Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SolarPro2 4
SolarPro2 4
2009 PV
Specifications
Comprehensive Data for
Over 200 c-Si Modules
Mechanical
Room Details
Storage, Exchangers,
Pumps and Controls
Interview:
Kris Sutton
industry professionals
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first used Trojan batteries as an end user and stayed with them
when I started my own solar business. I install Trojan batteries
because they are durable and easy to maintain.
~ David Verner, Adirondack Solar
800-351-8273
www.fabrico.com
Contents
76
Fe a tu re s
24 Can We Land?
24
48 c-Si Photovoltaics
By David Brearley
76 Inside the
Mechanical Room
Here we examine the storage tanks,
heat exchangers, pumps and controls
that are specified for commercial
scale solar water heating systems,
including a detailed look at hydraulics
and pump curve considerations.
By Rich Louis and Chuck Marken
52
6
48
O u r
W O r l d
i s
f u l l
O f
E n E r gy
Contents
D e p a r t m ent s
92
FRONT END
10 Contributors Experience + Expertise
14 Mail Feedback from the Field
86
BACK END
Central communication
& control
86 Interview
An Experienced Perspective
dc-to-dc
converters
20
converter
95 Advertiser
Index
Communication
& control
f On the Cover
Craig Hammon from Conergy Projects Group at one of two revenue meters that are backfed at
the South San Joaquin Irrigation District water treatment plant in Oakdale, CA. Because the
interconnected PV capacity at the site exceeds 1 MW
the maximum capacity allowable under Californias PUC
rulesa second meter was required, and the facilitys
load and PV capacity was split between them. The photo
to the left shows the point of interconnection, which
is designed to allow load and generation circuits to be
reconfigured, if necessary, for optimal net metering.
Photos by Shawn Schreiner
SunWize
Solar Modules
The SW180 leads
the industry in value
Contributors
Experience + Expertise
Easy to Install
Grid-Tie with Battery
Back-up
UPS Quality Battery
Back-up
Up to 6.0 kW of Solar
Indoor and Outdoor
Rated
Wall or Pad Mountable
Peter Parrish is the president of California Solar Engineering, a PV and SDHW integration firm in Los Angeles,
California. He holds BS and PhD degrees in Physics from
the University of Colorado and University of California,
Berkeley respectively. He is a NABCEP Certified Solar
PV Installer and a California licensed solar contractor.
Peter takes pride in optimizing performance and
aesthetics in his solar projects, while preaching the
need for conservation.
Since 1999, Kristopher Sutton has worked in the PV
industry as an installer, project manager, safety trainer
and design consultant. Trained as an electrician, Kris has
held NABCEP PV certification since 2004 and is an ISPQ
Certified Master PV Trainer. He works for Solar Energy
International in Carbondale, Colorado, as the PV instructor
trainer, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association.
www.outbackpower.com/smartre
www.outbackpower.com/smartre
Publisher/Editor
Joe Schwartz
Managing Editor
Kathryn Houser
26 years
Creative Services
Advertising Director
Kim Bowker
Advertising Manager
Connie Said
Operations Director
Scott Russell
Data Manager
of industry leadership
David Brearley
Blake Gleason, PE
Chuck Marken
Midnight Oil Design, LLC
Rick Germany
Doug Puffer
Jacie Gray, Shannon Ryan
Copyright 2009 Home Power Inc. Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission.
While SolarPro magazine strives to publish only safe and accurate content, we assume no responsibility or liability for the
use of this information.
Interior paper is made from 85%100% recycled material, including 20%30% postconsumer waste.
Temperature Limited
Condenser
National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 and NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association,
Quincy, Massachusetts.
g C O N TAC T U S
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Exclusively from
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The Positive
Keep up the good work. SolarPro is the
first magazine Ive ever read cover to
cover. I like your product tables that include
all pertinent specs, like
those on string and
central inverters. Just
this morning I was feeling like a combiner box
article would be helpful.
I looked on my desk
and the new issue was
there with combiners
on the front cover
same day service.
Jeff Lauckhart /
Sunsense Solar
Every 2 months I block
out an entire day on
our companys Google calendar and read
SolarPro cover to cover. We consider it a
training day and are only satisfied when it
is wrung out like a wet towel. Thanks for
the free training!
Mathew Wilkens / EnergyWise Systems
Thank you for the opportunity to profile
the Far Niente flotovoltaic project. We
really needed more than 250 words to
describe the pitfalls and accomplishments, the interesting design, planning
and coordination elements on that
project! I really appreciate the magazine.
I think it has done a great job of disseminating technical PV information. It fills a
gap in the industry.
Dan Berger / SPG Solar
Thanks for the constructive feedback, Dan.
We are trying out our first 2-page project
profile in this issue.
Joe Schwartz / Publisher, SolarPro
The Negative
Regarding the lack of eye protection on
the cover of the April/May 2009 issue,
14
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
The Tech
The photograph titled Why so negative
on page 42 in the Common Connections article (SP2.3) appears to show
fusing in grounded conductors. Either
Addition:
In addition to the manufacturers listed in Pulling It All Together, the source
circuit and array combiner article published in the April/May 2009 issue,
Solectria Renewables offers a complete line of fused string combiners
for integrators to choose from.
Listed to UL 1741, STRCOM
combiners from Solectria are
NEMA 4 rated in powder-coated
steel or NEMA 4X rated in
stainless steel enclosures.
The STRCOM combiners are
available in 21 different models, with 8- to 30-circuit options
available. Solectria sells direct to
installers and integrators.
For complete specifications for
the STRCOM fused combiner
boxes visit solren.com.
SB7000USS-AUS091410
www.SMA-America.com
Q&A
16
S o l a r pr o | June/July 2009
PTC = (P R) x 30%
ITC = P x 30%
DB = P (0.5 x (P x 30%))
DB = $100,000
(0.5 x ($100,000 x 0.3)
DB = $100,000 (0.5 x $30,000)
DB = $100,000 $15,000
DB = $85,000
$100,000
Rebate
$43,750
ITC
$16,875
Depreciable
basis
Marginal
tax rate
$47,813
28%
Discounted (4%)
ITC first
$100,000
$43,750
$30,000
$85,000
28%
Discounted (4%)
Total
depreciation
1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year
4th Year
5th Year
$13,388
$6,694
$1,673
$1,673
$1,673
$1,673
$12,852
$6,426
$1,607
$1,607
$1,607
$1,607
$23,800
$11,900
$2,975
$2,975
$2,975
$2,975
$22,848
$11,424
$2,856
$2,856
$2,856
$2,856
Table 1 Taxing the rebate increases both the tax credit amount and the total depreciation. The net benefit to the customer is
greater than the tax on the rebate.
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
17
Q&A
ScaleSolar Water Heatings Hidden Nemesis
D at a co u r t es y u s g s. g o v
060
61120
121180
181250
US patterns of water hardness Softest waters are found in parts of New England,
the South Atlantic-Gulf, the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii. Hardest waters are in
Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Arizona and southern California.
18
S o l a r pr o | June/July 2009
exchanger or system rise, it is imperative to keep the water heaters temperatures to a minimum and utilize a very
efficient heat exchanger.
Effects on Solar Water Heating
Systems
Assistant professor at Middle East
Technical University in Ankara, Turkey, Dr. Derek Baker, as a University
of Texas graduate student, conducted
research regarding scale within solar
water heating systems. After reviewing prominent scaling research papers
over the past 25 years, he realized
that the studies lacked a consistency
and none included long-term trials.
All of the studies were conducted by
oversaturating water with calcium
rather than testing the effects of hard
water over time. He thinks that more
research pertaining to real life scaling
situations should be done.
The result of Dr. Bakers research is
a downloadable solar water-scaling calculator called Solscale. This straightforward program requires the user
to input information such as dissolved calcium concentration (ppm as
CaCO3), total alkalinity, pH and total
dissolved solids (ppm). Users can purchase a water testing kit and enter the
data to check scale potential for different systems in their area. Water quality varies greatly, even within the same
geographic regions. Using generalized
numbers for a specific location could
be a mistake. Solscale does not allow
the user to set a maximum high temperature for the solar system, a glaring
omission from the program. Some
solar water heating systems, such as
drainback systems, allow the owner
to set the maximum temperature for
the solar storage tank. In retrofitting
many systems in central Texas, I have
seen considerably more scale buildup
within glycol antifreeze systems as
compared to drainback systems.
C our te sy so l a r me . c o m
19
the
Wire
Industry Currents
Central communication
& control
dc-to-ac
converter
Uniracs CLICKSYS
Flush Mount Is a
Snap to Install
[Albuquerque, NM] CLICKSYS is Uniracs newest
20
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Sanyo Shifts
from 96- to
72-Cell Module
Architecture
[Frisco, TX] With the expansion
of its newest manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, Sanyo
has introduced a module line
that includes 200, 210 and
215 W panels. The big shift is
the move to
a module
design with
72 fiveinch cells.
Compared
to Sanyos
96-cell
modules,
this design
allows greater
granularity
for string
sizing and
reduces
the parallel strings.
Depending on
the specific
panel model, Power N Series
modules have a maximum power
voltage of 40.742.0 Vdc. The
power density per square foot
remains exceptional, ranging
from 15.1 to 15.85 W. Rated
power tolerance is -0%/+10%.
HIT Power N modules are available from PV wholesalers such
as Conergy, Focused Energy
and SunWize.
Sanyo / us.sanyo.com/solar
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
21
100% uptime
guarantee
enphaseenergy.com
Can We
Means and Methods of PV System
Utility Interconnection
Utility
transformer
Utility distribution
Distribution section
24
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Land?
By Ryan LeBlanc and Tarn Yates
voltage down further. It is helpful to know the common voltages provided by the local utility when performing a site evaluation, especially when electrical equipment is not properly
labeled. (For more information on electrical service types,
see the sidebar in From kW to MW: System Design Considerations, October/November 2008, SolarPro magazine.)
Utility-interactive inverters produce the most common
voltages in both single-phase and 3-phase configurations:
120, 208, 240, 277 and 480 Vac. In general, 277/480 V 3-phase
is used for larger commercial and industrial buildings;
120/208 V 3-phase is used for smaller commercial and large,
Thoroughness pays Remove panel covers and look inside any
equipment you plan to work with, as this may eliminate costly
surprises. Invariably the one thing you forget to record is essential later, so photograph everything and take detailed notes.
Co u r t e s y s p gs o l ar. co m
SITE EVALUATION
Here we focus only on identifying and evaluating the
existing electrical system during a site evaluation, with
particular emphasis on existing facilities. If you have an
electrical plan set in front of you for a new facility, you are
looking for the same general information described. Once
the electrical service is evaluated, you can determine the
point of interconnection and the method of interconnecting your PV system to the utility grid. Take plenty of photographs during the site evaluation. Pictures of the electrical panel and labels may prove useful later. (Be sure to
turn the flash off and the macro setting on when photographing metallic labels.)
Electrical service type. In the US we have centralized power
generating facilities, mostly coal fired, natural gas and nuclear
powered, charging independent grids at high voltages. Transmission voltages are usually 110 kV to 500 kV. Localized substations transform the high voltage feed down to less than
35 kV. Common medium voltages, as described by IEEE, are
between 1 kV to 35 kV. The distribution voltage will vary,
depending on the client, location and utility provider.
After the utility substation, pad- or pole-mounted transformers located close to businesses and homes knock the
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
25
Ca n We L an d ?
C o u r t e s y s p g so l a r. c o m ( 2 )
Main service
enclosure Large
commercial services
typically house the
main disconnect in
the same enclosure
as the meter, or in
adjacent enclosures
that are integrated
together. Because
there are multiple
meters at this site,
you must verify that
the PV system is
connected to the
appropriate one.
Transformer markings Pole-mounted transformers are generally marked with their rating in a way that is visible from the
ground. If not, the utility should be able to answer any questions you may have.
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
outage. Though larger commercial sites generally have dedicated utility transformers, they still have limits. In general,
the sum of the PV inverter nameplate ratings should not
exceed the kVA rating of the transformer.
Revenue meter. Just as the grid utilizes high voltages to transmit large amounts of power on small wires, it can be beneficial
to interconnect a PV system at the highest voltage available on
the client side of the meter. Because the highest voltages will
generally be found at the meter, it is the next thing to look for
after the utility transformer when identifying electrical systems. The faceplate will often provide important characteristics of the electrical system. Once you find the meter, record the
meter number, manufacturer, model numbers, voltage range,
number of wires and phase of the system.
You should also collect other pertinent information
about the meter when possible. Document whether the
meter is digital or analog, mono- or bidirectional and
whether it is an inline electromechanical meter or based on
a current transducer (CT). Most residential meters are inline
types, in which the purchased electricity must flow through
the meter for measurement. When you pull the meter out of
its socket, the service is disconnected. Commercial 3-phase
systems and residential systems above 400 A typically have
CT-based meters, which monitor consumption by measuring the expanding and collapsing magnetic fields around the
electrified busbars or conductors.
Larger commercial locations often have multiple meters,
and it may make more sense to interconnect at an alternate
meter that has a larger load or higher utility rate. Clients often
will not care which loads are offset by the PV system, just that
the system is as cost effective as possible. You may find that
another meter is a better option because it c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 2 8
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Co u r t e s y s u n l i gh t an d p o w er. c om
C ou r te sy s pg so l a r. c o m
Ca n We L an d ?
Co u r t e s y s p gs o l ar.c om
and location of unused breaker spots. In some cases it is possible to use an existing spare breaker for the interconnection, so take note of the characteristics and quantity of any
existing unused breakers. On 3-phase systems, keep an eye
out for high leg or stinger service configurations, such as a
240 V delta. If you see a lot of blank breaker spaces every
third breaker, that may indicate the stinger.
Service entrance conductors. If you could not get a close
look at the service entrance conductors leaving the meter,
you should be able to view them entering the main switch.
Record everything you can read on the insulation of the conductors and photograph them if possible. You need to note
the quantity, size, insulation type and conductor material
(usually copper or aluminum).
Inspect the conductor insulation; if it is in poor condition
the conductors may need to be replaced. If you have trouble
identifying the conductor size and type, it can be useful to
carry samples of various sizes and types of wire for comparison. Larger commercial systems generally use busbar distribution, and in this case, only the busbar rating is necessary.
For residential systems, NEC Table 310.15(B)(6) provides the
minimum allowable conductor size for various service and
feeder ratings.
Ground fault protection device. In larger commercial systems, it is common to find a ground fault protection device
(GFP) installed in the main panel coupled with the main
switch on the client side. The NEC 690.64(B)(3) prohibits
backfeeding devices that are not listed as suitable for backfeeding, and most GFP devices today are not listed for this
purpose. If a GFP is present in the system, capture its make,
model and electrical characteristics and photograph it.
You will likely be performing a line side interconnection or
replacing the unlisted GFP with one that can be backfed.
