[RE-wrenches] Tax Deductible RE Donations (inspired by Inverter for Switch to GT)

[Walt Ratterman]

Hello all,

 

Good question Joel.  I work with an organization that specifically does
charitable renewable energy projects in the developing world.  (SunEnergy
Power Incorporated) and we discuss this situation frequently.  We LOVE to
get donated equipment that is in like-new shape, or that is new and for some
reason no longer wanted.  (i.e. manufacturers switching to a different model
or something like that.)  

It becomes problematic to receive equipment that is used to the point where
it is beyond its useful life, but still operating, because we are completing
installations in areas that are so remote, the cost of repairs or even
trouble shooting is huge.  So this is one issue.

Another issue is that even though so many projects are similar, there are
often minor differences (just as in the commercial world here in the states)
to where a particular panel or inverter just wont work.

All that being said, keeping the above caveats in mind,  I know we would
always entertain donations of good equipment, and I would think most folks
doing the kind of work we do would also.

Hope that helps,

Walt Ratterman

SunEnergy Power International

 

 

 

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Joel
Davidson
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 8:23 PM
To: RE-wrenches; RE-Markets at topica.com
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Tax Deductible RE Donations (inspired by Inverter for
Switch to GT)

 

Wrenches,

Following on comments about switching to grid-tie (or any other changes),
what do you do with modules, mounts, inverters, etc. that no longer serve
your clients' needs? Do you or your clients contribute the unneeded or
unwanted equipment to a charitable or non-profit organization that qualifies
the donation for a tax deduction? What are your favorite charities and
non-profit orgs (what churches, schools, etc.)?

Joel Davidson

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Allan Sindelar <mailto:allan at positiveenergysolar.com>  

To: RE Wrenches <mailto:RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>  

Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:55 AM

Subject: [RE-wrenches] Inverter for Switch to GT

 

Wrenches, 
Occasionally, but more frequently recently, we get requests to turn off-grid
systems into grid-tie systems. Usually this involves sale of a property to a
new owner, and either grid is brought in to facilitate an easier sale or the
new owner brings it in. Once grid is in, the off-grid-based system is of
limited utility, as the equipment won't sell back. Most of these new owners
want a maintenance-free batteryless system.

Unfortunately, most off-grid arrays don't easily convert, as the string
sizing doesn't match. Here's my question: I have two of these requests right
now. Both are systems we installed in the late 90s. One has ten BP 275s, one
has twelve. These are standard 12V 75W modules common to that time. I need
advice on inverters that will work with these strings.

The Sunny Boy 700, which is the only small inverter model SMA still offers,
will handle one string of up to nine of these in our temperature range.
Larger models require higher string voltage. Fronius also requires higher
voltage.

You know, it's a real problem to have to explain to new green-oriented
homeowners that there's nothing I can do with their ten-year-old PV system
to make it spin their new meter backward. It doesn't do much for the
mainstream perception of PV for these folks.

What will work with these existing arrays, please? 

Allan Sindelar 



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