Re: [RE-wrenches] Main panel and ATS request

2011-05-13 Thread Ray Walters
HI Allan; We got some through Northern Tool and equipment. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200317677_200317677 It's Generac, but it's UL listed, and cheap. (actually its made by Nexus) As you can see the Cutler Hamer are over $1000. I've also used their very low cost manual tra

Re: [RE-wrenches] Dangerous installs/installers..

2011-05-13 Thread Ray Walters
y getting sick of it. Send me the pics and I'll give you credit on my Horror Installs page. Ray Walters On 5/13/2011 1:08 PM, Jesse Dahl wrote: All, It was confirmed that this work was done by a local "contractor" through photographs. Very poor workmanship. The best one of the j

Re: [RE-wrenches] Magnum energy

2011-05-16 Thread Ray Walters
Its not necessarily overkill with the well pump. The pump horsepower pretty much dictates the system minimum requirements. What is the HP? Overall, I like Magnum's stuff. You might be able to get by with the MM1500 watt inverter (mod sine) Are you planning on using Midnite's panel? I've been p

[RE-wrenches] Fwd: out of business

2011-05-17 Thread Ray Walters
Fellow (soon to be former) Wrenches; This is it boys; we're done for! Ray Walters Original Message Check this out http://thepersonalpowerplant.com/ They even show the shadow from the pole across the top module -- and the modules on the bottom facing every which way,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fwd: Fwd: out of business

2011-05-18 Thread Ray Walters
n the early 60s in the South. I am indeed the lucky recipient of your well justified intolerance. I will now go catch Home Brew Boy, and together we will eat a nice heaping helping of steamed Crow. Cheers to you Erika and all women in the technical fields, the solar indu

Re: [RE-wrenches] 24 volt Battery Bank comparison

2011-06-03 Thread Ray Walters
built into the positive terminal. Possibly the same device that controls charge current to it too? Dreaming up future BOS equipment, Ray Walters On 6/2/2011 7:44 PM, d...@foxfire-energy.com wrote: What I like best about Mark's set up (the retired phone co. dude w/ half a hand), is tha

Re: [RE-wrenches] 24 volt Battery Bank comparison

2011-06-03 Thread Ray Walters
. However, if the cells / batteries are bolted together and discharged right out of the gate, there's a good chance SG & Voltages will be all over the map in short order. Jamie >>> Ray Walters 6/3/2011 2:53 PM >>> I've set electric vehicle parallel strings u

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery interconnect cable length

2011-06-07 Thread Ray Walters
We once cooked a T105 in an Electric vehicle situation, where the terminal was loose and cause the lead around the bolt to melt. They're just bolts set in lead. I removed the original bolt, and then drilled and tapped into some solid lead to the side of the damage. I was able to screw in a 1/4"

Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

2011-06-09 Thread Ray Walters
I would always expect the power monitoring at the inverter ( or in this case at the module) to be higher, because of wire losses. Matt's case is about a 4 to 5% difference though, so that only explains maybe half the loss at most. I wonder if the inverter monitoring measures incoming watts, or

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar World Poly

2011-06-24 Thread Ray Walters
s fly, and the installer can figure out" design may be the current standard, but its not even close to being optimized. Its unbelievable all these bright engineers on the manufacturing side can't come up with something better. Ray Walters On 6/24/2011 7:47 PM, William Miller wrote: Un

Re: [RE-wrenches] Torque Wrenches

2011-07-08 Thread Ray Walters
en torqued. Ray Walters On 7/8/2011 7:01 AM, Jason Szumlanski wrote: I'm looking for a recommendation on a good torque wrench for installing S-5 clamps. I saw the past posts on torque screwdrivers, but I'm looking for a wrench calibrated to the 100-150 in-lbs range. Jason Szu

Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator/SQFlex problem

2011-07-09 Thread Ray Walters
HI Allan; Here's a relay I've used for electric vehicles with up to 156 vdc nom. batteries. (pushing 200 vdc charging on cold days) http://store.kta-ev.com/openstylepowerrelaydpdtwithmagneticblowout.aspx Click on the spec sheet for more details. This is from KTA electric vehicles, a very reputa

Re: [RE-wrenches] Torque Wrenches

2011-07-10 Thread Ray Walters
it has taken some sever falls off the roof to the ground. Dana Orzel Great Solar Works, Inc *From:*re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Ray Walters Torque Wrenches I've been using Sears's inch pound torque

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fwd: Re: Aluminum Module Frame To GalvanizedUni-Strut

2011-07-13 Thread Ray Walters
says no. The most impedance is usually found at the connection from the grounding electrode to the earth itself, not at the array. Ray Walters On 7/13/2011 2:46 PM, Marv Dargatz wrote: Drake, This is a HUGE problem. If you want a real earful, talk to John Wiles, Bill Brooks, or Greg Ball

[RE-wrenches] OSHA Certification?

