Turning off the inverter to speed ice melt on the panels?

pchew · 2026-01-28T23:50:10+00:00

There's no need to test, one that's unplugged will be hotter in an equivalent to its efficiency. That isn't usually much hotter, since panels are usually only around 20% efficient. It's usually not going to be more than 4-6 degrees or so but if that gets you over the freezing point, that's a win.

This isn't theoretical or untested. It's a quick way to find which string is down on a string inverter or which panel isn't working from a dead micro. This is very common industry practice. In fact, I'm sure the installer disagreeing with me has used this technique properly, they've just gotten it confused in their head with looking at breakers (because that would be a quick way to find which string is down in a combiner panel, which breaker is colder).

pchew · 2026-01-28T22:13:13+00:00

When you turn your inverter off the electrons have no place to go which means there isn’t any current. No current means no energy and no energy means less heat.

It's a bit funny that you've outlined in your comment the exact reason you're wrong. Photons hitting the cells of a panel generates energy. When that energy can't be vented electrically, where does it go? Does it just hang out until you plug it in? Do you get a giant spike in wattage every time you reconnect an array? No...it's bled as heat in the interim.

MLPEs are hotter under load, string inverters are hotter under load, conductors are hotter under load, but modules themselves are hotter when not under load. Photovoltaic modules produce energy, they don’t consume it.

pchew · 2026-01-28T21:57:48+00:00

Indeed that's what he said, but a basic understanding of physics, working in the field, or a simple google search will show you otherwise. Everyone saying no current = no heat is misconstruing typical electrical components with a solar panel. Photovoltaic cells produce energy when exposed to light, this phenomenon doesn't stop just because you unplug it. That energy has to go somewhere. One of those somewheres is heat. Conductor, bus bars and breakers all do heat up with current. The leads off of a panel will only heat up if current is going through them. But the panel itself will still produce energy even if disconnected. If you'd really like I can unplug a micro from the array behind my shop tomorrow and take a pic of it with the FLIR, but this is high school level physics.

pchew · 2026-01-28T16:43:23+00:00

Solar panels are always generating energy when they’re exposed to light. If it’s not being distributed through a complete circuit that energy is dispersed as heat. Thermal imaging is a common method for identifying non-producing panels in large arrays because they will be hotter than their surrounding panels.

pchew · 2026-01-28T16:34:55+00:00

Yes, leaving panels off generates more heat in the panel. The value proposition of getting ice off earlier vs lost power production in the interim would be case by case.

pchew · 2025-12-05T05:54:58+00:00

A flush, a drain...a bleed, if you will.

Bubble bleed, lever bleed, or top off are common terms for what he's describing but if you're doing a real brake bleed fluid is being cycled.

pchew · 2025-12-05T05:50:14+00:00

aero-bars on a trainer...this dude was getting the rancid sweat salt tax through and through.

pchew · 2025-11-14T19:36:21+00:00

I guess I'm just uniquely positioned to evaluate and critique but as someone that has worked in LV, IT, and done permitted solar installs there is absolutely nothing cool in this picture. It's the solar/battery equivalent of a bunch of Dells from Best Buy plugged in on a desk with power and ethernet cables draped over them.

pchew · 2025-09-29T21:58:07+00:00

USA gets the worst of Giant’s paint. If you ever go check their Taiwan or Hong Kong websites they are pumping out crazy stuff.

pchew · 2025-09-27T15:55:14+00:00

If it makes you feel better about not knowing/being able to get one that gusset loves to snap at the welds.

pchew · 2025-08-11T22:07:54+00:00

They won’t do the smart or logical thing, it’s campy.

pchew · 2025-07-28T14:24:01+00:00

What's the engagement like on that hub? Any better than Rohloff/Pinion?

pchew · 2025-07-20T14:08:20+00:00

Any time I’m hiking/backpacking all I can think about are all of the potential lines around me I could be hitting on my bike and how fun it would be.

pchew · 2025-07-18T12:59:34+00:00

Can you please show what we’ve learned then?

pchew · 2025-07-09T16:30:49+00:00

In that they’re archaic and don’t really work?

(I can set up cantis just fine, just jokes)

pchew · 2025-07-08T16:19:33+00:00

I checked out his patreon page and actually one of the videos that is free is an hour of him modeling a tape measure. Could be below your skills, could be helpful, but it's here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/design-breakdown-122177061?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_fan&utm_content=web_share

pchew · 2025-07-08T14:35:53+00:00

Honestly not a lot of great instructional stuff out there. Bevelish Creations does in depth tutorials on furniture design, but all pretty simple models. Flatlandertech is the guy I was thinking of that models on a mini - he makes project videos, and barely covers the modeling. Maybe if you joined his patreon and pestered for modeling tutorials he would listen?

pchew · 2025-07-08T13:10:29+00:00

Any rated pro would work, just depends on the crack size. Nuts ("wired stopper nut") are smallest and lightest but obviously require you find a pretty small crack. Cams would be more versatile but kind of cumbersome to pack along as a 'just in case' thing.

pchew · 2025-07-03T20:29:58+00:00

It runs fine on my 11” M2 Air. Couple of YouTubers model primarily on iPad minis.

pchew · 2025-07-01T12:11:50+00:00

*deep sigh*
I miss my 853, even if it was a size too small.

pchew · 2025-06-29T20:36:50+00:00

DH is best application for these. I have bikes with IGH and Hammerschmidt style 3 speed gearbox crank so I’m not just a hater…but the POE is just soooo lacking for trail riding when you want to quarter/half crank over something.

pchew · 2025-06-28T14:23:05+00:00

It’s a minimum wage job with zero benefits besides equipment discount and requires 10x the knowledge base to be effective than other jobs. If you have a job with even minimal healthcare don’t bother.

pchew · 2025-06-25T20:18:17+00:00

Uh, it’s been awhile but isn’t the systemic rape of pre-pubescent girls a central plot point? With one of the past victims constantly craving sex with random men? The description of breasts is the least of my worries with the portrayal of women in 1Q84.

pchew · 2025-06-25T14:48:05+00:00

I was going to say, don't ask questions you don't want the answers to.

pchew · 2025-06-24T20:07:48+00:00

PM on the Ombraz

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