9800' elevation with a Pro panel metal roof skin.
> > There is a finished ceiling underneath the lower side of the SIP roof
> > panel.
> >
> >
> > I explained that it was not ideal due to the lack of good attachment etc.
> > They were not concerned and said "you'll make it work!"
> >
> >
> >
> > I have done SIP panels in new construction and we could install backing
> > from
> > underneath and refoam.
> >
> > My first thought was to do 2-2.5 times the normal L feet.
> >
> > One thought was to use expanding moly-bolts.
> >
> >
> >
> > Has anyone have experience attaching to SIP roof that was not prepared
> for
> > an array?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> 
> >
> > Dana Orzel
> >
> > Great Solar Works, Inc -  NABCEP # 051112-136
> >
> > E - d...@solarwork.com  - Web - solarwork.com
> >
> > O - 970.626.5253  C - 208.721.7003
> >
> > "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
> >
> > P Please consider the environment before printing this email.
> >
> >
> >
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Secure/support PV wire requirements?

[Kirpal Khalsa]

SnapNrack.The rails facilitate the same wire securing possibilities as
Williams conduit.They also have great wire clampsWorks very well on
flush roof installs as wellI am sure there are other brands of rack
that this will work with but we have lots of experience with the SnapNrack
and appreciate their design with regards to securing wires underneath the
array


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402

On Wed, Dec 9, 2015 at 11:56 AM, Benn Kilburn <b...@skyfireenergy.com>
wrote:

> William,
> Are you using this method on roof top systems that are parallel to the
> roof as well?
>
> I don't want to bring up the question of what cost this adds to the
> job but here i am bringing it up!
> (labour and material, ...measuring & cutting pipe to length, cutting slots
> and "clips" on table saw, filing cut pipe edges, attaching to rails...)
> There is no doubt that your method shows attention to quality and
> workmanship however the solar biz is quite competitive and making the
> decision to use this method and its added costs would surely cost us jobs.
> I'm going to assume that you have been able to standardize and refine this
> method to reduce time and costs?
>
> All,
> I prefer to keep an assortment of wire management solutions handy on the
> roof when we are supporting PV and/or micro-inverter wiresthose being;
> thick nylon cable ties *MUST HAVE metal tooth, NOT plastic tooth* (T
> TY27MX), stainless steel cable ties, and a couple different types of PV
> cable clips (heyco) that attach to the rail or module frame.
>
> Assuming a typical house (shingle) roof top system where bottom of the mod
> frame rests +-4-6" off the roof surface
> If it is a single row of mods with the j-boxes on the high side, then
> securing the PV wires can usually be done after the mods are mounted and
> can be done quite well with 2-4 metal PV cable clips attached to the
> modules upper frame. Securing the PV cable to the mod frame within 12" can
> be done and if not then let your professional judgement guide you that it
> is secure and protected from coming loose and subject to potential damage
> from contact with the roof or anything else.
>
> If it is two rows of mods, one above the other, with the mod j-boxes
> meeting in the middle (perhaps sharing microinverters mounted along the
> middle rails). or any other combination of module layout, MC wire leads
> or microinverter orientation... yes, it can become cumbersome at times to
> find appropriate attachment points to secure wires... and it would be to
> time consuming and confusing to discuss the array of possibilities here...
> so again, you need to rely on your professional judgement to use the proper
> material and methods to secure any and all wires.
> This is not a task to be given to someone without an eye for detail and
> workmanship.
>
> *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
> [image: email] <b...@skyfireenergy.com> [image: facebook]
> <https://www.facebook.com/SkyFireEnergy> [image: twitter]
> <https://twitter.com/SkyFireEnergy> [image: linkedin]
> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/283735?trk=tyah=tarId%3A1408655033432%2Ctas%3Askyfire%2Cidx%3A2-2-5>
>  [image: google] <https://plus.google.com/+SkyFireEnergy/>
>
> [image: SkyFire Energy Logo_horizontal]
>
> On Wed, Dec 9, 2015 at 11:33 AM, William Miller <will...@millersolar.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Rebekah:
>>
>>
>>
>> What you desire to do is not impossible.  Most module manufacturers
>> specify supports approximately 20% form each short side.  For a 66 inch
>> module this is 13.2 inches.  If you attach the factory PV leads to the
>> rail, you are close to the 12 inch requirement.  If you reduce the offset
>> to an actual 12” you are at 18% of the module width. Either way, I suggest
>> it is close enough.
>>
>>
>>
>> How to secure the leads?  Well there are “UV resistant” wire ties, but
>> the lack of longevity of these is starting to be realized.  There are other
>> clips or metal reinforced ties that may be adequate.   Clips we tried are
>> loose and/or flimsy.
>>
>>
>>
>> We have been experimenting with various procedures for over a decade.
>> Our best method so far is to slot PVC pipe and ley the leads inside.  We do
>> this on the table saw using dual blades.  The cut is sharp and needs to be
>> deburred.  Once we lay the leads in we s

Re: [RE-wrenches] 72 cell micro inverters

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Jay you also might consider Solar Edge optimizers for partial shade
mitigation.  Same effect as micro inverters...easy to implememt.

Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon Solarworks
On Oct 26, 2015 12:48 AM, "jay" <jay.pe...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks all for the great info.
>
> I’ve got some pretty good morning afternoon shading so micros make better
> sense than the Galvo, but I”ll check that out.
> And I’ve got some really great pricing on some 72 cell 280 watt modules.
>
> Yea I’ve heard the ABB are a nightmare.
> I’ve got no experience or info on the APS.  Anybody else have any besides
> Benn?
>
> Thanks all,
>
> jay
>
>
> On Oct 25, 2015, at 8:50 AM, Bill Hennessy <b...@berkssolar.com> wrote:
>
> We would NOT recommend the ABB micro 3.0 inverters because of the problems
> with their wireless interface and router incompatibility.
> The install of 48 Suntech 300w modules went well, but there were 30 hours
> involved in hooking up the communications interface.
> In the end, ABB tech support had us abandon the normal interface for a
> signal of over wire home-brew set up.
>
> Bill Hennessy
> Berks Solar, LLC
> 371 Centennial Rd
> Mertztown, PA 19539
>
> o 610 682 4300
> c 484 560 4666
> NABCEP certified installer
> PA contractor #44411
> www.berkssolar.com
>
> --
> *From:* jay <jay.pe...@gmail.com>
> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
> *Sent:* Friday, October 23, 2015 12:03 PM
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] 72 cell micro inverters
>
> HI All,
>
> What is the recommendation for 72 cell 280 watt  120/240v micro inverters?
>
> Enphase don’t have one.
>
> This is on my old house.  Still has a AEI-GC-1000.
> The modules have got to come off as well as they are old mobil’s.
> All just about dead.
>
> I’ve got a good deal on 72cell, 280 watt modules, so trying to find a
> micro for that or maybe a small
> And its only for 1500-2000 watts max.  Thats all I can fit.
>
> thanks
> jay
>
>
>
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] DPW Rack Problems

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Wrenches.We have used the DPW products, primarily their top of pole
racks for yearswe have well over a hundred of the racks installedWe
love their simplicity, and ease of assemblyWe have never once had a
problem with an installed racknever had a failure of any kindWe
appreciate the fact that they supply extra hardware with each
shipment.Inevitably we drop parts and a few extras are always
appreciated.
For us it is the details...We get comfortable installing something we have
done many many timeswe are able to predict our pace and therefore we
can give our customers accurate bids which leave us not over bidding or
under biddingChanges are  sometimes necessary and a result of
innovation or improvementsIts the communication which sometimes
lagsknowledge is powerWhen we know we are going to be dealing with
some change it is easier for us to predict and anticipate changes to our
habitsand therefore planning as wellpredictability is our friend!!!
Our recent experiences have left us a bit disgruntledwhile the quality
of the installed DPW racks has not changed or degraded we have been left
with carrying the extra burden of some of the changesI am glad to ehar
the new paint is going to be new again...Hopefully it will not have the
same issues with regards to the packaging sticking to the wet(ish) paint
and leaving us with a headache of trying to figure out how to clean off
imprints of paper, styrafoam and shrink wrap off of the strong back

DPW has been a great partner over the yearsGrowing pains affect us
allSometimes they are more noticable than others
Communication is key!!!  I will likely continue to use their top of pole
racks, as I haven't found any better options
I value the effect this list has on maintaining the pressure on
manufacturers to be responsive to us installers who are on the front lines
of making their products fit into the market placeWe all have our areas
of expertiseand each step is important.I for one am not interested
in becoming a racking manufacturer!!!
Cheers

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o

On Thu, Oct 8, 2015 at 7:03 AM, Howie Michaelson <ho...@suncatchervt.com>
wrote:

> William,
> I have followed your posts over the years and appreciate the efforts you
> have made in developing and then your willingness to share them with the
> list. Thank you.
>
> If DP had wire management products available, it never reached my radar,
> although admittedly I never asked them either. We would definitely consider
> passing more for that added value.
>
> I too appreciate the robustness of their TPM product, especially compared
> to the old Unirac TPM that we started out with and watched get blown apart
> more than once. However, I think we would benefit from a more competitive
> market, which would hopefully help drive better product to installers and
> thereby customers.
>
> Howie Michaelson
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
>
> Catamount Solar
> Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service
> VT Solar Electric Incentive Partner
> http://www.CatamountSolar.com
> 802-272-0004
> On Oct 8, 2015 3:13 AM, "William Miller" <will...@millersolar.com> wrote:
>
>> Howie:
>>
>>
>>
>> At one time I shared your dream: that if only the manufacturer’s would
>> build wire management and shielding systems, consumers would flock to buy
>> them.  I asked DPW to help me develop some wire shielding hardware and
>> Steve Schumacher was willing to give it a try.  See this link
>> <http://www.millersolar.com/MillerSolar/practices/PV_wiring/Wire_shielding/_Wire%20Shielding_history.html>
>> for some pictures of the system Schu helped us develop.  Unfortunately, I
>> was one of the few people that ever asked for this product, and there was
>> no reason for DPW to put any more energy into the idea.
>>
>>
>>
>> Over time I came to realize that what is hindering the development of
>> better wire management and wire shielding systems is not the lack of
>> manufacturers building the systems-- it is due to the lack of demand for
>> them in the market.  Wire management and shielding systems will add to the
>> cost of any installation.  If installers can get away without using these
>> systems, why should they bother?
>>
>>
>>
>> They get by without them because building officials are all too often
>> ignorant and lazy.  I have tried and tried to convince the officials in the
>> county in which I live to read the black and white of the current NEC but
>> they refuse.  Most of the inspections of my work by building officials last
>> less

Re: [RE-wrenches] DPW Rack Problems

[Kirpal Khalsa]

RayWe have had the same problemsBut we didn't get offered the $50
for our time and labor.
We called and complained...it seemed on deaf ears.
AlsoThey advertise pre -antiseized bolts on some of their
rackingbut it is certainly not so with their top of pole racks.Some
times the gimble bolts have anti seize and and sometimes not.lack of
consistency is a head ache
We are exploring alternatives..

