[RE-wrenches] Sharp modules

[penobscotsolar at midmaine.com]

I have just started dealing with 1SolTech, manufacturing in Texas, and am
impressed with what I see so far. I am using them to replace the Sharp's I
had originally intended to use on a job in Mexico. From others on the
wrench list, it seems the warranty is void if the Sharp panels are
installed in a "marine environment". The job I'm on is about 250 feet from
the ocean and 60 feet above, but I still didn't want to take a chance,
even though these days we're taking a chance with almost any panel in one
way or another....floating glass without sealing between the frames and
cells seems to me a recipe for possible organic growth in humid
environments and I can think of a plethora of other concerns over the long
term with these newer Sharp modules...could be just my imagination,
but....

Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Penobscot Solar Design



> Drake....As far as i know the power tolerance rating has gotten a bit
> better
> than they used to be.....I believe the floating glass inside the frame is
> a
> long standing design but I just haven't seen any other manu's doing that
> so
> it seems odd when carrying the module and the glass moves independent of
> the
> frame....
> I like the idea of a rubber mallet to "knock the frame into shape".....but
> I
> dislike the idea of having to do this in the first place! Haven't had to
> do
> it for other manu's modules....
> We have started to use the Sharp modules recently due to their reliable
> supply, lowest cost for  US manufacturing, coupled with the idea that
> their
> company is relatively stable as far a supporting their warranties for the
> long haul.....
> Anyone have any other US modules they find to be of good quality, reliable
> supply, low cost and strong company foundation that values their
> installers?
> Cheers,
>
>
> --
> Sunny Regards,
> Kirpal Khalsa
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
> Renewable Energy Systems
> www.oregonsolarworks.com
> 541-218-0201 m
> 541-592-3958 o
>
>
> On Sun, Sep 11, 2011 at 4:09 PM, Drake
> <drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org
>> wrote:
>
>>  What do you think of the quality of the new Sharp modules?  The 240 F2
>> has
>> a good PTC rating, but a power tolerance range of 15% (+10% -5%).  With
>> the
>> frame and construction issues, I wonder if the quality of Sharp modules
>> is
>> slipping.
>>
>> Has Sharp cut quality to keep competitive?
>>
>> Drake
>>
>>
>>
>>
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