[RE-wrenches] Working on DIY systems and Junkers

[Nick Soleil]

    I don't mind servicing older, existing systems.  It is fun to work with the 
older components, like APT power panels, SW inverters, and Trimetric monitors.  
I will frequently bust out the solder gun and repair old modules and 
components.  On most of these systems, I will recommend upgrading some 
components, and will replace unprotected wiring.  If something is a hazard, then 
I will repair it.  I find that grounding systems tend to be the weakest link, 
and generally need to be replaced or repaired.  Overall, I have been lucky to 
have reasonable customers who want their systems to be safe.
    Well, there was that one guy who was running his genny with the gas cap off, 
which started a grass fire just as I was pulling up....
Nick Soleil
Project Manager
Advanced Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC
PO Box 657
Petaluma, CA 94953
Cell:   707-321-2937
Office: 707-789-9537
Fax:    707-769-9037




________________________________
From: R Ray Walters <ray at solarray.com>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Thu, January 13, 2011 2:27:09 PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Working on DIY systems and Junkers

We've taken many of these on over the years: it can have a satisfying outcome, 
if the customer is really willing to pay to fix it.
We don't even try to work with what's there; everything comes off the wall, and 
we rebuild the whole system using any decent parts that can be reused.
Most customers report much more reliable operation after, but you still can't 
find everything. 
I try to stay out of the premises distribution wiring, and keep the work just to 
the PV, batteries, inverter, etc.
This keeps it clear what you're responsible for, and what you're not. If pulling 
a permit, I write it up to specifically exclude distribution wiring.

These days, I only take them on, if they are essentially buying a new system 
(batteries, more PV, inverter, or charge controller upgrade.....)
I often sell them a whole new power board, and offer a trade-in on their old 
usable equipment.
Even reusing old PV is getting harder these days (rewiring an old array of 50 
watt modules, often just isn't worth the time)
Unless you've done several of these, I'd stay clear of them. There are easier 
ways to make a living.
GridTie has fewer call backs, by far.


R. Walters
ray at solarray.com
Solar Engineer


 

On Jan 13, 2011, at 3:08 PM, jay peltz wrote:

Yes to all what Dana says.
>
>I've had one good friend who will only work on such projects if hes allowed to 
>do.
>
>
>1. fix any and everything that needs to be, and yes its going to cost.
>otherwise he walks away.
>
>
>and 
>
>
>2. he still has them sign a contract that says hes not responsible for things 
>hes not touched or some such legalese.
>IE wire in walls etc.
>
>
>Its a very scary part, as if there is a problem, they will sue you first 
>regardless as you were the last to touch it.
>
>
>One almost horror story, I had added some solar to a system. I didn't fix all 
>that could have been.
>To make a long story shorter, the house burned down (a month after I had worked 
>on it) and it started near the electrical room.  Turns out it was arson, but I 
>didn't sleep well for a few days, until I knew that.
>
>
>CYA.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>
>
>On Jan 13, 2011, at 1:26 PM, Dana wrote:
>
>DONOT assume anything!
>> 
>>Photograph.
>>Draw schematics.
>>Specific gravity test.
>>Do wire pull tests.
>>Check tightness on all connections.
>>Verify voltage and polarity.
>>Wire calc every wire.
>>Measure distances.
>>Double check.
>> 
>>Get paid for this , you did not create this mess.
>> 
>> 
>>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"
>>Do not ever believe anything, but seriously trust through action.
>> 
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