1Soltech, like many PV mfgrs use mono-crystalline cells made somewhere else. They formerly used, among others, Qcells wafers but have moved away from those presumably because of potential availability problems due to Qcells financial issues. The last pallet load I picked up at their facility about 2 weeks ago, I was told, contained Sanyo cells.
1Soltech also assembles and rebrands modules for other companies. Those company will spec whatever grade of components meet their standards which are not necessarily the same as 1Soltech. And like Dan I have observed their hand-assembling process being completely in house, with the exception of the cell production. And hand-built, in my opinion, is superior to fully automated robotics; the robots only account for faster production and not necessarily higher quality products. Jim Duncan North Texas Renewable Energy Inc <http://www.ntrei.com/> www.ntrei.com NABCEP PV 031310-57 TECL-27398 <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected] 817.917.0527 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Monday, July 23, 2012 6:49 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] American modcos We have our first order in for Helios 250 watt modules. I have been reticent to sell Chinese modules while my surrounding competition is selling them regularly. I am not against the principle of a world market, but I do not like the lack of environmental regulation in many countries. It does seem that Helios are truly made in America. We sized a very large off grid system with 1SolTech modules as well, but the customer did not go aheadwith the installation. I dealt directly with them in Texas, but never got confirmation that they are made completely in America. Thatdoesn't mean they aren't, just that I didn't ask for confirmation....my bad.... I am currently designing a 500 kw system using Helios modules. Our first (previously mentioned) installation using them will be in late August-early Sept. and will comment more then. Daryl DeJoy NABCEP Certified PV installer Penobscot Solar Design
_______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: [email protected] Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
