36 Panel Job in Kaneohe

This Job was a bit more customized because the roof was not plumb and old.  We had to reinforce the mounting structure with U-strut.  The panels were spaced from left to right, 2, 5, and 5 due to the vent pipes.  The array has two strings of 12 panels.  Surprisingly, the roof looks alot better with the panels. 

On this roof, we can see the conduit with four conductor awg #14.  The array has 12 sanyo with microinverters.  The cable coming from the last inverter is attached with the line side #14s' to a double pull switch.  The switch has metal, therefore, a ground green is attached to the switch housing.  The line side has both the black and red.  The load side or PV source side attaches to the other side.  Enjoy

Sunset Beach PV Install (Sanyo 215 Watt)

This array has twenty 215 Watt Sanyo panels wired in two strings.  Enphase inverters are connected to each panel.  This simple plug and play wiring was easy except for the grouding.  Due to the fact that every inverter must be tagged with #6 copper, it was a bit much.  But other than that the system was pretty straight forward.  This picture shows four rows of five.  The A and B string were designed to run up to the JBox to prevent any need for whips.  Enjoy sunset beach and PV.  Sexy

Hickam Airforce Base Goes Solar--147 kW photovoltaic system

Hickam A/F Base Photovoltaic System:  After the cool ply is cured and secured, three evergreen 200 W. photo voltaic panels were mounted.

Strut Spacing and Pricing

Solar strut provides the foundation between the roof and solar array.  It is important to first draw and chalk out the layout then proceed to rafters.  Most homes are either built with a 16 ir 24 " distance between the two rafters.  Most spacing is done by using every other rafter or a 32 to 48 inch span.  This distance provides support for the array without comprimising and windload issues.  Solar strut is expensive and should be used prudently.  I learned this the hard way.  I was overy concerned with the wind loads so I spaced the strut every 24 inches and it cost an extra 1000 dollars.  I nearly lost my job, but rather took a pay cut. 

In the end, solar strut provides  a solid bond between the  roof with the array, but can put a damper on costs. 

Hickam Airforce Base 147 kW Project

21st Century Technologies has begun a project on Hickam Airforce Base that is considered the largest armed forces installation in Hawaii.  After getting all of the roof materials to the project, we started the layout for 120 Evergreen panels that will be mounted to cool ply.  This new innovative roofing material has three mainfunctions.

1.  Provides strong material for historical roofs
2.  A cement called MBR is mixed attaches the cool ply to the roof.
3.  Two comprails are attached to the top part of the cool ply. 

The cool ply dimensions are 135.5 x 57.50 inches.  The panels are slightly longer than the width of the cool ply.  The layout must consider the difference between cool ply and panel.  We were able to fit 140 cool ply on the roof. 

Hidden Wires in Rafters, Beams, or Eaves!

There are times when an electrician will hide wires within the beams or rafters for a few reasons.  An open beam home will not have the options of hidding wires in the attic space, and consequently hide them inside the beams or on the side.  This can be a severe issue without the help of the homeowner, builder, or building plans.  It is imperitive to locate the wires in the beam before any penetration. 

A two man team with cellphones are crucial.  One man will find the wires, measure them from the eave to the wire and relay.  The roofer will mark the no zones on the roof and evaluate layout for pins.  Most likely the layout will be slightly different, but will not hinder structural untegrity.  A roof-bolt can not be more than four feet away. 

Labeling and Mapping is Key to Avoiding Possible Problems

A typical residential installation has many individual parts that can be hectic without proper labels and mapping.  Our crews will label the the roof with panel location, comprail location, and strut location before roof penetration.  This procedure gives us definite awareness as to how and where the system will be located.  This step is important because panels are secured on comprail, comprail is attached to strut, and strut is secured on to roof bolts. 

After a drawing is done, located rafters and use a chalk line to find the center and mark them.  Use the line to space out the achors by dividing the length of array minus 6 " x 2 (use for both side of over  hang).  For example, solarworld length is 66 " with two rows, 66 x 2 + 1 1/4 " for comprail on the ends and 3" - 11/4 for the middle comprail.  I ussually add 1 inch  for the end of one side.  Also,  one piece of the strut is longer for the J-box to attach to. As you can visualize, this process is complicated and a design/map will imperitive to successful roof mounting.

Mapping the inverters for EMU communication is necessary.  Use the enphase map to located all the inverters.  Make sure the barcode is attached to the map.  This will allow the owner to verify panel and inverter production.  Also, write on the inverter the location and string.  This is a must to aviod confusion for mapping the location of panel/inverter in the array.

The picture below is an exellent example of how complicated the process can be.  The inverters are mapped and mountd on the comprail, the strut is down and secured with one a little longer for the j-box.  The panels are place with in the comprail and secured.   

