PV degradation [RE-wrenches]

[Allan Sindelar]

I have not found a lot of consistency regarding degradation. I have seen
numerous first-generation Photowatts (imported from France by Windy in the
early 80s) still at 100% of rated power. Most of the ASI 16-2000s I see are
close to original output, depending on degree of discoloration. At the same
time, I have one long-time off-grid customer with 16 tracked Arco M55s
(which at one time were Arco's premium 36-cell module at 53/55 watts) that
are seriously browned and putting out about 50% of rated power (loosely
measured).

The 0.6%/year I heard as a ROT from some NREL study is a statistical average
based on many varied module specimens, not a predictable structural
degradation common to all crystalline silicon modules. I suspect that early
Tedlar browning is the cause of much of that figure.

Allan at PosE

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lance Barker" <lanceb at highdesertnet.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 11:32 AM
>
> Although it's somewhat anecdotal, our eperience agrees with Brian's. As
> we have both Arco ASI 16-2000s (over 25 years old) and Arco M-53s (a
> ltttle less old, but close), and measuring their output with an OutBack
> MX-60 charge controller, compared to newer modules on a separate OutBack
> charge controller at the same time, the output compared to rating has
> degraded only slightly (nowhere near the advertised percentage). Other
> brands of mudules that we have had for long periods did not fare so
> well, and have been traded away...
> Lance


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

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

List rules & how to change your email address: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquette.php

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

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.bWljaGFl
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

For Topica's complete suite of email marketing solutions visit:
http://www.topica.com/?p=TEXFOOTER
--^----------------------------------------------------------------