Arco M51quad lams [RE-wrenches]

[August Goers]

I have 12 old Arco modules from the decommissioned Arco plant in Carrizo Plains California. I have no idea if they are Arco M51 quadlams or not and further more don't have a clue on whether they are gold, bronze etc. There are no labels of any sort. I tested them a few weeks ago for the heck of it and found an average Voc of about 6.5 volts and Isc of about 6 amps each. The particular modules I have don't have frames anymore (they used to) and there is significant yellowing and occasional burned "pits" in the cells. I guess the concentrating collector technology baked them in a matter of years. Nonetheless, they are still working and it seems like a shame not to put them to some sort of use. If any of you are curious I'll be glad to post a photo. 

-August Goers

Luminalt

 

----- Original Message ----
From: Mick Abraham <mick at abrahamsolar.com>
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 6:29:24 AM
Subject: RE: Arco M51quad lams [RE-wrenches]


Todd Cory, Mt. Shasta Energy Services wrote:
> 
> "Any of you old timers out there know the specs on Arco M51 quadlams?"
> 
Mick says: There were several versions of the quadlams depending on how 
badly they had browned. Carrizo Golds were among the least baked and I 
think they were rated 110 watts for the set of four; these had metal 
frame retrofits. When four laminates were connected in series one would 
have 48 cells in series but normal PV math doesn't apply because of the 
browning. I don't know how the 110 watts would parse out.

Mick says: The next step down was Carrizo Bronze which were also metal 
framed and I think 95 watts for the set of four. Worst of all were the 
"Muds", which were rated 87 watts for four. Carrizo never bothered to 
add metal frames to the Muds, but Zomeworks sold plastic channels to 
give some edge protection.

If looking today, one may not readily be able to tell the difference 
between Golds and Bronzes. I think there were some stickers for the back 
surface but these are probably long gone now.

The power ratings seemed usually to the low side. I think Carrizo found 
it simpler to keep the power promise low than to go for precision 
testing of all the laminates.

Mick Abraham
Pagosa Springs, CO
www.abrahamsolar.com


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