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o

On Tue, Oct 6, 2015 at 1:14 PM, Ray Walters <r...@solarray.com> wrote:

> Greetings All;
>
> I have used DP's top of pole racks for 20 years, but I've had my share
> of trouble, too.
> First the lead times are horrible, sometimes pushing 2 months.
> Second, the cost is approaching the cost of the modules, especially for
> high wind ratings.
> Third, they just can't seem to wait till the paint is dry to pack the
> racks.
> Several times I've had to sand and repaint the main strong back, because
> foam, paper, or plastic wrap had stuck to the paint.
> This last time was the worst, and I was offered $50 for my troubles and
> embarrassment in front of the customer.
> They said I should have shipped it back.  How much sense does that make:
> round trip freight shipping, and 2 more weeks lost?
> Here's a page of the manual completely stuck in the paint:
>
>
> Come on DP, you guys used to stand by your work.
>
> --
> R.Ray Walters
> CTO, Solarray, Inc
> Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
> Licensed Master Electrician
> Solar Design Engineer303 505-8760
>
>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Standing metal seam clamps

[Kirpal Khalsa]

We have started using the ACE 2 clamps and so far they are our favorite.
On Aug 13, 2015 2:23 PM, Jason Szumlanski 
ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com wrote:

 No first-hand experience with it, but there is one from Eco-Fasten:

 http://www.ecofastensolar.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=4



 On Thu, Aug 13, 2015 at 5:04 PM, Jay jay.pe...@gmail.com wrote:

 Hi all

 Any options for standing metal seam clamps besides
 S-5!
 Snap n rack
 ?

 Thanks in advance
 Jay
 Peltz power


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Re: [RE-wrenches] SolaEdge Outback AC Coupling

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hey Bill...my understanding of the Outback AC coupled solution is that it
does not offer multi stage charging from the grid tied inverter as it does
not have any way to regulate the amount of power coming in  from that
inverter...based on the state of charge of the batteries and at pre set
voltage set points it can operate the remote breaker but it does not have
the ability to taper the amount of in coming power from the grid tied
inverter..   This is why the frequency shift AC coupling such as found with
SMA and others is a nice solution as the amount of incoming power from the
grid tied inverters is regulated allowing for healthy multi stage
charging.
Another thing to consider if using the Outback Ac coupled solution is that
your DC coupling options becomes limited in the same load center
Cheers
Kirpal
On Jun 30, 2015 9:01 AM, Bill Hoffer suneng...@gmail.com wrote:

 Kirpal

 Actually the Radian system does adjust the battery voltage point that it
 disconnects the grid inverter based on the stage of the charge timers using
 the 3 stage inverter charger set points.  The FNDC will also over ride the
 timers if all fully charged parameters are met.  It has the advantage of
 being able to safely use a back up generator in the system and will
 physically disconnect from grid and the AC coupled inverter before
 connecting the generator.  So there are some advantages over a SMA AC
 coupled system too!

 Even though there is no official application notes on AC coupling a Radian
 and Solaredge, I have seen it done with good results.  The nice thing about
 an AC coupled Radian is it should work with any grid tie inverter system
 out there.

 Bill

 On Tue, Jun 30, 2015 at 6:45 AM, Kirpal Khalsa solarwo...@gmail.com
 wrote:

 TomI haven't AC coupled Solaredge and Outback, but I have AC Coupled
 Outback with various other inverter manufacturers and their Radian AC
 Coupled Load center will work with any AC sourceIt doesn't directly
 communicate with any other inverter but its remote operated circuit
 breakers allow it to disconnect AC Power from any other inverter when
 batteries reach a preset voltageIt is not as elegant as a sunny
 island/sunnyboy system because it doesn't provide multistage charging buy
 it is easy to implement and install.You should be able to find all the
 information on the Outback Radian site.  You would need the GSLC-AC-120/240
 load center and it comes pre wired with the remote operated circuit breaker
 which makes it a breeze to install


 Sunny Regards,
 Kirpal Khalsa
 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
 Oregon Solarworks LLC
 www.oregonsolarworks.com
 541-218-0201 m
 541-299-0402 o

 On Tue, Jun 30, 2015 at 3:40 AM, Tom Lane t...@ecs-solar.com wrote:

 Has anyone AC Coupled an Outback System with SolarEdge ? I would like to
 see a wiring diagram and know what components from Outback you used with
 SolarEdge . I have been told variously that SolarEdge does not approve AC
 Coupling and that they have approve it , depending on who I get on the
 phone . SolarEdge and Outback have no official diagrams or components list
 that I can find . I would like some help here as we are in Hurricane season
 in Gator Land !

 Sent from my iPad
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 --
 William Hoffer
 161 SE Fourth Ave
 P.O. Box 1823
 White Salmon, WA 98672-1823
 suneng...@gmail.com bhof...@sunergyengineeringservices.com


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Re: [RE-wrenches] SolaEdge Outback AC Coupling

[Kirpal Khalsa]

TomI haven't AC coupled Solaredge and Outback, but I have AC Coupled
Outback with various other inverter manufacturers and their Radian AC
Coupled Load center will work with any AC sourceIt doesn't directly
communicate with any other inverter but its remote operated circuit
breakers allow it to disconnect AC Power from any other inverter when
batteries reach a preset voltageIt is not as elegant as a sunny
island/sunnyboy system because it doesn't provide multistage charging buy
it is easy to implement and install.You should be able to find all the
information on the Outback Radian site.  You would need the GSLC-AC-120/240
load center and it comes pre wired with the remote operated circuit breaker
which makes it a breeze to install


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o

On Tue, Jun 30, 2015 at 3:40 AM, Tom Lane t...@ecs-solar.com wrote:

 Has anyone AC Coupled an Outback System with SolarEdge ? I would like to
 see a wiring diagram and know what components from Outback you used with
 SolarEdge . I have been told variously that SolarEdge does not approve AC
 Coupling and that they have approve it , depending on who I get on the
 phone . SolarEdge and Outback have no official diagrams or components list
 that I can find . I would like some help here as we are in Hurricane season
 in Gator Land !

 Sent from my iPad
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Fastening to light-guage steel framing

[Kirpal Khalsa]

We never got a chance to use them but looked into them numerous times.  A
product called Rivstud.  Essentially a rivet with a stud on top which you
can mount the L foot toworth looking intoespecially if it is a big
job.
On Jun 11, 2015 4:13 AM, Chris Mason cometenergysyst...@gmail.com wrote:

 I'm fond of the SnapNRack metal roof base. You can use it with any
 suitable fastener.
 http://www.snapnrack.com/metal-roof-base-simplified
 On Jun 10, 2015 9:07 PM, Davis Terrell da...@mckernongroup.com wrote:

  Esteemed Wrenches,



 We are looking at a roof mounted PV system on a building with light gauge
 steel roof frame.  Only attachment that looks to be compatible out of the
 box is the EcoFastenSolar Quickfoot because it uses OMG XHD screws which
 are intended for such an application.  We have used this before and are
 comfortable with it, but anyone have any other products they have used
 successfully?  I know no one here wants to give professional engineering
 advice (and I would not take it as such) but does anyone have any success
 stories or things to look out for?  Thanks,





 Davis Terrell

 Project Manager

 Green Earth Energy

 da...@mckernongroup.com

 office: (802) 247-1200

 mobile: (802) 989-1661

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Re: [RE-wrenches] #2 -#8 AWG Crimpers

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Luke, Mick Jay.Thank you for the feedback..I just ordered a set of the
cub crimpers...I think it is going to be a useful addition to our tool
chest.
What  prompted this is that we often solder our ring terminals on but it
tends to stiffen the copper wire.We use alot of the Midnite panel mount
breakers and the 300VDC breakers still have the really chincy terminal
posts which break off with just the slightest twisting of the wireOver
the years Outback Power also used those breakers and we have piles of those
brand new crappy breakers which have a broken terminal postI noted some
of the single pole panel mount breakers have a sturdier terminal post and
this problem is going awayI am hoping this can happen for all the panel
mount breakers these manufacturers sell.
Made me realize a high quality crimp without the stiffening of the wire
will help reduce this problem.  Those breakers are expensive!
Thanks for the advice!!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o

On Thu, Jun 4, 2015 at 12:26 PM, Luke Christy sgsrenewab...@gmail.com
wrote:

 Hi Khirpa,
 We use a high quality mini hex crimper with rotatable dies for #8-1/0 AWG.
 It is basically a miniature version of the Hex-Crimp battery lug crimper
 sold by Quick Cable. The one I have is older and no longer has the
 manufacturer label, but I believe it was marketed as a Cub Crimper. A quick
 web search shows that there is still a similar crimper sold under that
 name. At any rate, I have been very pleased with this crimper, and I'd
 recommend it.

 Best,
 -Luke

 On Jun 4, 2015, at 12:11 PM, Kirpal Khalsa solarwo...@gmail.com wrote:

  Greetings wrenches. we would like to vet a good quality crimper for
 crimping copper ring terminals to our mid range wire sizesAny of you
 have a good quality crimping tool you can recommend. ...wire sizes I am
 looking to crimp are #2-#8 AWG.
  Thanks in advance!
  Kirpal Khalsa
  Oregon Solarworks
 
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 Luke Christy

 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional™: Certification #031409-25
 NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer™: Certification #ST032611-03
 CoSEIA Certified PV Installer

 Solar Gain Services, LLC
 PO Box 531
 Monte Vista, CO. 81144
 sgsrenewab...@gmail.com
 719.588.3044
 www.sgsrenewables.com









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[RE-wrenches] #2 -#8 AWG Crimpers

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Greetings wrenches. we would like to vet a good quality crimper for
crimping copper ring terminals to our mid range wire sizesAny of you
have a good quality crimping tool you can recommend. ...wire sizes I am
looking to crimp are #2-#8 AWG.
Thanks in advance!
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon Solarworks
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[RE-wrenches] SunEye 210

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Friends
Speaking of items that are no longer availableAnyone have an extra
Solmetric Suneye 210 they want to part with...used and in good working
condition is fine.
Thanks!!!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o
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[RE-wrenches] Evergreen 190

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Anybody have any Evergreen 190's they would be willing to part with for
broken panel replacement?
Please contact me off line if so.
Thank you!!!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Acid containment

[Kirpal Khalsa]

BillWe line our battery boxes with PVC liners like what is used in
shower pans.It is a thick PVC membraneIt is available at just about
any tile supply store.It is strong and impervious to battery acid.
Good luck.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o

On Mon, Mar 30, 2015 at 9:03 AM, frenergy frene...@psln.com wrote:

 Fellow Wrenches,

I just called Tap Plastics hoping they would solve my problem of
 battery acid containment within a plywood battery box.  I was surprised by
 their response that the acrylic was not impervious to acid and polyethylene
 would not work because sealants nor caulking adhere to it properly.  They
 did not have anything that would work.

I've used those individual battery boxes from an auto parts store
 (~$12/each) but they take up more space than just the batteries.  Has
 anyone ever used ice dam underpayment, like Grace? Better idea?

 Thanks for any advice,

 Bill
 Feather River Solar Electric

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Re: [RE-wrenches] outback radian question

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Are LED's on dimmers and non dimmers flickering or just dimmer switch
connected lightsi have had problems with LED's on dimmer switches even
with LED specific dimmer switches. ..
Just an idea. ...
On Mar 18, 2015 7:39 PM, jay peltz j...@asis.com wrote:

 HI All,

 My question is. are there any known issues with the Radian interfacing
 with a generator?

 I have a customer with flickering lights.
 The lights are LED ( some dimmer/some on/off)

 The generator supplier says that there are lots of problems with the
 Radian.
 I've not heard this and don't believe it.

 symptoms:
 radian alone:  no flicker
 generator alone: no flicker
 generator/charging flicker.
 different generator: no flicker.

 So there is no doubt its the generator.

 I'm trying to get more information to go back to the customer.

