[RE-wrenches] crystalline VS uni-solar and beyond

[Joel Davidson]

Properly made Unisolar amorphous silicon solar modules power output should be good for the 20-year warranty period. NREL tests on the Unisolar 3-junction modules started 1997 and measure less than 1%/year degradation and holding steady at the same rate as properly made crystalline silicon solar modules.
 
EVA is hydroscopic. Any moisture that enters any EVA encapsulated solar module will result in poor performance and eventual failure. CIGS chemistry, EVA are H2O are particularly problematic.
 
20 or 25 year warranties are a whole other story. Arco had a 5 year warranty. When the company was 10 years old, Arco went to a 10 year warranty. Kyocera trumped Arco with a 12 year warranty. When Siemens celebrated its (Arco/Siemens) 25 year anniversary, they announced a 25 year warranty and the rest of the marketing pack followed their lead. Unisolar accelerated aging tests indicated a 20 year warranty was a safe bet and other amorphous PV producers tried to follow suit. A warranty is only as good as the company behind it and even good companies go out of business. A good warranty must also be backed up with good customer service. Put yer money on the table and take yer chances.



----- Original Message ----
From: Doug Wells <dwells at thesolarspecialists.com>
To: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2008 5:53:29 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] crystalline VS uni-solar and beyond

How about the longevity?
This is the one area that has not been tested.
Crystalline cells have proven their longevity for the most part.  
Their weakness seems to be sealants and gaskets more than cell  
longevity.
How will the amorphous panels be producing in 20 years?
Is this why Sanyo has kept its warranty at 20 years for its cell  
design?(and I like their panels)
Thoughts?

Doug Wells
The Solar Specialists
Worcester, VT 05682
(p) 802-223-7014
(c) 802-498-5856
www.thesolarspecialists.com




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