Subpanels. You may want to interconnect within a subpanel, but you will need to do some wire sizing calculations
and decision making to ensure Code compliance. Interconnecting PV systems at the main panel by a dedicated breaker
or tap is generally preferred. However, if the array is located
closer to a subpanel, you may consider using it. This can
result in considerable savings in labor, BOS equipment, wiring and conduit costs. When it is possible to use a subpanel,
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
29
Ca n We L an d ?
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Point of Connection
Once you have completed a detailed site evaluation, you
can determine if the existing electrical equipment will limit
the size of the PV system. A thorough understanding of the
interconnection options and limitations within the NEC will
allow you to make safe, cost effective decisions. NEC Article
690.64 provides two methods for connecting the output of a
utility-interactive inverter: supply side or load side.
There are benefits and limitations involved with each,
and both have their share of interesting Code challenges.
In this section, we highlight the Code c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 3 2
Co u r t e sy me ri d i an s o l ar. co m
Empty lugs The empty lugs on the line side of this 600 A main
service disconnect provide an opportunity to make a supply
side connection, one that is subject to fewer size restrictions
than a load side connection. When making a site survey take
note of any empty lugs in electrical service equipment.
Visit www.fronius-usa.com, call 810-220-4414, or stop by the Fronius booth at Intersolar North America 2009,
July 14-16th, for more information on this exciting addition to the Fronius family.
Ca n We L an d ?
Article 690.64(A) of the NEC allows for a supply side connection in which a PV system is connected to busbars, conductors or lugs that are located between the utility meter and the
service disconnect. A supply side connection is commonly
called a line side tap though use of this term is controversial.
The word tap can lead to confusion, causing many to mistakenly look to the 10-foot tap rule or the other feeder tap
rules found in NEC Article 240.21(B) for guidance. Since the
service entrance conductors do not have overcurrent protection and are not feeders, these tap rules and all of Article
240, except 240.21(D), do not apply.
A supply side connection requires an additional service
disconnect and new service entrance conductors. The applicable regulations for this are found mostly in NEC Article
230, which addresses the installation of services. A standard
supply side connection, as seen in Diagram 1, includes new
service entrance conductors, a fused PV service disconnect,
fuses and bus or conductor tapping devices.
PV service disconnect. When a supply side connection is made, as permitted by Article 230.82(6), a minimum of two service disconnects are involved: the existing main disconnect and the new PV service disconnect.
S uppl y S i d e C o n n e c t i o n
Diagram 1 Components of a typical residential supply side connection are shown here. Note that per NEC 230.79(D), the
minimum rating of the new service entrance conductors and the PV service disconnect is 60 A.
Utility grid
Residential service enclosure
with integral inline meter and main breaker
120/240 V loads
Inverter output
circuit
32
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
33
L O A D S I DE C ONNE C T I ON
NEC Article 690.64(B) states that a load side connection is
allowable at any distribution equipment on the premises, as
long as the connection is made at a dedicated circuit breaker
or fusible disconnection means. This type of connection most
often consists of backfeeding a breaker, or multiple breakers, located in the main distribution panel. However, a load
side connection can also be made through a backfed breaker
located in a subpanel or by connecting to feeder conductors.
The 120% rule. This simple rule lets you determine how
many amps you can backfeed through service equipment.
NEC Article 690.64(B)(2), more than any other Code section,
limits the size of a load side connected PV system. When a
supply side connection is impossible or impractical, this
rule is the limiting factor on the system size. The 2005
34
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Ca n We L an d ?
Main breaker
rating
(amps)
Maximum sum of
PV breaker size(s)
(amps)
Maximum total
inverter size
(watts)
100
100
20
3,840
125
125
25
4,800
125
100
50
9,600
200
200
40
7,680
225
225
45
8,640
225
200
70
13,440
400
400
80
15,360
600
600
120
23,040
Room to move
Magnum Panel AC
Magnum Panel DC
All AC connections in
one panel
Lots of room to work
Clean styling with all
front-access breakers
Larger bypass up to 125
amps available
Easy to expand. Start with
two units and expand to
three or four
All connections are
front mount
All DC connections in
one panel
Lots of room to work
Clean styling with all frontaccess breakers
Available with 500 or 1000
amp shunt, depending on
power level required
Easy to expand. Start with
two units and expand to
three or four
Holds up to 15 mini
DC breakers
All connections are
front mount
To learn more about
these new products visit
www.magnumenergy.com
Ca n We L an d ?
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Main panel
400 A main
disconnect
Subpanel
Main panel
400 A main
disconnect
80 A, 3-P PV breaker
Diagrams 2a & 2b In Diagram 2a (top), the sum of the breakers supplying each busbar exceeds
the limits of the 120% rule. As shown in Diagram 2b, landing the inverters in a subpanel solves the
problem.
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
37
Ca n We L an d ?
200 A main
disconnect
5 kW single-phase,
grid-interactive inverter
100 A breaker
30 A breaker
Main panel
Subpanel
Diagram 3 Article 690.64(B)(2) of the 2005 NEC requires using the 100 A breaker in backfeed calculations for the
main panel busbars. New language in the 2008 NEC clarifies that the rating of only the 30 A breaker is counted,
although each panel must still be evaluated all the way back to the main.
38
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Ca n We L an d ?
This is to prevent a mistaken assumption that electrical equipment is deenergized when only one of the power
sources has been shut off. Article 705.10 further requires
the installation of a permanent plaque or directory at every
service equipment location, indicating all sources of electric
power on the premises.
Methods of Interconnection
The NEC has many rules and provisions specific to the interconnection of photovoltaic systems. Making sense of all of
these and putting them to practice is sometimes challenging. Here we discuss the most common compliant devices,
practices and methods of interconnection. Although residential and commercial electrical systems vary in capacity, they
are often made up of similar components and have similar
methods of interconnection.
B ac k f e d B r e a k e rs
Co u r t e s y m er i d i a ns ol ar. co m (2 )
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Single-Pole
GE /
THQL
Twin/Tandem
Double-Pole
Quad
Cutler-Hammer /
BR
Cutler-Hammer /
CH
Square D /
Homeline
Square D /
QO
Siemens /
ITE
SolarProMag_half-vertical_v2.indd 1
2/4/2009 2:41:55 PM
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
41
Ca n We L an d ?
This can work in two ways. You may either move enough
breakers out of the existing panel to land the backfed PV
breaker there, or, if the new subpanel and feeder conductors are sized appropriately, the PV system can land in the
subpanel. The downside to this is that it increases your
involvement with the customers electrical system. As
a solar professional, you are in the business of installing
PV, not dealing with time-consuming residential electrical
issues. It may be best if the customer hires an electrician to
install the new subpanel.
Breaker compatibility. The wide variety of panel and
breaker manufacturers can lead to confusion about which
breakers are appropriate for various panels. Though many
breakers seem physically interchangeable, they may not be.
A careful installer will ensure that a breaker is suitable for
backfeeding and approved for use in the panel where it is to
be installed.
It helps to understand the difference between a specified
breaker and a classified breaker. A specified breaker is one
that the panel manufacturer has listed as appropriate for use
in its product. A classified breaker is one that has been tested
by a third partyUnderwriters Laboratories, for example
for use in a panel.
There should be no difference in the performance of specified or classified breakers, but some panel manufacturers may
claim that the use of breakers other than their own will void
the warranty. The Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits
manufacturers from requiring their own replacement parts
to maintain warranties. The use of a classified third party
breaker should be acceptable, as long as the device is listed
and identified for the application. As always, however, the use
of these products is ultimately up to the AHJ.
Some manufacturers produce breakers that are classified for use in a wide range of panels. The Cutler-Hammer CL
breaker, for example, is UL classified for use in Crouse Hinds,
GE, ITE, Siemens, Square D Homeline and Murray panels.
Stocking this model, or similar breakers, can save time and
decrease the amount of inventory required.
42
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
C ou r te sy spgsola r.c om
Easy to Install
Switchgear Module
Our Integrated
Solar Power Center
203.790.6400
Ca n We L an d ?
sh a wn sc h re in e r.c om
L O A D S i d e Tap
A load side tap is a connection made to busbars or conductors on the clients side of the main service disconnect or
main breaker. The rules for carrying out this type of connection are not well defined, even in the 2008 NEC. There are,
however, a few basic points that are important when considering a load side tap.
First, even though this is a tap connection, it must conform to the 120% rule as defined in Article 690.64(B). Perform
calculations for all busbars upstream of the tap to ensure that
the 120% factor is not violated. Second, busbars downstream
from a load side tap must be protected by a main breaker,
unless the sum of the overcurrent devices supplying power to
that busbarthe PV breaker plus any other upstream feeder
breakerdoes not exceed the busbars rating. Although this is
not as explicitly stated in the 2008 Code as it was in the 2005
NEC 690.64(B)(2), it is necessary to prevent the downstream
busbars from being fed at a level exceeding their ampacity.
Third, all breakers between the tap and the utility should be
checked to make sure that they are suitable for backfeeding. Finally, confirm that the tap is on the line side of all GFP
equipment, unless the GFP is listed for backfeeding.
Furthermore, you may wish to consider the changes proposed for Article 705.12(D) in the 2011 NEC for a load side
44
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
S U P P L Y S i d e Tap
Briefly, a supply side tap is a connection made to the busbars or conductors on the line or utility side of the main service disconnect. Though you may regard a backfed breaker
as easier to install, a supply side tap has its benefits as well.
For example, a line side tap is the preferred method of interconnection when installing a PV system that exceeds the
120% rule.
Until your local AHJ adopts the 2008 NEC, a line side
tap is probably your preferred connection for commercial
photovoltaic installations. It is also the go-to method when
a load side connection requires backfeeding an unlisted
GFP device.
When performing a supply side tap, you are faced with
the challenges of physically connecting to a conductor or
busbar. An overview of the most common devices used for
performing these connections follows. continued on page 4 6
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Gutter or parallel tap connectors. These devices are similar Parallel tap connector
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
C o u r te sy i de a l i ndustr i e s. c o m
Co ur te sy i de a l i ndustr i e s. c o m
C ou r te sy gre a ve s-u sa .c om
C ou r te sy gre a ve s-u sa .c om
Happy Landings
There are many important aspects involved in the connection of a utility-interactive PV system. These include performing a quality site evaluation, understanding the NEC
and mastering the available methods of interconnection. All
of these are relevant to a safe and cost effective installation.
Many of these rules are still being developed and debated,
and each new Code cycle brings changes to the industry and
to interconnection methods.
g C O N TAC T
Ryan LeBlanc / SPG Solar / Novato, CA / [email protected]
Tarn Yates / SPG Solar / Novato, CA / [email protected]
Manufacturers
FCI-Burndy / 800.346.4175 / burndy.com
Greaves Electrical Connectors / 800.243.1130 / greaves-usa.com
Ideal Industries / 800.435.0705 / idealindustries.com
Midwest Electrical Products / 507.345.2505 / midwestelectric.com
c-Si Photovoltaics:
48
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Trends,
Design,
Purchasing
and
2009 Specs
C ou r t e s y s p gs o l ar. co m
By David Brearley
MARKET TRENDS
As a technology, c-Si PV modules are elegant in their simplicity, reliability and predictability. Despite the material
and fabrication challenges that manufacturers must constantly overcome, they succeed in delivering incrementally
improved products year after yearPV modules that last for
decades in the most challenging environmental conditions.
Nonetheless, the most exciting developments in the industry right now are not driven by technological breakthroughs,
but rather global market conditions. This is a time of both
feast and faminethe best of times or the worst of times,
depending on your perspective.
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
49
After 5 years of supply constraints due to a global short- installers. Module manufacturers that go out of business tend
age of polysilicon feedstock, the oversupply of PV modules is to leave behind a legacy of 25-year product that no longer has
undoubtedly a welcome relief to many readers. Gone are the warranty support. This is unfortunate for everyone involved.
days when installers had to suffer through 6-month lead times,
Some experts see light at the end of this tunnel. New
last minute system redesigns due to product unavailability Energy Finance analyst Nathaniel Bullard, solar associate for
and blown margins caused by price increases that seemingly North America, takes a cautiously optimistic view. As Bullard
came every month without warning. More modules are avail- concludes his podcast on February 3, 2009 (NEF Podcast 81),
able now than ever before, in terms of models, manufacturers Though the PV landscape may have fewer players a year from
and sheer quantity. It is, at long last, a buyers market.
now, those that remain may be world leaders, not just in renewFor c-Si module manufacturers, the outlook is more chal- able energy, but in technology agnostic power generation.
lenging. While polysilicon prices have dropped over the last
year, some module manufacturers are locked into long-term REGULATORY CHANGES
feedstock delivery contracts. SunTech Power, for example, The California Energy Commission (CEC) requirements that
the highest capacity cell and module manufacturer in the take effect on July 1, 2009, a result of California Senate Bill
world, announced in February that it had renegotiated the 1, will have an immediate impact on the c-Si PV products
terms of a 10-year supply contract with MEMC, increasing available for sale in North America. After July 1, the manupurchase volume in order to decrease material costs.
facturers of every PV module listed by the CEC on the Go
An additional challenge facing manufacturers is that many Solar California Web site as rebate eligible must have comindustry analysts predict a global market contraction in 2009, pleted and reported the results of third-party performance
a result of both the global economic crisis and the caps that verification tests. This is not unlike the independent perSpain put on its feed-in tariff program. According to one ana- formance parameter testing that the CEC has required of
lyst, Dr. Hennig Wicht, the senior director and principal photo- inverter manufacturers since April 2005.
voltaics analyst at iSuppli, PV module supply in 2009 will exceed
Previously, the CEC based PV module rebate eligibility
demand by an estimated 168%, up from a 102% oversupply in on whether the product was listed to UL 1703. The Nation2008. Wicht believes that while the PV market may see mod- ally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) that can perest growth in 2009, resulting revenue will still be down overall, form the tests required for UL listing include: CSA, Intertek
something the market has not seen in the last decade.
(ETL), TUV Rhineland of North America c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 5 2
The gap between supply and demand has
led to lower wholesale and retail module prices Qualification testing The CTS walk-in environmental chamber that Siliken
in 2009, a trend that is expected to continue Renewable Energy uses to randomly test its solar modules is the same type
throughout the year. Those farthest down the used by TUV and UL testing laboratories. The temperature and humidity
supply chain will benefit from this the most: controlled climatic chamber simulates extreme weather conditions.
customers, PV installers and integrators. Distributors also stand to benefit, assuming they
are not sitting on too much inventory purchased at higher prices. As module oversupply
is forecast to continue through 2009, installers and integrators who were wise to inventory product as a hedge against scarcity may
find this business model less advantageous.
On demand ordering and on time delivery may
finally be practicable, even profitable.
While lower module pricing should benefit
installers and integrators in general, it makes
for difficult times elsewhere in the supply chain.
Faced with reduced revenues or operating losses,
as well as a tight global credit market, module
manufacturers are cutting staff, closing facilities
and even going out of business in some cases.
