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For a few years around 1980, Windy Dankoff was US distributor for
Photowatt. I think these were French modules; same name and likely same
corporate ownership as the Photowatt that assembled modules in
Albuquerque 20 years later. But these were very different modules than
what appeared later: there were 35W (36 3" cells) and 55W (36 4" cells)
modules, also with studs on the back. They were recognizable as having
a yellowish encapsulant and textured glass face.<br>
<br>
There are quite a few of Windy's old systems still in operation around
here. While I never did any rigorous tests, over the years I have
noticed something about these modules: every one of them continues to
predictably put out rated current 28-30 years later. I have never seen
a failed or low-output module. (The worst is a stud ripped off the back
- and just like the Arcos, this is repairable.)<br>
Allan<br>
<br>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="il"><b style="">Allan</b></span><b
style=""> Sindelar</b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br>
<a href="mailto:Allan@positiveenergysolar.com" target="_blank"><span
class="il">Allan</span>@positiveenergysolar.com</a><br>
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer<br>
EE98J Journeyman Electrician<br>
<b style="">Positive Energy, Inc.</b><br>
3201 Calle Marie<br>
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507<br>
<b style="">505 424-1112</b><br>
<a href="http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/" target="_blank">www.positiveenergysolar.com</a></span></p>
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<br>
<br>
Brian Teitelbaum wrote:
<blockquote
cite="mid:69FFF3377EEF8747A4FDE2CC20CD1DED0123C1D56CA4@REDEXCH.aeesolar.local"
type="cite">
<pre wrap="">Nice article, Joel,
I still have 12 ARCO 16-2000 modules powering my off-grid home, and those were made in 1982 in Camarillo, CA. They are wired into series pairs for my 24V system, running through an ancient Trace C-30A controller, still going click & clack after all these years (I have a new C40 in waiting for the inevitable day of death).
I consistently see current in the 14A range at 27V on my E-Meter, which would equal 31.5W each. Not bad for 28-year-old 33W modules. And that's without any temp calcs, but on a mild day.
Some of them are browned a bit (although not nearly as browned as some others that I've seen) while some are still completely white. I don't know why there is a variation in color in the encapsulant.
I have two or three more of them in storage that I've picked up over the years (one for $50 at a garage sale). I really should get them out in the sun.
I know...I know... but the house painter's house needs paint, and the cobbler needs shoes, and all that. When Robin and boB get their Classic controller out, I plan to add six SolarWorld 230's to my system. That will almost quadruple my array power output. And then maybe I can get rid of my 1942 Servel fridge. But you'll never pry me away from my late 30's six-burner, dual-oven Wedgewood gas stove.
Brian Teitelbaum
AEE Solar
-----Original Message-----
From: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a> [<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>] On Behalf Of Joel Davidson
Sent: Friday, May 21, 2010 7:53 AM
To: RE-wrenches; RE Marketing for home scale RE industry
Subject: [RE-wrenches] 30-year old PV module
If your prospect asks how long do PV modules last, refer them to this
article
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/testing-thirty-year-old-photovoltaic-module">http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/testing-thirty-year-old-photovoltaic-module</a>
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</pre>
</blockquote>
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