 Thanks

 jay

 peltz power





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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunwize or industrial PV modules

[Kirpal Khalsa]

LarryTry Erika Karnitz at Backwoods Solar..They usually have those
sizes of modules.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o

On Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 10:43 AM, Larry la...@starlightsolar.com wrote:

 Hello Wrenches,

 Does anyone know where to by small 20 to 75 Watt modules like Sunwize used
 to sell? They were what I considered industrial grade with a junction box.
 I checked with Soligent but they don't have any.

 Thanks, Larry

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Aquian Energy Batteries.

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Thank you for the comments on these batteriesRebekah...thanks for
pointing to the comments from the pasti tried searching the archives
but somehow missed it.
They look like a promising technologyafter looking at the spec sheets
and seeing how the batteries react to full discharge it looks like even
though they can tolerate full discharge, the electronics attached to them
may need to cut off before thengiving a smaller available capacity than
the battery may actually have.   But their tolerance for this high state of
discharge is still attractive...
On this go around my customer and I decided on good old fashioned Rolls
Surrettes...Perhaps on the next go around or when i update my personal
home system I will guinea pig myself...
I am glad we are starting to get more options for energy storage.This
is an area with much room for improvement and growth in our
industry..As well as an area that still regularly gets criticized for
its environmental foot print..
Cheers to all the good work you all do!


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o

On Mon, Feb 16, 2015 at 9:38 AM, Rebekah Hren rebekah.h...@gmail.com
wrote:

 Just a reminder that there was a long list thread about these batteries in
 the fall:


 https://www.mail-archive.com/search?l=re-wrenches%40lists.re-wrenches.orgq=aquionsubmit.x=20submit.y=17

 In particular Phil Undercuffler had some very interesting comments:

 https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches%40lists.re-wrenches.org/msg18576.html

 Rebekah

 On Mon, Feb 16, 2015 at 12:29 PM, Glenn Burt glenn.b...@glbcc.com wrote:

 I came across a blog post on these batteries on the AltE Direct site that
 may be of interest to you.




 http://www.altestore.com/blog/2014/10/going-solar-doesn%E2%80%99t-have-to-cost-as-much-as-you-think/



 -Glenn



 *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
 Behalf Of *Kirpal Khalsa
 *Sent:* Sunday, February 15, 2015 9:56 PM
 *To:* RE-wrenches
 *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Aquian Energy Batteries.



 Hi Wrenches!! A customer just passed me some info about a battery company
 based out of Pittsburgh named Aquian Energy.They make a battery they
 call
 Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI™) Batteries
 http://www.aquionenergy.com/energy-storage-systems

 .I looked at their web site and the specs for the batteries look
 pretty impressive.I don't want to be the first kid on the block and was
 wondering if any of you have used them and if you had any feedback

 Their web site is

 http://www.aquionenergy.com/

 I tried contacting the company to find request some more information but
 they haven't responded to my requests



 Thanks in advance for your feedback

 Cheers!



 Sunny Regards,
 Kirpal Khalsa
 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
 Oregon Solarworks LLC
 www.oregonsolarworks.com
 541-218-0201 m
 541-299-0402 o

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 --
 Tel: 336.266.8800
 NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional™ 091209-85
 NC Licensed Electrical Contractor

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[RE-wrenches] Aquian Energy Batteries.

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hi Wrenches!! A customer just passed me some info about a battery company
based out of Pittsburgh named Aquian Energy.They make a battery they
call Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI™) Batteries
http://www.aquionenergy.com/energy-storage-systems.I looked at their
web site and the specs for the batteries look pretty impressive.I don't
want to be the first kid on the block and was wondering if any of you have
used them and if you had any feedback
Their web site is
http://www.aquionenergy.com/
I tried contacting the company to find request some more information but
they haven't responded to my requests

Thanks in advance for your feedback
Cheers!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o
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[RE-wrenches] Sanyo - HIT-N220A01 Modules

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hi FolksPlease contact me off list if you have 2 or 3 of the Sanyo -
HIT-N220A01 Modules availableWe have a customer who broke one with
their rock flinging mower..We would like to replace the broken module
as well as have a couple spares.If you know anywhere that might have
some in stock that would also be appreciated
Thank you

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o
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[RE-wrenches] Fan Controller

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hey Folkswe have a customer with a 24VDC fan for venting a green house
and we would like to be able to control speed on it instead of just
on/off...The fan draws 22 Amps at 24VDCAny suggestions on how to
regulate speed? The idea is to have the fan pull less than the 22
amps
rheostat? potentiometer
I think essentially what i am looking for is a dimmer switch for a 24VDC
motor.
Thank you!!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Low flow high head pump

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hot damn Brian! You are clever!  Great ideas!
On May 7, 2014 4:46 PM, Brian Teitelbaum bteitelb...@aeesolar.com wrote:

 Jeremy,

 A Grundfos SQFlex model 3 SQF-3 will run on just two 250W 60-cell modules
 in series. At 600 feet of head, with 500W of PV, it will do just about 1
 gpm at noon peak.

 However, if the static level is 200 ft in a 600 ft deep well, you have a
 lot of water storage sitting in the well casing. That will allow you to
 pump at a rate above the well's underground inflow for some period of time.
 A 4 well casing holds about 0.6 gallons per foot. The pump will start out
 only having 200 ft of head, so it will pump at a faster rate, but as the
 water level drops, the flow-rate will drop off. Hopefully it will reach
 equilibrium, or the tank will be full, before the pump runs dry. And of
 course, the amount of sunlight will decline as the day gets later, slowing
 down the delivery rate, so it may not be an issue at all. The SQF pumps
 have a low water sensor that will shut the pump off if it does run out of
 water. If you find the pump shutting off due to low water before the day's
 sunlight is over, you can also just turn the PV array away from due south
 to limit output.

 Another strategy to control pump flow rate is to drill a hole in the pump
 output piping to allow some of the pumped water to flow back into the well,
 reducing delivery. Or just install a tee in the pipe above ground, put a
 valve on it (gate or ball valve), and run a pipe from the valve back into
 the well. That way you can adjust the valve to get the exact bypass needed
 for delivery flow control.

 Brian Teitelbaum
 AEE Solar


 -Original Message-
 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
 re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of All Solar, Inc.
 Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 2:28 PM
 To: RE-wrenches
 Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Low flow high head pump

 Static level is 200 feet
 Well produces ~1 gallon per minute.  4 inch casing.
 200 gallons per day requirement

 Jeremy Rodriguez,
 President

 All Solar, Inc.
 1463 M
 Penrose Colorado 81240
 719-372-3808 office
 719-372-3804 fax
 www.asolarelectric.com

 Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!

  On May 6, 2014, at 6:43 PM, Brian Teitelbaum bteitelb...@aeesolar.com
 wrote:
 
  Hi Jeremy,
 
  PV-direct pumps operate at variable speeds depending on the amount of
 sunlight and time of day, so a GPM figure is not very helpful in sizing the
 pump. It's useful info if the water source will not produce more GPM, since
 you don't want to over-pump the source, but it's not enough info to do
 proper design.
 
  What are you pumping out of? Well, pond, spring box?
 
  How many gallons per day (GPD) do you need delivered, on average? GPD is
 a much more useful figure for sizing PV-direct pumps.
 
  Is that 600 ft of head measured from the standing water level to the
 top of the storage tank, as just elevation change and not distance?
 
  A 600 foot-deep well might actually have a standing water level at
 300-400 ft. Even if the pump is set at 600 ft, it only takes energy to lift
 water from its standing level, so your head figure would be inaccurate if
 that is the case.
 
  If it's a well, what is the diameter of the well casing?
 
  What are the peak sun-hours at the site during the darkest time of year
 that the water is needed?
 
  There are lots of other questions to ask, but these should help a lot.
 
  Brian Teitelbaum
  AEE Solar
 
 
  -Original Message-
  From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
 re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of All Solar, Inc.
  Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2014 5:08 PM
  To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
  Subject: [RE-wrenches] Low flow high head pump
 
  Hi all,
  Any recommendations for a low flow, high lift pump, PV direct pump.
  1 GPM @ 600 ft of head. Maybe   a conventional pump on a timer?
 
 
  Jeremy Rodriguez,
  President
 
  All Solar, Inc.
  1463 M
  Penrose Colorado 81240
  719-372-3808 office
  719-372-3804 fax
  www.asolarelectric.com
 
  Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Edge Experience?

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Augustwe have a half dozen systems out thereThey are all producing
with high efficiency and no failures yetI think one advantage they have
over micro's is that your wire runs are made using 350VDC  and so you can
get up to 25 modules or  ~5200 watts per string ( which ever you hit
first)where as with Enphase you are limited to 16 inverters.
Addtionally they have 300 watt optimizers which i like for the bigger 60
cell modules.  This means no clipping. That said Enphase has some
arguements why clipping isn't so bad.
We have found there to be more labor on a Solar Edge installation as there
is both a central inverter and a rooftop box that needs installed.
All the communications to their web site has been working perfectly so far.
 As does the communication between the inverters and optimizers.
Make sure to get the proper module connectors that match your solar panels.

Good luck.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o


On Mon, May 5, 2014 at 2:58 PM, August Goers aug...@luminalt.com wrote:

 Hi Bill,



 That was my take up until recently. However, we’ve had lots of Enphase
 failures with M190s and M210s (to Enphase’s credit, no failures yet with
 M215s and M250s) so I’m hesitant to put more and more micros up on the
 roof. Plus, the price starts to beat micros around a system size of 4+ kW.
 We’re seeing a lot of competitors offer Solar Edge in the Bay Area
 including Solar City so there must be some good reasons to use them. In my
 mind, reliability is of utmost importance and I don’t have any firsthand
 knowledge on how the Solar Edge systems are working. I think they’ve only
 been in the US for about 3 years.



 Best, August



 *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
 re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *William Dorsett
 *Sent:* Monday, May 05, 2014 11:36 AM
 *To:* 'RE-wrenches'
 *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Edge Experience?



 August, it’s hard for me to see the point if you get all those benefits
 (long strings, module level tracking and monitoring, design flexibility)
 for the same price with micros.



 Bill Dorsett

 Manhattan, KS



 *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [
 mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.orgre-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
 *On Behalf Of *August Goers
 *Sent:* Monday, May 05, 2014 10:57 AM
 *To:* RE-wrenches
 *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Solar Edge Experience?



 Hi Wrenches,



 I have been watching Solar Edge for a while now and am curious if other
 wrenches have been using their product and what they think about it. I’m
 generally hesitant to adopt new technology until it has a good track record
 but I have to admit that I’m seeing some serious benefits in the Solar Edge
 system – long strings, module level tracking and monitoring, design
 flexibility, etc. Can folks who have tried their product let me know what
 you think and if you’ve had any failures?



 http://www.solaredge.us/groups/us/inverter/single-phase-solar-inverter



 Best,



 August



 Luminalt

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Stainless NEMA4x load center

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Drake.we want it to mount flush to the slope of a sloped roofThe
NEMA 3R are supposed to be mounted verticallyThis is for a large
residential Enphase system and we wanted to combine the circuits on the
roof and bring one set of conductors down.
I did find one custom made by Eaton(Cutler Hammer), but$952 my cost is
too much..I have had them make me one out of fiberglass in the past but it
is about 3 years into its roof mount life and showing signs of UV
degradation...looking for other optionsI think i will dig a little
deeper at Midnite Solar.They may have somethingTheirs and Outback's
PV combiners are rated to be mounted at a slopei think it is down to 14
degrees pitch (3/12)
Thanks.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o


On Wed, Apr 23, 2014 at 8:11 AM, Drake drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org
 wrote:

  That would be a nice piece of hardware. Is there any reason you can't use
 a NEMA 3R panel?  They are used on roofs quite a bit, and are readily
 available.  The Square D, 8 space, outdoor box should work in most rooftop
 environments for the purpose you describe.

