[RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar 68w Laminate panel removal
Wrenches, Has anyone ever removed these from a metal standing seam roof? If so, was the module or roof damaged? If not, then is there a market for these used panels? Thanks for any insight. Aloha, Lou Russo ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar 68w Laminate panel removal
Hi Lou, There should be two screws at the top of the module. Remove these and on a very hot day you should be able to start at the top edge and peel it down. Don't hurry. Once started, a heat gun to the bottom will speed it up. If some stick-um gets left on the roof, you'll need a solvent to loosen it (can't remember, WD40?). So, after all that effort you will have a used Uni-Solar 68 Watt PV mod that is worth about $50 to someone that knows about the performance of those amazing modules. Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar Power Systems On 3/3/15 4:33 PM, Lou Russo wrote: Wrenches, Has anyone ever removed these from a metal standing seam roof? If so, was the module or roof damaged? If not, then is there a market for these used panels? Thanks for any insight. Aloha, Lou Russo ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar 68w Laminate panel removal
I have removed them from the snall 3 cell up to the 136/142 modules not pretty i have never tried to save the cells, i used heats and a lot of time makes a mess of both. I have also used ice and its a cleaner seperation but the panels are junk afterwords either way. Jerry On Mar 3, 2015 1:34 PM, Lou Russo russo@gmail.com wrote: Wrenches, Has anyone ever removed these from a metal standing seam roof? If so, was the module or roof damaged? If not, then is there a market for these used panels? Thanks for any insight. Aloha, Lou Russo ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance 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 List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka…now Panasonic?
Wrenches, What high performance PV modules are being sold in the US? I can't find Panasonic modules anymore. I have written to them twice but they can't direct me to any distribution in the US. They insist that Sunwize will have them but Sunwize says they have no plans yet to purchase again. From what I can tell, the next best thing is Sunpower modules with -0.38% /K temp coefficient. Are there any others to consider? Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka...now Panasonic?
Hi Larry, You could try Colorado Solar. They very recently supplied 24 of Panasonic 240s for a job in Glenwood Springs Colorado Contact Info is: *Loren Geist* Colorado Solar, Inc. SolarPanelStore.com 38150 River Frontage Rd. #1D New Castle, CO 81647 PHONE: 970-984-3750 FAX: 815-642-4341 Tell him that Mac Lewis referred you to him. On Fri, Mar 14, 2014 at 9:33 AM, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems la...@starlightsolar.com wrote: Wrenches, What high performance PV modules are being sold in the US? I can't find Panasonic modules anymore. I have written to them twice but they can't direct me to any distribution in the US. They insist that Sunwize will have them but Sunwize says they have no plans yet to purchase again. From what I can tell, the next best thing is Sunpower modules with -0.38% /K temp coefficient. Are there any others to consider? Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org -- Mac Lewis *Yo solo sé que no sé nada. -Sócrates* ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic?
Hi Larry, LG is selling Neon panels which are pushing 300 W for a 60-cell arrangement. My understanding is that they are sold out in the US but sooner or later more will be imported. Focused Energy is a distributor of them. http://www.lg.com/us/commercial/solar-panels SunPower is our workhorse high efficiency module. The new X series 335 and 345 are hard to beat. Best, August -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems Sent: Friday, March 14, 2014 8:34 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic? Wrenches, What high performance PV modules are being sold in the US? I can't find Panasonic modules anymore. I have written to them twice but they can't direct me to any distribution in the US. They insist that Sunwize will have them but Sunwize says they have no plans yet to purchase again. From what I can tell, the next best thing is Sunpower modules with -0.38% /K temp coefficient. Are there any others to consider? Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic?
