Re: [RE-wrenches] 72-cell modules

[Roy Butler]

Allan, We just finished replacing a BP SX170 pole top array under warranty and BP provided us with the Ameresco 4190J modules. We had to install cords with the MC4 connectors on the J-boxes but other than that, they bolted right in. The dimensions are almost identical to the SX-170 and the bolt holes line up nicely....and they are a 72 cell module. FYI....we have no nearby warranty contractor so BP actually paid us to do the work.....I hung a copy of the check on my office wall ;-) Roy Butler NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer® NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC 8902 Route 46, Arkport, NY 14807 607-324-9747 www.four-winds-energy.com Join us at the 10th Annual Small Wind Conference A Gathering of Installers, Manufacturers, Dealers, & Distributors June 17 and 18, 2014 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin www.smallwindconference.com Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced. On 1/30/2014 11:37 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote: Wrenches, About a year ago I asked for suggestions of 72-cell modules with 125 mm cells - the standard 155-195W modules of just a few years ago. Now we really need some. We have a good customer for whom we put in an off grid system in 2006. 48V, 27 BP SX170 modules on three Wattsun trackers. Each tracker holds nne modules, wired as three 72V strings of three modules each. Yes, the notorious SX170s. Four with burn spots were replaced in 2008, 6 more in 2010, and now ten more failed or are showing discoloration. BP's warranty contractor has agreed to replace the wattage equivalent of 23 of them at $2.00/W. They will either ship us replacement modules or send a check for purchase of replacements elsewhere. The problem is that their only offerings are 60-cell modules, which won't fit the trackers. BP got out of the solar business before the standard configuration went to the larger 156 mm cells. I would have appreciated a serious corporate effort to procure warranty stock of modules that were most like the ones manufactured by BP, so that they would more readily replace their warranty failures. That apparently is not to be. The SX170s are 31.1" (790mm) by 62.8" (1593 mm). I need to locate some 72-cell modules in this standard dimension range. We'd probably buy 27 of them, once we determine that the replacements can be fit to the racks. Can anyone suggest a brand/model/supplier etc.? I have seen that Eopply shows 195W mono modules in the U.S. section of their website (thanks, Chris Daum) and I'll call them in the morning. Any other suggestions, please? Thank you, Allan -- Allan Sindelar al...@positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Founder, Positive Energy, Inc. A Certified B CorporationTM 3209 Richards Lane Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell www.positiveenergysolar.com        _______________________________________________ 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

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