[RE-wrenches] Mass failure of Siemens SP150s

[William Miller]

Friends and colleagues:



I recently performed a service call at a grid-tied installation we did in
2003.  The homeowner noticed the daily consumption had declined to about
1/3 of typical sometime in the last year.  Sure enough 2 of the three
strings (30 mods in total) of Siemens SP150s showed low voltage.



When I tilted up two of the racks to expose one dead string of 10, I found
that 6 of the 10 panels had 1/3 or 2/3 of the expected OC voltage.  Testing
of the individual strings indicated that 1 or 2 strings were dead on each
affected panel.



Close examination revealed pinpoint heat damage on inter-cell traces.  The
diodes tested good.  See photo below.





I am surprised to see such a high rate of failure.  Has anyone else
experienced this with these or other panels?



Is anyone servicing warranty claims on these ancient panels?  I doubt there
is much value left in the warranty but I am curious.



Thanks in advance.



William Miller
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