2011-07-14 Thread Ray Walters
heir class B) a new requirement I wasn't aware of C) a long standing requirement not being enforced Fill me in oh wise ones, Ray Walters Solarray, Inc. Denver, CO ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-w

Re: [RE-wrenches] OSHA Certification?

2011-07-17 Thread Ray Walters
" This is either: A) a scam trying to scare me into signing up for their class B) a new requirement I wasn't aware of C) a long standing requirement not being enforced Fill me in oh wise ones, Ray Walters Solarray, Inc. Denver, CO

Re: [RE-wrenches] OSHA Certification?

2011-07-18 Thread Ray Walters
Of course it is a good idea, just like NABCEP certification, but it becomes a completely different animal when it is mandatory. This all started when a company offering the training claimed an OSHA 10 certification was mandatory for solar installers. Its becoming a full time job to keep up all my

Re: [RE-wrenches] pole mounts

2011-07-27 Thread Ray Walters
I had a customer ram a vehicle into a pole mounted tracker at about 10 mph. It bent the tilt actuator pretty good, but the 6" pole and footing were unscathed. Once I found a pole mount listing at a 10 degree angle, turns out the DIYers hadn't set it in concrete. Another situation we had 6" poles

Re: [RE-wrenches] shatterproof PV

2011-07-27 Thread Ray Walters
Hi Marco; Regular modules are designed to take quite an impact. I recall one manufacturer that fired 1" ice balls with an air cannon at their modules, and then let visitors throw baseballs at them. It seems the foul balls would be at a lower velocity than a person co

Re: [RE-wrenches] shatterproof PV

2011-07-27 Thread Ray Walters
Here's the ASTM standard for impact testing of modules, but it costs $34 to download: http://www.astm.org/Standards/E1038.htm Ray ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://

Re: [RE-wrenches] shatterproof PV

2011-07-27 Thread Ray Walters
My mistake, I just found a spec sheet on the Unisolar 64, and it specifically advertises "No glass" and "unbreakable". I worked on systems with them before, but never sold them, so I assumed the textured top surface was tempered glass all these years. Many pardons,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Grounding system for a shack on a frozen lake?

2011-08-09 Thread Ray Walters
then drive it into the ice just to say you did. Post some pics this winter when its in. (P.S. optimum array angle will probably be as much as 80 deg due to the ice reflection, and peak power could be over 125% of nameplate, use an amp meter to adjust tilt) Ray Walters On 8/9/2011 7:09 AM, Exel

Re: [RE-wrenches] Responses Welcomed!: 230/400 50Hz in the U.S Off-grid?

2011-08-09 Thread Ray Walters
going to boat out to tell everyone what to do? We have whole counties here in Colorado (and Oklahoma) with no electrical inspection process, so why would the inspectors come to an isolated island in a foreign country? Bottom line: Keep the customer happy and everyone else should be happy. Ray

Re: [RE-wrenches] Out of Warranty Inverter Replacements

2011-08-19 Thread Ray Walters
Hi Mark; In cases like that, I let the customer decide. My job is to present them with two or three streamlined options and let them decide. It seems it comes down to cost vs continued warranty (and possible expandability?). Financial decisions ultimately need to be made by the people paying t

Re: [RE-wrenches] Out of Warranty Inverter Replacements

2011-08-19 Thread Ray Walters
ually wonder if slowing some subsidies might make for a saner playing field. Ray Walters On 8/19/2011 12:33 PM, Exeltech wrote: Making equipment more robust, yet constantly lower in cost, are diametrically opposing goals. Dan ___ List sponsore

Re: [RE-wrenches] Out of Warranty Inverter Replacements

2011-08-20 Thread Ray Walters
ears, but those are indoors and not at full load every day. Seems we need to do more to baby these Grid tie inverters (put them in the shade, good air flow, surge arrestors, don't over load them, etc.) Ray Walters On 8/19/2011 11:18 PM, Exeltech wrote: --- On *Fri, 8/19/11, Ray Walters //

Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Ion Phosphate for grid back up

2011-08-21 Thread Ray Walters
e Li+ that are very good, but also very expensive, and the military gets first dibs on most of those. Ray Walters On 8/21/2011 8:14 PM, Darryl Thayer wrote: your numbers sound to good. My limited to one experiance is $15,000 for 10 kWh you are talking 33600 kWh for same money. The local

Re: [RE-wrenches] Jacobs Wincharger Book, 1978?

