Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverter for fire protection pump

Joel, We are currently in the middle of installing a 7 kw off grid system with just these requirements. The client is a retired Chicago firefighter and insisted on this commercial fire suppression system. After much research the logical conclusion we reached was the same as William's recommendat

Re: [RE-wrenches] Delta LA's

Take a look at Citel lightning protection. They install on a din rail. We are installing a 15 kw array for Acadia National Park and they were spec'd for the project. It will be our first time using them but they look promising. http://www.citelprotection.com/ac_surge.htm Daryl > "I've also won

[RE-wrenches] Apparent Micro Inverters

Hello all, Has anyone had any experience installing Apparent Micro Inverters? My brother is investing heavily in a large commercial solar array and I have no experience with any micro inverter other than Enphase and the failed Trace Anyone have any thoughts, input, etc?? http://www.appa

Re: [RE-wrenches] 48v small controllers

Hi Jay, We really like Phocos controllers for smaller applications. Check out "The DIngo". http://www.phocos.com/datasheet_cc_dingo.html Daryl DeJoy NABCEP Certified PV installer Penobscot Solar Design > HI All, > > Any recommendations on a small 7-10 amp 48v controller, preferably se

Re: [RE-wrenches] paralleling amp hour meters on one shunt?

Todd, We've paralleled TriMetric meters many times. I have not tried the Pentametric, but the orginal TriMet works well. Daryl > > > >http-equiv="Content-Type"> > > > > Has anyone ever paralleled two amp hour meters on one shunt? How > about paralleling two

[RE-wrenches] Generator auto start

Can anyone point me in the direction of a good, autonomous generator auto start. We have an off grid system with a substantial array (8 kw) and using a dual OutBack 3648 PP, but we have not had good luck with generator auto start using the relays and Mate within the OutBack equipment. I would like

Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator auto start

Thanks Mick and Ray. William, I would equate the overall situation with OutBack gen autostart as if I was leaving a teenager in charge of some important function. Sometimes they do exactly what I ask of them, but often they don't. I believe it is a software issue, as re-setting seems to undo the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback tech support; was Generator auto start

Thanks for all the great feedback guys. This thread was not intended to knock OutBack. I live with and our office is powered by OutBack and I like their products very much. I just don't trust their AGS from experience (and obviously others have had similar experiences) and will continue my search f

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar/Batt Well Pump Recommendation Request

Jason, Look at the Grundfos line of 120 volt AC SQ-O series pumps. We have many, including at my own home, which have run for many many years. The are all stainless steel, soft start and only about 4 inches around (read lightweight). The one I use is 5 GPM at 150 feet and uses about 740 watts.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery based hydrogen incidents

Hi Dana, In 22 years of installing off grid systems I have never seen or heard of one, but then, we have always vented our battery based systems, even the VRLA type batteries.. Daryl Penobscot Solar Design > Hi Dana, > > I've been 16 years all offgrid, no reports that I know of. > > jay

Re: [RE-wrenches] Apollo TSW inverters experience

I tested an early beta model which had a lot of issues, but Apollo is a solid company and I suspect they have made the requisite improvements. We have the first two T-80's off the line on a small island in the Bahamas and they have performed flawlessly now for (four?) years. We have a total of 12 i

Re: [RE-wrenches] Thermal question

I have always bought the El Cid pumps directly from the manufacturer. Ivan Labs, Jupiter FL (561) 747-5354 Daryl > > > > > > > > Wrenches, > Who is a good wholesale source for El-Sid DC circulator pumps, > preferably who also carries replacement drivers? > Who ha

Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator for off grid

We do about 50/50 grid tie and off grid and from our experience I second Dana'a comment below about water cooled and particularly about low rpm. Daryl DeJoy NABCEP Certified PV installer Penobscot Solar Design > I use Onan more than Kohler but water cooled and low RPM are > the ticket. > > > >

Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator for off grid

We only recommend propane for our customers in cold weather. Propane burns cleaner and certainly starts very reliably on even the coldest nights when installed properly. We have "inherited" customers with diesel gennies that over time eventually switched over to our recommendation of propane and ar

Re: [RE-wrenches] (no subject)