Dave and August, I'm looking for high performance (capturing the most energy), not high necessarily high efficiency (using less space). Efficiency would be a bonus, though. LG are just average performance. Example: Uni-Solar was one of the lowest efficiency modules ever made but holds the record for highest performance. Thank you, Larry Crutcher On Mar 14, 2014, at 8:52 AM, August Goers aug...@luminalt.com wrote: Hi Larry, LG is selling Neon panels which are pushing 300 W for a 60-cell arrangement. My understanding is that they are sold out in the US but sooner or later more will be imported. Focused Energy is a distributor of them. http://www.lg.com/us/commercial/solar-panels SunPower is our workhorse high efficiency module. The new X series 335 and 345 are hard to beat. Best, August -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems Sent: Friday, March 14, 2014 8:34 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic? Wrenches, What high performance PV modules are being sold in the US? I can't find Panasonic modules anymore. I have written to them twice but they can't direct me to any distribution in the US. They insist that Sunwize will have them but Sunwize says they have no plans yet to purchase again. From what I can tell, the next best thing is Sunpower modules with -0.38% /K temp coefficient. Are there any others to consider? Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic?
Hi Larry, It sounds like you are talking about the temperature coefficient or energy yield per kW-peak? Uni-Solar was great on paper but I'm not so sure about real world performance. We have a couple of Uni-Solar systems installed a while back and they are not doing so well in the real world. Companies keep coming to me over the years claiming that their modules harvest more kWh per kW peak and it is really hard to keep everything straight. Certainly the PTC ratings help in comparison to STC. Then there are papers like this from SunPower claiming 8 to 10% more energy per Watt: http://www.solarips.com/admin/content/uploads/SunPower_Yield_Report_BEW.pd f SunPower also claims that their modules degrade less annually compared to others. And here's a doc comparing PV module performance measurements: http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build05/PDF/b05047.pdf Each year we try to compare the actual monitored performance of our systems compared to our as-built production estimates at time of the installation completion. In general, I've found that both SunPower and other standard efficiency modules seem to outperform the normal PV-Watts calculation by 7 to 10%. In 2012 our systems were averaging about 17% above our estimates! I haven't seen a huge difference between SunPower and standard efficiency modules. Furthermore, I haven't seen the performance gains that microinverter manufacturers are claiming compared to string inverters. I admit that our informal comparison is not perfectly scientific because there are simply too many variables that we don't capture. My main concern is material and or workmanship degradation in modules over the long haul. Only time will tell. Best, August -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems Sent: Friday, March 14, 2014 9:09 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic? Dave and August, I'm looking for high performance (capturing the most energy), not high necessarily high efficiency (using less space). Efficiency would be a bonus, though. LG are just average performance. Example: Uni-Solar was one of the lowest efficiency modules ever made but holds the record for highest performance. Thank you, Larry Crutcher On Mar 14, 2014, at 8:52 AM, August Goers aug...@luminalt.com wrote: Hi Larry, LG is selling Neon panels which are pushing 300 W for a 60-cell arrangement. My understanding is that they are sold out in the US but sooner or later more will be imported. Focused Energy is a distributor of them. http://www.lg.com/us/commercial/solar-panels SunPower is our workhorse high efficiency module. The new X series 335 and 345 are hard to beat. Best, August -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems Sent: Friday, March 14, 2014 8:34 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic? Wrenches, What high performance PV modules are being sold in the US? I can't find Panasonic modules anymore. I have written to them twice but they can't direct me to any distribution in the US. They insist that Sunwize will have them but Sunwize says they have no plans yet to purchase again. From what I can tell, the next best thing is Sunpower modules with -0.38% /K temp coefficient. Are there any others to consider? Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic?
