[RE-wrenches] Chinese solar cells and modules

[Chris Daum]

Dear folks:

We have been using 175W 24V Suntech modules for the past 18-24 months,
mostly for one and two module water pumping systems for livestock.  No
problems to date.

We get LOTS of solicitations from Chinese module manufacturers to purchase
their modules; sometimes they only offer a two or five year warranty.  We
only want to offer UL listed products, so that leaves a lot of 'em out of
the game.

Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.
406-777-4309
www.oasismontana.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Doug Pratt
Sent: Saturday, June 06, 2009 1:27 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Chinese solar cells and modules

Joel,
Since late last year we've been stocking the Yingli 175w single-crystal
modules. They seem dependable, haven't heard of any problems with them.
Earlier in the year they were a low-cost choice for very cost-sensitive
projects, but they were a 1st choice for very, very few dealers. Lately,
with all PV prices tumbling, they've been even less attractive. I think the
immediate future for Chinese modules will be developing country projects,
and very large projects where price points matter more than a dependable
track record or possible warranty service in a decade or two.

Cheers,
Doug Pratt
DC Power Systems


-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Joel
Davidson
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2009 9:17 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Chinese solar cells and modules

Wrenches,
Aside from the fact that Chinese solar cells are being assembled all over
the world into modules with varying degrees of quality, what specific
Chinese brand solar modules do you use based on them meeting their stated
physical and electrical specifications, construction, durability, blems,
delamination, price, availability, distributor service, etc.?
Joel Davidson

Chinese Solar Production and Capacity
Despite only having 140MW of solar projects installed, China was the leading

manufacturer of solar cells in 2008, with 30% of global production. In 2008,

China produced 2GW of solar cells, up from 1GW in 2007. In addition to
producing PV cells, Chinese companies have produced 3GW of modules, up from
1.7GW in 2007, and 13,000MT of Wafers, up from 11,800MT in 2007.