[RE-wrenches] Failed Mitsubishi

[frenergy]

Wrenches,

             At a couple 7-10 year old installs (both are top-of-pole) 
of Mitsu 170's I've spotted several "bubbled" backsheets.  At one 
install the output is 40% less than it should be (accounting for age, 
dust, sun angle, etc). They are all small, biggest being 3/16" X 5/8", 
some just bubbled, a couple have actually caused the backsheet to split 
open a little.  Its uncertain whether I can see any discoloration 
through the glass side and the backsheets are black so its impossible to 
tell if it "burned" through from it darkening the backsheet from a bad 
solder joint or whatever.  These are not impact dings, they are all the 
same shape, they are 6 to 12 feet off the ground. One example pic attached.

             I called Mitsubishi in San Diego (Jim) and he said he has 
NEVER seen anything like this, plus does not have any 170's to replace 
these.  Any body else seen anything like this? and/or have any 170's.  I 
might consider buying  someone's dusty 170's because the installs are 
top-of pole and the 225's they're considering for replacement (even 
though "free" ala warranty) would be a significant/major hassle to make 
fit.  May need 4 PVs, I need to go back and thoroughly check array.

Bill

Feather River Solar Electric
Bill Battagin, Owner
4291 Nelson St.
Taylorsville, CA 95983
530.284.7849
CA Lic 874049
www.frenergy.net

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20160927/70c171bb/attachment-0002.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: Kusel PV backsheet, Mitsu (3).JPG
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 608581 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20160927/70c171bb/attachment-0002.jpe>