2011-08-25 Thread Ray Walters
Michael Hackelman also wrote a great book on electric vehicles published through Home Power Magazine. That was back in the day when you could fit everyone that actually cared about renewable energy technology into one room, and everybody was friendly too. Ray Walters On 8/25/2011 1:35 PM

Re: [RE-wrenches] Grounding Requirement Question

2011-09-06 Thread Ray Walters
code) but my read is that is no longer required by 2011 code as 690.47 D was deleted. I love how some folks act like you're going to burn the place down if you don't absolutely follow current code, and a couple of years later the code completely changes its mind, again, and again.:)

Re: [RE-wrenches] Designing PV systems for lightning prone areas

2011-09-09 Thread Ray Walters
from my experience) but take a look at Midnite Solar's new line of lightning protection equipment. Ray Walters Solarray, Inc. On 9/9/2011 12:32 PM, James Rudolph wrote: Dear Wrenches, Does anybody have any best practices for designing large PV arrays on metal building in lightning

Re: [RE-wrenches] battery cycle life, US Battery

2011-09-16 Thread Ray Walters
ooking at cycle life data, comparing costs, adding in maintenance and replacement labor, etc.. L16s are serious losers on a $/ kwh operating cost comparison, so this is a chance to up sell the customer to HUPs (or equivalent) and make both of you happier in the long run. Ray Walters On

Re: [RE-wrenches] battery cycle life, US Battery

2011-09-16 Thread Ray Walters
rt batteries is a terrible idea no matter how much better the GC2 may be. Larry On Sep 16, 2011, at 10:01 AM, Ray Walters wrote: The real point is that the Xantrex guy is correct from a scientific stance. Experimental battery cycle life data shows that some golf cart batteries (T105) do have m

Re: [RE-wrenches] battery cycle life, US Battery

2011-09-16 Thread Ray Walters
rwarded from earth2 Begin forwarded message: *From: *Ray Walters mailto:r...@solarray.com>> *Date: *September 16, 2011 1:03:43 PM PDT *To: *RE-wrenches <mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>> *Subject: **Re: [RE-wrenches] battery cycle life, US Battery **Reply-To: *RE-wrenches <

Re: [RE-wrenches] battery cycle life, US Battery

2011-09-17 Thread Ray Walters
ndent test facility and publish some trust worthy comparison data on a level playing field. I based my Rolls info on almost a decade of literature collected from them, not just that one chart. Awaiting clarification from Rolls, sorry if I used the wrong data Ray Walters On 9/16/2011 10:57

Re: [RE-wrenches] battery cycle life, US Battery

2011-09-17 Thread Ray Walters
have received pallet loads of 8D and 4D AGM's that were over 1 year old when delivered. Just for the fun of it, my opinion is that Johnson Control (JC) is the worst performer. Just have a look at your JC Sam's Club $68 GC2. A 1-3 year battery. About the same for the JC Interstate gree

Re: [RE-wrenches] battery cycle life, US Battery

2011-09-18 Thread Ray Walters
ke that to move the big Surrette/Rolls batteries. Not nearly as big as a HUP but at 300+ lbs can be a little hefty. Ron On 2011-09-17, at 6:52 PM, Ray Walters wrote: Todd; I haven't tried the 2v L16s, because they were rated the same cycle life. (I could be wrong?) Are you really

Re: [RE-wrenches] battery cycle life, US Battery

2011-09-20 Thread Ray Walters
ution to our knowledge base, Ray Walters On 9/20/2011 2:58 AM, James Surrette wrote: Sorry, 2nd attempt. Could not attach the presentation but have if anyone is interested ... Morning Wrenches, Regarding cycle life data, I thought some of you might find the attached interesting

Re: [RE-wrenches] High Temp Batteries

2011-09-22 Thread Ray Walters
temp swings. It will basically maintain at roughly the avg temp for the time of year, if not closer to the year round avg. If you're interested, I can post a picture, it comes out looking pretty slick. Ray Walters On 9/22/2011 11:47 AM, toddc...@finestplanet.com wrote: Have you considered