Many industry experts anticipated these manufacturing losses; but even these so-called shortterm losses have long-term implications for
50
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Co u r t e s y s i l ik en u s a. co m
The largest Dual- Axis Tracking System Project in North America Richmond, CA
ET Modules
High Quality Raw Materials
High eciency solar cells
Top brand EVA and Triple-layer back sheet
Outstanding Performance
Top PV USA Standard Condions (PTC) power rang
+/- 3% power tolerance
25 year warranty
and Underwriters Laboratories. But UL listing is an imperfect tool for a program that
desires to guarantee certain performance
standards. As Carl Osterwald of the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory notes in the
Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics, edited by
Tom Markvart and Luis Castaner, as a safety
standard, UL 1703 does not require a module
to retain its performance at a certain level;
rather it simply must not become hazardous
as a result of the test sequences.
The additional PV module performance
parameter testing that the CEC will soon
require can be performed at any test laboratory affiliated with the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). This
includes the laboratories listed previously,
as well as a host of testing facilities located Perfect fit Believe it or not, the roof came first. But Meridian Solars Andrew
around the world. Starting in July, CEC rebate McCalla chose the right tools for the job, Sharp Solar ND-72ERUC, NDeligible modules must be independently 72ELUC and ND-N2ECUC modules, rated at 72 W, 72 W and 142 W respectested at one of these laboratories to Standard tively. Designers can use the 2009 c-Si PV Module Specifications table to
61215 of the International Electrotechnical find their perfect fit.
Commission (IEC), the standard for terrestrial
c-Si PV modules, or IEC Standard 61646, the
equivalent standard for terrestrial thin film modules.
market, it is probably in your companys best interest to do
Per California Senate Bill 1, the CEC requires indepen- business with manufacturers that list their products with the
dent verification of the following parameters: maximum CEC. Not only are the performance parameters for these modpower, temperature coefficients, nominal operating cell ules independently verified, but also any manufacturer that
temperature (NOCT), performance at STC and NOCT, and does not invest in testing that allows its products to compete
performance at low irradiance (200 W/m2). The module PTC in the largest PV market in the US is sending mixed signals.
rating that the CEC subsequently uses to determine rebate
amounts is calculated using STC rated power, NOCT, the USING THE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
The table on pages 6273 , 2009 c-Si PV Module Specifications,
temperature coefficient of power and cell aperture area.
Bill Brooks, principal engineer at Brooks Engineering, is is a comprehensive listing of more than 275 products available
optimistic that the CECs new module testing requirements in North America from 23 manufacturers. All of these modules
will benefit the US market in the long term. California has are listed to UL 1703 and applicable for use in grid-tied applicabeen hesitant in requiring the IEC qualification test, even tions in North America. Check the Go Solar California Web site
though it is currently required in Europe, Brooks says. Unfor- to confirm rebate eligibility, since products will be added and
tunately, by not requiring the IEC testing, the US market has removed from the eligible equipment list when the new test
become an easier path to market entry for small, underfunded requirements take effect after press time.
Depending on their role in their respective organizanew PV manufacturers. Third party performance paramtions,
readers can make use of this table in different ways.
eter verification is a step in the right direction, one that may
Owners
and managers of solar businesses may notice previencourage more manufacturers to get their products qualified
ously
overlooked
companies and decide to explore potential
to IEC 61215. But as Brooks points out, While July 1, 2009 is
business
opportunities.
Now is a good time to build relationthe current deadline for the new module testing, this date has
ships
with
companies
new
to the North American market,
been moved on at least two prior occasions.
as
well
as
established
businesses.
It is likewise a good time
Whatever the final deadline, no modules will be grandfato
shop
around
for
competitive
prices
and diverse suppliers.
thered, meaning that products that have not completed testLarge
scale
PV
project
developers
will
find unprecedented
ing at an ILAC-affiliated laboratory will no longer be eligible
opportunities
for
partnerships.
Smaller
shops
that have hisfor rebates. After years of increasing in length, the CEC list of
rebate eligible PV equipment is about to get a lot shorter. Even torically purchased products through distributors may be
if CEC listing is not required for your project or in your major able to build relationships with manufacturers; integrators
52
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
C ou r te sy m e ri di a nso l a r. c o m
www.solarbos.com
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
53
sh a wn sc h re in e r.c om
USING PV MODULES
shows up in every PV installation
While the table puts a great deal of useful informanual, and for a good reason.
mation in one place, some of the most imporAs long as a PV module is
tant considerations for designers, installers and
exposed to light, it generates dc
sales staff are not found on product cutsheets or
voltage at hazardous levels. The
in tables. This is particularly true when it comes
potential for injury increases
to using PV modules in a manner that guaranas modules are connected in
tees the safety of installation and maintenance
series and parallel. There is no
personnel, preserves product warranties and
off switch, and thus a shock
ensures optimal long-term array performance.
hazard is always present during
In general, exercise caution and common
daylight hours. This represents
sense when designing and installing systems
a real and constant challenge to
using c-Si PV products. This is especially true
jobsite safety.
when it comes to safety concerns. Nothing is
Arguably, the opportunity for
more important to the success of your business,
personal injury due to an elecand to the success of the PV industry in general,
trical shock increases in direct
than personal safety on the job and the safe
proportion to the severity of
operation of systems over time. Furthermore, it
the consequences. It is essenis much easier than one might think to violate
tial, therefore, that installers not
the instructionsand possibly the warranty
only have procedures in place
termsfor one PV product by substituting it in a
to minimize shock hazard as an
design for a module with different terms of use.
Wire management While appropriate
array is wired, but that they also
Kyocera modules, for example, have rela- personal protective equipment ensures
wear the appropriate protective
tively high current characteristics and require installer safety during installation, good
equipment. To work safely on
a minimum PV source circuit conductor size wire management, as practiced here by PV systems, installers need insuof 10 AWG, whereas most manufacturers allow the Conergy Projects Group, is required lated tools, voltage rated gloves,
the use of 12 AWG conductors. There is no way to ensure the safe operation of the syssafety shoes with rubber soles
to ensure that a PV system performs optimally tem in the long term.
and appropriate eye protection.
in the long term unless product warranties
Although commonly required
remain inviolate during installation. Observing warranty only of workers on commercial projects, hard hats are approconditions for all of the PV modules on the market requires priate at all times on PV installation sites.
that you know what those conditions are. This requires readInstallers need safety training that is specific to the
ing product instructions.
hazards associated with PV systems, yet general enough to
If your company does forge new relationships with mod- include normal jobsite hazards. Every new project must be
ule manufacturers in this buyers market, make sure that reviewed for specific hazards that may require additional
company personnel understand the limitations of use for training or certification. All trainings and certifications
these products. This is especially true the first time your com- must be renewed at appropriate intervals. To keep track of
pany works with a product. This article discusses a variety these certifications, every crew needs a dedicated safety offiof conditions of use, conditions that vary from manufacturer cer who holds regular meetings.
to manufacturer according to the terms described in the
This is common knowledge and common sense. But there is
product installation manual. Because veteran designers and room for improvement on every jobsite and at every organizainstallers may be the least inclined to read instructions, inad- tion. Downtime between projects and periods of bad weather
vertent misuse of PV modules is a pitfall that new and old are excellent times for crews to complete safety trainings.
companies alike may be subject to.
CONDITIONS OF USE
PERSONAL SAFETY
Part of the challenge of following safety and installation
In some cases, directives contained in safety and installation instructions for various PV modules is that these instrucmanuals for PV modules are simply not practicable. Ironically, tions are seldom comprehensive or entirely relevant to the
one of the least practical safety tips is also the most ubiqui- task at hand. In some cases, manuals are poorly written
tous: Cover all modules in the PV array with an opaque cloth or translated; in others, they are simply impossible to find.
or material before making or breaking electrical connections. It is not apparent, for example, that BP Solar or Canadian
As quoted here from a SunPower manual, this precaution Solar post installation manuals for their c-Si continued on page 56
54
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
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benefit from solar electricity with little or no up-front cost.
Mitsubishi Electric is an industry leader in developing high-efficiency photovoltaic modules that
deliver clean, reliable energy. To learn more about financing options and economic incentives you
may qualify for, please call us at 714-236-6137 or visit our website: ww.mitsubishielectricsolar.com
58
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Our modules are IEC 61215 load tested to 112 pounds per
square foot. According to the IEC, listing modules to 50 pounds
per square foot corresponds to a wind pressure of 80 miles per
hour with a safety factor of 3 for gusty winds. The mounting
technique specified in SolarWorlds installation guide describes
minimum requirements necessary for a UL approved installation that satisfies SolarWorld warranty requirements.
Mounting techniques that are not specifically allowed
may also meet manufacturers minimum requirements.
The only way to know for sure is by contacting the company. If an applications engineer approves your use, get the
approval in writing. This protects you in the long run. It
may also encourage the manufacturer to build more comprehensive product literature.
Grounding. Appropriate grounding procedures and equipment are hotly debated throughout the electrical industry
in generalthe PV industry is not alone in this regard. But
perhaps nothing exemplifies the disconnect between manufacturers and system installers better than the grounding
instructions provided for PV products. Installers seldom get
what they want in terms of grounding instructions. The good
news is that the situation is getting better.
Blake Gleason, engineering manager for Sun Light &
Power, sums up what PV system designers and installers
want from module manufacturers: Provide a flexible, comprehensive installation manualbacked by comprehensive
testingthat lists many allowable grounding methods:
toothed washers, grounding clips (like the WEEB products),
lay-in lugs, multiple ground hole locations, use of mounting holes for grounding, field-drilled holes in the frame and
so on. While none of the manuals surveyed for this article
cover all of these bases, most manuals provide for more than
one approved grounding method and include some of the
specifications that Gleason wants. In general, the grounding
methods that manufacturers list fall into three categories.
The first approved grounding method involves wrapping a ground wire around a stainless steel screw or bolt.
Effective bonding to the module frame is achieved by screw
threads cut into the frame or a stainless star washer that
cuts through the frames anodized coating. Dissimilar metals are isolated using combinations of stainless flat or cup
washers. In some cases this is the only approved grounding
method. The problem is that many projects and jurisdictions
require a minimum #6 bare copper ground. (NEC 250.120(C)
and 690.46 require that equipment grounding conductors
smaller than 6 AWG be protected from physical damage.)
Wrapping a 6 AWG wire around a 10-32 self-tapping screw
is not really an option.
The second most common grounding method addresses
these issues and involves the use of direct burial-rated, tinplated copper lay-in lugs that are screwed or bolted to module
frames using stainless steel hardware. John Wiles, program
60
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Grounding clips
The UGC-1 (universal
grounding clip) from Unirac
bonds typical c-Si PV module
frames to the SolarMount rail.
Rail-to-rail grounding is achieved using
WEEBLug hardware and an appropriately
sized equipment-grounding conductor.
manager for the Institute for the Energy and the Environment, advocates bolting this lay-in lug in place using a lock
nut, and most manufacturers include this detail in their literature. The concern is that even if a thread-forming screw has a
high enough thread count to engage two threads in the module frame, there is no way to ensure that this connection will
remain intact for the life of the PV system. In addition, due to
the softness of the materials involved, thread-forming screws
cannot be screwed and unscrewed without compromising the
mechanical and electrical connection to the frame.
The third method described in installation manuals allows
for the use of module grounding clips, like the WEEB products
from Wiley Electronics. This is again best exemplified by Evergreen Solar in the installation instructions for the ES-A Series
modules, which state, Evergreen panels can also be grounded
using third party grounding washers or clip devices provided
the devices are listed and identified for grounding the metallic frames of PV panels and the devices are installed in accordance with the manufacturers specified instructions. REC
Solar includes a similar allowance, slightly more generic, but
no less useful to installers who want to use grounding clips.
Like thread-forming screws in an aluminum frame, module grounding clips are single-use devices. They are intended
to be wedged in place at specific torque values and to remain
in place. The WEEB, like other grounding methods, notes
Gleason, is not foolproof and requires careful installation
to be effective. For example, it is very easy to slide modules
along a rail and inadvertently bend the WEEB nubs out of
the way.
Wiles concern about the use of grounding clips is slightly
different. Few module manufacturers, c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 7 2
C ou r te sy u n ir a c .c om
Model
Cell type
Rated
power
@ STC
(W)
BP
BP 3115 J
poly
115
DNR
+/-3
10.5
11.3
DNR
17.1
6.70
21.8
7.50
BP
BP 312 5J
poly
125
DNR
+/-3
11.4
12.3
DNR
17.4
7.20
22.0
8.10
BP
SX 3140 J
poly
140
DNR
+/-9
12.8
13.8
DNR
17.5
8.00
22.0
8.20
BP
SX 3165 B
poly
165
146.1
+/-9
12.2
13.1
DNR
35.2
4.70
44.2
5.10
BP
SX 3170 I
poly
170
150.6
+/-9
12.0
13.1
DNR
35.4
4.80
44.2
5.27
BP
BP 170 I
poly
170
DNR
+/-5
12.0
13.1
DNR
35.4
4.80
43.6
5.27
BP
BP 170 B
poly
170
DNR
+/-5
12.6
13.5
DNR
35.4
4.80
43.6
5.27
BP
SX 3175 B
poly
175
155.2
+/-9
12.9
13.9
DNR
36.1
4.90
44.2
5.30
BP
BP 175 B
poly
175
155.2
+/-5
12.9
13.9
DNR
36.1
4.90
43.6
5.30
BP
BP 175 I
poly
175
155.2
+/-5
12.4
13.9
DNR
36.1
4.90
43.6
5.30
BP
BP 4175 B
mono
175
155.2
+/-5
12.9
13.9
DNR
35.4
4.94
43.6
5.45
BP
BP 4175 I
mono
175
155.2
+/-5
12.4
13.9
DNR
35.4
4.94
43.6
5.45
Rated
power
tolerance
(%)
Rated
power
per sq. ft.
