Kyocera [RE-wrenches]

[Joel Davidson]

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Earlier this year, Kyocera announced that they changed their module sizes 
"utilizing a larger, more powerful, high efficiciency 156mm X 156mm solar 
cell" but the result looks like lower efficiency modules. Perhaps someone 
can check my math.
(200 W / 1.4341 m2) / 10 = 13.946% efficient replaced with (205 W / 1.4869 
m2) / 10 = 13.787% efficient.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar" <larry at starlightsolar.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:12 PM
Subject: Re: Kyocera [RE-wrenches]


>
>
> 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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