Hi August, For small systems such as you are planning here we have had great luck with the Morningstar MPPT controller, Suresine inverter and Morningstar control module. We build them into a little "powerpanel" on a backing board and take them out to the job pre-wired. We have five or six of thes

Re: [RE-wrenches] Standby power draw

Hi Bob, I believe it's about 30 watts. Can't you just leave it in "search" mode? That will use considerably less power... Daryl > Can anyone tell me the standby power draw on a > > Xantrex SW 4048 plus? > > I am betting it's 25 to 50 watts just sitting there doing nothing, all > this invert

Re: [RE-wrenches] galvanized barn roofing

Does anyone have experience mounting arrays on barns with 24" wide galvanized roofing (not standing seam)? It is flat, not corrugated, but has an overlapping edge on either side. It's pretty much a standard on barn roofs around here, but I hesitate to penetrate any metal roof. How have others dealt

Re: [RE-wrenches] tax credit on batteries

We have about a dozen battery based systems that the clients have taken advantage of the 30% Fed. Tax Credit. They haven't had any response that would indicate a problem. Daryl DeJoy NABCEP Certified PV installer Penobscot Solar Design > A commercial customer of ours, who is an attorney, inves

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

This sounds more like many of the owner-installed systems we see. If the customer paid a "professional" for a job like that it is partially that clients fault. Those potential clients who don't do their homework often get what they pay for.. Daryl DeJoy NABCEP Certified PV installer Penobscot

Re: [RE-wrenches] REC Modules

Hi John, We have many, many REC panels installed, from Maine to Antigua. They are a heavy panel, but also with a heavy frame, good for snow loading and high winds. They are similar in efficiency to Evergreen. The 240's these days weigh in at about 48 pounds each. Beside REC's recall of 2008 pane

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery interconnect cable length

Hi Ben, We've done a lot of this type of system using Surrette KS series batts. I haven't ever asked the question you did, but experience told me that differing battery lengths are more important than some give credit for. I actually use slightly longer (16" cables) and , in cases where we run

Re: [RE-wrenches] Module Racking Attachment to SIP Roof

Hi Gary, We've done several SIP projects and I've done the same research you are now likely doing. What I ended up designing was a system of aluminum plates (8"x8") that screwed into the roof sheathing at four points with 1/4" ss lag screws, then using 1/2 threaded rod that ran through the cent

Re: [RE-wrenches] pole mounts

We have more than 70 pole mounted systems, including one of my own that is 16 years old, and I have not seen any problems. Our oldest pole mount installation is 20 years old and at least visibly, is not showing any signs of wear and tear.I inspected it last time I was there, less than a year ago. W

[RE-wrenches] Large, off grid

Hello wrenches, We have an opportunity to install a very large (60 kw) off grid system in Mexico. It is currently three phase. I do have the option of changing out the air conditioners (36 of them) to 120 single phase, but it is an added layer of complexity/cost that it would be nice to avoid.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Large, off grid

Darryl, Bob and everyone else who helped, After careful consideration and much research and advice from all you wrenches, my decision is to use Exeltech MX series inverters. They have an almost tailor made solution for this system, redundancy built in, "no down time" replacement of separate inve

Re: [RE-wrenches] roof types

Has anyone mentioned EDPM rubber? A system we just finished for Acadia National Park's entire roof was EDPM and they collected all the rainwater through downspouts. There are EDPM rubber boots for penetrations and it was extremely tough and the color was white (great for reflected sunlight as well!

Re: [RE-wrenches] Long-term Backup Power; was AC Coupling

Twenty years ago 100% of our installations were battery based, off grid. That is all there was, at least here in Maine. Nowadays, we are installing about 75% grid tie. Of that, about 25% use batteries in their system with a "critical loads" sub-panel. The remaining 25% of our clients are off gri

Re: [RE-wrenches] Leaving metal roofs?

