Solarex modules [RE-wrenches]

[allan]

Kurt,
    I dunno why, but it wasn't a solder joint or intermittent problem.  Of
an array of 12, ALL were below spec, but all put out power.  It's as if you
took the max power point on the I/V curve, and pushed it back toward the
zero/zero point.
    We're used to looking for a failure point on a module, like a bad solder
joint or a series burn spot, because modules have such a strong reputation
for reliability.  These are different: defective in design/production, so
that output was just weak.  I'm not sure, but as I was told, the problem
appeared when the modules were new, or at least young; it's not a
progressive degradation.
Allan @+E
-----Original Message-----
From: Kurt Nelson, SunWise <sunwise at win.bright.net>
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2000 6:17 AM
Subject: Re: Solarex modules [RE-wrenches]


>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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