Hello Drake,
(silicon not silicone) Good question about thickness. I recently inspected a
circa 1996 solar array with 300 micron thick, 6-inch round cells encapsulated
behind 3 mm thick glass and found a few cracked cells and impact fractures.
Today, some cells are 260 to 200 microns and even down to 180 to 160 microns
thick. I think if the cells are handled properly, and the glass is 4 mm thick,
and the module frame is strong enough to minimize twisting, and the modules are
handled and installed with care, then cell breakage can be kept to a minimum.
It's not how thin the cells are. It is how the cells and modules are
encapsulated and handled.
Joel Davidson
----- Original Message -----
From: Drake Chamberlin
To: RE-wrenches
Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2010 1:39 PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] 30-year old PV module
Thanks for the excellent article. I have two of these old Arcos, and they
still put out like new, even though one was (apparently) used in a
concentrator, due to the fact that it came bronzed.
Do you think the newer modules, with thinner silicone, will last as long?
At 10:53 AM 5/21/2010, you wrote:
If your prospect asks how long do PV modules last, refer them to this
article
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/testing-thirty-year-old-photovoltaic-module
Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric
OH License 44810
CO License 3773
NABCEP TM Certified PV Installer
Office - 740-448-7328
Mobile - 740-856-9648
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