[RE-wrenches] 24V Module Query

Thu Jan 24 14:18:36 PST 2013

Blue Sky's 1524 and 3024 work with 60 cell mods, and have 12 or 24 v 
output.  I have a several 3048s that have been in service for over 12 
years, no problems.

Ray
On 1/24/2013 3:07 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:
> Larry,
> Yes, but isn't it 12V-only output? When I called Rick Cullen to ask if 
> he had anything to work with 60-cell modules, he told me only in 12V 
> output, which we seldom encounter any more.
> Thanks,
> Allan
>
> *Allan Sindelar*
> _Allan at positiveenergysolar.com_ <mailto:Allan at positiveenergysolar.com>
> NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
> Founder and Chief Technology Officer
> *Positive Energy, Inc.*
> 3209 Richards Lane (note new address)
> Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
> *505 424-1112*
> _www.positiveenergysolar.com_ <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/>
>
> *
> *
>
>
> On 1/24/2013 2:01 PM, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:
>> Blue Sky Energy just came out with a MPPT controller for 60 cell 
>> modules called the 2512iX-HV. It can handle up to 270 Watts input/60 
>> cells and 340 Watts input with 36 cell modules.
>>
>> Larry Crutcher
>> Starlight Solar Power Systems
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Jan 24, 2013, at 1:15 PM, Jay Peltz wrote:
>>
>> Hi guys
>>
>> I've buying the new 6" cell x 72 cell from Trina from a few suppliers.
>> Big yea, but same 44voc  so it's an easy add to existing systems.
>>
>> A huge relief.
>>
>> Jay
>>
>> Peltz power
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jan 24, 2013, at 12:11 PM, Ray Walters <ray at solarray.com 
>> <mailto:ray at solarray.com>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Allan;
>>>
>>> I've been in the same conundrum lately.  I found that AEE and others 
>>> have 12 v modules (Solartech), but the price per watt is double or 
>>> triple.  My take is that somewhere around 200 to 400 watts, its more 
>>> cost effective to go to the GT modules with an MPPT controller.  
>>> Blue Sky makes the 1524, and 3024 that can take up to 57 Voc, so 
>>> those would work at still fairly low cost.  Unfortunately many of 
>>> the other low cost MPPT controllers won't work with the 60 cell 
>>> modules.  At some point, it may actually be cost effective to just 
>>> use 60 cell modules with non MPPT controllers, and just forget about 
>>> the extra 24 cells.  (I know that sounds crazy, but PV less than $1/ 
>>> watt is crazy too)
>>>
>>> I'm trying to add modules to an existing array of 8 Siemens 12 v 
>>> modules, and it just doesn't work out, except with separate 
>>> controllers.
>>> Also, its amazing how much PV you can throw at an off grid project 
>>> these days for $10k.
>>> It almost makes messing around with the old modules a waste of time.
>>> Perhaps the solution might be to remove old arrays for customers 
>>> wanting to really up size, and then reuse the old modules for small 
>>> systems?
>>>
>>> Ray
>>>
>>> On 1/24/2013 12:35 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:
>>>> Wrenches,
>>>> We have years of installing 36-cell (12V) and 72-cell (24V) modules 
>>>> for battery-based customers. Most of our systems are 24V or 48V 
>>>> nominal. Over the last few years, sources of conventionally-sized 
>>>> 72-cell modules have dried up - as cells have increased in size, 
>>>> most modules and most newer factory production lines have either 
>>>> gone to 60-cell (20V) modules, or 72 cells in 300+ watt ranges. It 
>>>> seems that the formerly common 72 cell, 24V modules in the 150-190 
>>>> watt range, which are well-suited to integrating into existing 
>>>> systems, are no longer available.
>>>>
>>>> 60-cell modules in the common 220-250 watt range can't be added to 
>>>> an existing system unless run through a dedicated MPPT charge 
>>>> controller that can convert voltage, such as an FM, XW60, Classic 
>>>> or TriStar; the added cost of any of these controllers cancels out 
>>>> the low prices of the modules.
>>>>
>>>> Who continues to manufacture 72-cell modules? Which distributors 
>>>> carry them?
>>>>     I am aware of three options - are there more?
>>>>     - Sunpower makes one module in the 245 watt range that can be 
>>>> used negative ground, but it's very high efficiency (and with high 
>>>> Voc/Vmp as well) and very pricey;
>>>>     - Sanyo/Panasonic has 225-240 watt modules, but also quite 
>>>> premium and pricey;
>>>>     - Ameresco bought the rights to manufacture many former BP 
>>>> modules, and I think they make some. But we had to replace lots of 
>>>> failed BP modules in that size range, and are hesitant to use their 
>>>> technology, fearing that the problems may persist in the continued 
>>>> line.
>>>>
>>>> Thank you for any discussion and recommendations.
>>>> Allan
>>>> -- 
>>>> *Allan Sindelar*
>>>> _Allan at positiveenergysolar.com_ <mailto:Allan at positiveenergysolar.com>
>>>> NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
>>>> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
>>>> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
>>>> Founder and Chief Technology Officer
>>>> *Positive Energy, Inc.*
>>>> 3209 Richards Lane (note new address)
>>>> Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
>>>> *505 424-1112*
>>>> _www.positiveenergysolar.com_ <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/>
>>>>
>>>> *
>>>> *
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
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