Hi Guys, I like to use what Photon is doing with real world production values. jay peltz power On Mar 14, 2014, at 9:50 AM, August Goers wrote: Hi Larry, It sounds like you are talking about the temperature coefficient or energy yield per kW-peak? Uni-Solar was great on paper but I'm not so sure about real world performance. We have a couple of Uni-Solar systems installed a while back and they are not doing so well in the real world. Companies keep coming to me over the years claiming that their modules harvest more kWh per kW peak and it is really hard to keep everything straight. Certainly the PTC ratings help in comparison to STC. Then there are papers like this from SunPower claiming 8 to 10% more energy per Watt: http://www.solarips.com/admin/content/uploads/SunPower_Yield_Report_BEW.pd f SunPower also claims that their modules degrade less annually compared to others. And here's a doc comparing PV module performance measurements: http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build05/PDF/b05047.pdf Each year we try to compare the actual monitored performance of our systems compared to our as-built production estimates at time of the installation completion. In general, I've found that both SunPower and other standard efficiency modules seem to outperform the normal PV-Watts calculation by 7 to 10%. In 2012 our systems were averaging about 17% above our estimates! I haven't seen a huge difference between SunPower and standard efficiency modules. Furthermore, I haven't seen the performance gains that microinverter manufacturers are claiming compared to string inverters. I admit that our informal comparison is not perfectly scientific because there are simply too many variables that we don't capture. My main concern is material and or workmanship degradation in modules over the long haul. Only time will tell. Best, August -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems Sent: Friday, March 14, 2014 9:09 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic? Dave and August, I'm looking for high performance (capturing the most energy), not high necessarily high efficiency (using less space). Efficiency would be a bonus, though. LG are just average performance. Example: Uni-Solar was one of the lowest efficiency modules ever made but holds the record for highest performance. Thank you, Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic?
Larry, As August pointed out, there are too many variables related to PV performance to focus on just one and call it good. He's right on target. For a very simplistic example... One aspect of PV performance relates to cell temperature, which in turn is affected by the NOCT rating of the PV. NOCT (nominal operating cell temperature is an indicator of a PV module's ability to dissipate unwanted heat. Higher values of NOCT indicate a module that will have hotter cells than PV with a lower value for NOCT (all other things being equal). Let's say you're comparing two PV that have similar temperature coefficients, but different values for the NOCT. PV 'A' has a slightly worse temperature coefficient, but a lower NOCT than PV 'B'. On paper, looking only at the temperature coefficient, it would appear PV 'B would outperform PV 'A'. However, in this example, PV 'A' would be operating at a lower cell temperature due to its superior ability to dissipate heat. The ultimate cell temperatures of PV 'A' may be sufficiently cooler than PV 'B to allow it to equal or even slightly outperform PV 'B. Incidentally, NOCT is measured and reported by the NRTL during certification. The manufacturer simply prints this value in their PV specs. As with anything .. your mileage Dan On Fri, 3/14/14, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems la...@starlightsolar.com wrote: Subject: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka…now Panasonic? To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: Friday, March 14, 2014, 10:33 AM Wrenches, What high performance PV modules are being sold in the US? I can't find Panasonic modules anymore. I have written to them twice but they can't direct me to any distribution in the US. They insist that Sunwize will have them but Sunwize says they have no plans yet to purchase again. From what I can tell, the next best thing is Sunpower modules with -0.38% /K temp coefficient. Are there any others to consider? Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic?
Can anyone point to data that compares module construction and it's ability to dissipate heat? I've installed many silicon energy (glass on glass) modules and when doing so in the summer it's been hard to touch them due to the glass being so hot. The other manufacturer here in MN (TenK) uses an aluminum back and they claim this dissipates heat better them typical module construction. For a test last summer I installed a few silicon energy modules with Tigos. I never saw their 190W module produce over 154W (tilt of 35 degrees, straight south) not exactly scientific, but thought the glass on glass construction might be at work. Jesse Sent from my iPhone On Mar 14, 2014, at 12:24 PM, Exeltech exelt...@yahoo.com wrote: Larry, As August pointed out, there are too many variables related to PV performance to focus on just one and call it good. He's right on target. For a very simplistic example... One aspect of PV performance relates to cell temperature, which in turn is affected by the NOCT rating of the PV. NOCT (nominal operating cell temperature is an indicator of a PV module's ability to dissipate unwanted heat. Higher values of NOCT indicate a module that will have hotter cells than PV with a lower value for NOCT (all other things being equal). Let's say you're comparing two PV that have similar temperature coefficients, but different values for the NOCT. PV 'A' has a slightly worse temperature coefficient, but a lower NOCT than PV 'B'. On paper, looking only at the temperature coefficient, it would appear PV 'B would outperform PV 'A'. However, in this example, PV 'A' would be operating at a lower cell temperature due to its superior ability to dissipate heat. The ultimate cell temperatures of PV 'A' may be sufficiently cooler than PV 'B to allow it to equal or even slightly outperform PV 'B. Incidentally, NOCT is measured and reported by the NRTL during certification. The manufacturer simply prints this value in their PV specs. As with anything .. your mileage Dan On Fri, 3/14/14, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems la...@starlightsolar.com wrote: Subject: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka…now Panasonic? To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: Friday, March 14, 2014, 10:33 AM Wrenches, What high performance PV modules are being sold in the US? I can't find Panasonic modules anymore. I have written to them twice but they can't direct me to any distribution in the US. They insist that Sunwize will have them but Sunwize says they have no plans yet to purchase again. From what I can tell, the next best thing is Sunpower modules with -0.38% /K temp coefficient. Are there any others to consider? Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic?