I'm with you Carl. Gotta love the Soladeck! Daryl Penobscot Solar Design > Jesse, > Another good option is the Soladeck. If you don't splice inside it you > can > actually hide it under the array, making an uber clean look. Seal it down > with Eternabond or similar product. > > Carl > On Sep 1

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sharp modules

Just wondering what everyone (anyone) whose used these Sharp modules thinks of them for salt air environments? Does this lack of seal compromise their ability to hold up in this type of environment? Any first hand experience out there? Daryl DeJoy NABCEP Certified installer Penobscot Solar Design

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sharp modules

I have just started dealing with 1SolTech, manufacturing in Texas, and am impressed with what I see so far. I am using them to replace the Sharp's I had originally intended to use on a job in Mexico. From others on the wrench list, it seems the warranty is void if the Sharp panels are installed in

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

Hi Jeff, There is no doubt that aluminum will stand the test of time better in a marine environment than galvanized steel. The galv. will show rust in an amazingly short time. We have had DP&W marine grade aluminum mounts within 50 feet of the water in the Bahamas installed now for more than ten

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

Thanks for reminding me RayJeff, we use ss transition boxes instead of pvc. You can find 6x6x4 or 4x4x4 boxes for a reasonable price considering their superiority when it comes to longevity. Obviously use at least 3R rated boxes at a minimum. Daryl DeJoy NABCEP Certified PV installer Penobscot

Re: [RE-wrenches] High PSF Mods?

and if you're considering a panel for the Bahamas be sure to make sure they don't void the warranty for a "marine environment"...read the small print! > The Canadian Solar CS6P's and SolarWorld 245 Monos are rated to 113 PSF. > I don't really like the 31MM frame on the SW from a wind/snow loa

Re: [RE-wrenches] High PSF Mods?

its a busy Wrench List day for meWe have many REC's in the Bahamas for that reason Jeff. Both systems on Cat Island that we had were hit with 130 mph winds by Irene and except for one charge controller getting wet on one of the systems, they both survived. One system was roof mounted, the o

Re: [RE-wrenches] Invert first?

Dan, Is the Xantrex controller available/released yet? I've used the Classic 250 and the Apollo HV but have yet to see/use a Xantrex 600 Voc controller.will anyone who has used one chime in and share their experience ? > Hi Eric; > > I'll be very interested to hear what others on this li

Re: [RE-wrenches] Invert first?

Hi Eric, Look at your design parameters. There is no reason you can't run DC 250'. You are better with some small amount of DC loss than with AC loss, particularly if you intend to sell back to the utility. Use a Classic 250 or 200 or Apollo Solar's T80HV. You can configure your panel series str

Re: [RE-wrenches] Midnight Classic

I'm surprised that more wrenches don't use Apollo's T80HV. It's a solid unit that seems to perform at least as well as competitors. We have many of the regular T80's installed in the Caribbean that have proven very reliable. 5200 watts of PV for a 48 volt system is pretty darn good in my opinion. (

Re: [RE-wrenches] mixing aluminum and galvanized steel

We use ss anchor (L) bolts when we need to bolt to pillars. Remember to use an anti seize compound when installing initially. Daryl > This is an amazingly timely post for me! I was just thinking of asking > the > same question since i have a couple of ground mount installs coming up > with > c

Re: [RE-wrenches] mixing aluminum and galvanized steel

And I would agree with Ray's reply. We install on islands in Maine, the Bahamas, Lesser Antilles, USVI and Mexico, almost always within 150 of the ocean, and high quality stainless won't react negatively with aluminum, at least compared to other metals. I have seen galvanized zinc fasteners rusted

Re: [RE-wrenches] Push-in Wire Connectors

We use Burndy insulated blocks for transitioning with Enphase. Inside the connector they use the same blue silicone that is used in the wet rated twist on's only with a pretty reliable long term connection.They tighten with a hex wrench. They aren't cheap, but security rarely is. They are also not

Re: [RE-wrenches] Push-in Wire Connectors

William, I believe this is the line of insulated multitap connectors: http://www.burndy.com/products/product-by-category/mechanical/mechanical-aluminum.aspx Daryl > Daryl: > > You got a part number on those connectors (and a link to a web page)? > > William > > > > At 11:56 AM 10/20/2011, y

Re: [RE-wrenches] Push-in Wire Connectors

Sorry William. There are indoor and outdoor rated connectors there. The outdoor are a bit larger, but I think you have got the right one. > Daryl: > > Thanks. The link indicated a broad category of connectors. Apparently > when you copy a link for a specific product it takes you back to the main

Re: [RE-wrenches] Three-phase off-grid

We are working on a 60 kw off grid system in Mexico and plan on using Exeltech MX series inverters. They are truly innovative and very well thought out. They do require a separate battery charger, but output very clean AC in a multitude of battery configurations. They are rackable, redundant and we

