Solarex modules [RE-wrenches]

[Kurt Nelson, SunWise]

Greetings,

I'm trying to figure why such a problem wouldn't show up with the simple
Voc and Isc.  Could I assume that the Isc might appear normal because we
are essentially dealing with a "cold solder" joint?  A conndection that
gets hot and fails under load?  If this was the case, the partial
shading test that Windy mentions may or may not reveal the problem
depending on conditions.  Seems as though this would show up by doing a
Isc reading on a sunny day and with the meter in the record mode.  I
have also heard of a blackening of an interconnect soldered joint
visible from the underside of the panel.  Sounds to me like its a
problem Solarex should stand behind even if the warrantee period had
expired if it could be demonstrated that the panels were manufacturered
during this period.  Just don't try taking it to the Supreme Court.

Kurt Nelson

> Allan wrote:
> 
>          I had a client who had this low-output problem on an
>      array of 12 MSX64s from 91, which I tested at 20-40% below
>      spec....
> 
>          Supposedly Solarex knew about this since that time and
>      never issued a recall or warranty service bulletin, just
>      covered the defective modules when asked (confronted?).  I
>      bring this up because the modules I replaced were 9 years
>      into a 10-year warranty, and some of the rest of you may
>      have clients with similar problems.
> 
> They replaced some for a customer of ours (same problem, not indicated
> by the usual Voc and Isc tests, but very low current when charging
> battery). They were just past the warranty. They acknowleged the known
> defect. Replacement was very prompt. Of course, they are to be
> commended with mixed feelings because they never issued a recall
> way-back.
> 
> Windy
>

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