Re: [RE-wrenches] Designing PV systems for lightning prone areas

2011-09-22 Thread Ray Walters
er in 10 ft sections, and can drive as deep as 80 ft? (I always wanted to try that system) Did you tie to the rebar in the foundation or anything else interesting? 125 strikes a year is a lot, do you have a strike counter? Always very interested in Lightning stories, Ray Walters On 9/22/2

Re: [RE-wrenches] Salt & Aluminum vs Galvy

2011-09-27 Thread Ray Walters
More expensive, harder to find, and harder to cut, but you'll see the difference in a couple of years for sure. Just a single washer that's not SS will stand out like a sore thumb later. Ray Walters On 9/27/2011 11:40 AM, Jeff Clearwater wrote: Hi Esteemed Wrenchies, So for the proj

re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org

2011-09-29 Thread Ray Walters
e, they have an excellent waveform, (no funny spikes, like most portable units) so I can't imagine why a Sunny Island wouldn't work well with it, but I never actually used one with a Kohler. Ray Walters On 9/29/2011 9:53 AM, Jeff Clearwater wrote: Fellow Wrenchers, What's folk

Re: [RE-wrenches] ground

2011-09-30 Thread Ray Walters
re you sure you still need this? I believe 2011 only requires you bond all the metal to the EGC, as always. Ray Walters On 9/30/2011 8:24 AM, Kent Osterberg wrote: The requirements listed in 250.52(3) were changed in 2011. The rebar used is allowed to be near the bottom of the footing or in verti

Re: [RE-wrenches] ground

2011-09-30 Thread Ray Walters
unted PV array is considered a structure and requires a ground electrode per 250.32. Perhaps the exception would cover the possibility a installing very small system without a ground electrode. Kent Osterberg Blue Mountain Solar, Inc. Ray Walters wrote: I've also used 250.52A(7) defini

Re: [RE-wrenches] Invert first?

2011-10-02 Thread Ray Walters
both the Classic and apparently the XW can do better than that. Adding losses for converting DC to AC to DC again, and I can't see any compelling reason to go AC at the array. Ray Walters On 10/2/2011 10:50 AM, Dan Fink wrote: Hi Eric; I'll be very interested to hear what others o

Re: [RE-wrenches] GNB Battery Contact

2011-10-02 Thread Ray Walters
Windy Dankoff had an electric forklift at his old Santa Fe shop, that they charged with a Trace SW4024, I believe. Ray Walters On 10/2/2011 10:08 AM, Peter Parrish wrote: We are looking for a battery-powered fork lift: total vertical lift 22' and load (typically on pallets) 350 to 70

Re: [RE-wrenches] Wet locations: (was Push-in Wire Connectors)

2011-10-21 Thread Ray Walters
I started using the wet rated wire nuts, because I've found some corrosion in old connectors in outdoor boxes. BTW, why don't you like the goo filled wire nuts? They seem a decent and cost effective solution.  I agree with your idea that condensation and moisture buildup

Re: [RE-wrenches] intermittent battery problem

2011-10-22 Thread Ray Walters
I've seen behavior like that from Series 5000 Rolls that were only a year old, but chronically under charged. (20 amp load and the inverter would reach low shut off in minutes, 30 amp charge and it hit high voltage and quit charging) Any other battery, and I would assume its capacity was gone.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC)-

2011-10-31 Thread Ray Walters
ler conductors, but specifies PV system conductors, so I'm not sure if that could be applied to the EGC. H. You might also be able to use pieces of heat shrink on bare Cu just where it crosses other metals. This is yet another reason why WEEBs are a god send. Ray Walters On 10/31

Re: [RE-wrenches] ARCO Solar and Carrizo Plain

2011-10-31 Thread Ray Walters
Perhaps it was some of the contagious mentality around at the time that also killed GM's electric vehicle in favor of the Hummer..Solar worked, they feared the end of the oil era, so they had to kill it before the rest of the country found out. Not all bad, as some of those old Trilams and Q

Re: [RE-wrenches] 10 yr old Kohler gen

2011-10-31 Thread Ray Walters
When they start and shut off in 30 secs, its definitely a control issue, like the others said. I had one that just needed the radiator topped off to cure the same problem. That's definitely one of the good ones though; nothing like it that I know of today. Ray On 10/31/2011 8:39 PM, jay peltz

