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Wrenches,<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
Who continues to manufacture 72-cell modules? Which distributors
carry them?<br>
I am aware of three options - are there more?<br>
- 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;<br>
- Sanyo/Panasonic has 225-240 watt modules, but also quite
premium and pricey;<br>
- 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.<br>
<br>
Thank you for any discussion and recommendations.<br>
Allan<br>
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<font face="Times New Roman, Times, serif"><b>Allan Sindelar</b></font><br>
<small><a href="mailto:Allan@positiveenergysolar.com"><font
face="Times New Roman, Times, serif" color="#000099"><u>Allan@positiveenergysolar.com</u></font></a></small><font
face="Times New Roman, Times, serif"><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic
Installer<br>
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional<br>
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician<br>
Founder and Chief Technology Officer<br>
<b>Positive Energy, Inc.</b><br>
3209 Richards Lane (note new address)<br>
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507<br>
<b>505 424-1112</b><br>
<a href="http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/" target="_blank"><u>www.positiveenergysolar.com</u></a><o:p></o:p></span></font>
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