Rooftops & Wrenches

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Paul and Brian talk with Magnus Albo from SolarEdge, Brian Lawrence from OutBack Power, Ryan Stankevitz from MidNite Solar and Nishant Sharma from Aquion Energy at the Intersolar North America show in San Francisco. Subjects covered range from new products to the growing grid-tie energy storage market. Podcast feed: http://aeesolar.com/feed/podcast Available on Stitcher and iTunes

While recording Episode 4, we had a fun discussion about the Nissan X battery as well as the Tesla Powerwall.  Since Episode 4 was already quite long, we had to cut it, but here it is on it’s own.

In this episode, Brad, Brian and Paul dig into the latest grid-tied PV plus battery applications like self-consumption and TOU optimization as well as a few questions about battery backup. Questions addressed in this episode: Is it possible to build a system that utilizes High-Power batteries (i.e. Powerwall) for large instantaneous loads alongside an Aquion Battery […]

  In this episode, Brad, Brian and Paul talk about various battery technologies and respond to questions from Brian’s recent webinar on the topic. Questions addressed include: “You didn’t mention Lithium Ferro Phosphate batteries [in the webinar]. Is this not a viable battery technology?” “Are there 48 VDC Li ion bricks that will work with standard […]

  In this podcast, Brad, Brian and Paul discuss the ups and downs of solar water pumping from wells and ponds as they answer questions from Brian’s recent webinar on the topic. Questions answered in this episode include: “ If I have a customer with an off grid house should they use a solar direct pump?” […]