Properly made Unisolar amorphous silicon solar modules power output should be
good for the 20-year warranty period. NREL tests on the Unisolar 3-junction
modules started 1997 and measure less than 1%/year degradation and holding
steady at the same rate as properly made crystalline silicon solar modules.
EVA is hydroscopic. Any moisture that enters any EVA encapsulated solar module
will result in poor performance and eventual failure. CIGS chemistry, EVA are
H2O are particularly problematic.
20 or 25 year warranties are a whole other story. Arco had a 5 year warranty.
When the company was 10 years old, Arco went to a 10 year warranty. Kyocera
trumped Arco with a 12 year warranty. When Siemens celebrated its
(Arco/Siemens) 25 year anniversary, they announced a 25 year warranty and the
rest of the marketing pack followed their lead. Unisolar accelerated aging
tests indicated a 20 year warranty was a safe bet and other amorphous PV
producers tried to follow suit. A warranty is only as good as the company
behind it and even good companies go out of business. A good warranty must also
be backed up with good customer service. Put yer money on the table and take
yer chances.
----- Original Message ----
From: Doug Wells <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2008 5:53:29 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] crystalline VS uni-solar and beyond
How about the longevity?
This is the one area that has not been tested.
Crystalline cells have proven their longevity for the most part.
Their weakness seems to be sealants and gaskets more than cell
longevity.
How will the amorphous panels be producing in 20 years?
Is this why Sanyo has kept its warranty at 20 years for its cell
design?(and I like their panels)
Thoughts?
Doug Wells
The Solar Specialists
Worcester, VT 05682
(p) 802-223-7014
(c) 802-498-5856
www.thesolarspecialists.com
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