[RE-wrenches] Picking a Quality Chinese PV Module

[Bill Brooks]

Peter:

Here is a slide from one of my PV courses. This is my priority list for
module selection. The second item, qualification testing (IEC61215), is very
important if it has truly been done by a NRTL. Many companies claim to have
passed, but they performed the test themselves--invalidating the results. It
is much more intensive than setting a module outside in the So Cal desert. 


1. Field Experience with technology (mono and poly crystal silicon, thin
films, etc.)
2. Qualification testing (IEC61215, IEC61646, IEC62108) 
3. Company Experience (size, longevity)
4. Warranty-directly related to company size and longevity
5. Voltage/Power characteristics match well with an inverter that meets the
selection criteria.
6. Performance (how close delivered product is to rating-currently very
difficult to determine)
7. Ease of installation (size, weight, connections per Watt, grounding
options, mounting options)
8. Price

Bill.



-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Peter
Parrish
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 3:14 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Picking a Quality Chinese PV Module

We normally take a very conservative approach to accepting new product,
whether they be PV modules or inverters. As a result for example we never
gave SunTech much of chance back in 2004, although I must say that our
evaluation of SunTech was exacerbated by a terrible relationship with their
SoCal distributor.

I believe that we have to jump in and take a hard look at the PV modules
coming out of China from an engineering point of view. Perhaps the
discussion will transition off list, but for now I think that we should have
a broad discussion as to HOW to evaluate these modules.

(1) UL and its sister organizations test for safety, no? What are the
European equivalents to UL and how do they differ in any important respect?

(2) Here in California, for grid-tied systems we need CEC listing, which
normally comes from a NRTL (acronym correct?). I believe that today the CEC
listing is based on NOCT and temperature coefficient of power. I understand
that TUV is also recognized as a lab by CEC. But for utility scale projects,
we won't need CEC listing.

Beyond that, how do we know if it is a prudent move to purchase 20-50 kW of
an off-brand for a limited scale installation? 

I heard that Canadian Solar cells were manufactured from "Grade B" silicon,
compared to "Grade A". What can that possibly mean? I spent 8 hours on the
floor at InterSolar a few days ago, and I didn't get the same answer from
any two Chinese PV manufacturers--about of any technical question beyond
what one can garner from the cut sheet.

Without having any better idea, I have asked one manufacturer to supply us
with two each of their "240 W to 270 W Class" modules (2 of poly and 2 of
single crystal). We plan to subject give them a VERY careful inspection in
house and then devise some sort of mid-term (4 month) test under Coachella
Valley conditions.

What are other folks doing?

- Peter

                                                  
Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President
California Solar Engineering, Inc.
820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065
CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26
peter.parrish at calsolareng.com  
Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885

 


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