 At 06:18 PM 4/21/2014, you wrote:

 Hello Friends!
 Anyone have a lead for* NEMA 4x* stainless load centers (electrical
 panel)? Â Looking for 4 circuit version rated at about 60-100A @ 240VAC.

 Would like to use it for rooftop combiner for 3 Enphase inverter output
 circuits.
 Thank you!!

 Sunny Regards,
 Kirpal Khalsa
 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
 Renewable Energy Systems
 www.oregonsolarworks.com
 541-218-0201

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[RE-wrenches] Stainless NEMA4x load center

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hello Friends!
Anyone have a lead for* NEMA 4x* stainless load centers (electrical panel)?
 Looking for 4 circuit version rated at about 60-100A @ 240VAC.
Would like to use it for rooftop combiner for 3 Enphase inverter output
circuits.
Thank you!!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Huge battery bank recommendation

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Mac...good morningthat is a big battery bank!We have used the SBS
Batteries for large battery banksThey offer multiple warranty options
including upto 20 years.  They are tubular plates with clear outer cases
which make the electrolyte levels really easy to monitor and fillThey
come with insulated cell interconnects with testing ports, they offer
seismic racking custom designed to fit your battery bank, as well as spill
containment trays and acid neutralizer kits for the spill containment
trays.  We have been very happy with their performance.  They offer a 2V
FLA cell at 4000Ah @ the 20 hr rate.  They are a high quality product made
in the USA and worth looking at.
Here is the link to their website.
http://www.sbsbattery.com/products-services/by-product/batteries/batteries-flooded-wet-cell-batteries/flooded-wet-cell-batteries-stt-series-flooded-2v-cell.html
Additionally they offer hydrogen gas alarms for battery rooms.

I am curious - is this a solar integrated system, if so, what size array
would be charging the batteries?
Good luck!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o


On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 8:05 AM, Ray Walters r...@solarray.com wrote:

 Consider the HUP Solar One battery, the 125-33.  It has 2490 AH at the 20
 hr rate.   The warranty is for 2100 cycles to 80% DOD.  Also most of the
 jumpers are included (bus bars within each 12 v group)
 We've had nothing but happy customers since we started using the HUPs.

 R.Ray Walters
 CTO, Solarray, Inc
 Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
 Licensed Master Electrician
 Solar Design Engineer
 303 505-8760


 On 3/11/2014 8:01 AM, penobscotso...@midmaine.com wrote:

 Mac, for this type of large system we typically use Surrette/Rolls
 2YS31.They are 2430 ah. When we get into battery banks this large we
 typically only run two cells deep (front to back) for ease of maintenance.
 I hope your customer has some free time on their hands for maintenance.
 Remember, Surrette deep cycle batteries demand a higher than most charge
 rate or you will find the life of the cell will be significantly shorter
 than with proper charging. I'm sure your local battery distributor or
 Jamie Surrette can send you the tech stuff on these batteries. Any way it
 goes, this is a very big battery bank. Good luck!

 Daryl DeJoy
 NABCEP Certified PV installer
 Penobscot Solar Design



  Good point Jason.  To clarify this is a 48V system.

 Thanks


 On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 7:44 AM, Jason Szumlanski
 ja...@fafcosolar.comwrote:

  Not that I have an answer for you, but I'm curious, too. You need to
 specify voltage to get a good answer.

 Jason Szumlanski

 Fafco Solar





 On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 9:24 AM, Mac Lewis maclew...@gmail.com wrote:

  Hi wrenches,

 I am consulting on a job that requires an 8000 Ahr battery bank.  This
 is
 quite a bit beyond my normal battery bank realm.  What would you
 recommend
 for this?

   Thanks in advance

 --



 Mac Lewis


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Huge battery bank recommendation

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Ray.i do not have the link to the warrantyour salesman presented us
with a variety of options ranging from 5 years upto 20 years.just like
other manufacturers they had prorating levels with each option.If asked
i am sure they will provide you with any information you want in regards to
the warranty

Allan.yes in fact we were also surprised with the low voltage settings
that they specifyIn one system we installed a 3200Ah battery bank and
trying to coordinate the settings they specify with the programmable
settings offered in the Sunny Islands was an exercise in it selfThey
have different terminology than is common in most RE system charging
parametersmaking sure we were all talking about the same parameters was
the hardest factorIf i remember correctly the absorb and equalize
settings were almost the same per the manufacturer.
I could not tell you much about the lead -selenium technology or the
tubular positive plates with any expertise.
The large system we installed these batteries on was specified to use the
longest possible life span batteries  coupled with high cycling
capabilityAt the time they were the only company we could find willing
to put the 20 year warranty in writing apart from some sealed Unigy
batteries which were far more expensive..This was a AC coupled grid
interactive system and so the batteries are in standby 95%+ of the
timeWe have a contract to do routine maintenance on the system and have
only had to add water once per yeareven then it was not necessary but
to set it on course till the next time we are scheduled to inspect, 1 year
later.
The customer has had very few power outages but did have one for 4 days
last winter and the battery bank worked flawlesslyWe really like the
clear cases for quick electrolyte level monitoring.  The cells have flip
tops for easy access.
My overall take on these batteries is that they are primarily designed for
standby systems.  We haven't used them in an off grid configuration.  They
have been in for 3 years with no sign of aging...I think they are a company
that is only beginning to realize the possibility of the RE market and
havent focused much effort in that direction in the past
SBS was easy to work with, and provided good support for the seismic
racking and spill containment systemwith more documentation than i am
used to receiving from our main suppliers...
Hope that helps...
Cheers,



Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o


On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 8:42 AM, Ray Walters r...@solarray.com wrote:

  Hi Kirpal;

 I see that the SBS batteries are rated to 1200 cycles to 80% DOD, but I
 can't find the warranty on their website. Do you have a link to that?

 R.Ray Walters
 CTO, Solarray, Inc
 Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
 Licensed Master Electrician
 Solar Design Engineer303 505-8760

 On 3/11/2014 9:26 AM, Kirpal Khalsa wrote:

 Mac...good morningthat is a big battery bank!We have used the SBS
 Batteries for large battery banksThey offer multiple warranty options
 including upto 20 years.  They are tubular plates with clear outer cases
 which make the electrolyte levels really easy to monitor and fillThey
 come with insulated cell interconnects with testing ports, they offer
 seismic racking custom designed to fit your battery bank, as well as spill
 containment trays and acid neutralizer kits for the spill containment
 trays.  We have been very happy with their performance.  They offer a 2V
 FLA cell at 4000Ah @ the 20 hr rate.  They are a high quality product made
 in the USA and worth looking at.
 Here is the link to their website.

 http://www.sbsbattery.com/products-services/by-product/batteries/batteries-flooded-wet-cell-batteries/flooded-wet-cell-batteries-stt-series-flooded-2v-cell.html
  Additionally they offer hydrogen gas alarms for battery rooms.

  I am curious - is this a solar integrated system, if so, what size array
 would be charging the batteries?
 Good luck!

  Sunny Regards,
 Kirpal Khalsa
 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
 Renewable Energy Systems
 www.oregonsolarworks.com
 541-218-0201 m
 541-299-0402 o


 On Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 8:05 AM, Ray Walters r...@solarray.com wrote:

 Consider the HUP Solar One battery, the 125-33.  It has 2490 AH at the 20
 hr rate.   The warranty is for 2100 cycles to 80% DOD.  Also most of the
 jumpers are included (bus bars within each 12 v group)
 We've had nothing but happy customers since we started using the HUPs.

 R.Ray Walters
 CTO, Solarray, Inc
 Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
 Licensed Master Electrician
 Solar Design Engineer
 303 505-8760


 On 3/11/2014 8:01 AM, penobscotso...@midmaine.com wrote:

 Mac, for this type of large system we typically use Surrette/Rolls
 2YS31.They are 2430 ah. When we get into battery banks this large we
 typically only run two cells deep

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunny Island Battery Disconnects

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Jason.those switches are not over current protection devices unless
outfitted with fusesyou would have to use a big disconnect  with big
fuses in order to work with a battery bankas the current to and from
the batteries could be quite significantAdditionally the bulletin you
mention when the terminals are wired in series is only when the voltage is
expected to be above 250VDC up to 600VDC...
Cheers,

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o


On Mon, Feb 10, 2014 at 5:52 AM, Jason Szrom jsz...@solaresystems.comwrote:

 Hi William,

 I don't have a lot of experience with battery OCPD, but I did have a
 project where we used a Square D heavy duty safety switch to protect a
 negative grounded 600VDC battery string. All of the heavy duty switches are
 AC and DC rated (H363, H364, H365...).

 For DC applications, go here:
 http://www.schneider-electric.us/sites/us/en/support/documents-downloads.page

 And search for bulletin number 3110DB0401. This shows that the switches
 are listed for DC use if 2 poles are wired in series.

 You are correct that a grounded conductor can never have OCPD unless the
 OCPD opens both the grounded and ungrounded wires at the same time (NEC
 240.22). This could only be accomplished with a multi-pole circuit breaker
 and there aren't many around rated for 600VDC.

 Hope this helps.

 Regards,

 Jason M. Szrom, PE
 Engineering Supervisor
 Solar Energy Systems, LLC
 718-389-1545 x13

 -Original Message-
 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
 re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters
 Sent: Sunday, February 09, 2014 4:22 PM
 To: RE-wrenches
 Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunny Island Battery Disconnects

 Yes, they make a 3 pole class T fused disconnect.  You could have 3
 strings fused separately and then combined in a single pull disco, UL
 listed too. I even have one here, or I can provide their contact info.

 R.Ray Walters
 CTO, Solarray, Inc
 Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
 Licensed Master Electrician
 Solar Design Engineer
 303 505-8760

 On 2/8/2014 6:59 AM, Richard L Ratico wrote:
  Ray,
  Way back in 2002, you mentioned using Boltswitch products for battery
 string
  fusing
  immediately outside the battery box. Might one of these be a partial
 solution
  for William?
 
  Dick Ratico
  Solarwind Electric
 
 
  --- You wrote:
  I'm working on something similar.  I think the Flex 1000 is the only
  reasonable choice that can handle more than 2 of the large format DC
  breakers.  Midnite has the more expensive MNBCB -1000 Battery Combiner
  box,  but there just isn't enough documentation to figure out what it
  can and can't do.
 
  R.Ray Walters
  CTO, Solarray, Inc
  Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
  Licensed Master Electrician
  Solar Design Engineer
  303 505-8760
 
  On 2/7/2014 6:29 PM, will...@millersolar.com wrote:
  Friends:
 
  I am reworking an installation with 3 Sunny Island inverters.  The
  battery leads have no disconnecting means or OCP.  I have been looking
  for sensible hardware to provide this and I have found some options.
  I am interested in any input on these or ideas I have not discovered.
 
  1.SMA BATFUSE.  I am having trouble deciding which one is right for a
  3 SI install.
 
  a.The B.003 appears to have fuse positions for the positive and the
  negative leads.  I am fairly darn certain I don't want fuses in the
  negative leads of a negative bonded system, and although this is my
  first SI install, I am pretty sure this is negative bonded.  Am I
  missing something here?
 
  b.The B.001 has only positions for two fuses as far as I can see from
  the manual.
 
  c.So it looks like neither will work for me.  Does anyone have any
  experience and/or wisdom here?
 