Re: [RE-wrenches] Push-in Wire Connectors

That has been my experience as well, Drake. Typically in these Enphase installations the 3R rated box is mounted under the last panel in the string and attached to the rack. This makes it very unlikely to ever see wet conditions when properly installed. As we all know, ultimately the interpretation

Re: [RE-wrenches] Three-phase off-grid

Ray, The nice thing about the Exeltech (and what made me decide to use them) is that they are not "large". They are simply an array of 1 kw inverters, allowing for multiple redundancy. Essentially, a 30 kw three phase inverter is 31 small inverters, which, with the removal of two nuts, can be s

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery / no-battery

Never heard of anything like that...a solar "urban myth" perhaps? At least for now.? Daryl > That one is news to me but I can see a small value > in it as an upgrade path.Larry > > > Original Message > Subject: [RE-wrenches] Battery / no-battery > From: William Miller <

[RE-wrenches] Canadian Solar "blemish"

Hello all, We have a customer who has acquired, over the last ten years or so, a large array with several different makes and models of panels, all installed by a qualified electrician and the customer. They have done an excellent job as far as self installed systems go. He just sent me a pic

Re: [RE-wrenches] Canadian Solar "blemish"

Thanks for that Allan, I should add that there does not appear to be any cracking of the cell to the customer when compared to non-effected cells. It is just that strange "shape" ,"shading" , "design" underneath the glass on that particular panel and cellsthis is according to the customer, w

Re: [RE-wrenches] federal tax credit

I read your post and I am far from an expert on tax issues, but one thing I am sure of is that the home does not have to be the primary residence. We have at least a dozen clients whose summer homes have benefited from this incentive and early this question came up. All of these clients have since

Re: [RE-wrenches] Small Off-Grid Inverter Recommendation

Hi Jeff, Check out Exeltech's XP series. They offer this inverter in a wide range of power and it has a very clean output/sine wave. They have an ICX/MCX model (not sure if it's available yet) that is also a charger. Daryl DeJoy NABCEP Certified PV installer Penobscot Solar Design > Any reco

Re: [RE-wrenches] federal tax credit

Jonathan, Close to half of the systems that we installed that I previously spoke of using the Federal Tax Credit used batteries. I believe if they are installed as part of the initially installed system that they qualify as just that and receive the full 30%. Daryl > Can any say for sure if

Re: [RE-wrenches] intermittent battery problem; ...Battery Sulfation

Ron, What comes to mind for me is that Surrette 5000 series batteries like to have a regular charge of C10. KS25 cells are rated for 1350 ah, creating a need for a somewhat regularly occurring charge of 135 amps. I do believe the batteries are not ever getting that, except for very rare occasio

Re: [RE-wrenches] intermittent battery problem; ...Battery Sulfation

Ron, I'm going to reiterate what Jeff says here. It is similar to what I had said in my email. The charge rate must REGULARLY be C10 on the KS (5000 series) batteries. This means, on KS 25's, a routine bulk charging rate of 135 amps. I find that on these types of hybrid systems, while the batte

Re: [RE-wrenches] Metal roofs

Ian, We have been using this companies products for the last couple of years on different types of metal roofs with success (so far). Look at the variety of products they have for different roofing: http://www.ecofastensolar.com/our-products/eco-series Daryl DeJoy NABCEP Certified PV installer

Re: [RE-wrenches] Peerless Ranges for Off-Grid Homes

I have used a Premiere Stainless steel Pro Series model at home for the last year and I am very pleased with its performance. Daryl > We haves sold these units years ago, but have stopped due to poor > quality. We had one ourselves and just got rid of it to save my marriage! > My wife hated it

Re: [RE-wrenches] Liability

We don't work on systems that do not conform to code unless the client agrees that our work will include bringing the installation up to said code. It becomes our responsibility once we work on it, and even with our $1,000,000 liability coverage (and my gf is a lawyer), this is still our policy.

