[RE-wrenches] Semi flexible modules

[Matt Partymiller]

I have about 250 kW of 10 year old, recently removed Unisolar 144s and
68s and think Larry is correct.  We're testing it for re-sale and most
seem fine after a decade of weathering.  The only failures were ones
placed in areas of the roof prone to ponding.  Removing the panels and
hearing complaints below, I do wonder if some complaints may be based on
misuse.  It sure would be easy to stick flex modules anywhere, even
places they don't belong.  Flat modules stuck on a flat roof can be an
example, and I doubt it just pertains to flex modules.  I suspect
Powerguard may have had the same issue with their crystalline flat
installs that dried up in favor of 10 degree ballast. 

Matt 

Matt Partymiller 

General Manager 

Solar Energy Solutions, LLC 

877-312-7456 

matt at sesre.com 

On 2020-03-09 14:59, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:

> Ray, 
> 
> Thinking of light weight PV modules reminds me that Uni-Solar is gone. Still the highest performance module I have ever tested. Being light weight and unbreakable was the icing on the cake if you had the real estate needed due to efficiency. My hat is still off to the brilliant inventor Stan Ovshinsky.   
> 
> Jay,  
> There are Uni-Solar PVL's floating around. A coupe years ago I found enough to build a 4.4kW off grid system. If you have the length necessary, I would highly recommend using them instead of the Flexible modules you are considering. https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Solar-PVL-68-PowerBond-112-Inch-15-5-Inch/dp/B002MWDI44 
> 
> Larry Crutcher
> 
> Starlight Solar Power Systems
> 
> On Mar 9, 2020, at 11:07 AM, Ray <ray at solarray.com> wrote: 
> 
> I 2nd Larry's experience.  I've never seen any flex modules that have held up for more than a few years.  Complete degradation in our high altitude UV environment.  Glass with monocrystalline cells on the other hand: we still see some bronzed out Arco (before Siemens) modules that are over 30 years old with decent output.  
> 
> Another possible way to follow the curve is with smaller glass modules. We're having good luck with little modules down to 10 watts.  
> 
> Ray Walters
> Remote Solar
> 303 505-8760
> 
> On 3/9/20 11:14 AM, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote: 
> 
>> Hi Jay,
>> 
>> We sold/installed flexible modules from various manufacturers for about 5 years. When permanently installed, most have a fast degradation of the PET encapsulate leading to blotching, peeling, cracking and pitting. The weight savings is significant and may be worth using for some as long as you don't expect the longevity of a framed, glass module. Customers using them occasionally as a portable module are experiencing long life.
>> 
>> Larry Crutcher
>> Starlight Solar Power Systems
>> 
>> On Mar 8, 2020, at 4:02 PM, Jay <jay.peltz at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi all,
>> Especially those that do RV,
>> 
>> Any recommendations as to semi flexible modules?  I find sun power brand, but many others saying "sun power cells". 
>> Prices are of course all over the map. 
>> 
>> I am asking because a usual offgrid client bought a camper wants solar installed and the semi flexible modules seem like a better solution than framed. Lighter weight, non glass, less to break, etc
>> 
>> If anyone has anything to share I'd like to hear about
>> 
>> Thanks
>> 
>> Jay
>> Peltz power. 
>> 
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