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What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

  • 1.  What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Posted 03-01-2021 03:07 PM
    Hello ASES online community!

    In order for everyone here to get as much as possible out of ASES and the community, I would like to know what kinds of resources you would like to see from us? Is there something not discussed that you would like to see brought up? What kind of information are you most interested in? IS there an area in the solar or renewable energy sector that needs more attention? What topics do you want to see? Some examples links:


    Would you guys like more of anything like the above, or something totally different? Let me and ASES know!

    ------------------------------
    Terrell Cato
    Wilmington DE
    tcato@ases.org
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Posted 03-02-2021 09:33 AM
    I am building a passive house which will be certified by PHIUS PHIUS Home Page to the 2021 standard.  What brand of solar panels should I install?  Is there an independent testing agency?  I am mounting the panels on a metal roof, what is the best color.  What are the potential failure modes for the panels?  Is there an optimal electrical configuration for a group of panels?  What risks should be avoided?  

    I think there needs to another separate discussion around a robust relationship with the electrical utility.  I believe residential customers should be encouraged to over produce on an annual basis.  I think the utilities should be fairly compensationed for transmission and distribution networks.  The system should be fair for all and encourage residential customers to do their share to improve the environment.  Currently, in Southeasthern Michigan, DTE and Michigan Legislature prohibit production above annual needs.  This nation needs to move to a sustainable energy future ASAP.  All the arrows must be aligned. ASES through a discussion could develop a proposal which could then be presented to governments at all levels for implementation.

    ------------------------------
    Albert Bell
    Professor
    University of Michigan
    Birmingham MI
    ahbelliv@umich.eduahbelliv@umich.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 03-02-2021 09:59 AM
    Edited by william fitch 03-02-2021 10:00 AM
    You have a whole "bag" full of things going on in your post from common semi-engineering questions through political resistance fueled (Pun intended) by the conventional fossil fuel industry. Regular PV system balanced grid tied production without net metering, let alone over production, makes no since from a financial perspective, unless the money is not an issue for you. 
    Metal roofs are slippery as hell when compared to other roofing's, so watch you step.
    A white roof will keep the panels coolest.
    SunPower makes great panels. Look for power production to be 85% after 25 years, not 80%.
    When I re-did my main array, I got a deal on SunPower panels brand new but leftover supply, no warranty.
    They are the 327e20 panels. Their efficiency and power "hold" over time is fantastic. I got them for a steal at $.41 a watt.
    Half cell panels are mainstreamed now in the high 300's and even 400+watts.
    If you have zero shading issues, use a central inverter (cheaper), other wise use micro inverters.
    I could go on but that at least gives you a place to start looking.....
    .....Bill

    ------------------------------
    william fitch
    Owner
    www.WeAreSolar.com
    fcfcfc@ptd.net
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 03-03-2021 09:38 AM
    Lots of good panel manufacturers out there.  Make sure your panels are UL 1703 certified.  You may also run across references to Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 panels.  These refer to the financial health of the company making them - and not necessarily the quality of the panel.  Your solar distributor will be able to help you in selecting the right panel for the job.  If you are going to use micro inverters or optimizers (which is likely) you will want to make sure the panel works with the inverter. 

    As mentioned by others, a white roof will reflect some of the heat away from the building.  You could also consider using a bifacial panel with a white roof to generate a bit more power (and it would be an interesting discussion point as well).  While bifacial are usually used in ground mounted systems, I have read that they can take some of the reflected light off a white roof and increase production.

    Micro inverters work well for smaller systems (I have found for systems less than 5 kW they are usually the most economical).  Larger systems generally are a good candidate for a SolarEdge power optimizer system.

    ------------------------------
    Jay Warmke
    Owner
    Blue Rock Station LLC
    jay@bluerockstation.com
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Posted 03-03-2021 10:04 AM
      |   view attached
    Hi Albert,
    I am with the New Mexico Solar Energy Association. NMSEAs passive solar design book is a really great starting point for your project. I have attached the same below.  The contact info in that report may not be updated. So, you may contact me at so that I can redirect you to the right person:


    Thanks,
    Ashok Ghosh
    --
    Ashok Kumar Ghosh, Ph.D., P.E.
    Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
    Senior Fulbright Specialist, World Learning, US Department of Education
    President, NM Solar Energy Association
    Founder, Composite Solution, LLC
    New Mexico Tech, Socorro NM 87801






    Attachment(s)



  • 6.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Posted 03-03-2021 10:41 AM
    Professor Bell:  You are misinterpreting the law and DTE options.  Let's find a time to talk when convenient.  I'm in Lansing, working full time on state clean energy policy and planning for over 40 years now.  You are undoubtedly correct about the need for rapid change, but DTE cannot disallow what you call overproduction.  They can make it harder than it needs to be, and can put obtacles in the way, but under PURPA federal policy, you have a right to produce electricity for sale.  I don't recommend that approach, but it's not precisely correct to interpret the legislation and DG tariff the way you suggest.  