We have been using sunpower modules for the high out small space applications even off grid works great, check warranties some brands only had 20 year Jerry On Mar 14, 2014 8:52 AM, August Goers aug...@luminalt.com wrote: Hi Larry, LG is selling Neon panels which are pushing 300 W for a 60-cell arrangement. My understanding is that they are sold out in the US but sooner or later more will be imported. Focused Energy is a distributor of them. http://www.lg.com/us/commercial/solar-panels SunPower is our workhorse high efficiency module. The new X series 335 and 345 are hard to beat. Best, August -Original Message- From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems Sent: Friday, March 14, 2014 8:34 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic? Wrenches, What high performance PV modules are being sold in the US? I can't find Panasonic modules anymore. I have written to them twice but they can't direct me to any distribution in the US. They insist that Sunwize will have them but Sunwize says they have no plans yet to purchase again. From what I can tell, the next best thing is Sunpower modules with -0.38% /K temp coefficient. Are there any others to consider? Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic?
Jesse, Look at the NOCT temperature specification for the PV module(s) of interest to you. The lower the number, the better a module dissipates [unwanted] heat. As previously mentioned, this value is measured and recorded by the NRTL during UL1703 certification. Dan On Fri, 3/14/14, Solar dahlso...@gmail.com wrote: Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic? To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: Friday, March 14, 2014, 12:44 PM Can anyone point to data that compares module construction and it's ability to dissipate heat? I've installed many silicon energy (glass on glass) modules and when doing so in the summer it's been hard to touch them due to the glass being so hot. The other manufacturer here in MN (TenK) uses an aluminum back and they claim this dissipates heat better them typical module construction. For a test last summer I installed a few silicon energy modules with Tigos. I never saw their 190W module produce over 154W (tilt of 35 degrees, straight south) not exactly scientific, but thought the glass on glass construction might be at work. Jesse Sent from my iPhone On Mar 14, 2014, at 12:24 PM, Exeltech exelt...@yahoo.com wrote: Larry, As August pointed out, there are too many variables related to PV performance to focus on just one and call it good. He's right on target. For a very simplistic example... One aspect of PV performance relates to cell temperature, which in turn is affected by the NOCT rating of the PV. NOCT (nominal operating cell temperature is an indicator of a PV module's ability to dissipate unwanted heat. Higher values of NOCT indicate a module that will have hotter cells than PV with a lower value for NOCT (all other things being equal). Let's say you're comparing two PV that have similar temperature coefficients, but different values for the NOCT. PV 'A' has a slightly worse temperature coefficient, but a lower NOCT than PV 'B'. On paper, looking only at the temperature coefficient, it would appear PV 'B would outperform PV 'A'. However, in this example, PV 'A' would be operating at a lower cell temperature due to its superior ability to dissipate heat. The ultimate cell temperatures of PV 'A' may be sufficiently cooler than PV 'B to allow it to equal or even slightly outperform PV 'B. Incidentally, NOCT is measured and reported by the NRTL during certification. The manufacturer simply prints this value in their PV specs. As with anything .. your mileage Dan On Fri, 3/14/14, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems la...@starlightsolar.com wrote: Subject: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka…now Panasonic? To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: Friday, March 14, 2014, 10:33 AM Wrenches, What high performance PV modules are being sold in the US? I can't find Panasonic modules anymore. I have written to them twice but they can't direct me to any distribution in the US. They insist that Sunwize will have them but Sunwize says they have no plans yet to purchase again. From what I can tell, the next best thing is Sunpower modules with -0.38% /K temp coefficient. Are there any others to consider? Larry Crutcher ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar, Kaneka.now Panasonic?
