[RE-wrenches] PV encapsulation qualities

[Joel Davidson]

Conrad,

Your concern about encapsulation is justified but not just for Chinese 
products. EVA and Tedlar are relatively standard throughout the world. My 
concern is less about the source or the materials and more about process 
time and temperature which are critical in the encapsulation process.

In an effort to be better-faster-cheaper or to differentiate themselves from 
the pack, some manufacturers are using other encapsulants. This is not bad. 
While it is true that not all change is for the better, nothing gets better 
without change. Your choices are clear: buy tried-and-true technology from 
well-established companies and hope that they continue to practice good 
quality control and/or take the risk and buy innovative technology. I do 
both with open eyes and an open mind and have rarely been burned.

Joel Davidson

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Conrad Geyser" <conradg at cape.com>
To: "'RE-wrenches'" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 8:33 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV encapsulation qualities


> Esteemed wrenches,
>
> As the Chinese invasion continues, I imagine that most of us will end up
> using products made in China at some point.
>
> Most of my experience and knowledge has indicated the Chinese modules are 
> by
> and large going to be of comparable quality to any other crystalline 
> silicon
> module.  The one aspect that I haven't seen much information on is the
> encapsulation.
>
> Anyone up on their Tedlar & Tedlar substitutes?  All the Tedlar that I've
> known from 80's exterior pipe insulation has truly been amazingly durable
> stuff even in direct sunlight.  The stuff typically is still holding up 30
> years later.  But now I've been stymied by trying to get backing and
> encapsulation information out of manufacturers no matter where they are. 
> I
> am very nervous that less expensive substitution will lead to premature
> failure of backing or other encapsulation points.  I've seen too many
> plastics undergo breakdown with age to not be nervous.
>
> My concern for a early February day...
>
> Conrad
> Cotuit Solar
>
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