Thin Film Solar panels for less than $1/Watt? Efficiencies, Heat and Size issues.

[rollandelliott]

http://sunelec.com/

There are some "sun" barnd panels there that are thin film and less than $1/watt if you buy a palette of them.

I have read that thin film requires about Twice the Area/size to get the same amount of energy vs. Traditional Cells. Looking at the size of these panels compared to the competition that seems to be true. 1.8kW of electricity will take up an area of about 40 feet long and 8 feet tall or ten sheets of standard 4x8 plywood.

I've also heard on youtube from a guy that actually bougth and installted these thin film panels that they perform better in THE HEAT! Is that true?

Also found out that just because Solar panels are made by some big brand name company doesn't mean that they have UL certification.

http://www.youtube.com/user/econewpower#p/u/4/FdwGloHXFik

this youtube guy bought dow thin film panels and they are NOT Ul certified.

I wonder when the Electical guys come to inspect a system how they even tell if it is UL certified??! I bet they just make sure it looks like it came from a factory; perhaps just look for a ul sticker.

Peace, Rolland

[Sunking]

I have read that thin film requires about Twice the Area/size to get the same amount of energy vs. Traditional Cells.

That is directly related to the panel efficiency. If a panel is 100% efficient and 1 square meter in area will produce 1000 watts. A 20 % efficient panel will be 200 watts, a 10% panel will be 100 watts.

I've also heard on youtube from a guy that actually bougth and installted these thin film panels that they perform better in THE HEAT! Is that true?

Some what because Thin Film panels are underated power specs to squeak by warranty conditions. Problem is Thin Film panels have very short life spans, 5 years at best.

I wonder when the Electical guys come to inspect a system how they even tell if it is UL certified??! I bet they just make sure it looks like it came from a factory; perhaps just look for a ul sticker.

Real simple they look and compare to what was applied for in the permit to make sure they match up. If there was a substitute, they will check on that panel by looking at the UL registration number which has to be printed on every piece of equipment. Keep in mind most inspectors are seasoned veteran electricians, they have seen and done everything. Many especially in smaller communities are still working electricians.

[rollandelliott]

confusing.

Problem is Thin Film panels have very short life spans, 5 years at best.

Well maybe some, but not all

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLAmy7SG6r0

This company has had thin film PV arrays for over 15 years.

As a DIY AND potential buyer of PV panels It is very frustrating to hear two conflicting arguments:
1. DIY panels will never last as long as a manufacturers
2. Solar is a bubble industry and most companies wont' be along to honor a 20 year warranty anyways.

I was really thinking of using DOW thin film panels, but now I'm questioning whether they are a good choice since they are thin film and people say thin film is junk.

I NEVER want to be in a position of having to collect on a warranty issue. I would rather spend a little more up front and get something ROCK solid then be penny smart and pound foolish latter on. Having to uninstall/reinstall and shipping fees would negate any warranty benefits anyways.

I'm also confused by the econewpower youtube video where he states something like
""Traditional PolyCrystaline panels loose efficiently dramatically during the day. This is not a good thing in South Texas since 9 months out of the year we have very hot weather.
The thin film panels actually produce MORE power when they are hot then when they are cold.""

2Kw of Dupont Solar Panels Added

is the name of the youtube video.
It's hard to write off his statement since he has both types of panels installed and several thousand invested AND he is GENEROUS enough to document his work and share it on youtube.

[Sunking]

As a DIY AND potential buyer of PV panels It is very frustrating to hear two conflicting arguments:
1. DIY panels will never last as long as a manufacturers
2. Solar is a bubble industry and most companies wont' be along to honor a 20 year warranty anyways.

I certainly understand your frustration. But remember anyone can make a youtube video and say anything they want.

Rather than rely on some youtube video may I suggest you search third party testing organizations. Here is one such government agency where you can find many researchers white paper, it is the Bible for Green Movement called NREL where if you click you will find many white papers on Thin Flim PV modules.

But use some common sense, if there was not a problem with them; then why would there be so much research and development going into Thin Film technology to fix a problem that does not exist?

[axelstrong]

Do anyone of you guys have the from adress.Like is it from google hq or where.Please reply with the adress.. I certainly understand your frustration. But remember anyone can make a youtube video and say anything they want.