Interesting info on Uni-Solar panel comparison [RE-wrenches]

[Mangelsdorf, Marco]

I recently came across some test data from a facility in southern Switzerland that's been testing PV performance for decades.  The one module that stood out in a table of 10 modules from different manufacturers was the Uni-Solar 32W a-Si.  It was rated at 32W, tested out of the box at 34W and put out 27 watts three, count 'em, three months later, a reduction of 20 percent.  "Attentuation" you say, Bill?  I wonder if Uni-Solar dealers clue in their customers about such dramatic drops in output taking place in such a short amount of time.  Not likely.  Instead, it's the "yeah, these modules are rated at 64 watts but they actually put out 80" pitch.  Or better yet, according to a Uni-Solar fanatic in this here state, Uni-Solar modules actually put out power in moonlight.  Yeah, definitely, if the moonlight you're taling about is measured on the moon...Hey, but doesn't the very phrase "triple-junction" sound so cool and high-tech?  I guess maybe there's some reason why crystalline Si has been and still is so dominant across the globe as far as the preferred semiconductor of choice for PV manufacturers.  Oh wait, wait, what about Cad Tel and promises of $2/watt?  

Rant off.

marco
ProVision Technologies, Inc.
Hilo, Hawai'i
www.provisiontechnologies.com

>
> I just visited the North Coast Co-op where I helped install 2 arrays  1
> using
> unisolar 64's and the other with Siemens 130's.  Around 1.2 kw per inverter
>
> Just wanted all to know that the Siemens are outperforming the unisolar by
> around 5%.  And interestly this 5% seems to be consistent on sunny or
> cloudy/foggy days.
>
> System has been installed for a few months now.
>
> Both systems are south facing, same roof ( side of building actually), no
> shading.
>
> Both use SMA 2500U's.
>
> Thanks,
>
> jay
>
> peltz power

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