[RE-wrenches] OutBack Radian

Hi all, We are looking at a busy winter season and there are several systems I'd like to size using OutBack's Radian. These are all out of the country jobs and I would be interested in any experiences anyone has had so far installing and/or using these seemingly great inverters. I would likel

Re: [RE-wrenches] OutBack Radian

Thanks Orion, Most of our work in the winter is in the Caribbean and Mexico and they all use 60 hz. I appreciate it, though. Daryl > Daryl, > > We have not had any hands on experience yet with the Radian series > inverters, and only minimal interaction with the MATE3. But since you > mentio

Re: [RE-wrenches] Schneider 600volt Charge Controller

FYI Howie, Schneider engineers are actively working on a communication solutions between the Schneider Xanbus and Midnite controllers. I've been talking to an engineer working on it who says it should be ready very soon. It will also work with the combox for remote monitoring. Daryl > Hi All,

Re: [RE-wrenches] has anyone ever had this happen?

Hi Jay, My advice is walk away unless they want to meet your terms. You will save yourself a tremendous amount of trouble/waiting/lost sleep/lost money. I do 50% of my business internationally, mostly in the Caribbean. If they do not accept my very reasonable terms (prepay for all materials, 50%

Re: [RE-wrenches] 1/2 HP well pump soft start at 120 VAC

Hi Dana, We have been using Grundfos SQ-O 1/2 hp, 5 GPM (or they have a 10 GPM model) soft start pumps for years, with great outcomes. We have sold 60 or so over the years with no returns. Daryl > Hey all you solar wise guys, > > > > I am looking for a recommendation based on your experi

Re: [RE-wrenches] experience with the Tesla Powerwall

I would like to add my experience with Tesla so far. We applied to be an installer in Maine more than a year ago. Beside getting an initial email stating that they received our application, we have not heard a word since. I have one client with a SolarEdge 7600 StorEdge who put a deposit down in Ma

Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Batteries

Hi Howie, Have you looked at Fortress Power batteries? We're about to install some and they look like a very decent battery. Google will get you the basic info to start. Daryl Penobscot Solar Design > Hi Folks, > About to spec my first Lithium battery backup job. The client is not a > hea

[RE-wrenches] Schneider tech support (again)

Hi all, I have been registered as an installer for Schneider tech support for quite a while. I no longer have a way to contact them. The number I received refers me to internet support. Any help out there. I have a bad out of the box off grid Conext SW 2524. Thanks for any help, Daryl

Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarEdge woes

One of my pet peeves with SolarEdge (I have a few) is that we are now forced to buy the StorEdge inverters with GSM service, an extra $400 or so added to the price of the inverter. The carrier is T-Mobile, which does not work in 95% of Maine. It does not seem to work with other carriers where we in

Re: [RE-wrenches] Real World Sol-Ark experience

I'm with you Joe, We have a half dozen installed in the Bahamas, off grid and multiple hybrid uses, and they are my go-to from now on. The 12 kW I particularly like and they are coming out with a more "universal" communications dongle for the slightly confusing current online monitoring choices.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Real World Sol-Ark experience

The easiest way is using TS4-A-F (TIGO) optimizers. > How is rapid shutdown achieved with Sol-Ark? > > On Sun, Feb 2, 2020 at 1:45 PM wrote: > >> I'm with you Joe, >>We have a half dozen installed in the Bahamas, off grid and multiple >> hybrid uses, and they are my go-to from now on. The 12

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark audible noise

Hi Kent, We have two 8 kW and four 12 kW installed in the Bahamas. We installed one in a bedroom closet about two months ago and the client is still happy. There are some relays and occasional hum but to my ears, they are less noisy than the XW+ and certainly no more than the Radian. The initial

Re: [RE-wrenches] Large Lithium 100 kWh-200kWh

We have been using Fortress 18.5 kWh, 48 volt battery banks with SolArk inverters. Six and six work well for a 100 kW system. With SolArk (and really, all batteries) it is highly recommended to use busbars to parallel all battery connections. This also makes it easy to double the battery size. Dar

Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Ion Batteries

Hi Dave, We've been using Fortress Power EVaults (18.5 kw per) with good results with Radian 8048's Daryl > Hello Wrenches, > I am working with some people that want to use a 20 kw-hour to 30 kw-hour > 48 volt lithium-ion battery with an Outback Radian and Outback FM charge > controllers. > They