Thanks for your reply August. I'm quite surprised that you have two Uni-Solar systems not performing well. Third party testing consistently proved them the top performer. (eg. Santa Cruz and Tucson sites) With my experience both on and off grid, I am convinced. Panasonic was great because, in addition to performance, it also had very high efficiency. In my world of cramming 2kW+ PV arrays on the roof of an RV or boat, that is also a necessity. Example: Here's todays job; the last of my Panasonic stock, 1410 Watts on a 40' coach. No possible way to do this with standard 60 cell modules.Bottom line for me is, someone has abest and worst performing PV module just like someone has the most efficient. Glad to hear your SunPower installs areproducing above expectations. That's probably what I will go with.LarryOn Mar 14, 2014, at 9:50 AM, August Goers aug...@luminalt.com wrote:Hi Larry,It sounds like you are talking about the temperature coefficient or energyyield per kW-peak? Uni-Solar was great on paper but I'm not so sure aboutreal world performance. We have a couple of Uni-Solar systems installed awhile back and they are not doing so well in the real world. Companieskeep coming to me over the years claiming that their modules harvest morekWh per kW peak and it is really hard to keep everything straight.Certainly the PTC ratings help in comparison to STC. Then there are paperslike this from SunPower claiming 8 to 10% more energy per Watt:http://www.solarips.com/admin/content/uploads/SunPower_Yield_Report_BEW.pdfSunPower also claims that their modules degrade less annually compared toothers.And here's a doc comparing PV module performance measurements:http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build05/PDF/b05047.pdfEach year we try to compare the actual monitored performance of oursystems compared to our as-built production estimates at time of theinstallation completion. In general, I've found that both SunPower andother standard efficiency modules seem to outperform the normal PV-Wattscalculation by 7 to 10%. In 2012 our systems were averaging about 17%above our estimates! I haven't seen a huge difference between SunPower andstandard efficiency modules. Furthermore, I haven't seen the performancegains that microinverter manufacturers are claiming compared to stringinverters. I admit that our informal comparison is not perfectlyscientific because there are simply too many variables that we don'tcapture. My main concern is material and or workmanship degradation inmodules over the long haul. Only time will tell.Best,August___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar
OK, I guess that it had to happen someday. I call Uni-Solar in Michigan for some basic product info only to be told that their sales dept. does not take any phone calls, that any inquiries have to be done on-line. Being in the customer service myself, like pretty much all of us, it is beyond belief that any company would take this we refuse to talk to you directly approach. Brilliant move, corporate people at Uni-Solar. Refuse to speak to possible customers. OK, rant off. I'm looking for 10-20 kW worth of the Uni-Solar 64-watt framed a-Si modules. From what I can tell, Uni-Solar doesn't make them anymore. Anyone know whether there are any to be had somewhere? I need a non-glass, framed product. Thanks, marco ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar
We sold tons of the 62 and 64 watt framed modules. If any were available, I would have bought them years ago after they canceled production. Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar Power Systems On Jul 27, 2011, at 10:51 AM, Marco Mangelsdorf wrote: OK, I guess that it had to happen someday. I call Uni-Solar in Michigan for some basic product info only to be told that their sales dept. does not take any phone calls, that any inquiries have to be done on-line. Being in the customer service myself, like pretty much all of us, it is beyond belief that any company would take this “we refuse to talk to you directly” approach. Brilliant move, corporate people at Uni-Solar. Refuse to speak to possible customers. OK, rant off. I’m looking for 10-20 kW worth of the Uni-Solar 64-watt framed a-Si modules. From what I can tell, Uni-Solar doesn’t make them anymore. Anyone know whether there are any to be had somewhere? I need a non-glass, framed product. Thanks, marco ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar PV (formerly 5' peel stick)
