[RE-wrenches] module frame separation

[Joel Davidson]

William,

The main concerns are physical damage to the unsupported laminate and 
moisture penetration at the exposed edge of the laminate. If the frame can 
be pushed back in place without breaking the laminate, you can fasten a flat 
bar across the back of the module to keep the frame in place. EVA is 
hydroscopic and moisture will wick into the laminate from the exposed edge. 
Run a bead of silicone caulk along the edge of the laminate before securing 
the frame back in place.

Joel Davidson

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "William Korthof" <wkorthof at eesolar.com>
To: <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 1:39 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] module frame separation


> Recently we've had a few modules (~5 year old) exhibit frame  separation 
> from the glass...
> in one case, it's minor separation of the long edge of frame on one or 
> both sides of a few modules... the frames seem okay and reasonably  secure 
> when attached on the roof, but were loose during handling.
> In another case, the customer is located in snow-impacted mountains. 
> Apparently, a sheet of icy snow pulled the bottom (short) edge of the 
> frame apart from the glass and side frame pieces. No damage to the  glass, 
> but the lower edges of 6+ frames are now dangling by a thread.
>
> I don't think the module warranties cover this problem---the power  output 
> remains within spec and there is no evident damage to the  glass. But if 
> we don't provide some sort of repair, the modules will  break.
>
> Any suggestions for this kind of repair?
> What kind of glue would we use to reattach the glass to the aluminum 
> frames?
>
> Thanks,
> William Korthof
> Energy Efficiency Solar
>
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Home Power magazine
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Options & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List-Archive: 
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List rules & etiquette:
> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>
> Check out participant bios:
> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>