[RE-wrenches] Sanyo HIT and ARRA "buy american"

[Kirk Herander, VSE]

The Sanyo literature states that sanyo wafers are made in the US. However,
DOE exemption states that the module's cells have to be produced in the US
(ie. the actual semiconductor). This would exclude Sanyo's, I presume, under
the strict interpretation as to what a "wafer" vs. a "cell" is. The cells
are fabricated from US-made wafers in Japan, correct? You can't have the
cell without the wafer. The VT state program is balking at accepting Sanyos
for ARRA incentives because of cell vs. wafer definition.

I need to know if any of you have installed ARRA-funded system using Sanyo's
and if this sticking point has caused problems. Any documentation you have
received from Sanyo which clarifies this issue, arguing for ARRA approval
would be most helpful. Again, this is only for ARRA-funded projects, not
other gov't stuff like DOD, etc. Thanks.

Read this article for reference:

http://solar-energy-news-and-views.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-american-are-you
r-solar-panels.html



Kirk Herander
Vermont Solar Engineering
802.863.1202
NABCEP(tm) Certified Solar Installer
NYSERDA-eligible Installer
VT Solar Incentive Program Partner