The Photowatt is French. Early 80s most likely. Windy Dankoff imported them for a few years, late 70s - early 80s. They’re remarkable modules. I had (before I retired) several clients still using them. Every one is still putting out at or close to rated output, 40 years later. The only problem I ever encountered is the output studs breaking off. And years ago I used to solder leads to the ribbons with Big Bertha - a 100w soldering iron. I made clear up front that I wouldn’t guarantee my repair work, but it worked every time, and never shattered the glass. The 50w Arco would likely be late 80s, as before that they were 32-35w. The Solarex is likely a VLX53 from the mid-late 90s. The VLX had a thin frame. Hope that helps. Other old timers can correct me if I’m wrong with any of this. Allan Sindelar
Sent from my iPhone > On Sep 12, 2022, at 4:29 PM, Amos Post via RE-wrenches > <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: > > Hi all, > > I have a few old modules I am trying to date best I can. One is an Photowatt > (Arco?) 55Watt silver frame yellow backsheet, one is a Solarex 53Watt silver > frame grey back sheet, and one Arco 50Watt black frame black back sheet. > Looking for help with dates and if anyone knows of good websites for looking > up specs and/or dates on these older modules? > > Thanks, > Amos > > > Amos Post > Integrity Energy > W 802.763.7023 > C 802.291.2188 > ienergyVT.com > Facebook > > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > http://www.members.re-wrenches.org >
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