[RE-wrenches] Future module mis-match

[William Miller]

Jeff:

Thank you for the post below.  This is a very serious problem.  This issue 
has been addressed in other industries -- the automotive is one the comes 
to mind. In that industry, I believe a legislative solution was established 
requiring parts be available for X number of years.  Solar industry support 
groups might be approached to lobby for this.


William Miller



At 07:51 AM 2/25/2010, you wrote:
>I have been very concerned that every time we settle on a module brand and 
>size for a project, the manufacturer switches production or design and 
>these "older" modules are replaced with a larger or totally different 
>module.  We always try to hold back at least one extra module for future 
>warranty issues when we are forced to switch, but that could be very 
>expensive and take up lots of storage.  The point is we are already seeing 
>many posts here from installers needing just a few modules to complete a 
>project using modules that are no longer being manufactured, or to expand 
>an existing system that needs to match, so what are we all going to do 
>when your older client base starts calling to order a replacement module 
>that was either physically damaged or perhaps suffered a thermal shock 
>glass break.  And what will the manufacturer do to honor a warranty 
>replacement for a module that is no longer made -  Send a credit voucher?
>
>In other words, will future solar arrays look like a patchwork quilt of 
>mis-matched modules as we try to keep a system operational using 
>replacement modules that do not match.  This may not be an issue on a 
>ground mounted array in the woods, but what about a closely spaced roof 
>array and you cannot find a replacement module that fits the opening when 
>the damaged module is removed?   And the same issue if the replacement 
>module you find fits the opening, but has a totally different volt-amp 
>rating?  Do we just jumper over and leave the damaged module in place and 
>hope the array voltage is still in limits?  Will your client consider that 
>an acceptable warranty solution?
>
>So will my collection of a few mis-matched modules of each brand and size 
>that are no longer manufactured turn into a future gold mine??   Oh well, 
>I can always dream.................
>
>Jeff Yago
>DTI Solar
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