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  1. K

    Californian Public Utilities Commission slashes solar buyback prices.

    Yes, as battery tech improves and prices drop it will. It may also help reduce need to repeatedly investigate PG&E's wire-fires / wild fires.
  2. K

    Need professional Guide for this solar setup

    Also, don't take it personally if folks take awhile or never reply back to your specific issue. At least that's been my experience (and still so grateful this site exists). Be prepared to GIVE a log and/or pics of your journey.
  3. K

    pairing Bluetti EP500 Pro (EP500P) all in one to REC 350 TP2S72 Panels

    PS - am hopeful that some day someone else with a Bluetti / EP500P might say if they've had a similar experience. OR if they could use this thread to mention any quirks they have experienced.
  4. K

    pairing Bluetti EP500 Pro (EP500P) all in one to REC 350 TP2S72 Panels

    Following up earlier I stated: Hypothesis: Either the Bluetti's not working, or the panels aren't sending out current. Sub-hypothesis, if the Bluetti is not working it could be because: the 4 stranded wires representing DC1 (+ and -) and DC2 (+ and -) are cross-connected. NOTE: Bluetti never...
  5. K

    Why are my solar panel MC4 connectors like this?!

    Picture of a DIY QUICK RELEASE MC4 ! (due to overkill on the cutting (one tab got fully cut off) I'm sure others can do better). Now no bs spanner key or mc4 connector key is needed. No fussing with whether I purchase the right key. No worry as to whether this key fits this or other...
  6. K

    Why are my solar panel MC4 connectors like this?!

    Very disappointed that the industry would, in the name of safety / NEC, not require better standardization. As I understand it, one company created the authentic MC4 connector, and deserves credit for that. BUT it's like that company, and regulators, never read the history of Sony's greedy...
  7. K

    Why are my solar panel MC4 connectors like this?!

    FWIW - I just cut these parts off. If necessary, I'll add some electrical tape.
  8. K

    Code of Conduct points to a section that has since been removed

    Welcome. As best I understand it, your summation is correct. Generally Will / admins keep the site clean, but if you see small things that fall through, and have time, you may want to volunteer to be an admin :).
  9. K

    DIY Checklist

    One I had to search for was PTO... Likely you meant Permission To Operate (not paid time off)!
  10. K

    Why are my solar panel MC4 connectors like this?!

    Thanks for this tip. I may give this a try.
  11. K

    Why are my solar panel MC4 connectors like this?!

    Can you post a pic? How thick was your aluminum ?
  12. K

    Why are my solar panel MC4 connectors like this?!

    Yes - if you check some of my other posts, installing panels to a Bluetti EP500pro I ran into similar issue. This is not on someone's house (not needing to be inspected etc). But I do want it safe. Maybe cover with electrical wire? I'm thinking of cutting parts to fabricate a quick release...
  13. K

    Can't get MC4 connector off

    I ran into similar problem. When I tried to verify output on the next panel, the plastic spanner (I think it came free with something but am not sure what) broke. Also, when I looked closely, it didn't appear to fit well. I saw some reviews saying that this might happen (eg - if the...
  14. K

    pairing Bluetti EP500 Pro (EP500P) all in one to REC 350 TP2S72 Panels

    When I connnected the 2 REC panels they seemed to be working. But to test the Bluetti, I wanted to disconnect the panels from the Bluetti and check output. Bluetti so far has seemed interested in knowing what happening (which is comforting). When I tried to check PV output on the cables it...
  15. K

    pairing Bluetti EP500 Pro (EP500P) all in one to REC 350 TP2S72 Panels

    After mutiple setbacks I'm going to try my best to document my journey pairing Bluetti EP500 Pro (EP500P) all in one lithium battery to REC 350 TP2S72 Panels. Note: Bluetti offers their own panels but I felt they were overpriced when I purchased the Bluetti EP500P on kickstarter. First...
  16. K

    Bluetti EP500Pro Charge Times?

    Here's part of the problem I have in answering this question: I have not allowed mine to go totally down to 0 charge. Generally speaking I think the charge time of about 3 - 4 hours from a houseline sounds / seems about right from my experience. Note: if you follow my comments or posts...
  17. K

    LiFePO4 Battery Warmer Install

    Glad to see the $11 controller. Note I'm awaiting the BN Link controller (currently around $34.99) from Amazon. Perhaps other vendors have it too: look up: BN-LINK-Professional-Thermostat-Controller-Germination/ It's 2 stage (and it has 2 outlets) and I'm exploring hooking it up to both a...
  18. K

    Would Heat on Back of Solar Panels Avoid Rise in VOC?

