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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Typically those types of modules are rated for 30V. Most 12v
amorphous modules under 40 watts are rated for that. I would recommend sunglasses
for startup.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Mike<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>mike@powerupco.com<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>
re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Jeff
Yago<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, April 27, 2010 9:04 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> RE-wrenches<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [RE-wrenches] low voltage modules in high voltage
applications<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>First
let me say that we almost never work on failed systems, especially when its for
somebody that picked our brains on pretense of buying a system, then they went
out and bought everything on the internet, and when nothing worked they call
us!<br>
<br>
Also, let me say that the following project has nothing to do with us other
than a call from an electrician who is installing a grid-tie system for
somebody I don't know who had a few general install questions and was hoping I
would provide some guidance. My advice was to run as fast as he
can! Here is the story-<br>
<br>
This commercial building owner went to Harbor Freight and purchased a trailer
truck load of 12 watt battery charging modules. You know the ones you see
advertised to trickle charge a car or boat battery. I have not actually
seen the modules this guy purchased, but based on others I have seen they
typically have a potted junction on the back with 3 feet of very limited
insulation wire pair out with bare wire ends. A few more questions and
answers indicated these were made in China, had no label listing their ratings
except indicating 12 watt at 14 volts. The very large physical dimensions
he gave for such a small wattage tells me they are those thin frame amorphous
you see being sold to keep your truck or tractor battery charged.<br>
<br>
To make a long story short, this electrician said they had already mounted
"hundreds" of these modules on the roof of a warehouse, and were
wiring them in series for connection to a Fronius grid-tie inverter.
Also, he said the wires from each module was routed through a separate hole in
the roof and then tied together. I assume this was by the ol ball of
electrical tape wiring method.<br>
<br>
Not counting the obvious code related problems with what they are doing, and
the almost sure need to have a fire truck nearby when they start this thing up,
does anybody know what a typical high voltage rating would be for this type of
module and the small wire pair? My guess is the small wire
and/or the modules will quickly break down and start arcing, then the entire
array will melt down which is what I told this electrician could happen.
However, since there is no label on the module, I am only going on gut feeling
as to the voltage rating of these cheap modules which I am sure were clearly
never designed for series wiring to achieve high voltage.<br>
<br>
Anybody know these ratings? Should I sell tickets for the fireworks show?<br>
<br>
Thanks,<br>
<br>
Jeff Yago<br>
<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center>
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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Netscape.
Just the Net You Need.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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