    Tom Stanton
    --
     Tom Stanton
     office/mobile 517-775-7764 





  • 7.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Posted 03-03-2021 03:06 PM
    Hi Tom, 

    Thanks, when on Friday would be an optimal time for you to chat?

    Harvey

    ------------------------------
    Albert Bell
    Professor
    University of Michigan
    Birmingham MI
    ahbelliv@umich.eduahbelliv@umich.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Posted 03-05-2021 05:43 PM
    Hi Albert, just to add to some good suggestions already given:

    Re: your passive house, there are many good brands of solar modules (panels). There are two main sizes, residential modules typically have 60 cells, have black anodized frames, and are approx 39.5in x 66in, and commercial modules typically 72 cells, have clear (aluminum colored) anodized frames, and are approx 39.5 in x 79in. If you are building a modern home, the commercial modules may be an option if you want a more industrial look, and they cost less per watt.  I like REC Group, for their quality, performance, strong warranty, and great value.  Whatever brand you choose, make sure they have been around for a while, since a warranty is only good if the company can back it up when the claim comes.

    Your choice of a metal roof is excellent, IMO.  If it is a standing seam roof, then the array structure can be attched using seam clamps, like those from S-5.  If it is a corrugated or trapezoidal roof that is attached with penetrating screws then make sure your installer selects a good quality penetrating mount with integral elastomeric or butyl sealant.  Also, since you are building the house, make sure the roof substructure is constructed properly for the addition of the solar array. Standard metal roof installations may not account for the higher uplift forces that occur when strong winds get under the array. Make sure the underlayment is installed to the rafters with extra screws.  Make sure any purlins or 2x furring is attached firmly with extra screws to withstand the uplift.  If standing seam, then double the number of clip attachments. If screw-down/corrugated, don't increase the screw count, the solar attachments will add to what is there.  If roof slope is 4:12 or lower, I usually don't have any issues walking on new metal roofs. But greater than 5:12 and higher will likely require footboards to install. Also, if there are East-West Purlins, typically the panel orientation needs to change to landscape, and the rails (if used) will go north and south up the roof. For standing seam, the panels will typically stay Portrait mounted.

    Another choice you or your installer will need to make is the type of inverter. If you have any shading or multiple roof surfaces that face different directions or with differing slopes, then optimizers (like a SolarEdge system) or microinverters (like enphase) are usually the best options. If the roof area is such that staying within the fairly narrow design constraints required by a conventional string inverter is not an issue, then you might save a little money by going with a string inverter and rapid shutdown devices.

    As far as failure modes of panels, they really should not fail of properly handled and installed. For optimal electrical configuration, your installer should hopefully try to do that for you, but in general, the higher the voltage of the array, the more efficient the system. SolarEdge systems run at 380VDC, and so if each string is carried from the roof to the inverter location using 10AWG wire, you will have negligible wiring losses. There is usually a little more loss in a microinverter system like enphase because it operates at 240VAC. Conventional string inverter based systems can be designed with strings at 450V to 500V or even higher on cool days.

    What risks to avoid?  Make sure the company you go with is good at designing solar generation systems. Decide ahead of time if you might want to add an electric vehicle charger, or battery storage someday. This might change your choice of inverter model. Also, review your solar and any backup power needs before before your main electric panel is chosen and installed.  If you need a large array, the system will need to be connected via a line-side connection. A system with a 7.6kW inverter or less can be installed on a back fed breaker in a 200A distribution panel.  A number of inverter companies now offer equipment that includes whole-house backup capability, and some forethought about batteries and EV charging and circuits to be backed up can prevent  lot of rework later. Also, think about the wiring paths from the array to the inverter location so you can pre-install during the build any conduit needed for the best aesthetics.

    ------------------------------
    Ken Nadsady
    AviSun Renewable Energy
    Hudson OH
    Knadsady@avisun.net
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 03-02-2021 03:43 PM
    This slightly deflects from your post, slightly, because it is probably beyond ASES's capability. What is needed for RE (Solar of course included) is a really, really suave and extremely market savvy "sheet" and TV commercial that unites the current capability of RE from production, through EV's, home energy, etc.. A unified concept that bridges all the big RE (Solar and Wind) and its NOW availability in production and everyday use, with the climate benefit slipped in at the end. This advertisement should be brand neutral. It should be FFI dismissive and focus strongly on the positives and capabilities of TODAYS RE.
    I take this tract because ultimately demand must come first, otherwise it is an academic exercise.

