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

[R. Walters]

Most of that old equipment has reasonable resell value to the off  
grid market. You are donating it in a way: many of the folks shopping  
for used PV are living below the poverty level.
We resell this stuff often at close to our cost just to se it go to a  
good home. We usually don't install this stuff though, unless it is  
current technology and in excellent condition.
This is an interesting topic, we also just started figuring the  
salvage value of our grid tie systems at $3/ watt (which is at least  
what used modules sells for) It makes the system payback  much  
better, and is very realistic. We figure the rest of the equipment at  
zero for now.
PV modules are more like gold. I think their value will hold up very  
well over the next decades.

Ray Walters

On Aug 6, 2008, at 9:22 PM, Joel Davidson wrote:

> 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
> To: RE Wrenches
> 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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R. Walters
Solarray.com
NABCEP # 04170442	



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