Hawaii Kai _Saeki Job done

This roof's dimensions were a  25 ft x 15 feet.  We fit fifteen Sunworld panels with fifteen enphase 190 inverters with plenty of room to spare. This roof is secure and generating around 18 kWh per day.  Awesome!!!!  Enjoy

ENPHASE 190 WIRED IN SERIES

Two strings of Enphase 190 Inverters tied in with Sunworld 230 Watt panels.  Every string will have a end butt and a group of four wires.  This system had fifteen panels with inverters. 

Enphase Inverters wired in Series

Main lines are pulled to the J-box and connected to the Enphase wires.  Enphase provides L1,L2, L3, and Equipment Ground Electrode, but we used a L1 and L2 for the main house.  The Copper #6 was crimped to the EGC, and the red, black and white were wired to color cordinated wires from the disconnect below. The white wire is the equipment ground conductor and the orange was contained using a wire nut. 

Wire nuts are very important, but must be done correctly in insure proper connection without loss.  Use your electrical wire plies and as your squeezing them together pull away.  This will allow the smaller #14 to wrap around the #10 and create a needle nose like connection.  This technique will provide a secure bond inside the nut.

EC-40 with 80 Gallon Tank

This job was my most favorite so far.  We wanted to use a solar Edwards but the garage structure was not sturdy enough to torerate an extra 1000 pounds.  So, we installed a typical 4x8 panel with a tank.  We built a shed outside to open up space for the inside.  The only differance between this tank and others was the 110 pump.  The electrician used an electrical outlet.  He connected to the existing and tapped it.  The controlled and pump used the same outlet.  It was so simple, it blew me away.  The tank still used 240 to power the anode, but the solar system was all 110.  My question is, if we only use 110, do we need an electrian?  I do not mean tapping the line, I mean just plug and play. I will send the pics as soon as I can.  Enjoy!!!!

Anode vs Cathode and anode oxidation in Hot Water Tanks

First, I would like to thank Mr. Nishioka for sharing his concerns about anodes in Hot Water Tanks.  Ths posting is on behalf of his concern and will hopefully give some insight about anodes in hot water tanks.  An electrode can either be a cathode or anode.  If the electrode is negatively charged than it is anode, and a cathode is positively charged. 

Unlike DC current, which is one directional, AC alternate back and forth about 60 cycles per second.  For example, a light using AC is literally flickering on and off, but at such short periods that eyes do not pick it up.  Both a anode and cathode is AC current are more of an electrode than a true anode or true cathode.  I realize this might be confusing, but basically the anode in a hot water tank is suseptible to erosion.   

The effects of heat on electrodes is an issue that all owners should be aware of.  The electrode will break down.  I have attached a link to popular mechanics that will help us understand how to change a hot water anode.  http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/electrical-plumbing/4206690
Another great article written by a plumbing company discusses the corrosion process and replacement DYI. 

Enjoy,

James

A journey to becoming green

A Journey to becoming green

Hello,

I started this blog to inform myself and others about renewable energy technologies and green building resources. It has been a long, fun, and arduous road for me. I started almost ten years ago when a couple of college friends and I were studying tropical agriculture at U-H Hilo. We wanted to start a biodiesel co-op, so we transformed an old shed into a lab and asked restaurants for their used veggie oil. Not only did we figure out how to transform clear veggie oil, through trial and error we learned how to transform thick gunky oil. We recycled old 55 gallon drums for reactors and washing tanks. We used two 4x8 pv panels to charge deep cycle battery for powering our electrical needs. After alot of gunky results, we started transforming old smelly oil into clear amber biodiesel. We all bought old Mercedes and watched white, smelly fumes pour out the exhaust pipes. I have to admit, watching people smell the fumes for the first time was fun and rewarding. I remember folks often said, " It's just like french fries". Except for changing my primary fuel filter every two months, the fuel was excellent and proved better than diesel #1 or #2. The lubricity is so high that it increased the engine's efficiency and cleaned the injectors, fuel tank, and fuel lines. As a bonus, it was fun working with like minded people recycling veggie oil one gallon at a time.

From 2001-2010, I have installed photovoltaic (PV), solar hot water panels and solutubes. I took a class from NCSU in advanced Photovoltaic, and am preparing to take the NABCEP installer exam. Because government policies, tax credits, and solar technologies are changing so quickly, it's difficult for anyone to make an informative decision about which renewable energy systems will work for them. This blog is dedicated to helping others understand different types of clean technologies, how to install different types technologies, and what types of forms for tax credits and tax rebates are available. I will also discuss certification and license issues to help homeowners and business owners find competent renewable energy companies. Most of all I hope to show pictures and short you-tube videos of some of my work.

