ST2500 vs. SB 2500 [RE-wrenches]

[Matt Lafferty]

Jerry asks:

> What kinds of problems are you encountering that are
> exclusive to thin film arrays?  Are these problems due
> to the fact that amorphous pv produces higher voltages
> during it's breaking in period?

> Jerry Caldwell
> Light Energy Systems

Good question.  We have encountered Zero issues with regard to "breaking
in".  This is one of the misunderstandings that still exists relating to
thin-films.  (Oh, God, I feel a "book" coming on!)

The differences between thin-film arrays and crystalline are many, some
positive and others not so positive.

The higher voltage of the thin-films is one of the positives.  This requires
less modules in series to achieve high-voltage configurations, and
therefore, greater flexibility in sizing.

The two most significant differences are:

1.  The Series Fuse Rating of thin-films requires more fusing and combining
than with crystalline.
2.  The larger surface area required to accomodate an array reduces the
number of candidate sites.

Thin films are incredibly more forgiving in the heat, shade, non-perfect
orientations, fog, cloudy days, etc.

My personal perspective is that they are different technologies with
different characteristics.  They each have their place and, therefore,
should be evaluated on their strengths to determine the appropriate
application for the candidate site.

Pray for Sun!

-Matt Lafferty
pvpro at attbi.com

- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com

==^================================================================
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register
==^================================================================