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bifacial modules

2011-11-03 Thread Ray Walters
mplicated it becomes. Ray Walters On 11/3/2011 11:39 AM, Joel Davidson wrote: See-thru solar cells have been around for decades. Arco Solar made 4% efficient amorphous silicon modules and car sunroofs in 1984 that were tinted brown like sunglasses. I got a 12-inch square see-thru laminate that stil

Re: [RE-wrenches] Voltage Regulator

2011-11-03 Thread Ray Walters
ake a voltage regulator that will stabilize a battery voltage, as well as up and down DC to DC converters. Also, I'm up in Denver, and don't mind driving (buy my gas) if you ever need any help. Ray Walters On 11/3/2011 4:26 PM, All Solar, Inc. wrote: Hello, I have a client runnin

Re: [RE-wrenches] High Voltage MPPT units

2011-11-04 Thread Ray Walters
250 can handle a maximum of 1722 watts. Personally I've found controllers seem to last longer when over sized, rather than over loaded. Ray Walters Solarray, Inc. On 11/4/2011 5:22 PM, Carl Emerson wrote: Hi John, Yes I have seen this one thanks. I should have mentioned that the arra

Re: [RE-wrenches] cable spacing in trenches

2011-11-06 Thread Ray Walters
lly if its a long shared ditch). Ray Walters On 11/6/2011 8:36 AM, Drake wrote: Check out Figure Figure B.310.15(B)(2)(1) At 07:43 AM 11/4/2011, you wrote: Separation is an issue the NEC does not address clearly .However, please make sure you allow adequate room to repair the conduit if da

Re: [RE-wrenches] Faulty PM-60 circuit board

2011-11-07 Thread Ray Walters
Today's controllers are so much better both in terms of battery management, and power efficiency, that I replace the old Pulse stuff even if they're not dead. I usually keep the PC250 as a DC load center, and pop a new controller off the top. This is often a good time to add a few modules to th

Re: [RE-wrenches] High Voltage MPPT units

2011-11-07 Thread Ray Walters
Just curious, what's the advantage of switching at the array vs. just using a Sunny Island or Outback system? Seems this would cost more, and have less efficiency, since you would still have the battery float losses, backup inverter idle losses, in addition to the 2nd grid tie inverter losses.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Faulty PM-60 circuit board

2011-11-08 Thread Ray Walters
th an externally mounted Outback MX60, but I did not rewire the array. Best regards, Joel Davidson - Original Message - From: "Ray Walters" To: "RE-wrenches" Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 10:16 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Faulty PM-60 circuit board Today&

Re: [RE-wrenches] What inverter? (was Faulty PM-60 circuit board)

2011-11-09 Thread Ray Walters
He doesn't want battery backup? Ray On 11/9/2011 10:33 AM, Joel Davidson wrote: Wrenches, After telling my customer to upgrade to an MPPT charge controller (thanks Ray Walters and John Blittersdorf), he decided to really optimize his PV array and retire his Trace SW4048 inverter. He h

Re: [RE-wrenches] 90 degree wire bends

2011-11-16 Thread Ray Walters
It seems that if the strands were stretched and therefore thinned, that that would increase resistance, some. I think more importantly, the insulation bunchs up and cracks, and is definitely compromised. Also with strain hardening of copper, I'm sure some strands could break internally with a

Re: [RE-wrenches] 3-phase wire run considerations

2011-11-17 Thread Ray Walters
wire will only encourage low voltage shut downs (<211 @ inverter). Ray Walters On 11/16/2011 10:49 PM, William Miller wrote: Luke: Maximum inverter output will occur rarely. Most of the time the inverter(s) will be running at lesser output amps. One approach is to size wiring for a cer

Re: [RE-wrenches] Convert Grid Tie SW4048 to Backup System; Add New Inverter, AC Coupled

2011-11-17 Thread Ray Walters
We redid one in a very similar situation recently. In that case the customer wanted super backup and so we put in Grid tie Outbacks and a new battery bank, added modules, and kept the SWs as battery chargers from the generator. He had the option with bypass switches to use the SWs, if the Outba

Re: [RE-wrenches] 90 degree wire bends

2011-11-18 Thread Ray Walters
roblems. Darryl *From:* Ray Walters mailto:r...@solarray.com>> *To:* RE-wrenches mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 16, 2011 12:11 PM *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] 90 degree wire bends It seems that if the strands were stretched

