B-Grade PV Modules

8 Posts
Jan 21, 2010 12:33 pm
B-Grade PV Modules

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


 
1 Posts
Jan 22, 2010 11:22 pm
Re: B-Grade PV Modules

Hi Eric,
     I have purchased and installed 'B' modules (Evergreen-B) on two recent installs and the blemishes were not so much discolorations as they were small spacing problems between traces and other very small imperfections. Panel performance has been comparable with 'A' panels. As you stated, all warranties are the same for both 'A' and 'B' panels. I haven't seen any noticable difference in appearance of the panels although there might be a slightly less uniform color across the panel in the 'B' modules.
     As you stated, they are a good value.

John McDonald
McDonald Solar and Wind Inc.
 
8 Posts
Jan 26, 2010 12:10 pm
Re: B-Grade PV Modules

Hello John,

Thanks for the feedback on the Evergreen B modules that you installed, particularly the specifics on the small spacing problems.  I'm also glad to hear that their performance is in line with the A modules.  I appreciate your comments, please let us know if there are any updates!


Eric Pedersen
AltE Staff
877-878-4060 x141
eric @ altEstore.com
 
28 Posts
Jan 28, 2010 07:58 am
Re: B-Grade PV Modules

I am curious if the source of Evergreen B spec modules will radidly dry up now that they are shifting the assembly of the panels to China?
 
578 Posts
Jan 28, 2010 11:08 am
Re: B-Grade PV Modules

perhaps, but every time a new module comes out, or a new production facility, there is often a surge in B modules as a "work out the kinks" process seems to take place.  by no means is this official, it is just what i have noticed over the years.

james
altE staff

AltE
"Making Renewable Do-able"
http://www.altEstore.com/

Tel: 877.878.4060 x107  or +1.978.562.5858 x107
Fax: 877.242.6718  or +1.978.562.5854
 

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