Conrad,
Your concern about encapsulation is justified but not just for Chinese
products. EVA and Tedlar are relatively standard throughout the world. My
concern is less about the source or the materials and more about process
time and temperature which are critical in the encapsulation process.
In an effort to be better-faster-cheaper or to differentiate themselves from
the pack, some manufacturers are using other encapsulants. This is not bad.
While it is true that not all change is for the better, nothing gets better
without change. Your choices are clear: buy tried-and-true technology from
well-established companies and hope that they continue to practice good
quality control and/or take the risk and buy innovative technology. I do
both with open eyes and an open mind and have rarely been burned.
Joel Davidson
----- Original Message -----
From: "Conrad Geyser" <[email protected]>
To: "'RE-wrenches'" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 8:33 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV encapsulation qualities
Esteemed wrenches,
As the Chinese invasion continues, I imagine that most of us will end up
using products made in China at some point.
Most of my experience and knowledge has indicated the Chinese modules are
by
and large going to be of comparable quality to any other crystalline
silicon
module. The one aspect that I haven't seen much information on is the
encapsulation.
Anyone up on their Tedlar & Tedlar substitutes? All the Tedlar that I've
known from 80's exterior pipe insulation has truly been amazingly durable
stuff even in direct sunlight. The stuff typically is still holding up 30
years later. But now I've been stymied by trying to get backing and
encapsulation information out of manufacturers no matter where they are.
I
am very nervous that less expensive substitution will lead to premature
failure of backing or other encapsulation points. I've seen too many
plastics undergo breakdown with age to not be nervous.
My concern for a early February day...
Conrad
Cotuit Solar
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