  2.Midnite Solar E-panels:
 
  a.The regular panel has DC and AC components.  I want to control the
  AC elsewhere so I could order three slave units.  The Midnite unit
  mounts right under the inverter but I would prefer to have the OCP
  closer to the batteries.
 
  3.Outback:
 
  a.We could purchase an Outback FX1000 and install three breakers in it.
 
  4.Breaker Size:
 
  a.I have started to read the manual but I have yet to find out what
  size breaker fuse is recommended.  Have I just not found it yet?
 
  b.Also, I have not found a specification for battery cable size.  Am I
  blind?
 
  Thanks in advance.  I really appreciate the help I receive here.  I
  try to give as well as receive.
 
  William
 
  --- end of quote ---
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Re: [RE-wrenches] DC Series Fusing in inverters

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Jason...as you know, the fusing should match the max series fuse ratings of
the module requirements per the module manufacturerIf strings are
individually fused and combined before the fused disconnect box then the
fuses often need to be changed from the factory supplied 15A fusesNote
the maximum allowed by SMA per the disconnect limitations per string of
their disconnect.Fronius used to supply metal slugs that fit in the
fuse holders if no fusing was required on the input.
Didn't some of the Evergreen modules call for 20A series fuses?
Good luck..

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o


On Thu, Feb 6, 2014 at 9:56 AM, Glenn Burt glenn.b...@glbcc.com wrote:

 I think I just read that SMA has changed their long-standing 15A per
 string fuses to 20A.

 You might look to see if it applies to existing systems.

 Hope it helps.



 Glenn



 *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
 re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Jason Szumlanski
 *Sent:* Thursday, February 06, 2014 12:50 PM
 *To:* RE-wrenches
 *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] DC Series Fusing in inverters



 SMA inverters typically come with 15A KLKD fuses pre-installed. I have
 seen a bunch of blown fuses recently (after cold weather)... It seems that
 some dealers are just assuming the 15A fuse is okay for series strings and
 not doing the calculations. I've been finding quite a few Evergreen systems
 or parallel connected two-string SunPower systems that should have 20A
 fuses per NEC 690.8. The problem does seem to be worse where inverters are
 exposed to direct sunlight, presumably from fuses that no longer meet their
 ampacity rating due to heat.



 Anyone else run into this frequently?



 Jason Szumlanski

 Fafco Solar



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Re: [RE-wrenches] 72-cell modules

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Allan.we have gotten the epolly modules from Erika Karnitz at Backwoods
Solarthey seem to have a regular supplywe use them with shurflo
9300 pump systems.they have reasonable pricing...
Kirpal Khalsa
Renewable Energy Systems
541-299-0402

On Friday, January 31, 2014, Roy Butler r...@four-winds-energy.com wrote:

  Allan,

 We just finished replacing a BP SX170 pole top array under warranty and BP
 provided us with the Ameresco 4190J modules.
 We had to install cords with the MC4 connectors on the J-boxes but other
 than that, they bolted right in.

 The dimensions are almost identical to the SX-170 and the bolt holes line
 up nicelyand they are a 72 cell module.

 FYIwe have no nearby warranty contractor so BP actually paid us to do
 the work.I hung a copy of the check on my office wall ;-)

 Roy Butler
 NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®
 NYSERDA eligible PV  wind installer
 Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC
 8902 Route 46, Arkport, NY 14807
 607-324-9747  www.four-winds-energy.com

 Join us at the 10th Annual Small Wind Conference
 A Gathering of Installers, Manufacturers, Dealers,  Distributors
 June 17 and 18, 2014 in Stevens Point, Wisconsinwww.smallwindconference.com

 Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message,
 a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.



 On 1/30/2014 11:37 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:

 Wrenches,
 About a year ago I asked for suggestions of 72-cell modules with 125 mm
 cells - the standard 155-195W modules of just a few years ago. Now we
 really need some.

 We have a good customer for whom we put in an off grid system in 2006.
 48V, 27 BP SX170 modules on three Wattsun trackers. Each tracker holds nne
 modules, wired as three 72V strings of three modules each.

 Yes, the notorious SX170s. Four with burn spots were replaced in 2008, 6
 more in 2010, and now ten more failed or are showing discoloration. BP's
 warranty contractor has agreed to replace the wattage equivalent of 23 of
 them at $2.00/W. They will either ship us replacement modules or send a
 check for purchase of replacements elsewhere. The problem is that their
 only offerings are 60-cell modules, which won't fit the trackers.

 BP got out of the solar business before the standard configuration went to
 the larger 156 mm cells. I would have appreciated a serious corporate
 effort to procure warranty stock of modules that were most like the ones
 manufactured by BP, so that they would more readily replace their warranty
 failures. That apparently is not to be.

 The SX170s are 31.1 (790mm) by 62.8 (1593 mm). I need to locate some
 72-cell modules in this standard dimension range. We'd probably buy 27 of
 them, once we determine that the replacements can be fit to the racks.

 Can anyone suggest a brand/model/supplier etc.? I have seen that Eopply
 shows 195W mono modules in the U.S. section of their website (thanks, Chris
 Daum) and I'll call them in the morning. Any other suggestions, please?

 Thank you,
 Allan
 --

 *Allan Sindelar*
 *al...@positiveenergysolar.com*javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','al...@positiveenergysolar.com');
 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
 NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
 New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
 Founder, *Positive Energy, Inc.*

 A Certified B CorporationTM
 3209 Richards Lane
 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
 *505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell*
 *www.positiveenergysolar.com* http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/




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-- 
Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-299-0402 o
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Flickering LED lights on and Outback Dual 7248VFX system

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Folks!!! Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions regarding the flickering
LED lights...I think we have found the culpritsalthough I don't have a
good understanding as to why...I am sure you could shed some (non
flickering) light on the subject so that i might understand why more
clearly..
The main culprit causing the flickering was the fridge compressor.the
fridge was plugged into a GFI outletwhen plugged into a non GFI outlet
the problem vanished!!  It turns out that the other loads that caused this
flickering were also plugged into GFI outlets and when plugged into
standard non GFI outlets caused no flickering.The flickering remained
steady as long as the load was operatingnot just on start up.
The dimmer switches did not seem to affect the flickering by them selves
Problem solved- but my  understanding is lacking
Thank you!!!



Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Tue, Jan 7, 2014 at 12:14 PM, Jerry Shafer jerrysgarag...@gmail.comwrote:

 I checked one of my mobile rigs with dual VFX3648 with a transformer and
 36 kWhrs of total battery capacity it has 4 foot LED's and with the
 inverter on ON not search it works great I keep going back to programming
 some time back my program was messed with and it was on search mode we had
 audio problems during a concert because one of the inverters was set to
 high it was pulsing like your lights and it was programming
 Jerry


 On Tue, Jan 7, 2014 at 11:07 AM, Bob-O Schultze 
 bo...@electronconnection.com wrote:

 I run an old VFX3524 and have LEDs EVERYWHERE in our offgrid home. Two on
 dimmers. One ac freezer, one DC freezer and one DC fridge. Washing machine,
 dishwasher, nuke, all that jazz. No flickers anywhere and the old house
 grounding system sucks bad. Bought most of my LED lamps from Costco.
 Bob-O

 On Jan 7, 2014, at 8:32 AM, jay peltz wrote:

 Hi bill

 My $.02.

 Single vfx3524, Trojan IND in an AC electric house with about a dozen
 LEDs of 5 or 6 different types and brands.

 No flickering at all, no dimmers.

 One test I thought of was to,run the generator and see if the flicker
 continues.
 If so, then bypass the inverters to take the chargers off line,

 As to bulbs, I've been super happy with the Cree ones from Home Depot.
 $10 ish and beautiful light both warm and daylight.

 Jay

 Peltz power









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[RE-wrenches] Flickering LED lights on and Outback Dual 7248 VFX system

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hi All.have a puzzling problemcustomer has a fully LED lit house.
All LED lights are flickering when the fridge compressor, tile saw,
grinder, washing machine etc come onThe inverters are about 6 years old
Dual Outback VFX7248 power system with rolls surrrette batteries.they
are building the house and most motors when they are running, including the
fridge seem to cause the LED lights to flicker continuously while the
motors are running, the fridge seems to be the worst culprit and just so
happens to be the most regular and often runner (fridge is a Amana Model #
ARB2257CC rated at 7.7 AmpsFridge is on a GFI outlet...The LED bulbs
are Eco Smart made by Cree.Model 499 485 and they are all dimmable
lights and they are on Lutron CL dimmer switches which are supposed to be
compatible with LED bulbs.)
Looking for any advice or others experience to try to solve this annoying
problem.Anyone else have this problem with these particular bulbs or
similar experiences with these or other LED bulbs
I am having the customer try some other makes and brands of bulbs.

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Flickering LED lights on and Outback Dual 7248 VFX system

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Jay...yes the lights are on Lutron dimmer switches which are made
specifically for CFL and LED lights.it doesn't seem to make a
difference if they lights are on full tilt or dimmed downthe flickering
is there at any power level
Thanks!!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Mon, Jan 6, 2014 at 1:28 PM, Jay Peltz j...@asis.com wrote:

 Hi Kirpal

 Are the lights on dimmers?

 Jay
 Peltz power

 Sent from my iPhone

 On Jan 6, 2014, at 1:09 PM, Kirpal Khalsa solarwo...@gmail.com wrote:

 Hi All.have a puzzling problemcustomer has a fully LED lit house.
   All LED lights are flickering when the fridge compressor, tile saw,
 grinder, washing machine etc come onThe inverters are about 6 years old
 Dual Outback VFX7248 power system with rolls surrrette batteries.they
 are building the house and most motors when they are running, including the
 fridge seem to cause the LED lights to flicker continuously while the
 motors are running, the fridge seems to be the worst culprit and just so
 happens to be the most regular and often runner (fridge is a Amana Model #
 ARB2257CC rated at 7.7 AmpsFridge is on a GFI outlet...The LED bulbs
 are Eco Smart made by Cree.Model 499 485 and they are all dimmable
 lights and they are on Lutron CL dimmer switches which are supposed to be
 compatible with LED bulbs.)
 Looking for any advice or others experience to try to solve this annoying
 problem.Anyone else have this problem with these particular bulbs or
 similar experiences with these or other LED bulbs
 I am having the customer try some other makes and brands of bulbs.

 Sunny Regards,
 Kirpal Khalsa
 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
 Renewable Energy Systems
 www.oregonsolarworks.com
 541-218-0201 m
 541-592-3958 o

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Flickering LED lights on and Outback Dual 7248 VFX system

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Thank you DanI will have customer check that!  Good idea.That is
always a good idea!!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Mon, Jan 6, 2014 at 1:38 PM, d...@foxfire-energy.com wrote:

 Might be worth checking battery connections..


 Dan Brown
 Foxfire Energy Corp.
 Renewable Energy Systems
 (802)-483-2564
 www.Foxfire-Energy.com
 NABCEP #092907-44


   Original Message 
 Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Flickering LED lights on and Outback Dual
 7248 VFX system
 From: Jay Peltz j...@asis.com
 Date: Mon, January 06, 2014 4:28 pm
 To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org

 Hi Kirpal

 Are the lights on dimmers?