Re: [RE-wrenches] Code reviewer issue with array disconnect location

2011-11-21 Thread Ray Walters
Hi Jeff; The new combiner boxes from Midnite are interesting for this application too, as they offer a single external disconnect built into the side of each combiner box. They can later be easily upgraded with Midnite's new arc fault protection and remote disconnect. One simple signal switch

Re: [RE-wrenches] Liability

2011-11-23 Thread Ray Walters
r, and spread by word of mouth, the good news to their off grid neighbors. This type of work is not for the squimish though, and I have had my share of 4 am worry sessions over some of this work. Also bill by Time and materials, you never know what you're going to run into, till you get everyth

Re: [RE-wrenches] Connectors and Crimpers

2011-11-28 Thread Ray Walters
The wrong crimping tool with the wrong crimp is a big no no. I've seen complete melt downs at high amps, because there was not enough contact between the wire and the connector. I'm one of the guys here that will help you save money when it makes sense, but I've personally seen a lot of improper

Re: [RE-wrenches] calculating low string voltage

2011-11-29 Thread Ray Walters
I'm prepping for a class on this very subject tonight, so I'll just wrap up everybody's good points: V min = Vmpp x (1- temp diff x Temp coefficient) So first, I'd take your ambient temp from ASHRAE Extreme Annual Mean Maximum, then add Scott's adder (ie roof mount off 6" = +30C) so let's say

Re: [RE-wrenches] calculating low string voltage

2011-11-29 Thread Ray Walters
n Nov 29, 2011, at 5:55 PM, Ray Walters wrote: I'm prepping for a class on this very subject tonight, so I'll just wrap up everybody's good points: V min = Vmpp x (1- temp diff x Temp coefficient) So first, I'd take your ambient temp from ASHRAE Extreme Annual Mean Maximu

Re: [RE-wrenches] Recycling failed modules

2011-11-30 Thread Ray Walters
I pulled the Al off, and recycled the framing with our cans ( Al scrap is over 50 cents/lb). The glass/ silicon I took to a computer/ electronics recycling drop off. Did I do the right thing? Never know, but shipping them seems more environmentally damaging than the land fill. Many places re

Re: [RE-wrenches] calculating low string voltage

2011-12-01 Thread Ray Walters
That's more detailed info, but I still am wondering what ambient temp to apply (which AHSRAE #) with the temp adder. Daryl suggested using a 2% high temp. Also, where are you all getting your weather data? I found the NEC suggested ASHRAE manual to be close to $200. That's a bit much just t

Re: [RE-wrenches] calculating low string voltage

2011-12-01 Thread Ray Walters
ches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Ray Walters *Sent:* Thursday, December 01, 2011 3:58 PM *To:* RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] calculating low string voltage Fantastic Info everyone, I think I've got a full grasp on this topic now, from using the correct coefficient to the

Re: [RE-wrenches] old trace manual

2011-12-02 Thread Ray Walters
You can always add a boost transformer from Backwoods Solar, to boost the VAC slightly (10%) to increase charge amps. If you look at your peak voltage on that genny, its probably below 145 (should be 170 v peak for 120 v rms ) Ray On 12/2/2011 8:46 AM, jay peltz wrote: Hi Howie, They were m

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA combi switch in s.s.

2011-12-07 Thread Ray Walters
Midnite Solar has powder coated aluminum enclosures that also have the AFI option that can be added when available later. There also alot cheaper than some of the other solutions out there. Ray On 12/7/2011 6:57 PM, Dave Click wrote: Marco, the easiest solution may be to just replace it with

Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 480 - battery enclosure question

2011-12-14 Thread Ray Walters
. 300.6 Has a lot of good info on corrosion that we in the solar biz should be all over, as well. So that's 3 pretty specific code references. Ray Walters On 12/13/2011 7:03 PM, b...@midnitesolar.com wrote: On 12/13/2011 5:47 PM, Dan Fink wrote: Esteemed Wrenches; An email question fr

Re: [RE-wrenches] RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 6, Issue 276

2013-07-23 Thread Ray Walters
Some hardware stores carry a high strength double stick foam tape. I've used a permanent outdoor rated type (3M?) that won't come off. Just don't let the kids play with it. This looks like the stuff I used: http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-10152/3M-VHB-Tapes/3M-5925-VHB-Double-Sided-Fo

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tri-Star MPPT

2013-07-23 Thread Ray Walters
Did you look for dead cells? I've seen many L 16 sets (including my own) only last 4-1/2 years, so that set was already almost done. If she started mixing new batteries in before, she knew she already had a problem. Did this system change from 12 v to 24 v? The rule of thumb for eons (or

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tri-Star MPPT

2013-07-23 Thread Ray Walters
The sulfated cell would show an artificially high SQ reading, if she tried to add acid to it: another bogus trick people try, when their batteries are going out. You might ask. Customers often have to try every other trick in the book before admitting they need to pay for new batteries. (a

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tax credit question.

