[RE-wrenches] Mass failure of Siemens SP150s

[Dana Orzel]

Are there burn marks on the backing?

I have had several entire array replacements in the past back in the 150-175 watt/module days. But not in a while.

 

 

 

Dana Orzel                              Great Solar Works, Inc. 

C - 208.721.7003                       dana at solarwork.com

Idaho Contractor - # 028765         Idaho PV # 028374

NABCEP # 051112-136                        <http://www.solarwork.com/> www.solarwork.com

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"  

P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> On Behalf Of William Miller
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 4:06 PM
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Mass failure of Siemens SP150s

 

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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