Re: [RE-wrenches] Lithium Ion Batteries

Fortress EVaults have their own lcd screen with Soc, but Dave is right, it's not as accurate on RE Optics. We do get a battery reading without any add-ons, they are just usually off up to 10% from each other. > > > Hi David, > > They all work but none of them can get Soc and a few other > things ou

Re: [RE-wrenches] Skybox

I second Jay's suggestion to look at the SolArk. The 8kW has no battery disconnect, but the 12 kW has one, if you're using non-lithium based batteries. Daryl Penobscot Solar Design > HI Dave, > > The reason I’ve not used it, is that is has no surge. > > You might also look at the Sol Ark > > J

Re: [RE-wrenches] squirrel problems

We are in Northern Coastal Maine and have red squirrels, gray squirrels and flying squirrels and in 21 years have never had a squirrel problem. Daryl Penobscot Solar Design > I am in the real Northern New York, (not the city) and have no problem > with > chipmunks or squirrels or anything else

Re: [RE-wrenches] sales to-date

About 50% below last year at this time here in Maine. Daryl > Down about 70%. > > Todd > > On Saturday, May 30, 2009 11:06am, "Marco Mangelsdorf" > said: > >> Compared to the first five months of last year, how would any of you who >> care to respond compare your year-to-date sales in 2009? >>

Re: [RE-wrenches] Craftsman 82062 DC/AC Amp Clamp

I've dropped my six year old Fluke 337 three times, once off a second story ladder onto a gravel driveway, and I'm still using it without ever sending it off for repair. Daryl DeJoy NABCEP Certified PV installer Penobscot Solar Design > Don't know about the rest of you, but I can and eventuall

Re: [RE-wrenches] Dealing with snow

Hi August, Here in Maine we get pretty decent amounts of snow. There isn't any foolproof way to keep your panels clear without doing it manually because we sometimes get sticky, half ice, half snow type of precipitation, but here's some of the things we do. > > > > 1. Do you typically mount arra

Re: [RE-wrenches] Pitched EPDM Roof Attachment

Carl, In the past we have had 8"x8"x 1/4" aluminum plates made up by the local machine shop for about $9 each and used them to distribute the compression for L feet on SIP roofs. It works very well and allows you to adequately tighten the lags and not compress the foam. For more specifics give

Re: [RE-wrenches] Canadian Solar modules

We have installed about 20k of these modules, largely off grid. I would make these recommendations: Install on good quality mounting. We have almost exclusively been installing these on DP&W top of pole mounts. The frames are not particularly beefy but they are not flimsy, either, and a good

Re: [RE-wrenches] RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 2, Issue 1099

All REC modules manufactured in 2008 are being recalled. The have a problem with thermal cycling over a period of time weakening a contact in the j box. We have installed REC and think they are a good panel. REC is paying us to go to Cat Island in the Bahamas to replace 16 modules we have ins

Re: [RE-wrenches] Xantrex XW CC availability

Ryan, If you haven't tried the Apollo Solar controller you might consider it. We have many installed and they seem, after an intially rough start, to be a superior product. I have yet to use the high voltage model but plan to at the first opportunity. You can configure the panels to 200 VDC OC.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Equipment shortages, long lead times?

Here, here Bob-O. We, too, have seen no decrease in our off grid market as well. It is rapidly becoming a specialized field here in Maine.(not talking about you, Tump) Even our largest competitor is now sending off grid business to us as they have had too many problems training competent install

Re: [RE-wrenches] Nabcep - grid tie---Off grid

I try to do more lurking here than participating, simply because there are many experienced installers here with similar experience and knowledge. I do agree with the earlier post that maintains the best experience with off grid systems is living with off grid solar. Our office is 100% off grid as

Re: [RE-wrenches] Evergreen EC 110

Hey Tump, Evergreen still makes these. I suspect Gro or one of the other Evergreen dealers stocks them. Daryl > Anyone have one of these around? Please contact me off list. THANKS > > t...@swnl.net > www.SWNL.net >Solarw

Re: [RE-wrenches] Magnum Energy 120/240 inverter problem.