    I have unique situation where I may be able to heat the BACKSIDE of the solar panels that are on a trailer roof. This would be with warm air on the back of the panels. My worry is that the FRONT of the panels might stay somewhat cold. I guess I'd have to experiment to see what the heat transfer...
  19. K

    Low Temp Heating Strategy in Remote Cold

    Can you tell us which brand / model warming pads you use for this?
  20. K

    Design Qs part1 for 24v system with Bluetti EP500 Pro

    Hello - sorry I haven't logged in regularly for awhile and I just saw your post. I also had some set up delays as I had to design special mounts. Now I too am looking for a simple diagram or video (and realize I need to re-check this site as by now someone may have posted on this). Did you...
  21. K

    Disappointing Vendors

    I very much appreciate this "Disappointing Vendors" thread / concept. Important that consumers have an idea of how companies behave - especially when things don't go as planned.
  22. K

    24v to 12v

    Exploring a similar issue for 36v. While this regards 36v the principles might be the same.
  23. K

    Directional Ideas - Adding storage to an existing Mongrel Solar System

    I hear nothing but crickets in response to your post. My humble suggestion would be: 1) don't take it personally 2) do someone else a favor: dig into the research and figure out what you can (or what you think you might know :) ) and post it here. 3) maybe someone else will find that helpful...
  24. K

    Serrated Nuts or not

    I've had some nylon washers strip threads / and/or get stuck onto stainless steel bolts. Thinking maybe I did something wrong, I asked someone else to try. Same result. Went back to Ace hardware (where they were purchased); did replacement. Same results. Huge time / money waste...
  25. K

    Low(er) profile mounting cross rails?

    @Browneye - Although you didn't use a tether, the "ten times" strength and over-engineering you did for a secure fit is a good example of what appears (at least from the other thread https://diysolarforum.com/threads/old-rv-new-pvs-with-strut-channel-mounting.31392/ to be an installation that...
  26. K

    Low(er) profile mounting cross rails?

    I'd not used "commercial customs" as a safety standard. Plenty of commercial practices that are later proven unsafe (by that time often parties are in court and someone has died or been seriously injured). I think at one time it was commercial practice to transport people in blimps filled with...
  27. K

    Grounding panel frames on a RV

    It may take awhile, but I think I'm going to err on the side of caution and ground. Otherwise my frame goes into PT wood framing I built on roof. Lightening could be an issue. Of course, I should win the lottery before my unit is struck by lightning, BUT sometimes mother nature doesn't follow...
  28. K

    What is recommended way to ground a ground mount solar array?

    Here Will discusses grounding for an offgrid system:
  29. K

    Grounding panel frames on a RV

    @FilterGuy Apparently, here are pictures of systems that were NOT grounded, and did have a problem:
  30. K

    Let’s talk “Z” shaped fittings

    This relates to Z brackets, because if I have to make my own - why not drill extra holes in them for a ground wire ? Assuming the Z bracket material is strong enough, does anyone have thoughts on whether running an extra hole and a ground coil through them would be good or bad to do? Note...
  31. K

    Let’s talk “Z” shaped fittings

    Also helpful is looking up grounding (for RVs or trailers) on this site. Like this post https://diysolarforum.com/threads/grounding-panel-frames-on-a-rv.31912/ The poster points out something I too have observed: many professional looking mobile installs don't seem grounded (or instructions...
  32. K

    Let’s talk “Z” shaped fittings

    Here's a video explaining why or how serrated / star washers affect grounding.
  33. K

    Let’s talk “Z” shaped fittings

    I was just about to post a question asking if people are using star washers (which I think are about the same as serrated). Basically, I need to understand grounding. My limited understanding is that I may need to also run a ground coil (perhaps through the mounting pieces) to the chassis of...
  34. K

    Let’s talk “Z” shaped fittings

    Thanks for starting this thread. I have some aluminum angle iron from an old project. I am considering attaching two Ls together to make a Z.
  35. K

    Giandel inverter question

    Can you give us an update on this? I tried contacting Giandel team via ebay (where I purchased). Different issue where I need to know if it makes sense to connect a controller to it or if that would override the internal controller (PWM I believe). Likely I'll post the problem in a separate...
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