Unboxing Arco Solar Module with Jeff Spies

Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MCd3-kJNa_s

 

In this episode, Sean White is joined by Jeff Spies and Deep Patel for a hands-on unboxing and deep dive into vintage Arco Solar modules from the early 1980s. The team shares the history, technology, and quirks of these classic solar panels, sharing stories and technical insights along the way.

Key Topics Covered:

• The origins of Arco Solar Module
• Differences between various Arco models (M51, 16-2000, 16-2300)
• Carrizo Solar Power Plant
• Cell degradation
• Reason of encapsulant browning
• Evolution of module design.
• The importance of cell count for charging 12V lead-acid batteries and the move from 33 to 36 cells.
• Unboxing and examining the modules’ physical features, including junction boxes, grounding, and serial numbers.

Reach out to Jeff Spies here:
Email: jeff.spies@planetplansets.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-spies

Website: www.planetplansets.com

 

Reach out to Deep Patel here:

Email: dpatel@gogreensolar.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deeppatel

Website: www.gogreensolar.com

 

Check out the podcast with Don Bilinski here:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/arco-solar-with-don-bilinski-remembering-russ-campbell/id1441958371?i=1000736949407  
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nurs9Ucszro  
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3K1MTsZRImkuBXnirG17V6?si=PeV-q4L9SEGUc2R-Ge_RPw&nd=1&dlsi=4f52b0250ec64be2   
• Pandora:  https://www.pandora.com/podcast/sean-whites-solar-and-energy-storage-podcast/arco-solar-with-don-bilinski-remembering-russ-campbell/PE:1320680210?part=ug-desktop&corr=95823540019819880  
• Podbean: https://whitehousesolar.podbean.com/e/arco-solar-with-don-bilinski-and-russ-cambell/  

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at

www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/pvsi