Quote of the Week:

"May you be remembered by what you left on your roof, not in your closet."

anonymous

Solar Hot Water System can be messy!

It was exciting this week, we installed two solar hot water systems in one day. I was amazed about how complicated it can be. We started out with four recycled panels, all four dimensions were 4'x8'. Me and my buddy did the roof part and this part will be the only one discussed. As soon as I learn the technical part, I will post it.

First, we measured the area we would need for two 4'x8' panels mounted with a 22 degree tilt. So we, measured out a 5'x10' area, and laid out the eight feet roughly in the middle of the panels. I personally believe the rack should be no less than 1' from the end, which meant ours was as close as possible to 1' and 7' of the panels. keep in mind, the joists are space ever 18" on center, so our best bet was 18" and 90". Also, due to the venturri effect, all panels should be 3' away from the edge of the roof. This is also require by OSHA, in any case of fire emergence and the fire dept. need to service the roof, the panels must be 3' away. This will prevent heavy wind loads and possible blow-outs.

Find the first joist and locate the first row of four penetrations by using a hammer. Then use a 1/16 " long bit and drill. If you miss have a person go into the roof and search for the bit. Personally, I like to locate the joists in the crawl space first, spot drill, and land. Roof penetration is the most structural risk of the job, be sure and not sorry. If a blow out occurs, fix it, immediately.

Next, set up the racks, make sure the open side faces out and use the outer bolt hole for securing the feet to the roof. Use a power drill and make sure all eight are fastened well. After the racks are secured well, its time to bring up the panels.

Be safe, never sorry! Depending on the roof, pitch, and covering this challenge will vary. Setting the panel on the racks will demand two people. Measure the distance from both ends to find center. Follow the same procedure for the top. Do the same for both panels. Now securing the panels to the racks is another step that will vary.

Most all new panels 2008 and up will have a lip on the aluminum that will be clipped. S-5 clips are excellent and sturdy! They work beautifully. However, older models like the ones we recycled did not have that option. So we had to use brackets that secured to the rails. We drilled three holes on one side, then used SS self tapping to secure it to the panels. We caulked all the holes to prevent heat lose.

Next, we ran the copper 1/2 inch from the tank to the panels. This was difficult due to the fact that we penetrated roof twice. We heated both and bent them toward their connections. We ran the cold and hot. Naturally, the cold goes in the bottom and runs to the top. Therefore, the hot line had a PRV and we soldered the end with a 1/2. We used soft flex copper. We shaped it and cut our pieces, then soldered them. This is not easy and would not recommend an amateur, any leak will result in pressure lose and leaks.

Finally, we put insulation over the lines. It looked great I have posted some pictures labeled Solar Hot Water.

OH, has anyone thought about recycle-reuse opportunity!!!

A Journey to becoming green

Hello,

I started this blog to inform myself and others about renewable energy technologies and green building resources. It has been a long, fun, and arduous road for me. I started almost ten years ago when a couple of college friends and I were studying tropical agriculture at U-H Hilo. We wanted to start a biodiesel co-op, so we transformed an old shed into a lab and asked restaurants for their used veggie oil. Not only did we figure out how to transform clear veggie oil, through trial and error we learned how to transform thick gunky oil. We recycled old 55 gallon drums for reactors and washing tanks. We used two 4x8 pv panels to charge deep cycle battery for powering our electrical needs. After alot of gunky results, we started transforming old smelly oil into clear amber biodiesel. We all bought old Mercedes and watched white, smelly fumes pour out the exhaust pipes. I have to admit, watching people smell the fumes for the first time was fun and rewarding. I remember folks often said, " It's just like french fries". Except for changing my primary fuel filter every two months, the fuel was excellent and proved better than diesel #1 or #2. The lubricity is so high that it increased the engine's efficiency and cleaned the injectors, fuel tank, and fuel lines. As a bonus, it was fun working with like minded people recycling veggie oil one gallon at a time.

From 2001-2010, I have installed photovoltaic (PV), solar hot water panels and solutubes. I took a class from NCSU in advanced Photovoltaic, and am preparing to take the NABCEP installer exam. Because government policies, tax credits, and solar technologies are changing so quickly, it's difficult for anyone to make an informative decision about which renewable energy systems will work for them. This blog is dedicated to helping others understand different types of clean technologies, how to install different types technologies, and what types of forms for tax credits and tax rebates are available. I will also discuss certification and license issues to help homeowners and business owners find competent renewable energy companies. Most of all I hope to show pictures and short you-tube videos of some of my work.

Quote of the Week:

"May you be remembered by what you left on your roof, not in your closet."

anonymous