High temperature losses? Discontinued PVL's? First off, the PVL product is all that they produce and still in production today. The truth is that Uni-Solar is the BEST PV solar for high temperature performance that you can buy. Temperature coeff. is only 0.21!! All other PV modules only wish they could keep up. With bypass diodes on every cell, it is the ONLY true shade tolerant PV solar. As for failure, I only had one framed module fail (5 years ago) and no PVL's. While it is true that a failed PVL presents a replacement problem, swap a 16 roof panel, the durability and performance make it far more desirable for a hot climate. Most installers are not located in hot climates and don't really understand the great importance of a low temperature coefficient and the effect it has over a lifetime. As for cost, they are much less than you have stated. Our retail price is $4.50/watt but you get to deduct the mounting structure cost, do the installation on the roof panels in your shop before being installed by the roofer and have easy wiring under the roof cap. Being a US made product seals the deal for me. I wish the company would have done better financially and taken more of a market share but they seem to have had their reputation tarnished due to baseless rumors. Hmm. BTW, the US-64 was off their site just after they canceled the product. That day for me was as sad as when Ford canceled the Pantera. Cheers, Larry Crutcher Uni-Solar Certified Installer Starlight Solar Power Systems (928) 342-9103 Mailing Address: 11881 S. Fortuna Road, #210 Yuma, AZ 85367 Retail Store Shipping Address: 2998 Shari Ave. Yuma, Az 85365 - Original Message - From: Warren Lauzon To: RE-wrenches Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2010 6:53 PM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Peel-n-stick Uni-Solar: were these ever made in5' length? The US-64's were on their site for 3+ years after they discontinued them. They don't keep it updated very well. I believe the main reasons the peel and stick were discontinued was high failure rates, high temperature losses (due to very little heat/air dissapation), and the difficulties in removing and replacing bad panels. Cost was also a factor - on the order of $8-10 per watt. .. Northern Arizona Wind Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979 Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ .. - Original Message - From: Drake Chamberlin To: RE-wrenches Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2010 8:13 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Peel-n-stick Uni-Solar: were these ever made in 5' length? At 11:02 AM 3/20/2010, you wrote: the whole peel-n-stick product line seems to be no more. Is that right? They still have them on their web site. http://www.uni-solar.com/uploadedFiles/PVL-136EN%28AA4-3697-04%29.pdf Drake Chamberlin Athens Electric OH License 44810 CO License 3773 NABCEP TM Certified PV Installer Office - 740-448-7328 Mobile - 740-856-9648 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar PV (formerly 5' peel stick)
OK, big OOPS on my part here - I was thinking of the solar shingles, not the long rolls. I should not post things before my first coffee. .. Northern Arizona Wind Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979 Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ .. - Original Message - From: Starlight Solar To: RE-wrenches Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 2:20 PM Subject: [RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar PV (formerly 5' peel stick) High temperature losses? Discontinued PVL's? First off, the PVL product is all that they produce and still in production today. The truth is that Uni-Solar is the BEST PV solar for high temperature performance that you can buy. Temperature coeff. is only 0.21!! All other PV modules only wish they could keep up. With bypass diodes on every cell, it is the ONLY true shade tolerant PV solar. As for failure, I only had one framed module fail (5 years ago) and no PVL's. While it is true that a failed PVL presents a replacement problem, swap a 16 roof panel, the durability and performance make it far more desirable for a hot climate. Most installers are not located in hot climates and don't really understand the great importance of a low temperature coefficient and the effect it has over a lifetime. As for cost, they are much less than you have stated. Our retail price is $4.50/watt but you get to deduct the mounting structure cost, do the installation on the roof panels in your shop before being installed by the roofer and have easy wiring under the roof cap. Being a US made product seals the deal for me. I wish the company would have done better financially and taken more of a market share but they seem to have had their reputation tarnished due to baseless rumors. Hmm. BTW, the US-64 was off their site just after they canceled the