(W)
Module
efficiency
(%)
Cell
efficiency
(%)
Max. power
voltage
(Vmp)
Max. power
current
(Imp)
Open-circuit
voltage
(Voc)
Shortcircuit
current
(Isc)
BP
BP 180 B
poly
180
DNR
+/-5
13.3
14.4
DNR
36.1
4.90
43.6
5.40
BP
BP 4180 B
mono
180
159.8
+/-5
13.3
14.3
DNR
35.5
5.10
43.6
5.60
BP
BP 4180 I
mono
180
159.7
+/-5
12.7
14.3
DNR
35.5
5.10
43.6
5.60
BP
SX 3190 B
poly
190
168.4
+/-9
12.6
13.5
DNR
24.3
7.82
30.6
8.50
BP
SX 3190 W
poly
190
168.4
+/-9
12.6
13.5
DNR
24.3
7.82
30.6
8.50
BP
SX 3195 N
poly
195
DNR
+/-9
12.9
13.9
DNR
24.4
7.96
30.7
8.60
BP
SX 3195 B
poly
195
173.0
+/-9
12.9
13.9
DNR
24.4
7.96
30.7
8.60
BP
SX 3200 B
poly
200
177.5
+/-9
13.2
14.2
DNR
24.5
8.16
30.8
8.70
BP
BP 3230 N
poly
230
DNR
+/-3
12.8
13.8
DNR
29.2
7.90
36.4
8.70
Canadian
CS6C-100
poly/mono
100
88.2
+/-2.5
9.4
10.1
11.6
17.3
5.79
21.5
6.46
Canadian
CS6C-105
poly/mono
105
92.7
+/-2.5
9.9
10.6
12.2
17.3
6.08
21.5
6.74
Canadian
CS6C-110
poly/mono
110
97.3
+/-2.5
10.3
11.1
12.8
17.3
6.36
21.6
7.01
Canadian
CS6C-115
poly/mono
115
101.8
+/-2.5
10.8
11.6
13.4
17.3
6.64
21.6
7.28
Canadian
CS6C-120
poly/mono
120
106.3
+/-2.5
11.3
12.1
14.0
17.3
6.92
21.7
7.52
Canadian
CS6A-120
poly
120
105.5
+/-2.5
8.6
9.2
10.5
22.9
5.24
28.5
5.89
Canadian
CS6C-125
poly/mono
125
110.9
+/-2.5
11.7
12.6
14.6
17.4
7.20
21.8
7.75
Canadian
CS6A-125
poly
125
110.4
+/-2.5
8.9
9.6
10.9
22.9
5.45
28.6
6.10
Canadian
CS5A-130
poly/mono
130
114.6
+/-2.5
9.5
10.2
12.4
34.6
3.75
42.9
4.21
Canadian
CS6C-130
poly/mono
130
115.4
+/-2.5
12.2
13.1
15.1
17.5
7.43
22.0
7.96
Canadian
CS6A-130
poly
130
114.5
+/-2.5
9.3
10.0
11.4
23.0
5.66
28.6
6.31
Canadian
CS5A-135
poly/mono
135
119.4
+/-2.5
9.8
10.6
12.9
34.7
3.89
42.9
4.35
Canadian
CS6A-135
poly
135
119.4
+/-2.5
9.6
10.4
11.8
23.0
5.87
28.7
6.52
Canadian
CS5A-140
poly/mono
140
123.6
+/-2.5
10.2
11.0
13.3
34.7
4.03
42.9
4.49
Canadian
CS6A-140
poly
140
123.5
+/-2.5
10.0
10.8
12.2
23.0
6.08
28.7
6.72
Canadian
CS5A-145
poly/mono
145
128.4
+/-2.5
10.5
11.3
13.8
34.7
4.17
43.0
4.63
Canadian
CS6A-145
poly
145
128.4
+/-2.5
10.4
11.2
12.7
23.0
6.29
28.8
6.92
Canadian
CS5A-150
poly/mono
150
132.6
+/-2.5
10.9
11.7
14.3
34.8
4.31
43.2
4.74
Canadian
CS6A-150
poly
150
132.5
+/-2.5
10.7
11.5
13.1
23.1
6.50
28.8
7.12
Canadian
CS6P-150
poly
150
132.3
+/-2.5
8.7
9.3
10.5
28.6
5.25
35.6
5.90
Canadian
CS5A-155
poly/mono
155
137.5
+/-2.5
11.3
12.1
14.8
34.8
4.45
43.4
4.86
Canadian
CS6A-155
poly
155
137.5
+/-2.5
11.1
11.9
13.5
23.1
6.71
28.8
7.32
Canadian
CS6P-155
poly
155
136.8
+/-2.5
9.0
9.6
10.8
28.6
5.42
35.6
6.08
Canadian
CS5A-160
poly/mono
160
141.7
+/-2.5
11.6
12.5
15.3
34.9
4.58
43.6
4.97
Canadian
CS6A-160
poly
160
141.6
+/-2.5
11.4
12.3
14.0
23.1
6.92
28.9
7.51
Canadian
CS6P-160
poly
160
141.3
+/-2.5
9.2
9.9
11.2
28.6
5.59
35.7
6.26
Canadian
CS5A-165
poly/mono
165
146.2
+/-2.5
12.0
12.9
15.7
35.2
4.69
43.8
5.08
Canadian
CS6A-165
poly
165
146.1
+/-2.5
11.8
12.7
14.4
23.1
7.13
29.0
7.69
Canadian
CS6P-165
poly
165
145.8
+/-2.5
9.5
10.3
11.5
28.7
5.76
35.7
6.45
Canadian
CS5A-170
poly/mono
170
150.8
+/-2.5
12.4
13.3
16.2
35.5
4.79
44.1
5.19
Canadian
CS6A-170
poly
170
150.7
+/-2.5
12.1
13.1
14.8
23.2
7.33
29.2
7.85
Canadian
CS6P-170
poly
170
150.4
+/-2.5
9.8
10.6
11.9
28.7
5.93
35.8
6.62
62
Rated
power
@ PTC
(W)
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Pmp temp.
coefficientt
(%/C)
Voc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Isc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Nominal
operating
cell temp.
(C)
Series
fuse
rating
(A)
Weight
(lbs.)
Materials
warranty
(yrs.)
Power
warranty
(yrs.)
90%/80%
Connector
type
# of
J-boxes
Frame
color
Backsheet
color
Length
(in.)
Width
(in.)
Depth
(in.)
-0.47
-0.37
0.07
47.0
15
terminal
silver
DNR
59.45
26.54
-0.47
-0.36
0.07
47.0
15
terminal
silver
DNR
59.45
26.54
1.97
26.64
12/25
1.97
26.64
-0.47
-0.36
0.07
47.0
15
terminal
silver
DNR
59.45
12/25
26.54
1.97
26.64
-0.47
DNR
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
DNR
DNR
12/25
62.72
31.10
1.97
33.88
-0.47
DNR
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
DNR
12/25
DNR
62.48
32.61
1.97
33.88
-0.47
DNR
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
12/25
bronze
white
62.48
32.61
1.97
33.88
-0.47
DNR
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
12/25
bronze
black
62.72
31.10
1.97
33.88
-0.47
DNR
0.07
47.0
15
12/25
MC3
DNR
DNR
62.72
31.10
1.97
33.88
-0.47
-0.37
0.07
47.0
12/25
15
MC3
bronze
black
62.72
31.10
1.97
33.06
-0.47
-0.37
0.07
12/25
47.0
15
MC3
bronze
white
62.48
32.61
1.97
33.88
-0.47
DNR
12/25
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
bronze
black
62.72
31.10
1.97
33.88
-0.47
12/25
DNR
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
bronze
black
62.48
32.61
1.97
33.88
12/25
-0.47
DNR
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
DNR
DNR
62.48
31.10
1.97
33.88
12/25
-0.47
DNR
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
DNR
DNR
62.72
31.10
1.97
33.88
12/25
-0.47
DNR
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
DNR
DNR
62.48
32.61
1.97
33.88
12/25
-0.47
-0.36
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
bronze
black
66.14
32.95
1.97
37.84
12/25
-0.47
-0.36
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
bronze
white
66.14
32.95
1.97
37.84
12/25
-0.47
-0.36
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
silver
white
66.14
32.95
1.97
37.84
12/25
-0.47
-0.36
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
bronze
white
66.14
32.95
1.97
37.84
12/25
-0.47
-0.36
0.07
47.0
15
MC3
bronze
black
66.14
32.95
1.97
37.84
12/25
-0.47
DNR
0.07
47.0
20
MC3
DNR
DNR
65.63
39.37
1.97
42.68
12/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
58.46
26.22
1.57
26.46
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
58.46
26.22
1.57
26.46
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
58.46
26.22
1.57
26.46
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
58.46
26.22
1.57
26.46
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
58.46
26.22
1.57
26.46
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
58.46
26.22
1.57
26.46
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
58.46
26.22
1.57
26.46
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
T a bl e c o n t i n u e d o n n e x t p a g e
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
63
Model
Cell type
Rated
power
@ STC
(W)
Canadian
CS5A-175
poly/mono
175
155.3
+/-2.5
12.7
13.7
16.7
35.8
4.89
44.3
5.29
Canadian
CS6A-175
poly
175
155.2
+/-2.5
12.5
13.5
15.3
23.4
7.49
29.3
8.03
Canadian
CS6P-175
poly
175
154.9
+/-2.5
10.1
10.9
12.2
28.7
6.10
35.9
6.80
Canadian
CS5A-180
poly/mono
180
159.9
+/-2.5
13.1
14.1
17.2
36.1
4.99
44.5
5.40
Canadian
CS6A-180
poly
180
159.8
+/-2.5
12.9
13.8
15.7
23.6
7.62
29.4
8.20
Canadian
CS6P-180
poly
180
159.4
+/-2.5
10.4
11.2
12.6
28.7
6.26
35.9
6.98
Canadian
CS5A-185
poly/mono
185
164.8
+/-2.5
13.4
14.5
17.6
36.4
5.09
44.7
5.50
Canadian
CS6A-185
poly
185
164.4
+/-2.5
13.2
14.2
16.2
24.0
7.71
29.5
8.37
Canadian
CS6P-185
poly
185
163.9
+/-2.5
10.7
11.5
12.9
28.8
6.43
36.0
7.16
Canadian
CS5A-190
poly/mono
190
169.0
+/-2.5
13.8
14.9
18.1
36.6
5.18
44.9
5.60
Canadian
CS6A-190
poly
190
168.9
+/-2.5
13.6
14.6
16.6
24.2
7.84
29.6
8.54
Canadian
CS6P-190
poly
190
168.5
+/-2.5
11.0
11.8
13.3
28.8
6.60
36.0
7.33
Canadian
CS6P-195
poly
195
173.0
+/-2.5
11.3
12.1
13.6
28.8
6.76
36.1
7.51
Canadian
CS5P-200
poly
200
176.8
+/-2.5
10.9
11.8
14.3
46.4
4.31
57.4
4.78
Canadian
CS6P-200
poly
200
177.0
+/-2.5
11.6
12.4
14.0
28.9
6.93
36.2
7.68
Canadian
CS5P-205
poly
205
181.3
+/-2.5
11.2
12.1
14.7
46.5
4.41
57.6
4.86
Canadian
CS6P-205
poly
205
181.6
+/-2.5
11.8
12.7
14.3
28.9
7.10
36.2
7.80
Canadian
CS5P-210
poly
210
185.9
+/-2.5
11.5
12.4
15.0
46.6
4.51
57.9
4.94
Canadian
CS6P-210
poly
210
186.1
+/-2.5
12.1
13.1
14.7
28.9
7.26
36.4
7.91
Canadian
CS5P-215
poly
215
190.4
+/-2.5
11.8
12.6
15.4
46.7
4.61
58.1
5.02
Canadian
CS6P-215
poly
215
190.7
+/-2.5
12.4
13.4
15.0
29.0
7.43
36.5
8.01
Canadian
CS5P-220
poly
220
194.9
+/-2.5
12.0
12.9
15.7
46.9
4.69
58.4
5.10
Canadian
CS6P-220
poly
220
195.2
+/-2.5
12.7
13.7
15.4
29.3
7.52
36.6
8.09
Canadian
CS5P-225
poly
225
199.5
+/-2.5
12.3
13.2
16.1
47.2
4.76
58.6
5.18
Canadian
CS6P-225
poly
225
199.8
+/-2.5
13.0
14.0
15.7
29.5
7.63
36.7
8.19
Canadian
CS5P-230
poly
230
204.0
+/-2.5
12.6
13.5
16.4
47.5
4.84
58.8
5.25
Canadian
CS6P-230
poly
230
204.4
+/-2.5
13.3
14.3
16.1
29.8
7.71
36.8
8.34
Canadian
CS5P-235
poly
235
208.6
+/-2.5
12.8
13.8
16.8
47.8
4.92
59.1
5.33
Canadian
CS5P-240
poly
240
213.2
+/-2.5
13.1
14.1
17.2
48.1
4.99
59.3
5.40
Day4Energy
Day4 48MC
poly
160
143.5
+/-3.5
11.5
12.4
DNR
22.6
7.08
28.3
7.70
Day4Energy
Day4 48MC
poly
165
148.1
+/-3.5
11.8
12.7
DNR
23.0
7.19
28.6
7.80
Day4Energy
Day4 48MC
poly
170
152.7
+/-3.5
12.2
13.1
DNR
23.0
7.38
28.8
7.90
Day4Energy
Day4 48MC
poly
175
157.3
+/-3.5
12.6
13.5
DNR
23.4
7.48
29.2
8.05
Day4Energy
Day4 48MC
poly
180
161.9
+/-3.5
12.9
13.9
DNR
23.7
7.60
29.4
8.10
Day4Energy
Day4 48MC
poly
185
166.5
+/-3.5
13.3
14.3
DNR
23.8
7.77
29.5
8.20
Day4Energy
Day4 48MC
poly
190
171.1
+/-3.5
13.6
14.7
DNR
24.0
7.92
29.7
8.30
ET
ET-P636115
poly
115
DNR
+/-3
10.7
11.5
DNR
17.2
6.68
21.8
7.55
ET
ET-P636120
poly
120
DNR
+/-3
11.1
12.0
DNR
17.4
6.89
21.8
7.63
ET
ET-P636125
poly
125
DNR
+/-3
11.6
12.5
DNR
17.4
7.18
21.8
7.80
ET
ET-P636130
poly
130
DNR
+/-3
12.1
13.0
DNR
17.4
7.47
21.8
8.10
ET
ET-P636135
poly
135
DNR
+/-3
12.5
13.5
DNR
17.6
7.67
22.0
8.41
ET
ET-P636140
poly
140
DNR
+/-3
13.0
14.0
DNR
17.6
7.95
22.0
8.41
ET
ET-P636145
poly
145
DNR
+/-3
13.5
14.5
DNR
17.8
8.15
22.0
8.50
ET
ET-M572155
mono
155
136.8
+/-3
11.3
12.1
DNR
35.2
4.40
43.3
4.98
ET
ET-P648155
poly
155
DNR
+/-3
11.0
11.8
DNR
23.0
6.73
29.0
7.60
ET
ET-M572160
mono
160
141.3
+/-3
11.6
12.5
DNR
35.6
4.49
43.9
5.07
ET
ET-P648160
poly
160
DNR
+/-3
11.3
12.2
DNR
23.0
6.95
29.0
7.80
ET
ET-M572165
mono
165
145.9
+/-3
12.0
12.9
DNR
35.8
4.60
44.1
5.19
ET
ET-P648165
poly
165
DNR
+/-3
11.7
12.6
DNR
23.0
7.17
29.0
7.90
ET
ET-M572170
mono
170
150.4
+/-3
12.4
13.3
DNR
36.1
4.71
44.2
5.30
ET
ET-P648170
poly
170
DNR
+/-3
12.0
12.9
DNR
23.0
7.39
29.0
8.10
ET
ET-M572175
mono
175
155.0
+/-3
12.7
13.7
DNR
36.2
4.83
44.3
5.50
ET
ET-P648175
poly
175
DNR
+/-3
12.4
13.3
DNR
23.2
7.54
29.0
8.10
ET
ET-M572180
mono
180
159.5
+/-3
13.1
14.1
DNR
36.3
4.95
44.6
5.61
64
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Rated
power
@ PTC
(W)
Rated
power
tolerance
(%)
Rated
power
per sq. ft.
