[RE-wrenches] BIPV Options

[holtek at sbcglobal.net]

Having installed Powerlight systems, I would shy away from flat 
arrays....dirty, dirty dirty....
Holt E. Kelly
Holtek Fireplace & Solar Products
500 Jewell Dr.
Waco TX. 76712
254-751-9111
www.holteksolar.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Click" <daveclick at fsec.ucf.edu>
To: <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2012 1:22 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] BIPV Options


> Good input on the Atlantis options-- does anyone have experience with the 
> www.bipvinc.com or www.lumetasolar.com products?
>
> On 2012/10/2 13:06, Robert Evans wrote:
>> I installed the BOS for an Atlantis Sunslates system back in 2003-04,
>> and commissioned the system. Based on my experience I couldn't
>> recommend them, unless they have fixed the product.
>>
>> The customer had already contracted with Atlantis and an approved
>> roofer to install the Sunslates on his residence. I was around during
>> the install of the slates and while indeed time consuming it actually
>> went pretty smoothly and looked good. I was worried though when I saw
>> all the series connectors and realized that the system didn't offer
>> any airflow under the slates.
>>
>> The system performed subpar right out of the gates (as compared to
>> framed mods on racks) - especially during the summer on hot days -
>> remember there was no airflow. However after just 2 years the system
>> production really nosedived (50% of similar framed mod system) due to
>> poorly designed connectors (not MC type but funky cam-closures that I
>> had never seen before) that built up high resistance connections and
>> slates that failed due to poor internal connections.
>>
>> Troubleshooting was very difficult due to poor access to the
>> connections. Atlantis did send people out often over the years to try
>> and correct the situation, and they added more slates to the roof to
>> compensate for the poor production. But the system continually had
>> problems, and the customer never really got any satisfaction. It's
>> actually way to long a story to tell here.
>>
>> I think BIPV always has these challenges inherent:
>> Expensive product.
>> Expensive labor intensive install.
>> Lots of connections.
>> Difficult access to connections.
>> Poor airflow and hot operating cell temps.
>>
>> Well designed products can help mitigate these. Poor designed products
>> make these issues worse. There is a reason why BIPV has not
>> proliferated on residential buildings.
>>
>> Maybe Atlantis has fixed these issues? I was never interested in
>> promoting the product so I've never looked into it. But anyone looking
>> to put this product up should really do some homework.
>>
>> And one more thing - anytime a customer gets a system installed from 2
>> parties - one for the array and one for the BOS, it becomes difficult
>> for all involved should the system not perform well. I learned a
>> lesson and never got involved in a split up job like this in the
>> future.
>>
>> Bob Evans
>> NABCEP Certified PV Installer
>> Evans Energy Systems
>> Santa Cruz, CA
>> 831-345-3459
>>
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