[RE-wrenches] required inverter and system testing

[Max Balchowsky]

Hi Greg, we've done a lot of Gov't, Public Works stuff over the years. Be very detailed with your list of inclusions and exclusions and stay away from the "power performance guarantees" Your company should be the one to define "Prime Solar Conditions". I'd have a line item in your bid to cover the cost of all the testing and itemize your bid as much as possible so they know what they are getting in your bid and can compare it to your competition......

Max Balchowsky
SEE Systems
1048 Irvine Ave, Suite 217
Newport Beach, Ca. 92660




________________________________
From: Greg Egan <greg at remotepowerinc.com>
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Sent: Wed, May 5, 2010 8:21:28 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] required inverter and system testing

 Esteemed Wrenches,

I'm in the process of bidding a small government job.  They're requiring the following tests.  I was wondering if any of you have ever run across this before and if so how you went about it. 

- Inspect   inverters   according   to   requirements   in   NETA Acceptance   Testing 
Specifications. 

- Test  the  PV  system  under  prime  solar  design  conditions  to  validate  system 
power  performance  rating.    Use  instruments  calibrated  within  the  previous  six 
months according to NIST standards.   (not easy since the site they've chosen will shade some of the array all the time.  I should be able to just explain this to them)

- Simulate  malfunctions,  including  ground  faults,  to  verify  protective  device 
operation.   (I would create a GF and then replace the fuse for this test)

- Test  anti-islanding  shutdown  function  due  to  normal  utility  source  failure, 
time delay and automatic restart after utility power restoration.  (this is an easy one)

- Test  and  record  the  total  harmonic  distortion  (THD)  content  of  output 
current at 25, 50, and 100 percent of system rating.  Comply with IEEE 519 
at MDP point of connection. 

- Test  and  record  the  real  power  output  for  each  inverter,  and  total  power 
delivered at the grid tie connection, for a 24 hour period.  The continuous 
power   output   during   prime   solar   conditions   shall   meet   or   exceed 
performance requirement under part I of this specification. 

- For  each  inverter,  record  DC  input  voltage  for  24  hours,  to  demonstrate 
affects of maximum power point tracking (MPPT), voltage regulation within 
inverter  rated  limits,  and  affect  of  partial  shading  on  solar  modules.  
Simulate  partial  shading  by  covering  50%  of  modules  during  prime  solar 
conditions. 

- Record  of  Tests  and  Inspections:    Prepare  and  submit  documentation  of  tests  and 
inspections,  including  references  to  manufacturers'  written  instructions  and  other  test 
and inspection criteria.  Include results of tests, inspections, and retests. 


Any advice would be gratefully accepted and appreciated!

Best,

Greg Egan

NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Remote Power Inc.
Fairbanks, AK 
-- 
Greg Egan

Remote Power Inc.
981 Gold Mine Trail
Fairbanks, AK 99712
P. 907.457.4299

U.S.Distributor for Outback Power Systems and other premium power equipment.
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