(W)
Module
efficiency
(%)
Cell
efficiency
(%)
Max. power
voltage
(Vmp)
Max. power
current
(Imp)
Open-circuit
voltage
(Voc)
Shortcircuit
current
(Isc)
Pmp temp.
coefficientt
(%/C)
Voc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Isc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Nominal
operating
cell temp.
(C)
Series
fuse
rating
(A)
Weight
(lbs.)
Materials
warranty
(yrs.)
Power
warranty
(yrs.)
90%/80%
Connector
type
# of
J-boxes
Frame
color
Backsheet
color
Length
(in.)
Width
(in.)
Depth
(in.)
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
34.17
10/25
1.57
35.27
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
10/25
38.66
1.57
40.79
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
10/25
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
10/25
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
10/25
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
10/25
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
10/25
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10/25
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
10/25
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.80
31.54
1.57
34.17
-0.45
-0.35
10/25
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
52.13
38.66
1.57
35.27
-0.45
10/25
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
63.07
41.77
1.57
44.09
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
63.07
41.77
1.57
44.09
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
63.07
41.77
1.57
44.09
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
63.07
41.77
1.57
44.09
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
63.07
41.77
1.57
44.09
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
63.07
41.77
1.57
44.09
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
63.07
41.77
1.57
44.09
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
64.49
38.66
1.57
40.79
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
63.07
41.77
1.57
44.09
10/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
45.0
10
MC4
silver
white
63.07
41.77
1.57
44.09
10/25
-0.44
-0.33
0.03
46.9
15
SolarLok
silver
white
51.46
39.01
1.38
38.28
10/25
-0.44
-0.33
0.03
46.9
15
SolarLok
silver
white
51.46
39.01
1.38
38.28
10/25
-0.44
-0.33
0.03
46.9
15
SolarLok
silver
white
51.46
39.01
1.38
38.28
10/25
-0.44
-0.33
0.03
46.9
15
SolarLok
silver
white
51.46
39.01
1.38
38.28
10/25
-0.44
-0.33
0.03
46.9
15
SolarLok
silver
white
51.46
39.01
1.38
38.28
10/25
-0.44
-0.33
0.03
46.9
15
SolarLok
silver
white
51.46
39.01
1.38
38.28
10/25
-0.44
-0.33
0.03
46.9
15
SolarLok
silver
white
51.46
39.01
1.38
38.28
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.30
26.60
1.30
26.50
12/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.30
26.60
1.30
26.50
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.30
26.60
1.30
26.50
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.30
26.60
1.30
26.50
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.30
26.60
1.30
26.50
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.30
26.60
1.30
26.50
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.30
26.60
1.30
26.50
12/25
-0.55
-0.40
0.06
44.4
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.81
1.97
34.20
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
52.13
39.06
1.97
34.45
12/25
-0.55
-0.40
0.06
44.4
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.81
1.97
34.20
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
52.13
39.06
1.97
34.45
12/25
-0.55
-0.40
0.06
44.4
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.81
1.97
34.20
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
52.13
39.06
1.97
34.45
12/25
-0.55
-0.40
0.06
44.4
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.81
1.97
34.20
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
52.13
39.06
1.97
34.45
12/25
-0.55
-0.40
0.06
44.4
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.81
1.97
34.20
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
52.13
39.06
1.97
34.45
12/25
-0.55
-0.40
0.06
44.4
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.81
1.97
34.20
12/25
T a bl e c o n t i n u e d o n n e x t p a g e
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
65
Model
Cell type
Rated
power
@ STC
(W)
ET
ET-P648180
poly
180
DNR
+/-3
12.7
13.7
DNR
23.5
7.66
29.0
8.10
ET
ET-M572185
mono
185
164.1
+/-3
13.5
14.5
DNR
36.3
5.09
44.6
5.80
ET
ET-P648185
poly
185
DNR
+/-3
13.1
14.1
DNR
23.5
7.87
29.0
8.41
ET
ET-P648190
poly
190
DNR
+/-3
13.4
14.5
DNR
23.5
8.08
29.2
8.41
ET
ET-P648195
poly
195
DNR
+/-3
13.8
14.8
DNR
23.5
8.29
29.2
8.50
ET
ET-P660200
poly
200
DNR
+/-3
11.4
12.3
DNR
28.8
6.95
36.0
7.71
ET
ET-P660205
poly
205
DNR
+/-3
11.7
12.6
DNR
28.8
7.13
36.0
7.80
ET
ET-P654205
poly
205
183.3
+/-3
13.0
13.9
DNR
27.3
7.50
32.8
8.10
ET
ET-P660210
poly
210
DNR
+/-3
12.0
12.9
DNR
28.8
7.30
36.0
7.99
ET
ET-P654210
poly
210
187.9
+/-3
13.3
14.3
DNR
27.5
7.63
32.8
8.30
ET
ET-P660215
poly
215
DNR
+/-3
12.3
13.2
DNR
29.0
7.41
36.0
8.10
ET
ET-P654215
poly
215
192.5
+/-3
13.6
14.6
DNR
27.5
7.81
33.2
8.50
ET
ET-P660220
poly
220
DNR
+/-3
12.6
13.5
DNR
29.0
7.58
36.3
8.10
ET
ET-P660225
poly
225
DNR
+/-3
12.8
13.8
DNR
29.0
7.75
36.3
8.10
ET
ET-P660230
poly
230
DNR
+/-3
13.1
14.1
DNR
29.4
7.82
36.5
8.30
ET
ET-P660235
poly
235
DNR
+/-3
13.4
14.4
DNR
29.4
7.99
36.5
8.30
ET
ET-P660240
poly
240
DNR
+/-3
13.7
14.7
DNR
29.4
8.16
36.5
8.50
ET
ET-P672240
poly
240
213.9
+/-3
11.5
12.4
DNR
35.0
6.88
43.9
7.63
ET
ET-P672245
poly
245
218.5
+/-3
11.7
12.6
DNR
35.0
7.01
43.9
7.70
ET
ET-P672250
poly
250
223.0
+/-3
12.0
12.9
DNR
35.2
7.12
43.9
7.81
ET
ET-P672255
poly
255
227.6
+/-3
12.2
13.1
DNR
35.2
7.23
43.9
7.85
ET
ET-P672260
poly
260
232.2
+/-3
12.4
13.4
DNR
36.0
7.23
43.5
7.79
ET
ET-P672265
poly
265
236.8
+/-3
12.7
13.7
DNR
36.4
7.28
43.6
7.90
ET
ET-P672270
poly
270
241.4
+/-3
12.9
13.9
DNR
36.4
7.42
43.6
7.90
ET
ET-P672275
poly
275
245.9
+/-3
13.2
14.2
DNR
36.7
7.49
43.8
7.96
ET
ET-P672280
poly
280
250.5
+/-3
13.4
14.4
DNR
36.7
7.63
43.8
7.98
Evergreen
ES-B-180
ribbon
180
159.7
+3.4/-2
11.2
12.0
DNR
17.1
10.53
21.3
11.64
Evergreen
ES-B-190
ribbon
190
168.8
+2.6/-2
11.8
12.7
DNR
17.4
10.92
21.5
11.95
Evergreen
ES-B-195
ribbon
195
173.3
+2.6/-0
12.1
13.1
DNR
17.6
11.08
21.7
12.11
Evergreen
ES-A-200
ribbon
200
180.6
+2.5/-0
11.8
12.7
DNR
18.1
11.05
22.6
11.80
Evergreen
ES-A-205
ribbon
205
185.2
+2.4/-0
12.1
13.1
DNR
18.2
11.27
22.7
11.93
Evergreen
ES-A-210
ribbon
210
189.8
+2.4/-0
12.4
13.4
DNR
18.3
11.48
22.8
12.11
GE
GEPVp-200-M
poly
200
173.2
+/-5
12.8
13.9
DNR
26.3
7.60
32.9
8.10
GE
GEPVp-205-M
poly
205
177.7
+/-5
13.1
14.2
DNR
27.2
7.60
33.0
8.20
Kyocera
KD130SX
poly
130
114.8
+/-5
12.0
13.0
14.8
17.7
7.35
22.1
8.06
Kyocera
KD135SX
poly
135
119.4
+/-5
12.5
13.5
15.4
17.7
7.63
22.1
8.37
Kyocera
KD130GX
poly
130
114.8
+/-5
12.0
13.0
14.8
17.7
7.35
22.1
8.06
Kyocera
KD135GX
poly
135
119.4
+/-5
12.5
13.5
15.4
17.7
7.63
22.1
8.37
Kyocera
KD180GX
poly
180
156.0
+/-5
12.6
13.6
15.4
23.6
7.63
29.5
8.35
Kyocera
KD205GX
poly
205
180.0
+/-5
12.8
13.8
15.6
26.6
7.71
33.2
8.36
Kyocera
KD210GX
poly
210
184.6
+/-5
13.1
14.2
16.0
26.6
7.90
33.2
8.58
Mitsubishi
PV-UE115MF5N
poly
115
102.0
+10/-5
10.6
11.4
13.1
17.1
6.75
21.5
7.60
Mitsubishi
PV-UE120MF5N
poly
120
106.5
+10/-5
11.1
11.9
13.7
17.2
6.99
21.6
7.75
Mitsubishi
PV-UE125MF5N
poly
125
111.1
+10/-5
11.5
12.4
14.3
17.3
7.23
21.8
7.90
Mitsubishi
PV-UE130MF5N
poly
130
115.6
+10/-5
12.0
12.9
14.8
17.4
7.47
21.9
8.05
Mitsubishi
PV-UD175MF5
poly
175
155.6
+/-3
11.8
12.7
14.4
23.9
7.32
30.2
7.93
Mitsubishi
PV-UD180MF5
poly
180
160.1
+/-3
12.1
13.0
14.8
24.2
7.45
30.4
8.03
Mitsubishi
PV-UD185MF5
poly
185
164.7
+/-3
12.4
13.4
15.2
24.4
7.58
30.6
8.13
Mitsubishi
PV-UD190MF5
poly
190
169.3
+/-3
12.8
13.7
15.6
24.7
7.71
30.8
8.23
NingBo
TDB125_125-72-P
mono
150
131.7
+/-5
10.9
11.8
14.1
35.2
4.26
43.4
4.92
NingBo
TDB125_125-72-P
mono
155
136.2
+/-5
11.3
12.2
14.6
35.4
4.38
43.6
4.98
NingBo
TDB125_125-72-P
mono
160
140.8
+/-5
11.7
12.5
15.1
35.6
4.50
43.8
5.04
NingBo
TDB125_125-72-P
mono
165
145.3
+/-5
12.0
12.9
15.5
35.8
4.61
44.0
5.10
66
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Rated
power
@ PTC
(W)
Rated
power
tolerance
(%)
Rated
power
per sq. ft.
(W)
Module
efficiency
(%)
Cell
efficiency
(%)
Max. power
voltage
(Vmp)
Max. power
current
(Imp)
Open-circuit
voltage
(Voc)
Shortcircuit
current
(Isc)
Pmp temp.
coefficientt
(%/C)
Voc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Isc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Nominal
operating
cell temp.
(C)
Series
fuse
rating
(A)
Weight
(lbs.)
Materials
warranty
(yrs.)
Power
warranty
(yrs.)
90%/80%
Connector
type
# of
J-boxes
Frame
color
Backsheet
color
Length
(in.)
Width
(in.)
Depth
(in.)
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
52.13
39.06
-0.55
-0.40
0.06
44.4
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.81
1.97
34.45
12/25
1.97
34.20
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
52.13
12/25
39.06
1.97
34.45
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
12/25
52.13
39.06
1.97
34.45
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
12/25
white
52.13
39.06
1.97
34.45
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
12/25
silver
white
64.57
39.06
1.97
42.61
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
12/25
silver
white
64.57
39.06
1.97
42.61
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
12/25
MC4
silver
white
58.30
39.10
2.00
39.30
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12/25
12
MC4
silver
white
64.57
39.06
1.97
42.61
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
12/25
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.30
39.10
2.00
39.30
-0.49
-0.35
12/25
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
64.57
39.06
1.97
42.61
-0.49
12/25
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.30
39.10
2.00
39.30
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
64.57
39.06
1.97
42.61
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
64.57
39.06
1.97
42.61
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
64.57
39.06
1.97
42.61
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
64.57
39.06
1.97
42.61
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
64.57
39.06
1.97
42.61
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
50.70
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
50.70
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
50.70
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
50.70
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
50.70
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
50.70
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
50.70
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
50.70
12/25
-0.49
-0.35
0.07
45.3
12
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
50.70
12/25
-0.49
-0.34
0.06
45.9
20
MC4
silver1
white
61.80
37.50
1.60
40.10
10/25
-0.49
-0.34
0.06
45.9
20
MC4
silver1
white
61.80
37.50
1.60
40.10
10/25
-0.49
-0.34
0.06
45.9
20
MC4
silver1
white
61.80
37.50
1.60
40.10
10/25
-0.43
-0.31
0.05
45.4
20
MC4
silver1
white
65.00
37.50
1.80
41.00
10/25
-0.43
-0.31
0.05
45.4
20
MC4
silver1
white
65.00
37.50
1.80
41.00
10/25
-0.43
-0.31
0.05
45.4
20
MC4
silver1
white
65.00
37.50
1.80
41.00
10/25
-0.50
-0.36
0.07
50.0
15
SolarLok
silver
white
58.50
38.60
1.40
39.00
10/20
-0.50
-0.36
0.07
50.0
15
SolarLok
silver
white
58.50
38.60
1.40
39.00
10/20
-0.46
-0.36
0.06
49.0
15
terminal
silver
white
59.10
26.30
1.41
28.70
10/20
-0.46
-0.36
0.06
49.0
15
terminal
silver
white
59.10
26.30
1.42
28.70
10/20
-0.46
-0.36
0.06
49.0
15
MC4
black
white
59.10
26.30
1.41
28.70
10/20
-0.46
-0.36
0.06
49.0
15
MC4
black
white
59.10
26.30
1.42
28.70
10/20
-0.46
-0.36
0.06
49.0
15
MC4
black
white
52.80
39.00
1.40
36.40
10/20
-0.46
-0.36
0.06
49.0
15
MC4
black
white
59.10
39.00
1.40
40.80
10/20
-0.46
-0.36
0.06
49.0
15
MC4
black
white
59.10
39.00
1.40
40.80
10/20
-0.45
-0.34
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
white
58.90
26.50
1.81
29.80
1.25
10/25
-0.45
-0.34
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
white
58.90
26.50
1.81
29.80
1.25
10/25
-0.45
-0.34
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
white
58.90
26.50
1.81
29.80
1.25
10/25
-0.45
-0.34
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
white
58.90
26.50
1.81
29.80
1.25
10/25
-0.45
-0.34
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
white
65.30
32.80
1.81
37.00
1.25
10/25
-0.45
-0.34
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
white
65.30
32.80
1.81
37.00
1.25
10/25
-0.45
-0.34
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
white
65.30
32.80
1.81
37.00
1.25
10/25
-0.45
-0.34
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
white
65.30
32.80
1.81
37.00
1.25
10/25
-0.40
-0.35
0.03
47.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.80
35.27
10/25
-0.40
-0.35
0.03
47.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.80
35.27
10/25
-0.40
-0.35
0.03
47.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.80
35.27
10/25
-0.40
-0.35
0.03
47.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.80
35.27
10/25
Ta b l e c o n t i n u e d o n n e x t pa g e
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
67
Manufacturer
Model
Cell type
Rated
power
@ STC
(W)
NingBo
TDB125_125-72-P
mono
170
149.8
+/-5
12.4
13.3
16.0
36.0
4.72
44.2
5.16
NingBo
TDB125_125-72-P
mono
175
154.3
+/-5
12.7
13.7
16.5
36.2
4.84
44.4
5.22
NingBo
TDB125_125-72-P
mono
180
159.8
+/-5
13.1
14.1
16.9
36.4
4.95
44.6
5.28
REC
REC205AE-USA
poly
205
182.2
+/-3
11.5
12.4
14.0
28.1
7.30
36.1
7.90
REC
REC210AE-USA
poly
210
186.7
+/-3
11.8
12.7
14.4
28.2
7.50
36.1
8.10
REC
REC215AE-USA
poly
215
191.3
+/-3
12.1
13.0
14.7
28.3
7.60
36.3
8.10
REC
REC220AE-USA
poly
220
195.9
+/-3
12.4
13.3
15.1
28.7
7.70
36.6
8.20
REC
REC225AE-USA
poly
225
200.4
+/-3
12.7
13.6
15.4
29.1
7.70
36.8
8.20
REC
REC230AE-USA
poly
230
205.0
+/-3
13.0
13.9
15.8
29.4
7.80
37.1
8.30
Sanyo
mono, a-Si
190
177.2
+10/-0
15.2
16.4
18.8
54.8
3.47
67.5
3.75
Sanyo
mono, a-Si
195
181.9
+10/-0
15.6
16.8
19.3
55.3
3.53
68.1
3.79
3.83
Rated
power
tolerance
(%)
Rated
power per
sq. ft.