    ------------------------------
    william fitch
    Owner
    www.WeAreSolar.com
    fcfcfc@ptd.net
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    ASES Life Member
    Posted 03-04-2021 02:30 PM
    I wish there was an exchange platform to help find old "legacy" parts that are no longer in production ! Right now I need to find some of the clips used to mount PV modules to the BACK of IronRidge rails. ( the clips actually used the holes that are already drilled in the PV module frames!) IronRidge called them "under clamps", they worked well with ground mount frames, and they are no longer made eventhough the strongest rails still have a slot for them. pn XRS 29-7000-117

    ------------------------------
    Gail Burrington
    proprietor
    Burrington's Solar Edge
    Windsor Locks CT
    solaredge@yahoo.com
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 03-04-2021 05:11 PM
    http://misolarenergy.com/store/ironridge-xrs-29-7000-117-clear-under-clamps

    ------------------------------
    william fitch
    Owner
    www.WeAreSolar.com
    fcfcfc@ptd.net
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Posted 03-05-2021 10:08 AM
    REQUEST FOR DONATION OF SOLAR PANELS

    Folks, 
    To whom should I address a request for donation of solar panels for use on a project that we are working on in collaboration with a Mechanical Engineering Department to build off grid power systems for refugees in Africa? 
    Or, would anyone know of a company that could donate some older model panels to a Non-Profit for use in a project with refugees in Africa?
    Any resources or help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. 
    Thanks
    Isaac

    ------------------------------
    Isaac Zama
    ambafarmersvoice@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    ASES Life Member
    Posted 04-20-2021 07:52 AM
    link seemed promising but "Michigan Solar Energy"   took the money and its been 6 weeks but no materials have been received. Very disappointing and an unfortunate bad impression on behalf of any promotion for solar energy.

    ------------------------------
    Gail Burrington
    proprietor
    Burrington's Solar Edge
    Windsor Locks CT
    solaredge@yahoo.com
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Posted 04-21-2021 05:56 AM
    Gail -- Please report this problem to the Michigan ASES affiliate, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, headquartered in Michigan. I hope there is a satisfactory resolution for this problem as soon as possible.  www.glrea.org  

    --
     Tom Stanton, Lansing, Michigan
     office/mobile 517-775-7764 





  • 15.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    ASES Award Winner
    Posted 03-10-2021 12:52 PM

    Hello all, Im looking for a new source of selective surface foil. I used  to get from a company called MTI Solar. No longer around. Great stuff. Absorption .95 and emissivity of .08. Like a black hole. I use on earthen (adobe)  Trombe walls. 

    thanks Mark Chalom



    ------------------------------
    Mark Chalom
    Builder/Architect
    Solar Design & Analysis
    solarch@rt66.com
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 03-10-2021 01:27 PM
    Foil is rough. Might have to go direct from China. 
    https://www.solec.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SOLKOTEbrochure.pdf
    These guys have a SS paint at about .9 absorb and .4 emmit.
    Foils and coatings are hard to find these days...

    ------------------------------
    william fitch
    Owner
    www.WeAreSolar.com
    fcfcfc@ptd.net
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    ASES Award Winner
    Posted 03-10-2021 01:42 PM
    Hello William. Thank you for your response. I sure enjoy. This new digital community it sure helps us get together during the pandemic. I have looked at paints. The solkote as you recommended, It takes two different paints. One for the emissivity and one for the absorption. There is also. the complication In the spray application. If it's not the right thickness. You can really lose your characteristics and bring it down to barbeque paint. That's why I really love the foil. It's made under controlled condition And we get the quality we need. Great stuff, I hope I can find some. Mark 

    ------------------------------
    Mark Chalom
    Builder/Architect
    Solar Design & Analysis
    solarch@rt66.com
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: What kinds of resources are you interested in receiving from ASES?

    ASES Life Member
    Posted 04-20-2021 08:04 AM
    Not foil, but I have surprisingly good results with Aluminized mylar . During a solar cooker building workshop in Haiti, "tin foil" (which we in USA take for granted) was not to be had; but, candy wrappers, snack food bags, and wrapping paper using the shiny aluminized mylar was quite abundant. I have also used large chip bags as "upcycled" radiant barrier with bubble wrap to insulate solar hot water heater tanks...

    ------------------------------
    Gail Burrington
    proprietor
    Burrington's Solar Edge
    Windsor Locks CT
    solaredge@yahoo.com
    ------------------------------