[RE-wrenches] Defective modules

[Jeff Irish]

Unfortunately the situation might be a little more simple, and devious, than that when it comes to the "bean counters".  Many lease and PPA structures have the tax equity investors out and gone in five years, and the lease holder cashflow positive by then or not long after.  So if there are problems with performance in years 7 - 20, only the installer holding the warranty obligation or valuing the local relationship and reputation will be concerned, or maybe even around.

I'm definitely not putting SunPower in this boat; they make a good product, have a proven history of standing behind it, and are taking a long term brand building view in my experience / opinion.

Jeff Irish
Hudson Solar

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ray Walters
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 12:56 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Defective modules

First Solar's thin film is definitely part of the industry's early onset under performance problem.
With monocrystalline under $1/watt, I just don't understand why big projects are still going forward with thin film.
I would only use thin film for partial shading, or curved, odd shaped surfaces.  (RV roofs, not MW plants)
The bean counters are putting too much faith in warranties and spread sheets, instead of looking at real life long term performance history.  PV's been around now for several decades; there's just no excuse to keep repeating the same mistakes over again.



R.Ray Walters

CTO, Solarray, Inc

Nabcep Certified PV Installer,

Licensed Master Electrician

Solar Design Engineer

303 505-8760
On 5/31/2013 1:02 AM, Brian Teitelbaum wrote:
I don't know for sure, but the S. California installation in the article is likely a large Unisolar installation down there.

However, since the article talks about Chinese modules, which are mostly crystalline, I don't think thin film is the major problem, if there really is one.

Not mentioned in the article is the possibility for micro-fracturing of the cells being a major problem, especially since they are sliced so thin these days, and generally shipped lying flat, which must cause a lot of flexing during transport.

Brian Teitelbaum
AEE Solar

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Carl Emerson
Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 2:50 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Defective modules

Hi there,

Hilton's third question is important.

Are we seeing a rise in thin film failure or is this only mono and poly?

Regards
Carl Emerson

________________________________
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Hilton Dier III
Sent: 30 May 2013 1:09 a.m.
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Defective modules

Greetings wrenches,

I'm sure many of you have seen this article in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/29/business/energy-environment/solar-powers-dark-side.html?hp&_r=1&

I have already gotten an email from a panicked client asking about canceling his project.

First question: Has anybody dealt with defective modules lately, and if so, what brands?
Second question: How much does this affect first-tier manufacturers (Trina, Suntech, Yingli...) and how much of this is "no-name" brands?
Third question: Is this restricted to a particular technology such as thin film?

And the big question: How do we deal with this? I can imagine the fossil fuel and nuclear industries promoting this story with enthusiasm.

Thanks,

Hilton

--

Hilton Dier III

Renewable Energy Design

Partner, Solar Gain LLC

453 East Hill Rd.

Middlesex, VT 05602




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