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

[August Goers]

We've donated old but still working inverters to our local city college with good results. We also donated our time to help set the equipment up so the students have a working setup to experiment with. 

 August Goers


Luminalt Energy Corporation
4000 Irving Street 
San Francisco, CA 94122


Office:  415.564.7652
Mobile:  415.559.1525
august at luminalt.com
www.luminalt.com




----- Original Message ----
From: Joel Davidson <joel.davidson at sbcglobal.net>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>; RE-Markets at topica.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 6, 2008 8:22:30 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Tax Deductible RE Donations (inspired by Inverter for Switch to GT)

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 
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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