[RE-wrenches] Heinz 57 off-grid array

[Dana]

I see several challenges here:

·        You sure do not want both pumps on at the same time or total
shut down will result.

·        The 2HP pump is 24 amps at 120VAC or 12 amps at 230 VAC,
either way 2.7KW continuous draw and start up surge at 2-4 times
[5.4KW – 10.8KW]that?

This will be more than a light dimmer.

 

I think the mix and match was just covered here with compromises in
the assorted modules.

 

I s there a backup generator? Could this grinder and water pump go
direct to that on a pressure or float switch start?

 

If you are a code compliant installer then you probably are faced with
a start over.

 

I have a client that we are doing just that right now and they are
glad to do this. The 2 – 30 watt PV modules just will not get them and
2 laptops through the winter any more


 

Thanks,  Dana Orzel

 

Great Solar Works, Inc

E - dana at solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.4140

C - 970.209.4076

web - www.solarwork.com

Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bob
Clark
Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 2:29 PM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Heinz 57 off-grid array - What should I do with
the solar modules?

 

Wrenches:

 

We were called to assess the status of an off-grid system that is not
the worst I have seen, but it comes close.

 

I have some preliminary thoughts about system redesign, but would like
to hear from the Wrenches about the array.

 

Givens:

We will not install anything unless it is to code.  It is obvious that
none of the existing system was installed to code.

We will use the existing 24V battery bank consisting of 8, Trojan
L16s.  The batteries are still “relatively fresh.”

Pump is a Franklin pump ½ hp 115VAC.  The CFs dim when the pump
starts.

New load will be a GRINDER PUMP FOR SEPTIC = 2HP, 15amp (240 or 120VAC
– more than likely it will be 240V pump) – Another light dimmer!

Modest daily electrical load (estimate no more than 600 WHr/day;
25AHr) – they are very good at managing their electrical use.

 

Solar array – to keep or replace?

8 solar modules – a Heinz 57 mix of older modules - 2 Photowatt PMX500
(Are these modules UL listed?  There did not appear to be a rating
label on the back.) wired in series, 2 Kyocera KC120-1 wired in
series, 2 Golden Genesis PV-75 wired in series, 2 Photowatt PW 1000
12V-24V internally wired for 24V wired in parallel with the other
modules strings – all of these modules are wired in 5 parallel strings
for approximately 34.2Vmp and 20.4Imp, ~695W (STC).   Oh, and they
need a new mounting structures for the modules.

 

Should I try to work with these modules or advise the customer to
start over (any modules that are not UL listed will have to go)?

 

What is a good “rule of thumb” for a ratio of PV watts to battery bank
capacity per day of autonomy?

 

Thanks for your ideas.

 

Bob Clark

SolarWind Energy Systems, LLC

 

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