[RE-wrenches] 30-year old PV module

[Joel Davidson]

Hello Drake,

(silicon not silicone) Good question about thickness. I recently inspected a circa 1996 solar array with 300 micron thick, 6-inch round cells encapsulated behind 3 mm thick glass and found a few cracked cells and impact fractures. Today, some cells are 260 to 200 microns and even down to 180 to 160 microns thick. I think if the cells are handled properly, and the glass is 4 mm thick, and the module frame is strong enough to minimize twisting, and the modules are handled and installed with care, then cell breakage can be kept to a minimum. It's not how thin the cells are. It is how the cells and modules are encapsulated and handled.

Joel Davidson
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Drake Chamberlin 
  To: RE-wrenches 
  Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2010 1:39 PM
  Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 30-year old PV module


  Thanks for the excellent article.  I have two of these old Arcos, and they still put out like new, even though one was (apparently) used in a concentrator, due to the fact that it came bronzed.  

  Do you think the newer modules, with thinner silicone, will last as long?



  At 10:53 AM 5/21/2010, you wrote:

    If your prospect asks how long do PV modules last, refer them to this article
    http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/testing-thirty-year-old-photovoltaic-module 
  Drake Chamberlin
  Athens Electric
  OH License 44810
  CO License 3773
  NABCEP TM  Certified PV Installer 
  Office - 740-448-7328
  Mobile - 740-856-9648 



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