(W)
Module
efficiency
(%)
Cell
efficiency
(%)
Max. power
voltage
(Vmp)
Max. power
current
(Imp)
Open-circuit
voltage
(Voc)
Shortcircuit
current
(Isc)
Sanyo
mono, a-Si
200
187.1
+10/-0
16.0
17.2
19.7
55.8
3.59
68.7
Sanyo
mono, a-Si
205
191.9
+10/-0
16.4
17.7
20.2
56.7
3.62
68.8
3.84
Sanyo
mono, a-Si
186
173.4
+10/-0
14.22/ 18.23
15.32 / 19.6 3
18.4
54.82 / 55.13
3.402 / 4.323
67.52 / 68.23
3.682 / 4.783
Sanyo
mono, a-Si
190
177.2
+10/-0
14.62 / 18.63
15.72 / 20.03
18.8
55.32 / 55.63
3.442 / 4.373
68.12 / 68.83
3.702 / 4.813
Sanyo
mono, a-Si
195
182.4
+10/-0
14.92 / 19.13
16.12 / 20.53
19.3
55.82 / 56.13
3.502 / 4.453
68.72 / 69.53
3.732 / 4.853
Sanyo
mono, a-Si
205
190.1
+10/-0
15.1
16.3
18.4
40.7
5.05
50.3
5.54
Sanyo
mono, a-Si
210
194.8
+10/-0
15.5
16.7
18.9
41.3
5.09
50.9
5.57
Sanyo
mono, a-Si
215
199.6
+10/-0
15.9
17.1
19.3
42.0
5.13
51.6
5.61
Schott
SAPC-170
mono
170
149.9
+10/-5
12.1
13.1
DNR
34.8
4.90
43.2
5.47
Schott
SAPC-175
mono
175
154.4
+10/-5
12.5
13.5
DNR
35.4
4.95
44.4
5.40
Schott
POLY 202
poly
202
DNR
+/-4
11.2
12.1
DNR
28.9
6.99
35.8
7.79
Schott
POLY 210
poly
210
DNR
+/-4
11.6
12.6
DNR
29.3
7.16
36.1
7.95
Schott
POLY 217
poly
217
DNR
+/-4
12.0
13.0
DNR
29.6
7.33
36.4
8.10
Schott
POLY 225
poly
225
DNR
+/-4
12.5
13.5
DNR
29.8
7.50
36.7
8.24
Schott
ASE 250
ribbon
250
223.6
+/-2
9.6
10.3
DNR
48.5
5.15
60.0
5.90
Schott
ASE 260
ribbon
260
232.7
+/-2
10.0
10.7
DNR
48.7
5.50
60.0
5.90
Schott
ASE 270
ribbon
270
241.8
+/-2
10.3
11.1
DNR
49.1
5.50
60.0
6.05
Schott
ASE 280
ribbon
280
251.0
+/-2
10.7
11.5
DNR
49.6
5.65
61.9
6.20
Schott
ASE 290
ribbon
290
260.2
+/-2
11.1
11.9
DNR
50.1
5.80
62.5
6.40
Schott
ASE 300
ribbon
300
269.3
+/-2
11.5
12.4
DNR
50.6
5.90
63.2
6.50
Schott
ASE 310
ribbon
310
278.5
+/-2
11.9
12.8
DNR
51.1
6.10
63.8
6.50
Schco
165 SPU-4
poly
165
147.5
+/-5
11.1
11.9
14.4
23.4
7.06
29.7
7.73
Schco
170 SPU-4
poly
170
152.1
+/-5
11.4
12.3
14.8
23.7
7.19
29.9
7.83
Schco
175 SPU-4
poly
175
156.6
+/-5
11.8
12.7
15.2
23.9
7.32
30.2
7.93
Schco
180 SPU-4
poly
180
161.2
+/-5
12.1
13.0
15.5
24.2
7.45
30.4
8.03
Schco
200 SMAU-1
mono
200
180.7
+/-3
12.7
14.2
16.3
25.4
7.89
33.5
8.24
Schco
210 SMAU-1
mono
210
189.9
+/-3
13.3
14.9
17.0
26.3
7.98
33.7
8.35
Schco
mono
310
283.2
+/-3
10.7
11.5
15.3
72.3
4.30
88.1
4.65
Schco
mono
320
292.5
+/-3
11.0
11.9
15.7
72.3
4.40
88.1
4.75
Schco
mono
330
301.8
+/-3
11.4
12.2
16.0
72.4
4.50
88.6
4.80
Sharp
ND-72ERUC
poly
72
63.0
+10/-5
11.6
13.3
DNR
10.3
7.18
12.7
7.89
Sharp
ND-72ELUC
poly
72
63.0
+10/-5
11.6
13.3
DNR
10.3
7.18
12.7
7.89
Sharp
ND-123UJF
poly
123
107.2
+10/-5
11.5
13.1
DNR
17.2
7.15
21.8
7.99
Sharp
ND-130UJF
poly
130
114.1
+10/-5
12.2
13.1
DNR
17.4
7.50
21.9
8.20
Sharp
ND-N2ECUC
poly
142
125.0
+10/-5
11.4
12.3
DNR
19.9
7.13
25.2
7.84
Sharp
NE-170UC1
poly
170
149.9
+10/-5
12.1
13.1
DNR
34.8
4.90
43.2
5.47
Sharp
NT-175UC1
mono
175
154.4
+10/-5
12.5
13.5
DNR
35.4
4.95
44.4
5.40
Sharp
ND-176UC1
poly
176
155.3
+10/-5
12.4
13.4
DNR
23.4
7.52
29.3
8.22
Sharp
ND-198UC1
poly
198
174.7
+10/-5
12.4
13.4
DNR
26.3
7.52
32.9
8.23
Sharp
ND-200UC1
poly
200
176.1
+10/-5
11.4
13.3
DNR
28.9
7.48
36.5
8.10
Sharp
ND-208UC1
poly
208
183.3
+10/-5
11.9
13.3
DNR
28.7
7.53
36.3
8.35
Sharp
ND-216UC1
poly
216
190.5
+10/-5
12.3
13.3
DNR
28.9
7.48
36.5
8.10
Bifacial module
68
Rated
power
@ PTC
(W)
@ STC
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Pmp temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Voc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Isc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Nominal
operating
cell temp.
(C)
Series
fuse
rating
(A)
Weight
(lbs.)
Materials
warranty
(yrs.)
Power
warranty
(yrs.)
90%/80%
Connector
type
# of
J-boxes
Frame
color
Backsheet
color
Length
(in.)
Width
(in.)
Depth
(in.)
-0.40
-0.35
0.03
47.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
-0.40
-0.35
0.03
47.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.80
35.27
10/25
1.80
35.27
-0.40
-0.35
0.03
47.0
10
MC4
silver
white
62.20
10/25
31.80
1.80
35.27
-0.45
-0.34
0.07
47.5
15
MC4
silver
white
10/25
65.55
39.02
1.69
48.50
-0.45
-0.34
0.07
47.5
15
MC4
silver
10/25
white
65.55
39.02
1.69
48.50
-0.45
-0.34
0.07
47.5
15
MC4
10/25
silver
white
65.55
39.02
1.69
48.50
-0.45
-0.34
0.07
47.5
15
MC4
10/25
silver
white
65.55
39.02
1.69
48.50
-0.45
-0.34
0.07
47.5
15
10/25
MC4
silver
white
65.55
39.02
1.69
48.50
-0.45
-0.34
0.07
47.5
10/25
15
MC4
silver
white
65.55
39.02
1.69
48.50
-0.30
-0.25
0.02
10/25
46.9
15
MC4
black
white
51.90
34.60
1.80
33.07
-0.30
-0.25
0.02
10/20
46.9
15
MC4
black
white
51.90
34.60
1.80
33.07
10/20
-0.29
-0.25
0.02
46.9
15
MC4
black
white
51.90
34.60
1.80
33.07
10/20
-0.29
-0.25
0.02
46.9
15
MC4
black
white
51.90
34.60
1.80
33.07
10/20
-0.30
-0.25
0.02
46.6
15
MC3
silver
glass
53.20
35.35
2.36
50.70
10/20
-0.30
-0.25
0.02
46.6
15
MC3
silver
glass
53.20
35.35
2.36
50.70
10/20
-0.29
-0.25
0.02
46.6
15
MC3
silver
glass
53.20
35.35
2.36
50.70
10/20
-0.34
-0.28
0.04
46.0
15
MC4
black
white
62.20
31.40
1.80
35.30
10/20
-0.34
-0.28
0.04
46.0
15
MC4
black
white
62.20
31.40
1.80
35.30
10/20
-0.34
-0.27
0.03
46.0
15
MC4
black
white
62.20
31.40
1.80
35.30
10/20
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
10
MC3
silver
white
62.01
32.52
1.81
35.30
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
10
MC3
silver
white
62.01
32.52
1.81
35.30
10/25
-0.47
-0.38
0.10
DNR
15
SolarLok
silver
white
66.39
39.12
2.00
42.25
10/20
-0.47
-0.38
0.10
DNR
15
SolarLok
silver
white
66.39
39.12
2.00
42.25
10/20
-0.47
-0.38
0.10
48.1
15
SolarLok
silver
white
66.39
39.12
2.00
42.25
10/20
-0.47
-0.38
0.10
47.1
15
SolarLok
silver
white
66.39
39.12
2.00
42.25
10/20
-0.47
-0.33
0.03
45.0
10
MC3
silver
glass
74.50
50.50
2.00
107.00
10/20
-0.47
-0.35
0.03
45.0
10
MC3
silver
glass
74.50
50.50
2.00
107.00
10/20
-0.47
-0.41
0.03
45.0
10
MC3
silver
glass
74.50
50.50
2.00
107.00
10/20
-0.47
-0.46
0.03
45.0
12
MC3
silver
glass
74.50
50.50
2.00
107.00
10/20
-0.47
-0.42
0.05
45.0
12
MC3
silver
glass
74.50
50.50
2.00
107.00
10/20
-0.47
-0.39
0.05
45.0
12
MC3
silver
glass
74.50
50.50
2.00
107.00
10/20
-0.47
-0.39
0.05
45.0
12
MC3
silver
glass
74.50
50.50
2.00
107.00
10/20
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
46.2
15
MC4
black
white
65.28
32.83
1.81
37.50
12/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
46.3
15
MC4
black
white
65.28
32.83
1.81
37.50
12/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
46.3
15
MC4
black
white
65.28
32.83
1.81
37.50
12/25
-0.45
-0.35
0.06
46.3
15
MC4
black
white
65.28
32.83
1.81
37.50
12/25
-0.50
-0.33
0.03
43.0
15
SolarLok
black
white
58.31
38.94
1.87
37.92
12/25
-0.50
-0.33
0.03
43.0
15
SolarLok
black
white
58.31
38.94
1.87
37.92
12/25
-0.37
-0.34
0.09
46.0
10
MC4
bronze
gray
84.72
49.29
3.66
108.03
12/25
-0.37
-0.34
0.09
46.0
10
MC4
bronze
gray
84.72
49.29
3.66
108.03
12/25
-0.37
-0.34
0.09
46.0
10
MC4
bronze
gray
84.72
49.29
3.66
108.03
12/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
black
45.87
38.98
1.81
23.10
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
black
45.87
38.98
1.81
23.10
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
terminal
silver
white
59.00
26.10
1.80
30.86
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
terminal
silver
white
59.00
26.10
1.80
30.86
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
black
45.87
38.98
1.81
31.96
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
10
MC4
silver
white
62.00
32.50
1.80
35.30
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
10
MC4
silver
white
62.00
32.50
1.80
35.30
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
white
52.30
39.10
2.30
36.40
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
black
white
58.70
39.10
2.30
39.60
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
silver
white
64.60
39.10
1.80
44.10
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
silver
white
64.60
39.10
1.80
44.10
10/25
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
silver
white
64.60
39.10
1.80
44.10
10/25
T a bl e c o n t i n u e d o n n e x t p a g e
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
69
Manufacturer
Model
Cell type
Rated
power
@ STC
(W)
Sharp
ND-U216C1
poly
216
190.5
+10/-5
12.3
13.3
DNR
30.2
7.16
36.7
7.85
Sharp
ND-224UC1
poly
224
197.8
+10/-5
12.8
13.7
DNR
29.3
7.66
36.6
8.33
Sharp
ND-U224C1
poly
224
197.8
+10/-5
12.8
13.7
DNR
30.2
7.42
36.9
8.07
Sharp
ND-U230C1
poly
230
203.2
+10/-5
13.1
14.1
DNR
30.3
7.60
37.0
8.24
Siliken
SLK60P6L 205
poly
205
183.8
+/-5
11.7
12.6
14.0
28.7
7.15
36.4
7.90
Siliken
SLK60P6L 210
poly
210
188.4
+/-5
12.0
12.9
14.4
28.9
7.30
36.5
8.00
Siliken
SLK60P6L 215
poly
215
193.0
+/-5
12.3
13.2
14.7
29.0
7.41
36.6
8.02
Siliken
SLK60P6L 220
poly
220
197.6
+/-5
12.6
13.6
15.1
29.2
7.54
36.7
8.10
Siliken
SLK60P6L 225
poly
225
202.2
+/-5
12.9
13.9
15.4
29.3
7.68
36.8
8.20
Siliken
SLK60P6L 230
poly
230
206.8
+/-5
13.1
14.2
15.8
29.5
7.79
36.9
8.32
Siliken
SLK60P6L 235
poly
235
211.4
+/-5
13.4
14.5
16.1
29.5
7.97
36.9
8.35
Siliken
SLK60P6L 240
poly
240
216.1
+/-5
13.7
14.8
16.4
29.6
8.12
37.0
8.40
Solarfun 4
160-24-M165
mono
165
145.2
+/-5
12.0
12.9
15.5
35.8
4.61
44.0
5.10
Solarfun
160-24-M165
mono
165
145.2
+/-5
12.0
12.9
15.5
35.8
4.61
44.0
5.10
Solarfun
160-24-M170
mono
170
149.8
+/-5
12.4
13.3
16.1
35.9
4.74
44.5
5.12
Solarfun
160-24-M170
mono
170
149.8
+/-5
12.4
13.3
16.1
35.9
4.74
44.5
5.12
Solarfun
190-27-M170
mono
170
149.1
+/-5
10.6
11.4
13.1
26.1
6.51
32.4
7.49
Solarfun
190-27-M170
mono
170
149.1
+/-5
10.6
11.4
13.1
26.1
6.51
32.4
7.49
Solarfun
160-24-M175
mono
175
154.3
+/-5
12.7
13.7
16.6
36.0
4.86
44.8
5.17
Solarfun
160-24-M175
mono
175
154.3
+/-5
12.7
13.7
16.6
36.0
4.86
44.8
5.17
Solarfun
190-27-M175
mono
175
153.6
+/-5
10.9
11.7
13.5
26.2
6.68
32.5
7.69
Solarfun
