[RE-wrenches] High altitude off-grid systems

Fri Apr 12 09:07:56 EDT 2019

Folks:

The issue here ulltimately isn’t whether it works or not, it’s if it’s WARRANTED.  Some purchasers (in this case the USFS) mandate that all equipment be warranted for high altitudes.  And that leaves out several major suppliers.

Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.

From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> On Behalf Of Ray
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2019 10:55 PM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] High altitude off-grid systems

We've had some systems at 11,000 ft plus, for almost 20 years.  We have mixtures of Outback, Midnite, Blue Sky, and old Trace equipment.  Never any issues with electronics related to altitude.  Actually the altitude related system issues are generator derating, and array output exceeding STC ratings on really clear cold days due to the thin atmosphere.  The third issue would be installers not being able to catch our breath after jogging back to the truck.  
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760
On 4/11/19 3:39 PM, Dan Fink wrote:
Hi Chris; I am deeply concerned about this as nearly 100% of the systems I install are at 8000 ft (2500m) or higher. I've never had a problem with warranty claims to Outback or Schneider up to this time. If this is a "new thing" I'd really like to know about it, on list or off. 

The alitude de-rate stuff seems to involve dialectric ratings on the transformer coils, and low air density for cooling. I think that's all in ANSI.

Dan Fink
Director of Solar Education, Greendustrial Training LLC
IREC Certified Instructor™ for: 
~ PV Installation Professional
~ Small Wind Installer
NABCEP PV Associate
Executive Director, Buckville Energy Consulting
NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers
dan.fink at greendustrialtraining.com <mailto:dan.fink at greendustrialtraining.com> 
970-672-4342

On Thu, Apr 11, 2019 at 1:28 PM <chris at oasismontana.com <mailto:chris at oasismontana.com> > wrote:
Hi folks:

I am curious as to how many of you sell/install battery/inverter systems at high altitudes?  Have you had any particular issues with them?  Last year we discovered (in a mostly costly fashion) that Schneider inverters (and also Outback) are not warranted above 6500 ft.  

Magnum inverters are warranted to 15,000 ft max altitude.  

Best,

Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.
406-777-4309 or 4321
406-777-4309 fax
 <http://www.oasismontana.com> www.oasismontana.com 

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