[RE-wrenches] Picking a Quality Chinese PV Module

[Michael Welch]

Not sure where these fit in 1-8, but:

A. Embedded energy
B. Environmental affects of manufacturing
C. Exploitation of workers

Bill Brooks wrote at 03:46 PM 7/19/2010:
 
>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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