So I have noticed a posting or two here on the forums about B-Grade PV modules and wanted to make a couple of comments and see if anyone had any experience with them that they wanted to share.
So what are B Modules? In general, manufacturers of solar panels will sometimes inadvertently build PV modules that have small cosmetic defects or blemishes that can affect the appearance of the solar module. Typically, these discolorations will have very little to no effect on a module's performance. Because B modules do not have a completely uniform appearance, they can usually be purchased at a lower price than their "A" module counterparts.
Most manufacturers offer their full warranty on the B-grade modules so one can be confident that it will perform within its expected output range. Be sure to to check this out before purchasing, to make sure that no special exemptions exist.
"B" modules can be hard to come by because most manufacturers do not plan to make PV modules with small imperfections. They can represent a great value since their performance should be on par with A-grade modules.
I'm eager to hear any comments either way from people who currently have B modules in use out in the field. Have there been any issues or failures? Are they working along with A modules with no appreciable difference in performance? Thanks for any input!
Eric Pedersen
AltE Staff
877-878-4060 x141
eric @ altEstore.com