John, I would second Ryan's experiences. We too have more than a few Magnum's out there working fine in Maine, some more than two years old. Daryl > John > > we have a pile of the magnum 120/240 units here in Maine all on > epanels as well and a few are in the cold never had a problem ye

Re: [RE-wrenches] Xantrex XW4548 noise problem

Hi Ryan, We have a lot of XW's installed and not one of them is what I would call loud. I would call the SW and SW Plus series loud. If it is simply that he is sensitive to noise I would recommend having a dead air space between whatever you layer the wall with. I built a recording studio for so

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fwd: Apollo charge controllers

We installed the first two released Apollo T-80's on a job in the Caribbean three years ago. I was out on that island two weeks ago and went out to check on the system and it is still performing remarkably well. The home is actually on a bluff overlooking the ocean with the BOS components installed

Re: [RE-wrenches] Missing MC4 Connectors?

Hi Jeff, Try Todd at Solar Electric Distributors. 877 778 0009 or 303 778 0300 Daryl > > We normally keep a good supply of pre-made module MC4 M/F cables in stock, > but several recent large projects really lowered our inventory. No > problem, I will just call our suppliers and order more.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Grid Problems

Hi Ray, It's very funny this comes up with you now. I have a 3500 watt array running my home. For years I sold between 10 and 16 kwh per day, depending on the time of year, on a sunny day. I should mention the panels are in a south facing field on pole mounts. Suddenly I was noticing a decrea

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Grid Problems

Ray, Believe me when I say I have gone through all the exercises described so far by our esteemed colleagues. I think you will find the problem is with the customers transformer. I continue to make impressive amounts of kwh since the swap out last week. Daryl > Battery bank is in great shape,

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Grid Problems

I saw the fault "high ac input voltage" at least three times. I changed out the boards in the inverter TWICE, both times freebies from OutBack. I checked battery spec. grav., programmed it and re-programmed it, talked ad nauseum on the phone with tech supportnothing. It was OutBack tech support

Re: [RE-wrenches] Utility Transformers (was Outback Grid Problems)

Thanks Joel. I would also add that the utility also ran a much larger feeder line from the transformer to my house, likely to cover all their bases. Daryl > Ray, > > I think Daryl is on to something. I would suspect a line problem > (under-sized feeder, bad connections, failing transformer, tre

Re: [RE-wrenches] AC modules verses codes and safety

Hi Jeff, We were contacted the other day by Lowes, who asked if we would be interested in installing their (highly overpriced) "plug and play" systems. They are selling Andalay Solar's 3kw package (they us Enphase). I told them we would at an installed price much higher than we usually charge. T

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Grid Problems

That's a great tip Steve. Is there a downside to changing this setting? Daryl > Ray, > > If you go to the Status FX Sell menu what is the disconnect reason when > it does this? > > Also have you set the Grid Tie Authority from IEEE to User, when > customers are all the way out at the end of the

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-Grid Diesel Generators

Ben, Here in Maine we don't install diesel gennies in off grid applications. Typically, diesel gennies require a block heater which can use as much as 1000 watts. Unless this is a tremendously large off grid system it won't be a good idea to go that way. Why not just use a propane gennie. The

[RE-wrenches] Haiti, what a mess.....

Hi all, I've just returned from relief work in Haiti in the town of Leogane. It was hit particularly hard by the earthquake and will not have any real semblance of electricity other than generators for the next couple of years. Water and septic will likely be longer before repairs can be made.

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tax credit question.

We have had at least a half dozen off grid folks with "camps" in Maine where they stay for a couple of months every year be completely honest with their tax person and receive the 30% federal tax incentive. Their tax people were comfortable with the wording vs. the use of the building with the inst

Re: [RE-wrenches] Hawker versusu MK

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 h

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Assist

Honestly, William, in these type of cases I usually walk away from the job if the customer isn't willing to reduce where possible. There is no such thing as a completely fool proof off grid PV system. Like a good lawyer, the best way to have a stellar record is to know which cases to takejust o

[RE-wrenches] MC4 center conductors

Hi all, Does anyone have a source of just the center conductor (small metal inserts) for MC4 connectorsI seem to have accumulated a lot of female - plastic without the associated crimpable center conductor Daryl ___ List sponsored by Home Pow

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

Ron, We also install a lot of top of pole mounts and use conduit similar to what Kirpal describes. We typically will trench and install the conduit before we pour the concrete foundations (at least to the elbow at the pole) as it allows for conduit to sweep up the pole instead of having to come

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