190-27-M175
mono
175
153.6
+/-5
10.9
11.7
13.5
26.2
6.68
32.5
7.69
Solarfun
160-24-M180
mono
180
158.9
+/-5
13.1
14.1
17.2
36.0
5.00
45.0
5.20
Solarfun
160-24-M180
mono
180
158.9
+/-5
13.1
14.1
17.2
36.0
5.00
45.0
5.20
Solarfun
190-27-M180
mono
180
158.2
+/-5
11.2
12.1
13.9
26.3
6.84
32.6
7.78
Solarfun
190-27-M180
mono
180
158.2
+/-5
11.2
12.1
13.9
26.3
6.84
32.6
7.78
Solarfun
190-27-M200
mono
200
176.2
+/-5
12.4
13.4
15.5
26.7
7.49
33.0
8.19
Solarfun
190-27-M200
mono
200
176.2
+/-5
12.4
13.4
15.5
26.7
7.49
33.0
8.19
Solarfun
190-27-P200
poly
200
178.8
+/-5
12.4
13.4
15.4
26.9
7.44
32.8
8.24
Solarfun
190-27-P200
poly
200
178.8
+/-5
12.4
13.4
15.4
26.9
7.44
32.8
8.24
Solarfun
190-27-M205
mono
205
180.8
+/-5
12.8
13.7
15.9
26.8
7.65
33.1
8.26
Solarfun
190-27-M205
mono
205
180.8
+/-5
12.8
13.7
15.9
26.8
7.65
33.1
8.26
Solarfun
190-27-P205
poly
205
183.3
+/-5
12.8
13.7
15.8
27.0
7.60
32.9
8.35
Solarfun
190-27-P205
poly
205
183.3
+/-5
12.8
13.7
15.8
27.0
7.60
32.9
8.35
Solarfun
190-27-M210
mono
210
185.3
+/-5
13.1
14.1
16.3
26.9
7.81
33.2
8.32
Solarfun
190-27-M210
mono
210
185.3
+/-5
13.1
14.1
16.3
26.9
7.81
33.2
8.32
Solarfun
190-27-P210
poly
210
187.9
+/-5
13.1
14.0
16.2
27.1
7.75
33.0
8.48
Solarfun
190-27-P210
poly
210
187.9
+/-5
13.1
14.0
16.2
27.1
7.75
33.0
8.48
SolarWorld
SW 155
mono
155
138.2
+/-3
11.0
11.9
DNR
34.8
4.46
43.6
4.90
Rated
power
tolerance
(%)
Rated
power
per sq. ft.
(W)
Module
efficiency
(%)
Cell
efficiency
(%)
Max. power
voltage
(Vmp)
Max. power
current
(Imp)
Open-circuit
voltage
(Voc)
Shortcircuit
current
(Isc)
SolarWorld
SW 165
mono
165
147.3
+/-3
11.8
12.7
DNR
35.3
4.68
44.0
5.10
SolarWorld
SW 175
mono
175
156.6
+/-3
12.5
13.4
DNR
35.8
4.89
44.4
5.30
5.75
SunPower
SPR-210-BLK
mono
210
193.7
+/-5
15.7
16.9
21.0
40.0
5.25
47.7
SunPower
SPR-215-WHT
mono
215
198.5
+/-5
16.1
17.3
21.0
39.8
5.40
48.3
5.80
SunPower
SPR-225-BLK
mono
225
207.1
+/-5
16.8
18.1
22.4
41.0
5.49
48.5
5.87
SunPower
SPR-230-WHT
mono
230
213.5
+/-5
17.2
18.5
22.4
41.0
5.61
48.7
5.99
SunPower
SPR-305-WHT
mono
305
282.1
+/-5
17.4
18.7
22.4
54.7
5.58
64.2
5.96
Suntech
STP170S-24/Ab-1
mono
170
150.0
+/-3
12.4
13.3
15.9
35.2
4.83
43.8
5.14
Suntech
STP175S-24/Ab-1
mono
175
154.5
+/-3
12.7
13.7
16.4
35.2
4.95
44.2
5.20
Suntech
STP180S-24/Ab-1
mono
180
159.1
+/-3
13.1
14.1
16.8
35.6
5.05
44.4
5.40
Suntech
STP190-18/Ub-1
poly
190
170.6
+/-3
12.0
12.9
14.5
26.0
7.31
33.0
7.89
Suntech
STP200-18/Ub-1
poly
200
179.8
+/-3
12.6
13.6
15.2
26.2
7.63
33.4
8.12
Suntech
STP210-18/Ub-1
poly
210
189.0
+/-3
13.3
14.3
16.0
26.4
7.95
33.6
8.33
Suntech
STP260-24/Vb-1
poly
260
233.6
+/-3
12.4
13.4
15.1
34.8
7.47
44.0
8.09
70
Rated
power
@ PTC
(W)
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Pmp temp.
coefficientt
(%/C)
Voc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Isc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Nominal
operating
cell temp.
(C)
Series
fuse
rating
(A)
Weight
(lbs.)
Materials
warranty
(yrs.)
Power
warranty
(yrs.)
90%/80%
Connector
type
# of
J-boxes
Frame
color
Backsheet
color
Length
(in.)
Width
(in.)
Depth
(in.)
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
silver
white
64.60
39.10
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
silver
white
64.60
39.10
1.80
44.10
10/25
1.80
44.10
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
silver
white
64.60
10/25
39.10
1.80
44.10
-0.49
-0.36
0.05
47.5
15
MC4
silver
white
10/25
64.60
39.10
1.80
44.00
-0.43
-0.35
0.04
46.0
15
MC3
silver
10/25
white
64.60
39.00
1.57
41.90
-0.43
-0.35
0.04
46.0
15
MC3
10/25
silver
white
64.60
39.00
1.57
41.90
-0.43
-0.35
0.04
46.0
15
MC3
10/25
silver
white
64.60
39.00
1.57
41.90
-0.43
-0.35
0.04
46.0
15
10/25
MC3
silver
white
64.60
39.00
1.57
41.90
-0.43
-0.35
0.04
46.0
10/25
15
MC3
silver
white
64.60
39.00
1.57
41.90
-0.43
-0.35
0.04
10/25
46.0
15
MC3
silver
white
64.60
39.00
1.57
41.90
-0.43
-0.35
10/25
0.04
46.0
15
MC3
silver
white
64.60
39.00
1.57
41.90
-0.43
10/25
-0.35
0.04
46.0
15
MC3
silver
white
64.60
39.00
1.57
41.90
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.77
33.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
MC4
black
black
62.20
31.80
1.80
33.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.77
33.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
MC4
black
black
62.20
31.80
1.80
33.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.80
39.37
1.77
39.60
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
black
black
58.80
39.37
1.77
40.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.77
33.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
MC4
black
black
62.20
31.80
1.80
33.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.80
39.37
1.77
39.60
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
black
black
58.80
39.37
1.77
40.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.77
33.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
MC4
black
black
62.20
31.80
1.80
33.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.80
39.37
1.77
39.60
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
black
black
58.80
39.37
1.77
40.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.80
39.37
1.77
39.60
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
black
black
58.80
39.37
1.77
40.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.80
39.37
1.77
39.60
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
black
black
58.80
39.37
1.77
40.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.80
39.37
1.77
39.60
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
black
black
58.80
39.37
1.77
40.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.80
39.37
1.77
39.60
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
black
black
58.80
39.37
1.77
40.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.80
39.37
1.77
39.60
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
black
black
58.80
39.37
1.77
40.00
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
silver
white
58.80
39.37
1.77
39.60
10/25
-0.40
-0.38
0.04
45 +/-3
12
MC4
black
black
58.80
39.37
1.77
40.00
10/25
-0.47
-0.33
0.04
46.0
15
MC4
silver
white
63.39
31.89
1.34
33.00
10/25
-0.47
-0.33
0.04
46.0
15
MC4
silver
white
63.39
31.89
1.34
33.00
10/25
-0.47
-0.33
0.04
46.0
15
MC4
silver
white
63.39
31.89
1.34
33.00
10/25
-0.38
-0.29
0.06
50.5
15
MC4
black
black
61.39
31.42
1.81
33.10
10
12/25
-0.38
-0.28
0.06
50.5
15
MC4
black
white
61.39
31.42
1.81
33.10
10
12/25
-0.38
-0.27
0.06
50.5
20
MC4
black
black
61.39
31.42
1.81
33.10
10
12/25
-0.38
-0.27
0.06
50.5
20
MC4
black
white
61.39
31.42
1.81
33.10
10
12/25
-0.38
-0.28
0.06
50.5
15
MC4
black
white
61.39
41.18
1.81
52.80
10
12/25
-0.48
-0.34
0.04
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.38
34.17
12/25
-0.48
-0.34
0.04
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.38
34.17
12/25
-0.48
-0.34
0.04
45.0
15
MC4
silver
white
62.20
31.80
1.38
34.17
12/25
-0.47
-0.34
0.05
45.0
20
MC4
silver
white
58.30
39.10
1.38
37.04
12/25
-0.47
-0.34
0.05
45.0
20
MC4
silver
white
58.30
39.10
1.38
37.04
12/25
-0.47
-0.34
0.05
45.0
20
MC4
silver
white
58.30
39.10
1.38
37.04
12/25
-0.47
-0.34
0.05
45.0
20
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
59.50
12/25
T a bl e c o n t i n u e d o n n e x t p a g e
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
71
Model
Cell type
Rated
power @
STC
(W)
Rated
power
@ PTC
(W)
Rated
power
tolerance
(%)
Rated
power
per sq. ft.
(W)
Module
efficiency
(%)
Cell
efficiency
(%)
Max. power
voltage
(Vmp)
Max. power
current
(Imp)
Open-circuit
voltage
(Voc)
Shortcircuit
current
(Isc)
Suntech
STP270-24/Vb-1
poly
270
242.8
+/-3
12.9
13.9
15.7
35.0
7.71
44.5
8.12
Suntech
STP280-24/Vb-1
poly
280
252.0
+/-3
13.4
14.4
16.3
35.2
7.95
44.8
8.33
Sunwize
SW170
mono
170
148.9
+/-5
12.4
13.3
DNR
36.3
4.69
43.9
5.15
Sunwize
SW175
mono
175
153.4
+/-5
12.7
13.7
DNR
36.5
4.80
43.9
5.20
Sunwize
SW180
mono
180
157.9
+/-5
13.1
14.1
DNR
36.6
4.92
44.0
5.30
Trina
165-DC01
mono
165
DNR
+/-3
12.0
12.9
15.4
35.6
4.65
43.2
5.20
Trina
170-DC01
mono
170
DNR
+/-3
12.3
13.3
15.9
35.8
4.76
43.6
5.25
Trina
175-DC01
mono
175
DNR
+/-3
12.7
13.7
16.4
36.2
4.85
43.9
5.30
Trina
180-DC01
mono
180
DNR
+/-3
13.1
14.1
16.8
36.8
4.90
44.2
5.35
XC3
XC1300-130
poly
130
DNR
+/-5
12.5
13.4
DNR
17.8
7.38
22.3
7.79
XC3
XC2300-220
poly
220
DNR
+/-3
12.7
13.7
DNR
30.2
7.32
36.9
7.85
Yingli
YL175Wp
poly
175
157.2
+/-3
12.3
13.2
15.0
23.5
7.60
29.5
8.20
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Co u rt es y n ms u . ed u /~ t d i /
Pmp temp.
coefficientt
(%/C)
Voc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Isc temp.
coefficient
(%/C)
Nominal
operating
cell temp.
(C)
Series
fuse
rating
(A)
Weight
(lbs.)
Materials
warranty
(yrs.)
Power
warranty
(yrs.)
90%/80%
Connector
type
# of
J-boxes
Frame
color
Backsheet
color
Length
(in.)
Width
(in.)
Depth
(in.)
-0.47
-0.34
0.05
45.0
20
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
-0.47
-0.34
0.05
45.0
20
MC4
silver
white
77.00
39.10
2.00
59.50
12/25
2.00
59.50
-0.34
-0.37
0.09
49.0
12
MC3
silver
white
62.20
12/25
31.81
1.65
37.50
-0.34
-0.37
0.09
49.0
12
MC3
silver
white
10/25
62.20
31.81
1.65
37.50
-0.34
-0.37
0.09
49.0
12
MC3
silver
10/25
white
62.20
31.81
1.65
37.50
-0.45
-0.35
0.05
47.0
MC4
10/25
silver
white
62.24
31.85
1.57
34.39
-0.45
-0.35
0.05
47.0
MC4
10/25
silver
white
62.24
31.85
1.57
34.39
-0.45
-0.35
0.05
47.0
10/25
MC4
silver
white
62.24
31.85
1.57
34.39
-0.45
-0.35
0.05
47.0
10/25
MC4
silver
white
62.24
31.85
1.57
34.39
-0.51
DNR
DNR
10/25
50.6
10
terminal
silver
DNR
57.80
26.00
1.50
26.00
-0.51
DNR
25
DNR
50.6
10
MC3
silver
DNR
64.00
39.00
1.50
53.60
-0.45
-0.37
25
0.06
46.0
15
MC3
silver
white
52.56
38.98
1.97
34.60
10/25
position where the wind can topple them over, for example.