 Jay
 Peltz power

 Sent from my iPhone

 On Jan 6, 2014, at 1:09 PM, Kirpal Khalsa solarwo...@gmail.com wrote:

 Hi All.have a puzzling problemcustomer has a fully LED lit house.
   All LED lights are flickering when the fridge compressor, tile saw,
 grinder, washing machine etc come onThe inverters are about 6 years old
 Dual Outback VFX7248 power system with rolls surrrette batteries.they
 are building the house and most motors when they are running, including the
 fridge seem to cause the LED lights to flicker continuously while the
 motors are running, the fridge seems to be the worst culprit and just so
 happens to be the most regular and often runner (fridge is a Amana Model #
 ARB2257CC rated at 7.7 AmpsFridge is on a GFI outlet...The LED bulbs
 are Eco Smart made by Cree.Model 499 485 and they are all dimmable
 lights and they are on Lutron CL dimmer switches which are supposed to be
 compatible with LED bulbs.)
 Looking for any advice or others experience to try to solve this annoying
 problem.Anyone else have this problem with these particular bulbs or
 similar experiences with these or other LED bulbs
 I am having the customer try some other makes and brands of bulbs.

 Sunny Regards,
 Kirpal Khalsa
 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
 Renewable Energy Systems
 www.oregonsolarworks.com
 541-218-0201 m
 541-592-3958 o

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Flickering LED lights on and Outback Dual 7248 VFX system

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Thanks folks for the ideas!  So far I have advised a few things.I will
report back any successes..

Here is the advice I have shared.
1. Get some different makes and models of LED light bulbs to try out
2. Get some different dimmer switches to try out
3. Try some lights on non dimmer type switches.
4. Switch the fridge to the other leg of their 120\240 V service.
5. Check battery cables for loose connections.
6. Get a new fridge..(they are hoping to avoid this and it is not the only
load causing the problem)

This is an odd problem.The battery bank and inverter are more than
adequately sized for the loadsThe fridge only draws 7 A when
runningand the problem is not just under start up it is present the
entire time it is running.The same is true for any other motor type
loads that are runningbig or small.long term the fridge is the most
problematic load because of the regular and unpredictable run times
As LED's become more wide spread and available and cheaper I am hoping not
to run into this problem more often.They can be a huge attribute to an
energy efficient off grid home
Thanks for the advice...keep it coming
Thank you!
On Jan 6, 2014 4:33 PM, Dan Fink danbo...@gmail.com wrote:

 I think it's for sure how fast LEDs react boB. That's why I don't see it
 with other lighting technologies like CFL etc.
 But I don't understand  a fridge that causes constant flicker when it is
 on. Too bad it's not easy to just try another fridge! Trying another light
 is much easier ;-)

 Dan Fink,
 Executive Director;
 Otherpower
 Buckville Energy Consulting
 Buckville Publications LLC
 NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers
 970.672.4342




 On Mon, Jan 6, 2014 at 5:25 PM, b...@midnitesolar.com b...@midnitesolar.com
  wrote:


 Only during Big load surges ?

 Could it be current limiting and because LEDs are so fast on and off, you
 notice the drop in momentary voltage ?

 Any inverter might do that under the right conditions.

 Just a thought.

 boB





 On 1/6/2014 3:45 PM, Dan Fink wrote:

 I consider LED flicker as very common when a fridge starts up, but NOT
 while it's running. Both dimmed and not dimmed LEDs. I see flicker more
 often on systems with smaller (or aging) battery systems of course. The
 only particular appliance I have found causing constant flicker here and
 with my clients is a particular brand of laser printer. And also a
 subwoofer on the stereo (light show!)a different subwoofer brand solved
 that problem. Go figure, I have no idea why. Most of my inverters are by
 Magnum. I have not found much difference with LED brands or dimmer brands.
 I can see how this could be a problem for your client, Kirpal. None of
 mine seem to mind a startup flicker, but if its constant that's a big
 problem. I wish I had an answer for you, but I hope that providing this
 information helps others. CFLs do not give me the same problem, but of
 course have their own other problems.

 Dan Fink,
 Executive Director;
 Otherpower
 Buckville Energy Consulting
 Buckville Publications LLC
 NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers
 970.672.4342




 On Mon, Jan 6, 2014 at 2:48 PM, Jay Peltz j...@asis.com wrote:

 Dimmers are super specific to light brand/type.  You'll have to do the
 research

 For now swapping to regular switches should work

 Jay


 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Wiring methods

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Bill.we have been using the Hellerman Tyton Sunbundler cable
tiesThey are braided stainless steel wire with a UV resistant vinyl
jacketWe have been getting them in quantities of 500 for approximately
$.59 eachfor the 12 length tiesWe like them alotthey do not
have any sharp edges and are easy to install
Hope that helps


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 7:46 AM, frenergy frene...@psln.com wrote:

  William, Billfrom another Bill,

 Two things:  For the rest of us (maybe it's just me?!) that's
 still trying to figure out how (or why) to stuff a MC4 connector into
 conduit and my hesitation in using SS wire ties for fear of the sharp edges
 cutting or chaffing into cables, I'm open for advice. Any wire I use on the
 roof is rated for that type of service and I have some off-grid systems
 that have been in the sun for some 25 years where the wire still looks
 nearly new even when flexing it to look for checking/cracks.  It seems
 the wire/insulation can take it, thus it seems like the key to wire
 management is to keep the wire from moving and off the roof, secured to the
 racking, thus not compromising the insulation.

 I know many on this list are way past this point in their
 installation skills.  However my living in a county in the bush of just 20K
 folks, I haven't had the opportunity to install 100's of systemsyet.
 Again, I express my humble appreciation of experienced wrenches to help
 those of us working to install the tightest systems possible despite living
 in the boonies.

 Details on where to source appropriate SS wire ties (rounded
 edges?, plastic coated?) would be appreciated.  My goto place for such
 things (Grainger) has regular SS wire ties that range from $1.50 to $3
 each, but none that I can see that address the sharp edge issue...or is
 that an issue?  Have people been using regular SS wire ties in the field
 for 10-20 years, behind a roof mounted array without any issues related to
 the wire ties?
 Thanks for your help and patience,

 Bill

 Feather River Solar Electric
 4291 Nelson St.
 Taylorsville, CA  95983
 530.284.7849 / 6544 fax
 solar powered since 1982

 - Original Message -
 From: Bill Loesch solar1onl...@charter.net
 To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2013 1:34 AM
 Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Wiring methods

 
  Hi William (and any other person who wishes to describe themselves as
  professional (designer, installer, etc.)),
 
  Please accept this note as confirmation that your evangelism on wire
  management has not fallen on entirely deaf ears.
 
  Additionally, I'm curious how the practice of requiring a ten year
  equipment warranty squares with the acceptance of plastic wire ties.
 
  Sincere thanks from one convert,
 
  Bill Loesch
  Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar
 
 
 
  On Wed, Nov 13, 2013 at 3:41 PM, William Miller wrote:
 
  Bill:
 
 
  I respectfully disagree with your logic:  Define perfectly
  installed.  If
  your connections are tight and permanent and the conductors are
  protected
  from damage, you have a great chance of a reliable, safe lifetime of
  service.  How can you guarantee that your leads will stay protected
  after
  the ties fail?  Studies show that even UV resistant wire ties will
  fail well
  before the life expectancy of the system has expired.  When the ties
  fail,
  your PV leads are hanging on the roof.  Even before the ties fail,
  rodents
  can chew on them.  Conduit was invented for a reason and we should be
  using
  it.
 
 
  I agree that arc-fault breakers will improve the situation, but I
  don't
  think any form of OCPD is a substitute for good wiring practices.  I
  think
  wire protection is just as important on PV circuits as it is on any
  other
  high voltage circuit.  Try getting away with wiring a rooftop air
  conditioning unit by tying the conductors to some metal framework with
  plastic ties and see how long it takes to get red-tagged by your local
  inspector.
 
 
  I suspect we've gotten to where we are on lax wire protection
  standards for
  two reasons:
 
  1.In the early days, PV was low voltage, 12 to 24 volts, and was
  treated
  as such, even though current capabilities exceeded that of
  conventional low
  voltage thermostat, door-bell and telephone wiring.
 
  2.It is my understanding that PV wiring standards in Europe are
  not
  stringent, and European demand drove the PV market for many years.
  Products
  were built to satisfy the European market and US standards had to work
  with
  the equipment available.
 
 
  Some would say: if it is under the array, it is protected.  We have
  seen
  PV wire getting damaged under arrays and it is possible to get damaged
  under
  BPIV components as well.  I believe that protecting PV wire

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Wiring methods

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Augustthank youyou are right they are actually a Heyco
productmy bad!!!  Ray, we recently got them thru
http://www.heilind.com/products/heyco/Heyco_solar.asp

Ray...Contact me off list and i will share my sales persons contact
info..
Cheers,

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Square D Disconnects mounted on the slope of the roof.

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Bob O..thank you, you got to the heart of my original questionI am
not questioning the OCPD ratingsjust the can mounted at a slope
equivalent to the roof slope.Typically if we have rooftop OCPD they are
high voltage fuse holders and fuses or the Outback and Midnite solar
breakers.I haven't actually looked up the temp ratings on those but
have assumed (i know) that they are rated for roof top temps as they are
marketed as combiner box breakers and combiners are often located on the
hot roof next to the modulesOregon has a rule where many jurisdictions
are now requiring lockable, visible disconnects on roofs for fire fighters
to be able to disconnect the array from the BOS down below from up on the
roof.In my opinion this is of limited use in micro inverter and
optimizer systems.but i can see some limited value in high voltage
string inverter systems..I should also note that i am primarily
referring to smaller residential systems.(~3-10Kw)
From what i have gleaned from this discussion, Midnite solar has a single
circuit 600V disconnect, (apparently a multi string disconnect as well, I
haven't fully researched that all the way thru yet) DC Sunvolt out of NJ
also has a line of disconnecting combiners which we have used a few times,
and  Crouse Hinds has some jumbo disconnecting combiner boxes that are way
over sized and also over priced.
Thanks for all your input...


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 10:09 AM, Bob-O Schultze 
bo...@electronconnection.com wrote:

 Dan,
 I think this thread applied not to OCDs but to an unfused 600VDC
 disconnect can mounted on a roof which is less than vertical.
 Bob-O
 On Nov 11, 2013, at 9:21 AM, Exeltech wrote:

 Wrenches,

 There appears to be some misinformation getting into this thread.

 The trip mechanism within standard thermal over-current protective
 devices (OCP devices) is mechanically spring-loaded, and is triggered by
 heat.

 Eric mentions below that Square D breakers are tested in a vertical
 orientation only - the implication being that's their only UL certified
 position.  If this were true, it would imply the breakers cannot be used in
 any other orientation.  This would potentially limit the Square D OCP
 market to sub-panels and other enclosures where the devices are vertical.
  Inasmuch as the vast majority of panelboards I've encountered in my 40+
 years in this industry have the breakers stacked horizontally, it would not
 be a wise business decision for the manufacturer to self-inflict such a
 limitation on their product.

 This also does not mean any such limitation (real or not) applies to all
 breakers.

 By way of example, OCP devices work in a horizontal position, stacked
 pancake style in a main panelboard, as well as vertically oriented
 side-by-side in a sub-panel.  In either orientation, they are  in full
 compliance with UL 489, (UL Standard for Circuit Breakers, Switches, and
 Circuit Breaker Enclosures).  If an OCP device *was*
 positionally-sensitive, UL Standards require this sensitivity to be noted
 in the documentation accompanying the device.  Further to that point, UL
 489 Section 7.1.1.13 states: In determining if a circuit breaker complies
 with the test requirements, the device shall be mounted or supported as in
 service and tested under conditions approximating those of intended
 operation, except as otherwise noted.

