Kyocera [RE-wrenches]

[Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar]

Drake,

I sell tons of Kyocera modules to RV customers because they come to my store and ask for it by name. However, I never recommend them. While I concur with most of the other comments, it is interesting that no one has mentioned the overall poor performance of Kyocera. 

The CEC rates them way down in the bottom end for performance. The KC-120 is below 700 out of about 940 modules tested. Others rate a little higher. The top performers are First Solar, Uni-Solar, Sunpower, and Sanyo. If customers will listen to me, I always recommend the best performance modules as it makes a HUGE payback difference over the next three decades of operation.

Here in Arizona, the $3 per watt rebate is based on nameplate rating. So there is no incentive to build high performance systems. The cheaper panel you by, the lower the customers initial cost. The rebate should be based on performance. If we push high performance instead of price, won't many manufacturers step up to the plate with better modules? Wouldn't that be good?  
Larry Crutcher
General Manager
Starlight Solar

Retail Store & Shipping: 2998 Shari Ave. Yuma, AZ 85365
Phone (928) 941-1660      Fax (928) 342-9103

Mailing Address:11279 S. Glenwood Ave, Box 11114, Yuma, AZ 85367
Renewable Energy Products for Home, Business and Recreational Vehicles
powered by STARLIGHT

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Drake Chamberlin 
  To: RE-wrenches at topica.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 9:36 AM
  Subject: Kyocera [RE-wrenches]



  I've been hearing conflicting opinions as to the quality of Kyocera 
  modules.  Some years back, on the list, I recall that it was stated 
  that there have been voltage consistency problems, and other issues.

  One long-time solar salesman recently claimed that Kyocera is the 
  best product on the market.  Does anyone have any experience that 
  would give an indication of the quality of Kyocera?

  Thanks,

  Drake 


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