Performance of Large Outback system [RE-wrenches]
Joel Davidson
joeldavidson at earthlink.net
Mon Oct 18 15:16:40 PDT 2004
Your free subscription is supported by today's sponsor:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here for your Golden Tee CD ROM
http://click.topica.com/caacJzobz8Qcsbz9JC9a/PermissionData
-------------------------------------------------------------------
For quick solar irradiance, cell temperature and ambient temperature
readings:
Daystar Solar Meter $139 at http://www.zianet.com/daystar/solar_meters.html
TPI Infared Thermometer #371 $90 at Fry's Electronics
http://shop4.outpost.com/product/2828714?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
or less at eBay
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=TPI+Infared+Thermometer&btnG=Google+Search
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt Tritt" <solarone at charter.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2004 1:15 PM
Subject: Re: Performance of Large Outback system [RE-wrenches]
Your free subscription is supported by today's sponsor:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Claim your tickets to Universal Orlando now
http://click.topica.com/caacJzlbz8Qcsbc0WJAa/PermissionData
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Another good point, Bill.
No, we didn't take irradiance readings at this site. I know that it's
slightly iff'y and subjective, but I can say that it was extremely clear and
bright (an HOT) the day we observed the readings from the SB's. Another site
I visited (a totally different situation involving 12 Sharp 175's and an
MX60) was performing very well - but it's also on a tracker.
Got any suggestions for a meter that doesn't cost as much as a new pickup?
It would be cool if inverter companies would offer an option for an
irradiance sensor that could be mounted at the array and read on the
inverter display. Hell, why not a thermometer as well?
Matt T
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Brooks" <billb at endecon.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2004 9:24 AM
Subject: RE: Performance of Large Outback system [RE-wrenches]
Your free subscription is supported by today's sponsor:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Want to go on a Cruise for Free?
http://click.topica.com/caacIqObz8QcsbadqCja/PermissionData
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Darryl, Matt, and Doug,
Where are your irradiance measurements? How do any of your output readings
have any meaning without an irradiance measurement? Do any of you own a
Daystar meter or do you have a spare module that you can get a Isc
measurement from? Carl brings an important point about temperature, but it
is a much lower order effect than irradiance. No power measurement should
even be written down without a corresponding irradiance measurement.
Forgive me for bringing up my pet peeve again, but I recently came from an
installation of one of the most knowledgeable installers in the state. The
array wasn't working well so they suggested removing the 3 C-40 charge
controllers and installing 3 MX-60 charge controllers in their place (a
very
expensive proposition as you all know).
The problem had nothing to do with the C-40s. A quick check of the string
currents showed a 3:1 differential from the best string to the worst
string.
As it turned out with further inspection (with a $21K Daystar curve tracer
that I don't expect anyone to own), that every single string had failed
modules. The array will be replaced, but the sad thing is that this "very
knowledgeable" installer could not tell that the array was a total mess
and
suggested a fix that did absolutely no good.
My plans are to design an advance PV Design, Installation, and
Troubleshooting course. Is there any interest from current installers?
I've
been working with grid-connected systems for over 16 years now, and I'm
learning new things every single day.
Understand that I am not trying to be patronizing about this--I'm just
trying to get installers to do things properly so that they can be
confident
with the results of any measurements they make on their systems. Please go
back and send some information on performance that is related to
irradiance
and temperature. I'm sure everyone on the list is interested in
informative
results.
Bill.
Your free subscription is supported by today's sponsor:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Like music? Get a CD Player here
http://click.topica.com/caacJzebz8QcsbadqCjf/PermissionData
-------------------------------------------------------------------
- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Archive of previous messages:
http://lists.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/read
List rules & etiquette: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquette.php
Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/
Hosted by Home Power magazine
Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com
Your free subscription is supported by today's sponsor:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Save up to 67% on Omaha Steaks + Get 6 FREE Burgers and a
FREE Cutlery Set + Cutting Board!
http://click.topica.com/caacHOXbz8Qcsbc0WJAf/OmahaSteaks
-------------------------------------------------------------------
- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Archive of previous messages: http://lists.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/read
List rules & etiquette: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquette.php
Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/
Hosted by Home Power magazine
Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com
Your free subscription is supported by today's sponsor:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
AMDEdge offers tech tips, news & info to keep you on the leading
edge of PC performance with AMD64 technology. Join AMDEdge free
NOW for members-only content, promos & updates!
http://click.topica.com/caacKfybz8Qcsbz9JC9f/AMDEdge
-------------------------------------------------------------------
- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Archive of previous messages: http://lists.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/read
List rules & etiquette: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquette.php
Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/
Hosted by Home Power magazine
Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com
--^----------------------------------------------------------------
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com
EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9.bWljaGFl
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com
For Topica's complete suite of email marketing solutions visit:
http://www.topica.com/?p=TEXFOOTER
--^----------------------------------------------------------------
More information about the RE-wrenches
mailing list