Jeff
Perhaps the concern of any of these companies being around is real, but my
sense is this market is just beginning to grow as we know it.
http://earth2tech.com/2009/09/08/first-solar-to-build-worlds-largest-pv-solar-farm-for-chinese-government/
This is just one project, but it is inevitable that there will be more. Made in
USA company sending their product to China, while the other Chinese manus are
sending their products here.......?
As the computer industry experienced consolidation and the talent that was with
another company will migrate to the stronger competitor who then becomes the
owner of a newly merged entity will continue for some time.
Personally, I believe we will see a renaissance in the mod frame concept for
years to come. Two notables @ the show this year where SunPower with their T-5
for flat roofs, Sollega and ZepSolar with their grooved frame to eliminate
racking for pitched roofs.
Innovation will continue, just like Outback going from a 48 V controller to
opening up the voltage window on the top end to allow us to wire multiple mods
in series. I recall even their 3048 inverters transformers are potted in India,
unless this shifted back to our shores?
What the industry needs in America to support R&D as well as manufacturing, is
a comprehensive national RPS, national net metering, national FIT, national
baseline incentive program (state incentives that are equal whether it be a tax
credit, CSI etc).....then we will have a robust solar economy that Wall st and
Main st will invest in for the long haul that will create jobs and use our
ingenuity to be a leader again in this space. It appears the current
administration is working on populating new companies in Detroit and in other
locales around our country to deliver on a made in the USA platform as well.
Alot of dept of energy projects require made in the USA, so it seems like the
govt is the largest consumer of services (and energy) and would signal to the
market soon that it is safe (long term commitment) to setup a business here and
you won't need to worry about incentives dithering away in x amount of years.
So, until this change takes place, we will see incremental changes that could
be construed as being frustrating, like finding a made in the USA label with
all of the trimmings of a thanksgiving feast.
________________________________
From: Jeff Yago <jry...@netscape.com>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Tue, November 10, 2009 5:08:38 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] China, Mexico, now what?
OK, this earlier thread started with my concern that we are loosing our solar
manufacturing industry, and the number of China module manufacturers have
exploded in the past 2 years so its now impossible to tell which modules may
have "lead paint toys" type problems that we won't know about until after we
install several thousand.
Ditto for US made modules since that "Made in USA" sticker no longer means what
it says. Then this thread headed off into frame issues, issues with low power,
and issues with snow loading.
Here is the real question - What is a really good (not perfect, not highest
price) module brand that is being sold by a company that will be around long
enough to help with any warranty issues, that has very good watts per $
ratings, that has a sturdy frame, and our purchase would provide the most
benefit to the American solar industry, even if not every part of the module
was made in the US.
Jeff Yago
DTI Solar
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Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
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