PV Module Degradation (was PV Inverters module strings) [RE-wrenches]

[Pat Kiernan, Eco Electric, Inc.]

Bill Brooks,

I would really like to see the PVUSA documentation you mention if it is
available. The reports I've seen indicate 0.5% power degradation per year
with voltage degradation largely due to increasing resistance in connections
and current degradation due to optical degradation in the
encapsulant/lamination.

If 1-2% module power degradation per year is real than most PV warranties
are a hoax and RE is a little closer to snake oil than I would like.


Pat Kiernan

Eco Electric, Inc.
PO Box 550
Carbondale, CO 81623
tel/fax (970) 963-3132
e-mail: ecoelec at rof.net
----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Brooks <billbrooks7 at earthlink.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2001 1:40 PM
Subject: RE: PV Inverters module strings (Last Call) [RE-wrenches]


> Carl,
>
> No self-respecting PV manufacturer is going to share eventual
> underperformance numbers. They are non-the-less very real and are fairly
> consistent with all PV technologies available. No special conspiracy
theory
> for a-Si. All systems degrade at 1-2% per year and most of the degradation
> seems to occur in voltage. Documented at PVUSA with over 20 systems of all
> types over 10 years.
>
> Initial overperformance is probably only an issue if you start a system
> during the colder time of year. Most inverters, I believe this includes
> Trace Tech (Kent please chime in) will stay offline with a DC overvoltage
> condition should the Voc get over 600 Volts initially. As the array warms
in
> the sun and degrades, that voltage will settle into the proper range and
the
> inverter will start.
>
> Bill.
>


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