2013-07-27 Thread Ray Walters
I use language like: "you may be eligible; it depends on interpretation; some people have taken the credit in this case; its not my business what you claim on your taxes," all followed by Allan's "check with your accountant, I'm not a licensed CPA" I feel that its fine to mention the

[RE-wrenches] Outback AC coupling Sunpower?

2013-07-30 Thread Ray Walters
Hi All; I know AC coupled systems have been covered before, but I have a new issue: positive grounding. A customer with an existing 8kw Sunpower system wants to add backup. He was put off by the high cost the Sunny Island, so I was steering him towards a single Outback VFX coupled to just

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback AC coupling Sunpower?

2013-07-30 Thread Ray Walters
trician Solar Design Engineer 303 505-8760 On 7/30/2013 2:59 PM, Ray Walters wrote: Hi All; I know AC coupled systems have been covered before, but I have a new issue: positive grounding. A customer with an existing 8kw Sunpower system wants to add backup. He was put off by the high cost the Su

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback AC coupling Sunpower?

2013-07-30 Thread Ray Walters
505-8760 On 7/30/2013 5:29 PM, Jay Peltz wrote: Hi ray Magnum does have a way to do it Theirs is a bit different, but all the data is on their web site Jay Peltz power Sent from my iPhone On Jul 30, 2013, at 4:23 PM, Ray Walters wrote: The Outback rep got me some good info, and I'm likin

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback AC coupling Sunpower?

2013-07-31 Thread Ray Walters
tor ke...@whidbeysunwind.com <mailto:ke...@whidbeysunwind.com> PH & FAX: 360.678.7131 On Jul 30, 2013, at 4:23 PM, Ray Walters <mailto:r...@solarray.com>> wrote: The Outback rep got me some good info, and I'm liking the Radian with the Remote controlled breaker to

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback AC coupling Sunpower?

2013-07-31 Thread Ray Walters
Corey; Would you mind sharing what relay didn't work, and which ones did, along with inverter output current? Since the relays will be running for hours at inverter rated output, my thinking would be to oversize the relay by at least a factor of three. I might try Outback's relay/ breaker

Re: [RE-wrenches] Unknown rail.

2013-07-31 Thread Ray Walters
Looks like SnapNRack. Get some new bolt and clamp sets before you start loosening anything. The SS bolts can spall, and the last one we worked on, we had to replace 1/3 of the hardware. We used anti-seize thread lubricant and a torque wrench on reinstallation. SnapN Rack seems pretty decent

Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

2013-08-03 Thread Ray Walters
Mac; Is this off grid? The Intimidator is not a high cycle life battery. I've had trouble finding exact ratings, but its probably in the 250 to 300 cycles at 80% DOD. I'd expect 3 years max in an off grid application. Also the Intimidators I've seen are actually AGM, not Gel, but I don'

Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

2013-08-03 Thread Ray Walters
wice! On Sat, Aug 3, 2013 at 6:42 PM, Ray Walters <mailto:r...@solarray.com>> wrote: Mac; Is this off grid? The Intimidator is not a high cycle life battery. I've had trouble finding exact ratings, but its probably in the 250 to 300 cycles at 80% DOD. I'

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery backup under attack in CA

2013-08-08 Thread Ray Walters
Just to add to the discussion: Maui Electric (MECO) has had the same policy of denying all battery based systems. My understanding is they won't even allow simple battery backup systems (no grid tie, so sell back). PNM (in Alan's backyard) used to require a very expensive and unnecessary load

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2500 W inverter for $300

2013-08-09 Thread Ray Walters
These cheapo inverters are nothing new; we've had to sell against them for over a decade. Its all about longevity, and how bad life might be with a several week outage. Weight is a great, simple place to start. The quality inverters are transformer based, and weigh much more. Which one is goin