product. That day for me was as sad as when Ford canceled the Pantera. Cheers, Larry Crutcher Uni-Solar Certified Installer Starlight Solar Power Systems (928) 342-9103 Mailing Address: 11881 S. Fortuna Road, #210 Yuma, AZ 85367 Retail Store Shipping Address: 2998 Shari Ave. Yuma, Az 85365 - Original Message - From: Warren Lauzon To: RE-wrenches Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2010 6:53 PM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Peel-n-stick Uni-Solar: were these ever made in5' length? The US-64's were on their site for 3+ years after they discontinued them. They don't keep it updated very well. I believe the main reasons the peel and stick were discontinued was high failure rates, high temperature losses (due to very little heat/air dissapation), and the difficulties in removing and replacing bad panels. Cost was also a factor - on the order of $8-10 per watt. .. Northern Arizona Wind Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979 Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ .. - Original Message - From: Drake Chamberlin To: RE-wrenches Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2010 8:13 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Peel-n-stick Uni-Solar: were these ever made in 5' length? At 11:02 AM 3/20/2010, you wrote: the whole peel-n-stick product line seems to be no more. Is that right? They still have them on their web site. http://www.uni-solar.com/uploadedFiles/PVL-136EN%28AA4-3697-04%29.pdf Drake Chamberlin Athens Electric OH License 44810 CO License 3773 NABCEP TM Certified PV Installer Office - 740-448-7328 Mobile - 740-856-9648 -- ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Uni-Solar IS USA made
Correction David. Uni-Solar produces their product completely in the US with US labor and US materials. The Mexico plant was for framed module assembly and for cutting the laminates. They have stopped production of the framed modules but the cutting process is still in Tijuana. Since Uni-Solar is the BEST high temperature, low light performance and shadow tolerant solar module available (it still outperforms all glass modules) AND it is made in the USA, it should be promoted. I certainly push them here in Arizona. Sincerely, Larry Crutcher www.starlightsolar.com la...@starlightsolar.com (928) 941-1660 Retail Store Shipping 2998 Shari Ave. Yuma, AZ 85365 Mailing address 11881 South Fortuna Road; #210 Yuma, AZ 85367 Renewable Energy Systems Sales, Service, Installations On Nov 5, 2009, at 12:10 PM, David Katz wrote: GE makes their modules in China, and they are going out of module production completely soon. Unisolar makes theirs in Mexico. Schott brings the cells in from Germany made with silicon from europe Sharp brings the cells in from Japan made with silicon from Japan REC makes modules in Sweden from silicon made in the US David David Katz Chief Technical Officer AEE Solar 1155 Redway Drive P.O. Box 339 Redway, CA 95560 Tel (707) 825-1200 Fax (707) 825-1202 dk...@aeesolar.com www.aeesolar.com DISCLAIMER: This communication, along with any documents, files or attachments, is intended for the use of only the addressee and contains privileged and confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of any information contained in or attached to this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e- mail reply and destroy the original communication and its attachments without reading, printing or saving in any manner. Dave Click wrote: Jeff, off the top of my head- I think the new Schott modules are made in NM, Sharps are at least assembled in TN, and when these get UL listed, they will be made in FL (I think they're made somewhere else in the US until their factory is ready): http://www.advancedsolarphotonics.com/ GE and Unisolar too, right? When the Applied Materials modules take off, I think we'll see a bunch of those modules made in the US as well, though not under the AM brand. Original Message Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Evergreen - now what? From: Jeff Yago jry...@netscape.com To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: 2009/11/5 10:00 We are currently waiting on a stack of Evergreen modules (which are now very late to ship!) and we were getting ready to order another batch, so does this mean we should be looking into another supplier? We try very hard to buy USA products, but that is getting harder and harder to do. It looks like its now just SolarWorld in California. What other module manufacturers are still actually making their modules in US and not importing from China. Jeff Yago DTI Solar Netscape. Just the Net You Need. ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios:
