Trace SW again [RE-wrenches]

[Kurt Nelson, SunWise]

Greetings all,

I think it is REALLY IMPORTANT for us to "position" ourselves now, for
what may be a bigger issue.  Grid-tie may become the future of PV's and
it seems like Trace is not listening (their're the only folks currently
on the block).  With de-reg, grid -tied PVs may become a BIG deal and we
gotta have it right.  I am interested in more discussion on (defeating)
the problems inheirent in the Trace SW Series inverters that are
grid-tied with battery back-up.  Yup, Trace might finally get it right
and others might appear, but we may have to run along side a bit to keep
things rolling.

 To those of you that are interested in modifying typical grid-tied  PV
systems (wind may require different thought) utilizing Trace SW series
inverters, the following message.  

I entered into the conversation the better part of a year ago, saying
that I thought grid-tied SW systems could in fact be more efficient
doing a LBX with staged loads switching on and off the battery based on
battery voltage and utilizing the AUX relays in SW inverters and 2T 30
amp power relays.  Sharkey had posted a description of a system he
utilized to disconnect the Trace from the grid when the solar was not
producing, and reconnect AC1/grid only after the battery voltage had
come up above bulk charge voltage, so that the utility did nothing in
the way of maintaining (baby-sitting) the battery and the battery was
utilized to some (longevity maintained) extent.  

Sharkey's method, hopefully more fully described by him, disconnected
the inverter's AC1 grid input after sunset and reconnected via timer the
next morning only after an on-board aux relay pulled in with a
programmed voltage above bulk charge (no grid-usage to maintain
battery).

Questions I have are:


1  If and where modifications will work  and concerns  (Trace is
apparently cool with this?).
2  Logic, methodology and specifics to modifications  (Sharkey has some
good logic).
3. Implementations. 

 Lets do it and make it work for us and for our clients.  I've asked my 
clients to consider modifications to their grid-tied SW/battery
systems.  Modifications that will more than pay for the work and
materials, and go on to pay them a premium. When speaking to my clients,
I personally blame Trace, yet talk about the developing industry and
necessary adjustments.  In the relationship I have with my clients they
are  mostly receptive and not looking to place blame.  Some have said
that they are not concerned about the loss of  a few electrons (Y2K'er
types).  Others do want to maximize their systems.  I am even installing
meters to monitor improvements on some.  Let's try to maximize all
aspects of renewable energy systems.  Nobody else is going to do it.  

Sincerely,

Kurt Nelson
SOLutions

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