 Mounting position notwithstanding, a greater concern would be the ambient
 temperature of a rooftop location, whereby summer heat would tend to make
 the OCP device more sensitive than necessary, potentially causing it to
 trip at an amperage below that of its UL ratings.  While a nuisance, a more
 serious issue arises when operating the OCP device in cold ambient
 conditions, whereby the device may allow MORE than its rated trip current
 to flow.

 Per UL 489, OCP devices are tested at either 25C or 40C ambient.  Again
 per UL 489, if an OCP device is to be used in ambient conditions other than
 those two ranges, the acceptable temperature range for that OCP device
 shall be marked on the body of the device.

 In UL 489, Supplemental Annex, Section 2, Subsection 2.3.3, mechanical
 vibration testing is conducted with OCP devices oriented vertically,
 horizontally, and inclined 30 degrees from vertical, with all devices
 energized up to 200% of the device rated current during the testing.

 Given the preceding, and per implication of UL 489 testing methods, OCP
 devices are NOT positionally sensitive.

 In conclusion, if you DO install a rooftop OCP system, and for proper
 protection, please ensure the OCP devices utilized are rated for the
 worst-case ambient temperatures involved.


 Regards to all,


 Dan Lepinski




 At 09:33 AM 11/8/2013, you wrote:

 Hi Kirpal,

 All Square D safety switches are UL tested

Re: [RE-wrenches] Square D Disconnects mounted on the slope of the roof.

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Thank you all for the ideas and infoin many parts of Oregon you are
required to have a rooftop fireman's disconnectwe have been using a
variety of methods...for small residential we are currently using the
midnite solar box with the disconnect handle and their 600vdc breaker but
this only works for one stringthe other option we have found is a bit
spendy and is made by DC SunVolt out of NJ They can do two strings with
their multipole disco...to feed two separate inverters...I was hoping that
we could use the square d for this purpose along with its three poles but
now with your help I have confirmed that this won't workoh well, back
to two midnite solar discos.
Thank you all...

  Sunny Regards,

 Kirpal Khalsa
 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
 Renewable Energy Systems
 www.oregonsolarworks.com
 541-218-0201 m
 541-592-3958 o





-- 
Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Square D Disconnects mounted on the slope of the roof.

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Drake...we have made mounting brackets to make box vertical before but our
customers complained about aesthetics.Hence the search for a parallel
to the roof slope mounting box quest..Bob O i will look at the midnite
dual pole 600VDC optionThat sounds like what we are looking for
Thanks

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Sat, Nov 9, 2013 at 10:35 AM, Ray Walters r...@solarray.com wrote:

  We've made up mounting brackets with unistrut for this purpose as well.
 We just bend their regular 45 deg angle brackets to match the roof tilt.
 It's a bit of work though, so we are going to other solutions like the
 Soladek, or just putting the combiner box in a different location.

 R.Ray Walters
 CTO, Solarray, Inc
 Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
 Licensed Master Electrician
 Solar Design Engineer303 505-8760

 On 11/9/2013 11:01 AM, Drake wrote:

 A NEMA 3R box can be mounted vertically on a sloping roof by attaching
 brackets to the sides of the box and leveling the box. The bracket or
 L-foot can allow the box to swivel to vertical.

 [image: Emacs!]


 At 09:33 AM 11/8/2013, you wrote:

 Hi Kirpal,
 All Square D safety switches are UL tested in the Vertical position ONLY,
 so if someone is trying to install a switch in any other position other
 than vertical, that will be between them and the inspector. Hope this helps
 .
 Eric
 _

 * Eric Bentsen*  |  * Schneider Electric **  |  Solar Business*  |   *UNITED
 STATES*  |   *Technical Support Representative*
 * Phone:* +(650) 351-8237 ext. 001#  |
 * Email:* 
 *eric.bent...@schneider-electric.com*eric.bent...@schneider-electric.com
 |   *Site:*  http://www.schneider-electric.com/solar*
 www.schneider-electric.com/solar http://www.schneider-electric.com/solar*
 |   *Address:* 250 South Vasco Rd., Livermore, CA 94551

  [image: []] http://www.schneider-electric.htm
 *** Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail



 From: Kirpal Khalsa solarwo...@gmail.com solarwo...@gmail.com
 To: RE-wrenches 
 re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.orgre-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Date: 11/07/2013 01:42 PM
 Subject: [RE-wrenches] Square D Disconnects mounted on the slope of the
 roof.
 Sent by: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org





 Hi Folks!!!
 Anyone aware of minimum slope requirements for Square D 321RB
 disconnectsCan they be mounted on rails parallel to the slope of the
 roof like Outback and Midnite solar combiner boxes(down to a 3/12 pitch)
 I can't seem to find any notes stating the limitations in manufacturer
 documentation.. They are NEMA 3 of course
 Thanks in advance for any direction you can provide

 Sunny Regards,
 Kirpal Khalsa
 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
 Renewable Energy Systems
 * www.oregonsolarworks.com http://www.oregonsolarworks.com/ *
 541-218-0201 m
 541-592-3958 o





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[RE-wrenches] Square D Disconnects mounted on the slope of the roof.

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Hi Folks!!!
Anyone aware of minimum slope requirements for Square D 321RB
disconnectsCan they be mounted on rails parallel to the slope of the
roof like Outback and Midnite solar combiner boxes(down to a 3/12 pitch)
I can't seem to find any notes stating the limitations in manufacturer
documentation.. They are NEMA 3 of course
Thanks in advance for any direction you can provide

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o




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Re: [RE-wrenches] question about pole mount interconnection

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Chrisi like your design with the vaults!  Future proof! Do you make
your transition to rigid metal conduit in the concrete?  Seems solid!
Thanks for sharing...

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Tue, Oct 8, 2013 at 10:24 AM, Chris Worcester
ch...@solarwindworks.comwrote:

 Hi Ron,
 We do a lot of pole mounts, last one was 12' to the bottom of modules, deep
 snow country. Typically in a system where there are or has the potential to
 expand into more than the original pole mounted array we run a couple of
 main PVC conduits underground to a concrete vault, like a C-9, C-24, or
 maybe even a C-30 vault. From this vault we distribute the conduits to each
 pole mount, or in a larger field like the 8 poles you're mentioning we
 might
 go into a second vault closer to the other end of the field, then branch
 out
 to each pole from it too. We use PVC underground, Rigid metal through the
 concrete and up the pole. Hope this helps.

 Chris Worcester
 Solar Wind Works
 NABCEP Certified PV Installer
 Office 530-582-4503
 Cell 530-448-9692
 Fax 530-582-4603
 www.solarwindworks.com
 ch...@solarwindworks.com



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Re: [RE-wrenches] question about pole mount interconnection

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Ronwe do a lot of pole mount installations and we always run down each
pole and up the nextschedule 80 pvc conduit and a junction box at the
top.  It is solid, and should last as long as the array---at least 25+
yearsobviously to do this right the conduit should be installed prior
to the concrete as it then comes up vertically right along the
pole.definitely takes a bit longer to set up but you can be assured
that it is going to last for the long hauladditionally if you are ever
going to have the arrays adjustable on the top of pole mounts it will be
tricky to adjust if the cabling is in free air spanning from one sub array
to the next.as each array will be dependent on the positioning of the
other
Good luck


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Mon, Oct 7, 2013 at 8:08 PM, Ron @ earthRight Solar 
solarea...@solareagle.com wrote:

 Hi Wrenches, I am installing six 8 panel pole mounts in a grid tied
 system. My question is about preference for cable run between the poles. I
 am interested in industry best practices. I have been told that running
 conduit between the poles, i.e. along the axis, will hold the cabling but
 the poles of course must be precisely aligned. The alternative is to run
 cabling down the poles, underground and up the next pole. This is wasteful
 of materials, expensive to the client and in my view presents as many
 safety concerns as the other option. Hope to hear some ideas.

 Ron
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[RE-wrenches] Business

[Kirpal Khalsa]

We have found the grid tie market to be more and more crowded with a race
to the bottom in terms of pricing and marginswe love battery based
systemsboth grid tie and off grid.its definitely less crowded
competition wise and we get more jobs because of the fact that we have
experience doing a lot of battery based systems.
Give the people what they want,
I personally like working in remote sitessome of our best jobs were way
in the booniesbeyond the end of the power lines and had incredible
swimming holes we could jump in during lunch break or were so far in the
woods we were stepping on wild mushrooms while setting up the arrayat
the end of the day the tool pouches were loaded not must with tools but
also mushrooms!
Do good workthat is what will keep you in business...batteries or
notrich or poor, conservative or liberal...it don't matter the
background.when they get to see their solar systems turn on the smiles
are a mile wide.mine too!

Cheers,
Kirpal (aspiring solar hippy :-))

On Aug 17, 2013 8:42 AM, Solarguy nt...@1scom.net wrote:

   Funny reminds me of the old days,



 I seem to recall a lot of years back, on this same discussion site, a
similar exchange. It seems that one installer was looking for advice
concerning an overly demanding customer with unreasonable expectations for
a PV systems performance.

 The customer was the Dept. of Defense.

 Opposing points-of-view questioned why any Wrench in their right mind
would waste perfectly good, and expensive, PV on someone whose goal was
world domination and death to all who opposed them. I’ll sell ‘em PV
because I’m in the business of selling PV was the response.

 Other debates have sprung from Wrenches complaining that potential
customers have two SUVs parked in front of a 6500 sf home. These people
clearly don’t get it! Why should I waste PV on them?

 The answer is always the same. Because it’s what we do.

 McMansion owners and the DOD are now believers and established customers.

 Now there is no one that wouldn’t agree that the growing exodus from our
decaying, congested and polluted urban metromess will not continue to
increase. It’s no different now than years ago. Sell them all the PV they
are willing to pay for but do it with unabashed honesty. And when they are
neck deep in challenges from their lifestyle decision, they will always
remember that you warned them that it would be like this. And they will
respect you for it if they have an ounce of integrity.

 This new generation of get-out-of-town with their all-electric lifestyle
may be our next market segment to deal with. If you don’t want their
business then some other PV installer will. If the job’s done right the
first time it benefits us all. If not we all take one step back.

 Our industry competition includes the coal, natural gas and electric
utility cartel. They and a lot of politicians, stand shoulder to shoulder
in opposition to individuals generating their own power. You had better
take every customer you can get and make a believer out of them because the
competition is doing everything they can to put up hurdles to PV growth.

 And because ours is one of those industries that trains-your-competition
it’s important that we train them to high standards. It’s not easy being a
pioneer.

 Jim Duncan





 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Hilton Dier III
 Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2013 9:13 AM
 To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist - customer management



 This: PS: the good customers are not necessarily the greenest people,
they are the ones that reduce consumption as best they can, do their
homework, trust me and pay on time.

 I'd add, and have a grasp on the realities of the situation.

 There are people who will never grasp that you can't consistently leave a
battery at 90% DOD for a week without shortening its life. Or that solar
irradiance drops in the winter. You can recite the facts to them and they
will nod and look like they are absorbing information, but memory fades and
a month later they will complain about the exact thing you explained to
them.

 William, whatever you do with these clients, I recommend that you write a
short disclaimer about battery life and have them read it and sign it. I
acknowledge that this particular design and implementation is not ideal for
long battery life. I do not expect the battery banks as installed and used
to last their advertised cycle life. Or something like that. When they ask
why you aren't designing it differently, quote them the price for a system
that would preserve the batteries. Pick their jaw up off the ground for
them, hand it back, and make them sign. At the very least it will put them
on notice that the reality of the situation is not ideal.

