Suntech pluto 240

Eco Deal · Dec 18, 2011

See the image this is of a Suntech 240 Pluto with these marks on all 16 panels had these on & the suppliers say this is normal !!!1
has anybody used these panels before

[ElectriciansForums.net] Suntech pluto 240

MCS Renewables · Dec 18, 2011

Suntech were bottom manufacturer out of fifteen in the OKO report, April 2010 . Their equipment was rated "poor" overall.

link here : - http://www.greentops.co.il/Portals/0/OKO-TEST%2004%202010%20EN.pdf

We have never fitted this cheap rubbish and never will, probably OK as greedy boards if you have a skip !

solarsparkie · Dec 18, 2011

Im no expert mate but that looks like something de laminating , common occurance and normal are not the same thing I think they are struggling with language problems as well as manufacturing probs , err and no never touched them

MEP ELEC LTD said:
See the image this is of a Suntech 240 Pluto with these marks on all 16 panels had these on & the suppliers say this is normal !!!1
has anybody used these panels before

View attachment 9313

dansk · Dec 18, 2011

SRE has come across, nothing new on Suntech panels.

Eco Deal · Dec 18, 2011

On Paper Suntech look good compared to others 1 voltage at stc is 36v

wstevew · Dec 18, 2011

I have 16 suntech stp240s-20wd. Mono panels fitted. None have that. Have no idea if that is the same model.

Earthstore · Dec 18, 2011

This is my opinion, The 240 pluto is a poly crystalline, not a mono crystalline.
The cell is made from crystals that are joined together not one clean slice,as in the mono, so sometimes you get this variation in colour, it does not affect performance.
As to the comments of the quality of Suntech panels, it is only an opinion.
Suntech are the largest panel manufacturer in the world, so if they were that bad would there be so many installed, or is it just because they are value for money?
Sharp have had many comments as to their quality this year, but are they still a good panel ?
I am aware of many installs using Suntech panels, all producing 10% over the SAP calculations, so they can not be that bad.
Hope this helps.

Stephen · Dec 19, 2011

There was the same problem with the Suntech Wd+ modules (Blackpearl). The inperfections are called blue diamonds and Suntech sent assurances that this would not be to the detriment of the performance.

I cannot find the document at this moment in time but if you are still thinking of using them then I would seek similar assurances from your supplier. We had some customers who didn't mind the look but others are understandably a bit more fussy about what is put on their roof.

MCS Renewables · Dec 19, 2011

Suntech formed in 2001 with ENORMOUS loan so maybe the biggest manufacturer in the world but has no real history.
It also has the biggest debts.

This link :-
Chinese Solar Industry Fueled By Unsustainable Debt, Analysts Say - Venture Capital Dispatch - WSJ

suggests Suntech will not survive for much longer and when it evaporates so does the warranties and guarantees.

Ultimately you get what you pay for with both equipment and installation standards.
IMO Poly is a flawed technology as nobody knows how long the "glue" will last as it is not time proven.

( With over 300 MCS installations since April 2010 we only have THREE poly systems out there and THREE inverters in lofts. Only time will tell but we are expecting a huge enquiry rise over the next few years for repairs to systems with modules such as Suntech with inverters in lofts installed by subbies for conservatory companies and the like who have evaporated from the marketplace now the new era has started.)

MCS Renewables · Dec 19, 2011

MEP Electrical said ....
"On Paper Suntech look good compared to others 1 voltage at stc is 36v"

Sanyo HIT 240N voltage at stc is 52.4 , Vmp is 43.7 volts or

Schott Mono 190 voltage at stc is 45.2 , vmp is 36.4

Manufacturers performance tolerance is
Sanyo + only
Schott 0 or +
Suntech + or - 3% , ( bet I can guess which is most likely !!)