[RE-wrenches] Battery EQ question, Xantrex XW system

[Dan Fink]

Thanks, Allan!
Yes, you are correct. Not our problem. But the system is so gorgeous
and so close to actually working right........arrrgh.
Perhaps a pleasant periodic visit with a Honda 2000ifor EQ, tea,
cookies and a bill for hourly time and travel (it's not far away)
might really be the best way to go about it all.
I just wish we could tell the client to check battery electrolyte
level and push the big EQ button on a set schedule instead of mucking
about with all the PV controller menus on different components.....and
then the whole de-education thing from AGMs to flooded now.....
We appreciate your advice.
With off-grid, it seems like a degree in Psychology would be far more
helpful than anything in Engineering.......

Dan Fink,
Executive Director;
Otherpower
Buckville Energy Consulting
Buckville Publications LLC
NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers
970.672.4342




On Sun, Mar 3, 2013 at 8:52 PM, Allan Sindelar
<allan at positiveenergysolar.com> wrote:
> Dan,
> Like many baby boomers, I'm a child of an alcoholic parent, and thus have
> the super-responsible characteristic that often develops as a result. I open
> with this because I sense from your post that we may share this history in
> common. You sound as though you need to make everything right for this
> uneducated client. I'd just like to gently offer that you don't have to
> rescue this situation from certain (or uncertain) doom...
>
> The customer didn't hire you to install the original system. It's not
> equipment you normally use. The customer doesn't understand the system. The
> customer won't buy a generator. The customer doesn't see the value of hiring
> you to do what he can't.
>
> Dan, let it go, friend. Explain that flooded batteries need a periodic
> overcharge called equalization or they won't last. Tell him you'll either
> show him what to do - even write down the steps - or you'll show up
> periodically to do what he won't, for a reasonable fee plus travel. Offer to
> him that when these batteries fail you'll sell him a BIG set of AGMs that
> don't need maintenance. The sticker shock isn't your problem; neither are
> any of the other issues. Then exhale and walk away in peace. And send him a
> bill for your time, knowledge and expertise.
>
> We have installed two XW systems, on a grid-tie and one off grid. The off
> grid had one charge controller and a good generator, so I have no experience
> with your particular programming situation - sorry. Even with the off grid
> system, shortly after we finished the installation (and were paid for our
> work) the owners decided it wasn't their retirement dream home after all and
> sold the property. I eventually found the new owner, left a message offering
> our services, including an orientation, and even noted that one 2V cell of
> the existing reused battery string had shown failure. Never heard back. Am I
> concerned? Nope.
>
> We do good work and support our customers well, including after hours and on
> weekends when necessary. But for sure, those customers who most value our
> work, rely on our knowledge, are loyal and who pay their bills promptly get
> the best bend-over-backward support. Some of them even offer tea and
> cookies.
> Good luck!
> Allan
>
> Allan Sindelar
> Allan at positiveenergysolar.com
> NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
> Founder and Chief Technology Officer
> Positive Energy, Inc.
> 3209 Richards Lane (note new address)
> Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
> 505 424-1112
> www.positiveenergysolar.com
>