Problem of replacing a discontinued module

[MikeG]

This is a scenario I have been running through my head lately and I wanted to know if anyone had any insight or experience already...

Lets just say that 10 years from now a system comprised of 22 Canadian Solar CS6P-235P modules has one faulty module. The module is discontinued and a replacement cannot be found anywhere. What would be the best solution to get the string back up and running? Do I concern myself more with finding a comparable module in terms of volts or amps? Lets assume there are no 225 W modules out there any more. Would I be mistaken to putt a 230 or 235 W panel on the string and assume that the panel will just be brought down to the power of the rest of the string? But then that leads me to wonder if having a slightly different string will effect the rest of the system inputs on the inverter. Also, this doesn't account for the degradation of the 10 year old panels not being compatible to the new panel.

I keep going back and forth in my head, would it serve me better to replace the module with a different sized module or would it be better to replace the whole string with a string of comparable modules?

Basically, my concern is that the industry will not have any modules available in 10 years for a warranty claim, which will in turn force me to replace my entire system instead of one faulty module due to voltage and amp compatibility.

Thoughts?

[Mike90250]

I have 2 spare evergreen modules, carefully packed.

In 10 years, there may be some programmable DC-DC "power conditioners" that would add the panel power to your array, regardles of if it's serial or parallel.

[peakbagger]

I have a "community" spare panel that will be shared with my brothers array. Realistically, unless your designer was on the lower limits of voltage input on the inverter (which is generally a poor design), the odds are the inverter will not care if you take one of more panels out of the string. Sure you lose some output but the system will still work. The biggest hassle may be getting at the wiring to jump the panel. Unless the panel is physically damaged, you can leave it up for aesthics as odds are the bad panel is probably in the middle of the array.

[MikeG]

I have 2 spare evergreen modules, carefully packed.

In 10 years, there may be some programmable DC-DC "power conditioners" that would add the panel power to your array, regardles of if it's serial or parallel.

I cannot believe that is the best solution right now. Here's to hoping someone develops a reputible DC "power conditioner" ASAP. With the rate at which module manufacturers are discontinuing models and increasing efficiencies - this could represent quite a business opportunity.

[Naptown]

They are called Tigo's and are available now.

[MikeG]

Yea,

I am aware of TIGO, but I am not aware of them supporting the use of a replacement module that is not the same as the rest of the string. They refer to their product as a "power optimizer" not a conditioner (if those are really technical terms that truly have differing meanings, right?). I suppose the technology would work, but that would imply the need to install one on each module.

Mabye TIGO is worth another look, if you install them at the beginning this might not be a problem to worry about in 10 years.

[inetdog]

Yea,

I am aware of TIGO, but I am not aware of them supporting the use of a replacement module that is not the same as the rest of the string. They refer to their product as a "power optimizer" not a conditioner (if those are really technical terms that truly have differing meanings, right?). I suppose the technology would work, but that would imply the need to install one on each module.

Mabye TIGO is worth another look, if you install them at the beginning this might not be a problem to worry about in 10 years.

The description on the TIGO website strongly suggests that their series modules can deal with differences among panels as well as shaded panels or panels in different orientations which are joined together in a serial string. But if I am reading it correctly, I agree with you that to integrate one replacement panel you would have to add a TIGO to each panel in that particular series string. Also if you parallel several series strings into one MMPT controller or inverter you would have to put TIGOs on all strings. You will have to be the judge of the economics of that.