[RE-wrenches] Defective modules

[Carl Emerson]

Hi there,

 

Thin film is still getting bad press after early production suffered
degradation issues way back in the 90's.

 

There is plenty of evidence that thin film produces at least 10% more energy
because it performs better at temperature and responds better to global
irradiance.

 

Some brands may be problematic today but this is equally true of crystalline
modules.

 

Sure the efficiency is down and more area is needed for the same rated power
but some brands are delivering 20% more energy in some climates.

 

As for degradation, I have seen crystalline BP's with every panel turning
brown and clapping out after just 12 years in the pacific Islands.

 

So let's be Brand specific and not lump all thin film together and tar it
with the same brush, based on early failures 30 years ago. 

 

There are plenty of thin film Megawatt installations in Europe.

 

Current issues backed up with hard data would be very useful.

 

Regards
Carl Emerson

 

 

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

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] 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] On Behalf Of Hilton Dier
III
Sent: 30 May 2013 1:09 a.m.
To: 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-d
ark-side.html?hp
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/29/business/energy-environment/solar-powers-
dark-side.html?hp&_r=1&> &_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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