Re: [RE-wrenches] Old Solar Modules

[Allan Sindelar via RE-wrenches]

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 
>  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
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Old Solar Modules

[Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches]

If you can't find anything, I would think measuring Voc, adjusting for 
temperature,  and then dividing into the wattage would give you some 
reasonable approximations. Chris


On 9/12/2022 10:28 AM, Amos Post via RE-wrenches 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 


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--
            Christopher Warfel
                 ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
                                401-466-8978


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[RE-wrenches] Old Solar Modules

[Amos Post via RE-wrenches]

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 
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