AEE Solar - Solar Wholesale Distributor

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Episode 9: AC Coupling

Rooftops & Wrenches
Episode 9: AC Coupling
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Brian and Brad discuss AC Coupling, touching on it’s history, how it works, and common applications.

Questions discussed in this episode:

  • What exactly is AC Coupling and how did it come about?
  • How is AC Coupling different than DC Coupling?
  • When would an AC-coupled system be an advantage or a disadvantage?
  • Which inverters would you recommend for an AC-coupled system?
  • How can you prevent battery overcharge in an AC-coupled system?
  • I installed a system with a grid-tied inverter but it turns out I can’t net meter. Would AC Coupling help?
  • Would it be possible to add on a small backup system to a larger grid-tied system?

Podcast feed: http://aeesolar.com/feed/podcast

Available on Stitcher and iTunes

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Episode 8: Off-Grid System Design

Rooftops & Wrenches
Episode 8: Off-Grid System Design
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Brian and Brad discuss Off-Grid System Design, touching on new battery technologies, different ways to string batteries, and the various applications for an off-grid system.

Questions discussed in this episode:

  • In terms of quality cost ratio, would you recommend lithium ion? Comparing to older technologies such as lead acid?
  • Which parameter is the best parameter to increase when we want to oversize an off-grid system? Battery capacity? Peak sun hour?
  • What will happen if there are more loads on than what the system was designed to support? Will there be voltage sag? Or system shutdown?
  • What is the max number of battery strings you suggest?
  • Do you ever cross tie battery strings for a more matrix type system?
  • How would you design a system for an RV with a 50 amp outlet?
  • Will there be an off-grid solution using AC modules as they enter the marketplace?
  • What are your thoughts on off-grid systems and electric vehicles?
  • What would your guidance be for a seasonal cabin application?

Podcast feed: http://aeesolar.com/feed/podcast

Available on Stitcher and iTunes

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Episode 7: Off-Grid Wind

Rooftops & Wrenches
Episode 7: Off-Grid Wind
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Brian, Brad and Paul discuss the ins and outs of adding a small wind turbine to your off-grid PV installation. We also take on questions from Brad’s recent webinar on the topic.

Questions discussed in this episode:

Is there an effective blade coating for preventing ice buildup?

Assuming no ground obstructions (e.g., Arctic tundra), what is the minimum tower height to get away from the drag and turbulence?

Can you offer an opinion on mechanical furling versus electrical braking?

Do we have any experience with Pika wind and/or other higher voltage wind turbines to charge higher voltage batteries?

Can you advise a good source for NEC codes regarding wind turbines?

What’s your experience with AC-coupled systems?  Specifically marrying solar with an SMA inverter, batteries, SMA Sunny Island with backup generator on-site too.  Is adding a small turbine to this mix easily done or more trouble than its worth?

How do you stabilize the wild AC Voltage and frequency?

Do turbines always have to have a battery?

Podcast feed: http://aeesolar.com/feed/podcast

Available on Stitcher and iTunes

 

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Episode 6: Rapid Shutdown

Rooftops & Wrenches
Episode 6: Rapid Shutdown
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Paul, Brian and Brad talk about solutions for complying with NEC 690.12 – the infamous Rapid Shutdown requirement.  We also take on questions from Brad’s recent webinar on the topic.

Questions discussed in this episode:

Has Outback given you an idea on when you will start receiving the ICS+ RSS equipment? (See our YouTube channel for an overview from OutBack and a video of Brad taking a look at one.

Can the ICS-PLUS be used with non-OutBack charge controllers?

Does RSD shut off all the protected loads or prevent the UPS function from being used in a battery backup system?

Will disconnecting the AC power trigger the rapid shutdown in a SolarEdge system?

How does the SolarEdge StorEdge battery inverter handle rapid shutdown?

Does all rapid shut down equipment for string inverters require a control wire for the disconnect switch on the roof?

Is there a cost analysis for RSD systems?

When and where do the rapid shutdown requirements take effect?

Podcast feed: http://aeesolar.com/feed/podcast

Available on Stitcher and iTunes

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Episode 5: Commercial PV Systems

Rooftops & Wrenches
Episode 5: Commercial PV Systems
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Brian and Paul talk with AEE’s commercial-scale PV systems expert, Glenn Hall about recent trends and questions that came up during his recent webinar.

Questions discussed in this episode:

  • Does mounting string-inverters on the roof decrease energy production or inverter lifetime?
  • Can AEE recommend an online tool for demand offsetting calculations?
  • Have you seen/heard of the RSD’s interfering with an inverter’s ability to run their arc fault self-checks during initial start-up?
  • What are the advantages of the HiQ inverter line beyond rapid shutdown compliance?
  • Does mounting on the short side of the module frame reduce the wind and snow load ratings of the modules?
  • Are you seeing microinverters being used for smaller ground mount systems?
  • The solar edge site analysis tool will often recommend only 2 single-phase inverters on a 3-phase system. What do you think?
  • Can ballasted mounting systems impair a roof warranty?
  • Do you think single-axis trackers live up to the promise of increased production for most systems?
  • What is the effect of latitude on single-axis trackers?

Podcast feed: http://aeesolar.com/feed/podcast

Available on Stitcher and iTunes