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hawker versusu MK

2013-08-13 Thread Ray Walters
We use a high lift jack to lift the case up onto a carrier we've made. Roll them right into the room. We then use the high lift to push them exactly into place, with a wood brace against the wall. I'm still a HUP fan fro the cycle life (2100 cycle to 80% DOD) but if the 1500 cycle batteries are

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist

2013-08-16 Thread Ray Walters
Hi William; One thing to consider is that you want to cycle the batteries at least 20% DOD. If you look at the cycle charts for regular Lead acid batteries, the total KWH you can get from a battery for its lifetime is fairly equal from around 20% DOD to 80% DOD. (basically you can get twice

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist

2013-08-16 Thread Ray Walters
I find its also about the money. If they're expecting a $20k system to perform like a $100k one, then yes, move on. I agree with Daryl that you keep a good record by picking your clients. On the other hand, I have some fairly wealthy customers that don't want to reduce their loads, and are wil

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist

2013-08-16 Thread Ray Walters
Hi Kevin; Which watering system did you find that worked? We've been through a bunch that were worse than no watering system at all. R.Ray Walters CTO, Solarray, Inc Nabcep Certified PV Installer, Licensed Master Electrician Solar Design Engineer 303 505-8760 On 8/16/2013 5:38 PM, Kevin Pegg

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist

2013-08-16 Thread Ray Walters
-shift-away-from-green-illusions my .o2 todd On Friday, August 16, 2013 5:26pm, "Ray Walters" said: > I find its also about the money. If they're expecting a $20k system to > perform like a $100k one, then yes, move on. I agree with Daryl that > you keep a good record

Re: [RE-wrenches] Reading material for Off Grid client

2013-08-18 Thread Ray Walters
My all time favorite is "the Solar Electric Independent Home Book" by New England Solar. Its dated at this point, but does the best job I've seen of conveying the overall design philosophy and life style. Very simple easy read. R.Ray Walters CTO, Solarray, Inc Nabcep Certified PV Installer,

[RE-wrenches] Outback efficiency?

2013-08-18 Thread Ray Walters
I have a couple of Outback questions. On my load analysis sheet, I include 20 w x 24hr/ day for the inverter's no load draw. In the past I had very poor luck with the search mode on most inverters, and found that when I adjusted it so that it came on with efficient lighting, that the no load dr

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hawker versusu MK

2013-08-29 Thread Ray Walters
Full River has better cycle life specs for a sealed battery. We've gotten good feed back from the field so far. B&B is another that I've abused and had good luck with. Their cycle life is lower, but comparable to the Hawker or MK. R.Ray Walters CTO, Solarray, Inc Nabcep Certified PV Installer

Re: [RE-wrenches] Minimum Lux needed

2013-09-05 Thread Ray Walters
On module IV curves, 100 w/m2 is the lowest insolation level usually listed. It would also depend on the charge controller or inverter being used. I've seen arrays make power at below 100 w/ m2 if there is enough array to overcome the operating losses of the electronics. R.Ray Walters CTO,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off Grid LP Gen advice

2013-09-15 Thread Ray Walters
What supplier are folks using for the Ecogen? R.Ray Walters CTO, Solarray, Inc Nabcep Certified PV Installer, Licensed Master Electrician Solar Design Engineer 303 505-8760 On 9/15/2013 9:19 AM, Dave Palumbo wrote: Ecogen it is. Thanks everybody. Dave Plaumbo *From:*re-wrenches-boun...@lists

Re: [RE-wrenches] Li-I question

2013-09-19 Thread Ray Walters
Looks interesting, I've been waiting for Li+ to start making sense on larger scales. The cycle life does not appear to be better than a HUP lead acid battery, despite the claims of "10 times the cycle life of an AGM battery" I'm confused because in their white paper they also claim: 200 cycle

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Warranty Question (was Li-I question)

2013-09-20 Thread Ray Walters
HUP warranty covers shipping and install labor for the first year, but I can't personally vouch for it as I've never had a warranty issue. R.Ray Walters CTO, Solarray, Inc Nabcep Certified PV Installer, Licensed Master Electrician Solar Design Engineer 303 505-8760 On 9/20/2013 6:01 AM, Howie M

[RE-wrenches] Wet Romex?

2013-09-22 Thread Ray Walters
Hi Wrenches; This might be slightly off topic for a solar list, but I'm doing some flood damage work for my sister in Boulder, who's basement was completely filled with water last week. We stripped all the sheet rock and carpets, etc. out, and then had a company come in to dry out the lumbe

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