Never cut factory installed wire whips. Use common sense
and good judgment to protect your investment.
MODULE RELIABILITY
When c-Si PV modules are properly manufactured and
used, failures are exceedingly rare, in part because the
technology is so well understood. Paul Wormser, senior
director of product development for Sharp Solar, is confident in the technology: The reliability issues that the
industry faced in the early days of terrestrial photovoltaics
have largely been eliminated by the experienced producers.
In addition to the test protocols that are shared across the
industry, we conduct a highly rigorous quality assurance and
quality control program, including extensive product and
materials testing.
While module failures are uncommon, they do happen.
Failures may include delamination, burnt bypass diodes,
frame sealant failure and wire whips without continuity. The
purpose of IEC qualification testing, explains Brooks, is to
identify weaknesses in product design by applying a series
of tests that stress specific failure modes. Modules that do
not receive these qualification tests should be expected to
experience a variety of solder joint and busbar failures, and
cell and glass breakage, just to name a few.
Precisely because c-Si PV modules are expected to last for
decades, maintaining product warranties in the field is critical. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish a manufacturing
or material failure from an installation error or the effects
of an act of God. For this reason, PV system installations
need to be beyond reproach. The last thing that a growing
installation company needs is to find itself at the wrong end
of a warranty dispute with a major module manufacturer,
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
73
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
solar
inter
North America
Exhibition
and
Conference
ADDITIONAL TOPICS:
Concentrating Technologies
Production Technologies
Financing | Project Planning
Installation | Policy Implementation
Co-located with
w w w. i n t e r s o l a r. u s
R E S E R V E Y O U R E X H I B I T I O N S P A C E T O D AY A N D S E C U R E
A P L AC E W I T H T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L S O L A R I N D U S T RY !
Inside the
Mechanical Room
Commercial Solar
Thermal Storage,
Exchangers,
Pumps and Controls
76
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Co u r t e s y s o l ar a s s is t .n et
Storage Tanks
Most professionally engineered projects will specify a pressurized storage tank for large solar water heating systems.
This is particularly true with installations requiring tanks
with capacities greater than about 2,000 gallons. Large pressurized vessels can cost three to 10 times more than unpressurized tanks. They are typically custom built and can have
long lead times in procurement. Tanks are often manufactured in a cylindrical shape with a domed top and bottom
(or sides in a horizontal tank). Pressure tanks are built from
stainless steel or steel with a glass liner to assist in corrosion
protection, similar to a typical electric or gas water heater.
The term atmospheric is often used to describe open or
unpressurized tanks. A tank need not be completely open to
be unpressurized, and it might appear to be a pressure tank
on quick inspection. Atmospheric tanks can be constructed
of any material with a suitable temperature rating. Lined
steel, stainless steel, lined fiberglass and polypropylene are
all used in atmospheric tank construction. Unpressurized
fiberglass tanks resemble a giant egg and are made for vertical and horizontal installations. Steel and stainless tanks are
usually cylindrical, and polypropylene tanks can be either
cylindrical or rectangular.
Bladder tanks are sometimes used for large SHW system
storage because they can be constructed on site. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), a rubber roofing material, is
used for the bladder. This material has a service temperature
of about 300oF (149oC), which is sufficient for an atmospheric
tank. A bladder tank starts with a cylindrical or rectangular frame that can withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the
water to be contained. At least 2 inches of high-temperature
foam insulation line the tank sides, top and bottom, and the
bladder is then folded into the cavity. No bottom penetrations are made in a bladder tank; instead, an inverse U pipe
circulates water from the tank bottom and keeps the pump
primed if the tank is used for drainback. The heat exchangers
are simple rolls of copper tubing and used with all types of
unpressurized tanks. EPDM tanks have a life span of at least
15 to 25 years. Some bladder tanks do start leaking, possibly
due to inadequate material thickness or because the EPDM
was not folded properly during tank construction.
Storage tanks are usually sized to the building water
heating load, with their size proportional to the collector
surface area. Others factors that influence sizing include the
temperature required, the total load, the local climate and
available solar irradiance. Rules of approximation will get
you into trouble with large SHW systems, but many throughout the US are designed with ratios of 1 square foot of collector to 1.5 to 2 gallons of storage volumethe same ratio as
most residential systems.
In many large systems, the storage tank is designed to
be used as the drainback tank. The only difference related to
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
77
I nsi d e th e M e cha ni ca l R o o m
78
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Sun
2 x SOL 25 PLUS
Flat Plate Collectors
TOLL FREE
www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com
800.582.8423
I nsi d e th e M e cha ni ca l R o o m
TP-32-120
TP 32
60 Hz
40
35
30
25
TP-32-80
20
15
TP-32-40
10
5
80
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
D a ta c ou r te sy g r u ndfo s. c o m
Pump Selection
45
H (ft)
in the pipe is usually designed to be approximately 2 feet per second (fps). At this velocity, the frictional head loss is often kept low
enough that it does not increase the energy
required for pumping. When pumping clean
fluids such as water and glycol mixtures,
a very low velocity of 0.5 fps is acceptable.
Using the ballpark rate of 2 fps, a collector
array requiring a flow rate of 9 gpm would
require a 1.5-inch pipe and have a corresponding velocity of 1.6 fps and a head loss
of 1 foot per 100 feet of pipe run. See Table
1 (p. 78) for a summary of typical velocities
and head loss values for copper pipe.
Register Today
Philadelphia June 8 10, 2009
Keynote Speakers
Partners:
Sponsored by:
Solar Advocate:
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I nsi d e th e M e cha ni ca l R o o m
NPSHR (ft)
Graph 2 Detailed system design calculations made during the pump specification phase will minimize the possibility of pump cavitation, related pump
failures and service calls.
TP-32-120
TP-32-80
TP-32-40
0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
Q (US GPM)
0.4
0.2
0.0
P2 (hp)
P2 (kW)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
-80
-40
0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Q (US GPM)
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
50
55
60
65
70
www.nabcep.org
NABCEP Solar PV or
Solar Thermal Certification
800-654-0021
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
83
I nsi d e th e M e cha ni ca l R o o m
Eta (%)
-40
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
-80
55
-120
60
65
70
Q (US GPM)
Once this gate begins to wear, the valve can no longer fully
close. Sometimes a gate valve is installed and used for both
system throttling and its intended purpose of equipment
isolation. Then in 45 years, when a piece of equipment may
need to be serviced, the maintenance staff must isolate it to
perform the repair; they rely on that gate valve to isolate the
equipment. If that valve cannot stop the water in the lines
from leaking out, their repair can become a messy, time
consuming effort instead of a routine project.
Ball valves can be used for flow balancing and for equipment isolation. This type of valve, which uses a sealing
mechanism composed of a ball and a seat, can handle a partially closed position without experiencing wear.
Diagnosing pump problems
The proper instrumentation is valuable for system troubleshooting and performance verification. Two critical instruments are pressure gauges and flow meters.
Pressure gauges. Every pump needs a pressure gauge,
located on the discharge side. If you cannot easily observe
the level of the suction side water reservoir, a pressure gauge
on the suction of the pump can also be helpful to diagnose
problems. Do not cut corners here: a high quality, liquid
filled gauge is always worth its price. Finally, your pressure
gauges should always be properly calibrated.
Flow meters. Although every installation should have a
flow meter, these instruments are critical in larger commercial systems. Comparing the design flow rate to the
observed flow rate will help determine the systems performance or identify when a valve is in the wrong position.
For example, if a ball valve used for balancing is closed too
much, it reduces flow to the collectors. If this valve is open
too much, flow may be too high and the collector array may
function poorly in peak heat gain conditions. If all valve
positions check out properly, this may indicate that a pump
is malfunctioning and requires service.
If you know the pump curve, you can diagnose a pump
condition with a few easy tests, such as the following. With
the pump running, observe and record the flow rate and
84
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Introducing...
PVSelect.com
Your One-Stop Design Tool for
Pairing and Comparing Modules and
Inverters... Fast, Simple & FREE!
j Streamlined module and inverter selection on one Web site
j Over sixty inverters from nine manufacturers
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solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
85
Interview
An Experienced Perspective
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
C ou r te sy sola re n e r gy.or g
c o n ti n u e d o n pa g e 8 8
Introducing
the First Online Resource
Custom Built for the
Solar Workforce
FESSIONAL.COM
The online companion to SolarPro magazine, solarprofessional.com offers a
unique array of technical and business development functionality that targets the
needs of todays industry professional. Features include...
Access, comment on, and discuss all content in HTML or download both
individual articles and complete issues in PDF.
Build out a directory listing for your business and post press releases, job
openings, training opportunities and events all at no charge.
Stay out in front of your schedule by browsing the most current, nationwide
training opportunities and solar industry events across the US.
Interview
JS: Do larger installation businesses tend
to have better developed safety programs
than smaller shops?
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
C ou r te sy s o l a re ne r g y. o r g
KS: Not necessarily. There are large companies that have good policies in place, but
there are a lot that either dont have good
policies or dont enforce them. I hear about
just as many scary events happening on
large system installations as small ones. If
anything, sometimes the large companies
have an even harder time enforcing safety
policies because they dont have as much
control. When theyre installing a large
array in a remote location and have hired
a lot of local subcontractors to do the
work, they may end up with people who
dont necessarily know what theyre doing.
Unfortunately, safety is one place where
businesses in all trades tend to cut corners.
Join the Sunny PRO Club and give your business the edge it
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Your expertise, our resources: the perfect partnership. Join today.
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
SPCBUILDBUSIN-AUS090515
89
Training
Industry-specific training and educational opportunities are essential to the success of your business.
Whether you are training new employees or in need
of NABCEP continuing education credits, SolarPro
is proud to offer this training schedule as a resource
to you and your business. Manufacturers, community colleges, renewable energy associations and
other dedicated training centers are invited to
become subscribers and register events online at
solarprofessional.com/training.
June
PV Systems Design &
Installation
Indian River State College
Jun 15 Jun 20
Fort Pierce, FL
$224
www. irsc.edu
PV Installation & Design
SUNY Delhi
Jun 16 Jun 19
Delhi, NY
$799
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Solar Thermal System Design
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Solargenix Energy
Jun 29 Jun 30
Chicago, IL
$425
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solargenixchicago.com
July
PV Design & Installation
Solar Energy International
Jul 6 Jul 17
Paonia, CO
$2,095
ISPQ/N-TP: PV
solarenergy.org
N-EL
N-TP:PV
N-TP:ST
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Jul 13 Jul 17
Oceanside, CA
$1,195
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ameri-skills.com
Advanced PV
Solar Energy International
Jul 20 Jul 24
Paonia, CO
$895
ISPQ/N-TP:PV
solarenergy.org
PV Design ONLINE
Solar Energy International
Jul 6 Aug 16 ONLINE
$795
ISPQ/N-EL
solarenergy.org
90
S o l a r Pr o | June/July 2009
Advanced PV ONLINE
Solar Energy International
Jul 20 Aug 30 ONLINE
$795
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Solar Electric System Design,
Theory & Practice
EORenew
Jul 21 Jul 24
John Day, OR
$435
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Solar Living Institute
Aug 1
San Francisco, CA
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Aug 3 Sep 13 ONLINE
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MiraCosta College
Sep 14 Sep 18
Oceanside, CA
$1,195
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ameri-skills.com
Inverter University
DC Power Systems
Aug 25 Aug 26
Santa Rosa, CA
$75
dcpower-systems.com
September
Fundamentals of PV Sales
Solar Living Institute
Sep 17
San Francisco, CA
$150
solarliving.org
PV Economics, Sales
& Financing
Solar Living Institute
Sep 18
San Francisco, CA
$195
solarliving.org
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Sep 21 Nov 1 ONLINE
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Visit:
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training
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
91
Projects
System Profiles
Equipment Specifications
MODULES, Phase One: 6,720
92
S o l a r pr o | June/July 2009
Equipment Specifications
continued
and SMA
SYSTEM MONITORING: Fat
Spaniel Technologies
ARRAY INSTALLATION: Proprietary
single-axis tracker by Conergy, 180
azimuth, eastwest tracking from
45 to -45
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
93
Projects
RESIDENTIAL GRID-DIRECT PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM:
Huel Residence
Overview
DESIGNER: Chris DeBone, project
C ou r te sy h a wa iie n e r gyc on n e c ti o n . c o m ( 2 )
February 2009
INSTALLATION TIMEFRAME: One day
LOCATION: Kailua, HI, 21N
SOLAR RESOURCE: 7.7 kWh/m2/day
RECORD LOW/AVERAGE HIGH
TEMPERATURE: 43F / 87F
ARRAY CAPACITY: 5.25 kW STC
AVERAGE ANNUAL AC PRODUCTION:
7.5 MWh
Equipment Specifications
MODULES: 30 Suntech STP175S-24/ac,
175 W STC, +/-3%, 4.9 Imp, 35.8
Vmp, 5.23 Isc, 44.7 Voc
INVERTERS: 30 Enphase M175-24-
94
S o l a r pr o | June/July 2009
Advertiser Index
Company
Page
AEE Solar
Company
Page
PVselect.com
Apollo Solar
43
S-5!
Apricus Solar
41
Satcon Technology
Centrosolar America
55
SCHOTT Solar
SMA America
Conergy
85
95
IFC
2
15, 89
DC Power Systems
27
Solar Depot
EasyFlex
83
IBC
45
Enphase Energy
22
Solar Pathfinder
95
ET Solar Group
51
SolarBOS
53
solarprofessional.com
87
Fronius USA
31
SolarWorld California
BC
groSolar
13
Solectria Renewables
39
Intersolar
75
Stiebel Eltron
79
Krannich Solar
85
Sunowe Photovoltaic
47
Magnum Energy
35
SunWize Technologies
Mitsubishi Electric
57
Thermomax
12
NABCEP
83
Trina Solar
61
Ningbo Solar
59
Trojan Battery
Fabrico
10/11
UniRac
Phocos USA
85
Xantrex
PV America
81
Zomeworks
4
23
3
85
www.S-5.com
or call us at
888-825-3432
solarprofessional.com | S o l a r P r o
95
Projects
COMMERCIAL GRID-DIRECT PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM:
135 MWh
Equipment Specifications
MODULES: 465 SunPower
96
S o l a r pr o | June/July 2009
C o u rt es y al p in ecrea t i ve . co m
Ray Tuomey,
Namaste Solar
30
With 30 years of experience,
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