[RE-wrenches] REC Solar melt-down

[David G Katz]

REC Group in Norway has taken the high road in dealing with the junction 
box problem on modules they made in 2008.  The problem is old news. REC 
discovered that the junction box they were using, which connected to the 
tabing material coming out of the back of their modules with a 
compression connection had the potential of  developing a bad connection 
and causing lower power output.  These modules were sold in the US from 
August through December of 2008 and they are labeled REC SCMxxx where 
xxx is the wattage.  The junction can be repaired by soldering the 
connection.  REC Group is planning to spend over $50 Million replacing 
or repairing all of the modules with this junction box.  Their new line 
of modules labeled RECxxxAE-US has soldered connections in the junction 
box so there is no worry about this problem.
Most major module manufacturers have had similar problems over the past 
20 years.  Some have replaced modules in mass and other have waited for 
them to fail.
I am not worried about REC Group making good on any problems that come 
up with their modules over the next 25 years.  They are one of the 
largest and most stable companies in the solar business and they make 
wafers and cells for many of the major module manufacturers.  They are 
dedicated to making high quality modules and they are doing a good job 
of making  PV modules more affordable.
My biggest worry is what will happen to the thousands of low cost 
Chinese and Indian made modules that are flooding in if there is a 
warranty problem with one of their module manufacturers.  Will they have 
$50 million  to replace the products or will they just disappear?
Thanks,
David


David Katz

President

AEE Solar

1155 Redway Drive

P.O. Box 339

Redway, CA  95560

Tel (707) 825-1200

Fax (707) 825-1202

david at aeesolar.com <mailto:david at aeesolar.com>

www.aeesolar.com <http://www.aeesolar.com>

 

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