 Good luck.

 Hilton





 --

 Hilton Dier III

 Renewable Energy Design

 Partner, Solar Gain LLC

 453 East Hill

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hawker versusu MK

[Kirpal Khalsa]

William.we have used a set of industrial flooded lead acid batteries
made by a company called Storage Battery Systems (www.sbs*battery*.com)The
batteries are 2V batteries with 3200Ah capacityThey come with a variety
of warranty options. Our client decided on the 20 year option (5 years
full, 15years prorated)  They have a clear case so you can easily with just
a glance see the level of the electrolyte.They have tubular plates and
came with all the interconnects which cover any exposed metal at the
terminals once they are hooked up.. except a small hole to insert your
voltmeter leadsThey have 4 terminals on each battery so if you need to
run multiple homerun cables you have plenty of plenty of options with out
having to double lug your battery cables on a single terminal. They have
been in operation for almost 4years now without so much as showing any hint
of wear.While they are expensive they also offer extras such as seismic
racking, spill containment systems, and hydrogen gas level alarms.  The
feeling that i got from this company is that they are more in the
industrial battery market and not so much the renewable energy
marketThey are worth a look.we are really happy with their
product

More frequently though we use the Rolls Surrette series 5000
batteries...They also have been reliablewe once had a reverse polarity
from the factory so check polarity of each battery before hooking them
up.These are our main go to batteries when a larger than 800ish Ah
battery bank is called for.  Trojan also has their newer line of industrial
batteriesWe have used them a couple timeswarranty is not as good as
the Rollsbut they have the dual cases like the rolls and seemed like
good batteriesBoth the Trojan and Rolls are supplied with string
interconnects(make sure to remind your distributor)
We have had to train our distributor to supply good quality stainless bolts
(with sufficient length) with lock washers and washers with all battery
purchases
Good luck...


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Tue, Aug 13, 2013 at 7:57 AM, jay peltz j...@asis.com wrote:

 I agree with Daryl and Tump

 And would add Trojan IND as an option to the Rolls and made in SoCal

 Also most of the industrial battery folks make 2v cells.

 Jay
 Peltz power.




 On Aug 13, 2013, at 4:55 AM, penobscotso...@midmaine.com wrote:

  I second Tump's experience!
 
  Daryl DeJoy
  NABCEP Certified PV installer
  Penobscot Solar Design
 
 
  I install large battery banks ALL the time. We DO NOT use any battery
 that
  is incased in a metal enclosure.
  REAL pain to move, cells DO go bad  when they do its a real pain to
 bring
  the engine hoist to remove them. Hard to keep the cases from leaking 
  rusting.
  We DO use the Surrette 2 volt cells in the dual container exclusively.
  These are rated as a containment vessel,  much easier to move. In the
  event when a cell does go bad, use a jumper to bypass the bad cell,
  operate w/ a lower LBCO setting leave the CC settings the same, while
  waiting for replacement.
  1700 AH -2400 AH.
  By the time you have the tractor/back hoe on site, my 2 volt cells are
 up
  n running! E mail me off list and I can give you a few tricks to move
  them.
  On Aug 13, 2013, at 3:28 AM, William Miller wrote:
 
  Friends:
 
  We are shopping for industrial, flooded, lead acid batteries.  We are
  considering 12 volt packages in the 1800 AH range.  Under consideration
  are:
 
  Hawker 12-25W-23S at 1705 AH or MK 106M1033STB at 1896 AH.
 
  Have any of you had experience with either, or recommend another
 option?
 
  As always, I am extremely grateful to all of you for the limitless
  wisdom offered.
 
  Sinceerly,
 
  William Miller
 
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  t...@swnl.net   www.SWNL.net
 Solarwinds Northernlights
Serving Mid Coast Maine  Northern California
  207-832-7574   Cl. 610-517-8401
   Blair TUMP May
  MAINE'S CHARTER 
   NABCEPCertified PV Installer
 
     MAINE'S CHARTER 
   Trace Xantrex Certified Dealer / Installer
 
 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Unknown rail.

[Kirpal Khalsa]

snapnrack

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Wed, Jul 31, 2013 at 1:21 PM, All Solar allso...@scswifi.net wrote:

 Can anyone please identify the rail on the photo?

 Regards
 Jeremy Rodriguez
 AllSolar


 Sent by Jeremy's iPhone. Sorry for typos and shorthand!
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Charging voltages

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Jesse.why wouldn't you wire at least 2 modules in seriesthis way
you have less breakers to deal with, less cord grips if paralleling in a
combiner box, less homerun cables to the combiner and you will also benefit
from greater energy harvest in your MPPT conversion particularly during
cold weather
If you go with 1 module strings and have hot weather your voltage sag in
the summer you will be on the low edge of voltage window to properly charge
a 24V battery bank.
i would check the charge voltage recommendations from the battery
manufacturer for proper charging parametersusually the voltage
recommendations call for lower voltages than FLA batteries...may be helpful
for being able to charge your sealed batteries from a single module.  It is
still borderline...
I have always believed that the 60 cell modules were a bit on the low side
for 24V battery charging.  In the past that is what the 72 cell  modules
were forbut those are fewer and farther between these days, except int
he larger 300+ watt modules
If you had 9 modules i would even go with strings of 3or if you want to
get really efficient you could wire in strings of 4 with the Midnite Solar
Classic 200 charge controller.you would definitely be bumping into
amperage limits.but that is ok...
good luck...


Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Mon, May 13, 2013 at 7:34 PM, Jesse Dahl dahlso...@gmail.com wrote:

 Hello,

 I'm interested in charging voltages for AGM batteries. After my visit to
 the site mentioned in the battery box thread, I was thinking about the
 system.

 New install, 8 solarworld 255s charging a 24V battery bank through a
 outback FM80 (MPPT) All 8 modules in parallel.
 VOC - 37.8
 VMP - 31.4
 ISC - 8.66
 IMP - 8.15

 I'm interested in the setpoints people use for AGMs because it seems like
 this might be cutting it close to the setpoints based on the array voltage.
 Since the system is using a MPPT controller would it be better to increase
 the array voltage?

 Battery bank is 6 12V 245ah east penn bats wired 3 strings of 2.

 I haven't used sealed batteries outside my fish house and boat so I'm
 looking for some detailed info if I can get it.

 Thanks a lot!

 Jesse


 Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Wasps

[Kirpal Khalsa]

get them at nite...they are completely harmless as long as you don't grab
them...they wont fly and if you know where their nests are you can get them
easily after darkthis is also an organic wasp removal system
it is interesting that back sides of solar panels are one of wasps favorite
homesiteson the up side..the wasps provide free theft protection
during the day!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Thu, May 2, 2013 at 12:15 PM, Ryan r...@kb1uas.com wrote:

  Why get rid of them? Not trying to be a wise a$$ but Wasps need a place
 to live and if they are not bothering her it may be a safe place to let
 them stay.

 Ryan


 On 5/2/2013 2:13 PM, Dana Brandt wrote:

  Hi Wrenches,

  I have a client who has developed quite a problem with wasps behind her
 array. Does anyone have experience getting rid of them? I'm afraid of the
 possibility of sprays damaging the backsheet. Is that a legitimate concern?

 Thanks,

  Dana

 Dana Brandt
 Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC
 www.ecotechenergy.com
 d...@ecotechenergy.com
 360.318.7646


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Re: [RE-wrenches] 24V Rolls Charging Parameters?

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Steve.15 hours of Absorb charge!?  Is this just during the initial
charge during commissioning? to set the Flexnet DC calibration?
Thanks for the clarification...
Cheers,
Kirpal Khalsa
Renewable Energy Systems LLC



-- Forwarded message --
From: Steve Higgins st...@surrette.com
Date: Tue, Apr 30, 2013 at 12:31 PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 24V Rolls Charging Parameters?
To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org


 Wayne, 

** **

Sorry about the delay!… I’ve been in wonderful sunny Nigeria dodging
kidnappers and car bombs… 

** **

** **

All Rolls batteries require a bit hotter voltage when charging and
especially when you are using multiple parallel strings. 

** **

With that system I would suggest if you are using the Outback Temp
Compensation.

** **

Inverter: 

Bulk/Absorb 29.2 (2.45vpc)

Absorb Time 15 Hours.  (I’ll explain why below)

Float 26.4 (2.2vpc)

EQ 31.8 (2.65vpc)

** **

Charge Controllers: 

Bulk/Absorb 29.4-29.6. 

   Normally I set the controller a bit higher than the inverter
just so my charge controller don’t back off if my inverter is also charging
the battery.

Absorb Time 4.5 Hours (Time=.42 * 3280 (C20 Rate) / 320amps (max current of
charge controllers) =4.13… Rounded up to 4.5 Hours.   This can be adjusted
depending on monthly SG measurements and or water use. 

Float 26.4

EQ 31.8

** **

Flexnet DC

** **

End Amps 2% of Battery bank Cap.  65 amps. 

Charge Voltage 29.0

Met Time 1-3 min. 

** **

Battery Charge Factor 90%

   This means if you take out 100 amps it’s going to put back
110% before it determine the batts are full. 

** **

The reason for the longer Absorb time is the Flexnet DC determines full
charge by three parameters. 

** **

**1.  **Absorb Time Completion

**2.  **End Amps/Charged Voltage

**3.  **Battery Charge Factor. 

** **

IF ANY ONE OF THESE (OR Statement in the Logic) PARAMETERS ARE MET, AND THE
FNDC SEE’S A 60 SECOND DISCHARGE IT WILL RESET THE SOC METER TO
98,99,100%.   It’s better to set the Absorb timer longer and force it to
use the End Amps or BCF%..

** **

The absolute worst way to charge a battery is by running a timer, all the
inverter manufactures do it because it’s a cheap (but somewhat effective)
method of charging a battery that works as long as you set the absorb timer
correctly.  Plus a sulfated battery will rise in voltage too early
potentially causing issues with charging. 

** **

The best way is measuring the amount of current and shut off the charger
when you hit about 2% (New battery) of the battery bank capacity. 

** **

Many people make two mistakes when setting up the flexnet dc…  

**1.  **Leaving the absorb timer set at default… this will cause the
flexnet dc to think the batts are full and will reset the soc to 100%
early. 

**2.  **Not forcing a manual full charge prior to connecting the
Flexnet DC… The Flexnet DC when first powered up will assume a full 100%
state on the batteries.  Many battery guys know that when they first
install them they are usually only at 60-80% SOC.   This will cause
incorrect measurements of SOC from day one. 

** **

Hope this helps. 

** **

** **

** **

** **

*Steve Higgins
Technical Services Manager
***M: +1.206.790.5840
F: +1.902.597.8447
*Surrette Battery Company
*Exclusive manufacturer of
 http://www.rollsbattery.com
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Stainless Steel Cable Ties

[Kirpal Khalsa]

My vote is for the Heyco Sunbundler vinyl coated stainess tiesthey are
string, do not have sharp edges and long enough to go around any brand of
racking.They are a bit on the expensive side.but with a life
expectancy as long as the rest o f the systemwe have been using them
for over a year and love them.I think we pay approx. $.60 each when we
buy them in quantities of 300 at a time
Sometimes we use plastic zip ties to get our bundling in order and then
follow up with the sun bundler cable ties and this seems to keep our
installation of the sun bundlers to an efficient minimum.
good luck

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Renewable Energy Systems
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-218-0201 m
541-592-3958 o


On Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 9:43 AM, William will...@millersolar.com wrote:

 Friends:

 The US Navy did a study. Found plastic deficient in many ways.

 William
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