[RE-wrenches] high efficiency modules in U.S.

[Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems]

Mage 250PL module efficiency is 15.3%. 
Solarworld Sunmodule 265 is 15.81%
Trina PA05 is 15.9%
Sunpower 327 Watt 21.5%

In my business, efficiency is very important because the real estate I work with is only 200 to 300 square feet. My best selling PV module, the CTI160, has 17.8% efficiency. Here's how we do 2kW on an RV roof without shadows. If these were Panasonics, I could put 2.6kW in this same space.


On Apr 25, 2014, at 9:40 AM, Bob-O Schultze <bob-o at electronconnection.com> wrote:

Try Mage?

Bob-O

On Apr 25, 2014, at 8:17 AM, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:

Hey Kirk, 

We have sold sanyo then Panasonic modules for over a decade. Not only were they highly efficient, they were the last truly high performance modules in the US. I have exhausted my search for them, only 3 left in stock. Panasonic will not return my phone calls or emails. 

There are dozens of China companies making small and expensive modules using SunPower cells but I doubt any are listed. I managed to buy some 327 and 435 Watt Sunpower modules dirt cheap "from a guy". These were cosmetically blemished laminates that someone framed. Isc tests show they are producing rated power or higher but the frame is light and the cell surface has blotches under the glass. No listing on these either but my off grid customers in Mexico love them for the performance and cheap price per Watt. 

Does anyone know which of the 60 cell manufacturers have the highest module efficiency?

Larry




On Apr 25, 2014, at 5:05 AM, Kirk Herander <kirk at vtsolar.com> wrote:

Now that it appears Sanyo/Panasonic is no longer available, and Sunpower distribution is tightly controlled, what other high-efficiency alternatives are U.S.-available? Thanks.
 
Kirk Herander
VT Solar, LLC
Un-Common quality since 1991
www.vermontsolarnow.com
dba Vermont Solar Engineering
NABCEPTM Inaugural Certificant
VT RE Incentive Program Partner
802.863.1202

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